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Tian et al. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:49 Microbiome Research
DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2024.33
Reports

Original Article Open Access

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Pediococcus
acidilactici CCFM6432 in alleviating depression

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1,2
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Peijun Tian 1,2 , Hongyu Yang , Feng Hang , Gang Wang 1,2,4 , Xuhua Mao , Xing Jin , Jianxin Zhao 1,2,4
1
State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.
2
School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.
3
(Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou 225004, Jiangsu, China.
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National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.
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Yixing People’s Hospital Affiliated Jiangsu University, Yixing 214200, Jiangsu, China.
Correspondence to: Dr. Xing Jin, Yixing People’s Hospital Affiliated Jiangsu University, Xinchen Road 1588, Yixing 214200,
Jiangsu, China, E-mail: jinxing2370@163.com; Prof. Jianxin Zhao, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University,
Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China. E-mail: zhaojianxin@jiangnan.edu.cn
How to cite this article: Tian P, Yang H, Hang F, Wang G, Mao X, Jin X, Zhao J. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Pediococcus
acidilactici CCFM6432 in alleviating depression. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:49. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/mrr.2024.33
Received: 3 Jun 2024 First Decision: 3 Sep 2024 Revised: 3 Sep 2024 Accepted: 11 Sep 2024 Published: 18 Sep 2024
Academic Editor: Marco Ventura Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
Aim: Accumulating evidence highlights the crucial role of the “gut-brain axis” and emphasizes the potential of
dietary interventions to improve brain health through this pathway. This study assesses the effects of the probiotic
Pediococcus acidilactici CCFM6432 on mood, sleep, and gastrointestinal function in patients with depressive
disorder.

Methods: This clinical trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled study (Registration: ChiCTR2300071025). It
enrolled 39 adult patients diagnosed with depressive disorder, who were randomly assigned to either the placebo
control group (n = 19) or the CCFM6432 intervention group (n = 20). The intervention period spanned four weeks.
Assessments were conducted at both the beginning and end of the trial, including comprehensive questionnaire
evaluations and the collection of serum and fecal samples.

Results: In comparison to the placebo, treatment with CCFM6432 significantly decreased depression and anxiety
scores, as well as ameliorated gastrointestinal dysfunction and poor sleep quality commonly associated with mood
disorders. Microbiota analysis revealed an increase in species richness without notable changes in overall diversity,
yet Pediococcus species was found to be more abundant post-treatment. Functional analysis indicated reduced
activity in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects induced by the probiotic.

© The Author(s) 2024. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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