Дослідження пов'язує перенесення бактерій у ротовій порожнині з тривогою та депресією у подружніх парах

Recent research indicates that depression and anxiety may be transmitted between newlywed couples through their oral microbiome, which is altered by close contact activities such as kissing. This study, conducted across several countries, examined 268 couples, where one spouse suffered from insomnia, anxiety, and depression while the other remained healthy.

Researchers collected data from participants at the beginning and after six months of marriage, assessing their oral microbiome composition and salivary cortisol levels, a hormone related to stress. All participants maintained their usual dietary habits and oral hygiene routines during the study, which helped to ensure more accurate results.

The findings revealed that after six months, the healthy spouses exhibited increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, alongside poorer sleep quality. Notably, these changes were more pronounced in female spouses. Stress levels, measured through salivary cortisol, were significantly higher in the partners experiencing insomnia. Interestingly, healthy spouses also showed elevated cortisol levels after six months, indicating physiological stress responses.

Moreover, the composition of oral bacteria in healthy spouses began to resemble that of their affected partners, suggesting a transfer of oral microbiota through close contact. The researchers stated, ‘Oral microbiota transfer between individuals in close contact may mediate depression and anxiety.’ They emphasized that changes in oral microbiome composition correlated with increased insomnia severity and heightened depression and anxiety scores.

This study aligns with previous findings that link oral health to various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and dementia. The researchers noted that the transfer of microbiota between couples is plausible, given other documented physiological synchronies, such as heartbeats and sleep patterns.

While the study’s design does have limitations, like relying on self-reported measures for insomnia, depression, and anxiety, and not controlling for shared lifestyle factors such as diet, it raises important questions for further investigation. The researchers mentioned, ‘Since this study is associational, further research is needed to establish whether this association is causal.’ Should future studies confirm a causal relationship, it could influence how mental health is approached in couples, potentially shifting towards more holistic and preventative strategies in treatment.

This research was published in the journal “Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine,” highlighting the need for ongoing exploration into the relationship between oral health and mental health outcomes.