Objective: To identify the variations in gut microbiota compositions between two subtypes of major depressive disorder (MDD), namely those with and without REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). To correlate the microbiota composition with depressive severity and prodromal markers of α-synucleinopathy.
Design: Case-control study Setting: Established clinical cohorts consisting of patients with comorbid MDD+RBD and MDD only and a group of sexand age-matched healthy control Participants: Patients with comorbid MDD+RBD (n=55), patients with MDD only (n=55), and healthy control (n=55).
Main outcome measures: The abundance and composition of gut microbiota, severity of depressive symptoms, and prodromal markers of α-synucleinopathy.
