Study Links Amino Acid Proline to Depression Through Gut Microbiome Pathways
Study Links Amino Acid Proline to Depression Through Gut Microbiome Pathways
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Researchers at the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI) and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona have uncovered a potential link between the amino acid proline and depression in humans, mice, and fruit flies, SciTechDaily reported. The study, published in Cell Metabolism, found that diets high in proline—a compound found in foods such as gelatin, beef, and fish—may increase the risk of depressive symptoms.
Led by Dr. José Manuel Fernández-Real and Dr. Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs of IDIBGI, along with Dr. Rafael Maldonado of UPF, the research analyzed participants’ amino acid intake and depression levels. Results showed that higher plasma proline levels were strongly associated with depressive symptoms. However, gut bacteria composition appeared to influence how much proline circulated in the blood, suggesting the microbiome plays a key role.
To test causality, scientists transplanted gut microbiota from human participants into mice. Animals receiving microbiota from people with high proline levels displayed more depression-like behaviors. Similar findings were observed in fruit flies, where bacterial strains linked to proline metabolism affected mood-related responses. Flies genetically modified to block proline transport to the brain showed resistance to depression-like behavior.
The study highlights proline’s potential influence on mood and opens new avenues for diet-based mental health research. Experts stress, however, that no clinical recommendations exist yet for adjusting proline intake, emphasizing the need for further studies to confirm the amino acid’s role in human depression.
