UEES investigates how gut bacteria influence mood

Within the framework of the project “Fecal microbiota profile in patients with depression in Ecuador”.”, Brenda Bucheli, UEES research professor, together with students Victoria Baez, Melissa Faytong and Emily Zambrano, visited the National Reference Center for Genomics, Sequencing and Bioinformatics (GENSBIO) of the National Institute for Public Health Research (INSPI) in Quito. This phase of the study involved the extraction and sequencing of the bacterial genome, a fundamental step in analyzing the composition of the intestinal microbiota in people with and without depressive symptoms, with the aim of understanding its possible relationship with mental health.

This pioneering research seeks to deepen the connection between the gut-brain axis, exploring how the gut microbiota may influence mood and emotional well-being. It also takes into account the influence of the participants' eating habits. During the first stage of the study, fecal samples were collected from patients diagnosed with depression and from a control group without symptoms, which will allow comparing and analyzing the differences in bacterial composition between both groups.

This project is part of the work promoted by the UEES Research Center, which promotes initiatives that generate knowledge oriented to the welfare of the community. It also reaffirms its commitment to the training of new researchers, encouraging the active participation of students in high-impact projects. “It has been a deeply enriching and rewarding experience. During the first phase we learned a tremendous amount, and by observing the next stage of the process, we also had the opportunity to learn firsthand how bacterial genome extraction and sequencing is carried out.”, shared Emily Zambrano, a student participating in the project. This initiative not only contributes to science, but also strengthens the academic and professional development of the country's future leaders in public health.