Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals gut dysbiosis and altered energy metabolism in Chinese ALS patients

enriched in ALS patients. Functionally, the ALS microbiome exhibited a marked upregulation of pathways involved in L-ascorbate (vitamin C) degradation and fatty acid biosynthesis, suggesting a microbial contribution to systemic oxidative stress. Metabolomic analysis corroborated these findings, identifying 271 differentially expressed metabolites. ALS patients showed elevated levels of inflammatory lipids (e.g., LysoPC) and metabolic intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, alongside a downregulation of antioxidants. Integrative analysis highlighted profound dysregulation in porphyrin metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and energy homeostasis. Our findings demonstrate that ALS is associated with a specific dysbiotic gut ecosystem characterized by the loss of protective commensals, unique viral signatures, and functional metabolic reprogramming that exacerbates host oxidative stress and energy deficits. These results provide new insights into gut-brain interactions and highlight microbial antioxidant depletion as a potential therapeutic target.IMPORTANCEAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease with no cure. While gut bacteria are known to influence brain health, we still do not understand exactly how they contribute to ALS progression. In this study, we used advanced DNA sequencing and chemical analysis to deeply examine the gut ecosystem of ALS patients. Beyond just cataloging which bacteria are present, we discovered what they are doing: the ALS microbiome actively breaks down vitamin C (a critical antioxidant) and disrupts energy metabolism. We also found a loss of protective bacteria that maintain the gut barrier. These findings are significant because they suggest that the gut microbiome in ALS patients may be actively fueling the disease by depleting the body's antioxidant reserves. This points to a new potential treatment strategy: targeting these specific bacterial functions or replenishing specific metabolites to protect motor neurons.