Gut Microbiota in Untreated Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Patients

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Intestinal microecology is crucial in hematological malignancies.
• Gut microbiota characteristics in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remain largely unreported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the gut microbiota composition in untreated DLBCL patients.
• To compare the gut microbiota of DLBCL patients with healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples from 25 DLBCL patients and 26 healthy volunteers.
• Analysis of alpha and beta diversity.
• Functional prediction using PICRUSt.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in alpha diversity (species diversity and abundance).
• Significant differences in beta diversity observed.
• Increased abundance of Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella in DLBCL patients.
• Higher levels of Allisonella, Lachnospira, and Roseburia in DLBCL patients.
• Reduced thiamine metabolism and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis in DLBCL patients.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota composition is significantly altered in DLBCL patients.
• Fundamental differences in microbial diversity and composition exist between DLBCL patients and controls.
• Findings pave the way for microbiome-directed interventional trials to improve DLBCL patient outcomes.