Constipation And Oral Microbiome Diversity: A Cross-Sectional Nhanes Analysis

This study aims to explore the association between constipation and oral microbiome diversity by analyzing data from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We hypothesize that alterations in gastrointestinal motility may influence the composition of the oral microbiome, thereby uncovering potential systemic interactions via the oral-gut axis. We conducted a systematic analysis of 3,642 participants with available constipation status and oral microbiome data. Constipation was assessed through self-reported bowel movement frequency, while oral microbiome diversity was determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. Alpha diversity (species richness and evenness) and beta diversity (inter-individual microbial composition differences) were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between constipation and microbiome diversity while adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and health-related confounders. Compared to non-constipated individuals, participants with constipation exhibited significantly reduced oral microbiome alpha diversity (p < 0.05). Beta diversity analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in microbial community composition between the two groups (p = 0.037). Participants in the highest microbiome diversity quartile consistently showed a significant inverse association with constipation across adjusted models (odds ratio [OR] 0.748, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.609-0.920, p = 0.006). This study identifies a significant association between constipation and oral microbiome diversity, providing empirical support for the oral-gut axis theory. These findings lay the foundation for future research exploring the dynamic interactions between the oral microbiome and gastrointestinal function.