Population‐based metagenomics analysis reveals altered gut microbiome in sarcopenia: data from the Xiangya Sarcopenia Study

Abstract Background Several studies have examined gut microbiota and sarcopenia using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing; however, this technique may not be able to identify altered specific species and functional capacities of the microbes. We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing to compare the gut microbiome composition and function between individuals with and without sarcopenia. Methods Participants were from a community‐based observational study conducted among the residents of rural areas in China. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was assessed using direct segmental multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance and grip strength using a Jamar Hydraulic Hand dynamometer. Physical performance was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery, 5‐time chair stand test and gait speed with the 6 m walk test. Sarcopenia and its severity were diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 algorithm. The gut microbiome was profiled by shotgun metagenomic sequencing to determine the microbial composition and function. A gut microbiota‐based model for classification of sarcopenia was constructed using the random forest model, and its performance was assessed using the area under receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results The study sample included 1417 participants (women: 58.9%; mean age: 63.3 years; sarcopenia prevalence: 10.0%). β‐diversity indicated by Bray–Curtis distance (genetic level: P = 0.004; taxonomic level of species: P = 0.020), but not α‐diversity indicated by Shannon index (genetic level: P = 0.962; taxonomic level of species: P = 0.922), was significantly associated with prevalent sarcopenia. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants with sarcopenia had higher relative abundance of Desulfovibrio piger (P = 0.003, Q = 0.090), Clostridium symbiosum (P