Roxithromycin regulates intestinal microbiota and alters colonic epithelial gene expression

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Antibiotics profoundly impact the gastrointestinal microbiota, a key area in gastroenterology.
• Understanding the effects of antibiotics like roxithromycin on gut bacteria and host cells is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vivo effects of roxithromycin on gut bacteria composition and colonic epithelial cell (CEC) gene expression.
• To assess the potential health consequences of roxithromycin consumption on the gastrointestinal tract.

Main Methods:

• Utilized microbial 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze gut bacteria.
• Employed colonic epithelial cell RNA sequencing to examine gene expression changes.
• Analyzed data from both the small intestine and cecum.

Main Results:

• Roxithromycin significantly decreased microbial diversity in both the small intestine and cecum.
• Altered bacterial composition at phylum and genus levels, reducing beneficial bacteria.
• Affected expression of 31 genes in CECs, enriched in pathways related to immune response, wound healing, and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• Roxithromycin consumption can lead to undesirable consequences by negatively impacting gut microbiota and CECs.
• The study provides a comprehensive understanding of roxithromycin's effects on the human gut.
• Findings highlight potential risks associated with roxithromycin in healthy hosts.