Posters
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Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Research/Clinical
Abstract
Introduction: Lumbar spinal fusion is among the most expensive procedures in the Medicare system, with costs exceeding $33 billion annually. Improving recovery outcomes for these procedures is critical, and emerging research suggests that microbiome-targeted therapies could play a key role. There is growing evidence linking spinal health with gut microbiota alterations, particularly through the gut-spine axis, which involves the gut-disc, gut-bone, and gut-immune interactions. This bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and spinal health offers a novel approach for understanding recovery mechanisms. Additionally, magnesium deficiency, which is prevalent, may exacerbate both gut dysbiosis and poor bone health, contributing to chronic skeletal catabolic conditions such as osteoporosis. According to epidemiological studies, more than 50% of the U.S. population consumes less magnesium than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This widespread inadequate intake has resulted in a high prevalence of magnesium deficiency across the country. We have analyzed how gut microbiome-targeted therapies, including magnesium supplementation, may improve spinal health and recovery outcomes.
Methods: Using publications from 2010 to 2024, we conducted a comprehensive literature review focusing on PubMed and Google Scholar, searching for key terms such as "gut microbiome," "gut dysbiosis," "spinal injury," "probiotics," "bone health," “magnesium,” and "surgical outcomes." We selected studies that investigated the relationship between the gut microbiome and spinal health, as well as potential interventions to improve recovery.
Results: Spinal injuries significantly disrupt gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, delayed recovery, and increased systemic inflammation. This disruption affects nutrient absorption, inflammatory cytokine activity, and short-chain fatty acid production, all of which are critical for good bone health. Pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel disease exacerbate these effects, while perioperative antibiotic use worsens microbiota imbalances. Animal studies have demonstrated that interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics can restore gut homeostasis, enhance functional recovery, and reduce inflammation in spinal injury models. Furthermore, magnesium supplementation has potential for modulating dysbiosis and supporting bone healing.
Conclusion: Gut microbiome-targeted interventions, including probiotics, FMT, and magnesium supplementation, offer promising strategies to improve recovery outcomes in spinal injury care. Given the widespread magnesium deficiency in the population and its anabolic effects on bone health, integrating nutrient supplementation into recovery plans is crucial. Future research should focus on incorporating these therapies into holistic spinal injury management to optimize patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Murambadoro, Anesu K.; Saifetiarova, Julia; Kale, Priya; Bob-Yellowe, Victor A.; Bonilla, Paul; Bangash, Aun A.; Ortigoza, Isabella; Ganesh, Anjana; and Razzaque, Mohammed S., "Gut-Spine Connection: Unexplored Pathways to Improving Outcomes in Spinal Health and Disease" (2025). Research Symposium. 17.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/17
Included in
Gut-Spine Connection: Unexplored Pathways to Improving Outcomes in Spinal Health and Disease
Introduction: Lumbar spinal fusion is among the most expensive procedures in the Medicare system, with costs exceeding $33 billion annually. Improving recovery outcomes for these procedures is critical, and emerging research suggests that microbiome-targeted therapies could play a key role. There is growing evidence linking spinal health with gut microbiota alterations, particularly through the gut-spine axis, which involves the gut-disc, gut-bone, and gut-immune interactions. This bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and spinal health offers a novel approach for understanding recovery mechanisms. Additionally, magnesium deficiency, which is prevalent, may exacerbate both gut dysbiosis and poor bone health, contributing to chronic skeletal catabolic conditions such as osteoporosis. According to epidemiological studies, more than 50% of the U.S. population consumes less magnesium than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This widespread inadequate intake has resulted in a high prevalence of magnesium deficiency across the country. We have analyzed how gut microbiome-targeted therapies, including magnesium supplementation, may improve spinal health and recovery outcomes.
Methods: Using publications from 2010 to 2024, we conducted a comprehensive literature review focusing on PubMed and Google Scholar, searching for key terms such as "gut microbiome," "gut dysbiosis," "spinal injury," "probiotics," "bone health," “magnesium,” and "surgical outcomes." We selected studies that investigated the relationship between the gut microbiome and spinal health, as well as potential interventions to improve recovery.
Results: Spinal injuries significantly disrupt gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, delayed recovery, and increased systemic inflammation. This disruption affects nutrient absorption, inflammatory cytokine activity, and short-chain fatty acid production, all of which are critical for good bone health. Pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel disease exacerbate these effects, while perioperative antibiotic use worsens microbiota imbalances. Animal studies have demonstrated that interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics can restore gut homeostasis, enhance functional recovery, and reduce inflammation in spinal injury models. Furthermore, magnesium supplementation has potential for modulating dysbiosis and supporting bone healing.
Conclusion: Gut microbiome-targeted interventions, including probiotics, FMT, and magnesium supplementation, offer promising strategies to improve recovery outcomes in spinal injury care. Given the widespread magnesium deficiency in the population and its anabolic effects on bone health, integrating nutrient supplementation into recovery plans is crucial. Future research should focus on incorporating these therapies into holistic spinal injury management to optimize patient outcomes.
