Changes in gut microbiota composition and diversity associated with post-cholecystectomy diarrhea

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome research
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Post-cholecystectomy diarrhea (PCD) is a common and challenging condition following gallbladder removal.
• Changes in bile acid-host-microbe interactions are implicated in PCD.
• The specific role of gut microbiota in PCD remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and PCD.
• To characterize microbial community differences in patients with and without PCD.

Main Methods:

• Fecal DNA was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Gut microbiota composition and diversity were compared between healthy controls (HC), post-cholecystectomy non-diarrhea (PCND) patients, and PCD patients.
• Operational taxonomic units (OTUs), beta-diversity, and specific taxa abundances were quantified.

Main Results:

• The post-cholecystectomy (PC) group exhibited reduced microbial diversity and richness compared to HC.
• PCD patients showed decreased microbial diversity, a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and reduced levels of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus).
• Detrimental bacteria (Prevotella, Sutterella) were increased in PCD patients, with lower abundance of microbes involved in lipid metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Gut dysbiosis is strongly associated with PCD.
• Alterations in specific bacterial groups and metabolic pathways contribute to PCD pathogenesis.
• These findings offer novel therapeutic targets for PCD management.