Exercise-induced modulation of the gut microbiome in metabolically dysregulated state

The article investigates the effects of exercise modalities on metabolic disturbances and the gut microbiome in women with metabolic syndrome The relevance of the study is determined by the rapidly increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the need for effective non-pharmacological interventions capable of simultaneously targeting systemic metabolism and microbiome-mediated regulatory mechanisms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week aerobic and resistance training program in correcting carbohydrate and lipid metabolism parameters and to determine the characteristics of taxonomic restructuring of the gut microbiota depending on the type of muscular activity. The study involved 68 women with clinically confirmed metabolic syndrome. Anthropometric indicators, biochemical blood parameters (glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, HOMA-IR), and gut microbiome composition were assessed using quantitative 16S rRNA PCR analysis. Baseline analysis demonstrated pronounced disturbances of glycemic control and lipid metabolism in women with metabolic syndrome, including elevated HbA1c, glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol, as well as microbiome alterations characterized by reduced proportions of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria and increased representation of other taxa, indicating dysbiosis. After 12 weeks of resistance training, a statistically significant restructuring of the microbiome was observed: an 18.4% increase in Bacteroidetes, a 36.8% decrease in Firmicutes, and a 43.5% reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, reflecting restoration toward a eubiotic state. Simultaneously, carbohydrate metabolism improved, evidenced by a 7.9% decrease in HbA1c and a 14% reduction in the HOMA-IR index, accompanied by reductions in atherogenic cholesterol fractions. In contrast, aerobic training did not produce pronounced quantitative shifts at the phylum level; however, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides fragilis appeared in samples, microorganisms associated with improved metabolic adaptation and anti-inflammatory activity. The most notable changes concerned the lipid profile, including decreased triglycerides, total and atherogenic cholesterol, and a tendency toward increased HDL levels. Overall, the results enabled a comparative evaluation of training effects. Resistance exercise primarily improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic control and substantially modified microbiome structure, whereas aerobic exercise exerted a stronger influence on lipid metabolism and induced qualitative changes in microbial composition.