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Updated: Dec 5, 2025
DIPLOMA Approach for Standardized Pathology Assessment of Distal Pancreatectomy Specimens
Published on: February 1, 2020
Gut microbiota patterns associated with somatostatin in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective
Guan-Qun Li1, Tao Zhang1, Wei-Guang Yang1
1Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang China.
Abstract:
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common and dreaded complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The gut microbiota has been considered as an crucial mediator of postoperative complications, however, the precise roles of gut microbiota in POPF are unclear. A prospective study was developed to explore the effects of somatostatin on gut microbiota and we aim to identify the microbial alterations in the process of POPF. A total of 45 patients were randomly divided into PD group or additional somatostatin therapy group. The fecal sample of each patient was collected preoperatively and postoperatively and the gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Our study found that somatostatin therapy was independent risk factor for the occurrence of POPF, and it reduced the microbial diversity and richness in patients. At genus level, somatostatin therapy led to a decreased abundance in Bifidobacterium, Subdoligranulum and Dubosiella, whereas the abundance of Akkermansia, Enterococcus and Enterobacter were increased. The abundance levels of certain bacteria in the gut microbiota have significantly shifted in patients with POPF. The LEfSe analysis revealed that Ruminococcaceae could be used as microbial markers for distinguishing patients with high risk of POPF. Furthermore, Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia could be used as preoperative biomarkers for identifying patients without POPF. Our prospective study highlights the specific communities related with somatostatin therapy and discovers POPF-associated microbial marker, which suggests that gut microbiota may become a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for POPF.
Insights
Somatostatin therapy increases the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) by altering gut microbiota diversity and abundance. Specific bacteria like Ruminococcaceae may serve as biomarkers for POPF risk.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a significant complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).
- The role of gut microbiota in POPF development remains unclear.
- Somatostatin's impact on gut microbiota and its association with POPF require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of somatostatin on gut microbiota composition.
- To identify microbial alterations associated with POPF.
- To explore potential microbial biomarkers for POPF risk.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 45 patients undergoing PD, randomized into PD or PD with somatostatin groups.
- Fecal samples collected preoperatively and postoperatively for 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Analysis of gut microbiota diversity, richness, and specific bacterial abundance using LEfSe.
Main Results:
- Somatostatin therapy was identified as an independent risk factor for POPF, reducing microbial diversity and richness.
- Somatostatin therapy altered bacterial abundance, decreasing Bifidobacterium, Subdoligranulum, and Dubosiella, while increasing Akkermansia, Enterococcus, and Enterobacter.
- Ruminococcaceae were identified as potential markers for high POPF risk, while Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia showed potential as preoperative biomarkers for patients without POPF.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota composition is significantly altered by somatostatin therapy and associated with POPF occurrence.
- Specific bacterial taxa, such as Ruminococcaceae, Verrucomicrobia, and Akkermansia, may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for POPF.
- Targeting gut microbiota presents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing POPF.
