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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Correlation analysis between gut microbiota characteristics and melasma
1Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
Abstract:
In recent years, many studies have shown that the gut microbiota can affect the occurrence and development of a variety of human diseases. A variety of skin diseases are related to the regulation of the gut-skin axis, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne. Gut microbial dysbiosis can promote the development of these diseases. The gut microbiota can affect estrogen metabolism, β-glucuronidase secreted by the gut microbiota can promote the reabsorption of estrogen by the gut, and estrogen is transported to other parts of the body through the circulatory system. The occurrence and development of melasma are closely related to abnormal metabolism of estrogen. The relationship between the structure of the gut microbiota and melasma remains unclear. Epidemiological surveys were conducted in patients with melasma and healthy subjects (control group) in this study. The feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of the gut microbiota. To compare the similarities and differences in species diversity of the gut microbiota between these two groups, we calculated the α-diversity and β-diversity indices and analyzed the differences between them. We found that the abundance of Collinsella spp., Actinomyces spp. (belonging to Actinobacteria), Parabacteroides spp., Bacteroides spp., Paraprevotella spp. (belonging to Bacteroidetes), Blautia spp., and Roseburia spp. (belonging to Firmicutes) in the melasma group were significantly different compared with that in the healthy group. The largest difference was found in Actinobacteria (p < 0.05), and there were also significant differences in the abundance of Coriobacteriia, Actinobacteria, Coriobacteriales, Coriobacteriaceae, and Collinsella spp. between the two groups (all p < 0.05). Many of these differences in the microbiota were closely related to the production of β-glucuronidase and the regulation of estrogen synthesis or metabolism. Changes in the gut microbiota structure and the biological effects of Collinsella spp. in the microbiota in patients with melasma can play an important role in the occurrence and development of melasma by affecting the body's estrogen metabolism. This study provides a theoretical basis and experimental data reference for future studies on the relationship between the gut microbiota and melasma, and may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of melasma.
Insights
Gut microbiota alterations are linked to melasma development, potentially through estrogen metabolism. This study identifies specific bacterial differences in melasma patients, offering insights for future treatments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The gut microbiota influences various human diseases, including skin conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne, via the gut-skin axis.
- Gut microbial dysbiosis is implicated in disease development, affecting estrogen metabolism through enzymes like β-glucuronidase, which impacts estrogen reabsorption.
- Melasma's occurrence is linked to abnormal estrogen metabolism, but the specific role of gut microbiota structure remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between gut microbiota structure and melasma.
- To compare the gut microbial diversity between melasma patients and healthy individuals.
- To explore the potential role of specific gut bacteria in melasma pathogenesis through estrogen metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological surveys were conducted on melasma patients and a healthy control group.
- Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze gut microbiota composition.
- Alpha-diversity and beta-diversity indices were calculated to compare species diversity between groups.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in the abundance of specific gut bacteria, including *Collinsella* spp. and *Actinomyces* spp. (Actinobacteria), were observed between melasma patients and healthy controls.
- Actinobacteria showed the most significant difference, with notable variations in Coriobacteriia, Actinobacteria, Coriobacteriales, Coriobacteriaceae, and *Collinsella* spp. (p < 0.05).
- These microbial differences are associated with β-glucuronidase production and estrogen metabolism, suggesting a link to melasma development.
Conclusions:
- Alterations in gut microbiota structure, particularly the role of *Collinsella* spp., may significantly contribute to melasma occurrence and progression by influencing estrogen metabolism.
- This research provides a foundational understanding and data for further investigation into the gut microbiota-melasma connection.
- Findings may aid in developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for melasma targeting the gut microbiome.
