Stool Microbiota Composition Differs in Patients with Stomach, Colon, and Rectal Neoplasms

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Gastrointestinal oncology
• Molecular diagnostics

Background:

• The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in physiology, metabolism, immunity, and inflammation.
• Disturbances in gut microbial composition are associated with various diseases, including cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare gut microbiota composition and diversity in patients with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) neoplasms versus healthy individuals.
• To investigate the potential contribution of gut bacterial composition to tumorigenesis across different GIT neoplasm sites.

Main Methods:

• 16S ribosomal RNA (RNA) gene sequencing of stool DNA.
• Analysis of samples from 83 patients with various GIT neoplasms and 13 healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Patients with stomach neoplasms showed elevated Enterobacteriaceae; rectal neoplasms were associated with lower Bifidobacteriaceae.
• Colon neoplasms exhibited lower Lactobacillaceae abundance. Post-treatment samples had higher Lactobacillaceae than pre-treatment samples.
• Overall GIT neoplasms showed higher Ruminococcus and Subdoligranulum, and lower Lachnoclostridium and Oscillibacter compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota alterations are site-specific in GIT neoplasms.
• Reduced Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, alongside increased Enterobacteriaceae, may signal compromised gut health.
• These microbial shifts could serve as potential biomarkers for GIT disease monitoring.