Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40604974›Full record

SynthesisJournal of translational medicine2025

The oro- and nasopharyngeal microbiota as a revolutionary perspective on mental disorders and related psychopathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zeinab Hesami, Mohammad Atashrooz, Reyhaneh Sardarzehi, Mehdi Azizmohammad Looha, Babak Khorsand, Hamidreza Houri

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of translational medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Zeinab HesamiStudent Research Committee, Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad AtashroozDepartment of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Reyhaneh SardarzehiDepartment of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mehdi Azizmohammad LoohaBasic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Babak KhorsandDepartment of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
Hamidreza HouriCeliac Disease and Gluten Related Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. hr.houri@sbmu.ac.ir.ORCID 0000-0002-6813-0229

Funding

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences 41747
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundA growing body of evidence highlights the significant role of disruptions in the brain-gut-microbiota axis in the pathogenesis of various mental disorders. However, the potential impact of the "oro- and nasopharyngeal (ONP) microbiota" on mental well-being has been largely overlooked. This is particularly significant, as the ONP microbiota constitutes one of the most complex microbial ecosystems in the human body. Dysbiosis in this region has been associated with systemic diseases, which may, in turn, contribute to disruptions in the gut microbiota.

methodsIn this study, we synthesized the current literature investigating differences in ONP microbial composition in people with various mental disorders, compared to healthy controls. We also conducted a meta-analysis on studies developing predictive models based on microbial profiles for the diagnosis of mental disorders. Out of 26 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 9 had constructed diagnostic models.

resultsOur findings suggest that, despite inconsistencies in reported microbial alterations, ONP microbial signatures could represent a preliminary avenue for exploring associations with mental disorders. Interestingly, the unique dysbiosis patterns reported in the studies demonstrated diagnostic accuracy for conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the microbial communities in the ONP region of individuals with mental disorders differ significantly from those of healthy individuals. Moreover, the alterations in the ONP microbiota appear to be specific to different mental health conditions, suggesting their potential utility in the detection of mental disorders and even the prediction of comorbidities in the future.

conclusionsFurther prospective and experimental studies are needed, with careful control for confounders and consideration of heterogeneity, to advance our understanding of the role of the ONP microbiota in mental health. Additionally, future research should explore the relationship between ONP and gut microbial dysbiosis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their interplay in mental health disorders.

Indexed as

Mental DisordersMicrobiotaMouthNasopharynxPsychopathologyDysbiosisGastrointestinal MicrobiomeHumansAutism spectrum disorderMental disordersObstructive sleep apneaOro- and nasopharyngeal microbiotaSchizophrenia

Identifiers

PMID40604974
PMCPMC12220159

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