Gastrointestinal microbiome and cholelithiasis: Current status and perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Microbiology

Background:

• Cholelithiasis affects 10-15% of adults, posing global health and financial burdens.
• Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving genetics, hepatic factors, and the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome.
• The GI microbiome's role in cholelithiasis is increasingly recognized, particularly concerning bile acid metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the GI microbiome's involvement in cholelithiasis.
• To explore the association between microbiota dysbiosis and gallstone formation.
• To discuss the influence of GI microbiome alterations on cholelithogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of high-throughput sequencing studies.
• Analysis of research on bile, gallstones, and fecal microbiome in cholelithiasis.
• Examination of studies linking microbiota to bile acid metabolism and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• High-throughput sequencing implicates the GI microbiome in cholelithiasis.
• Microbiota dysbiosis is associated with gallstone formation.
• The GI microbiome influences cholelithogenesis via bile acid metabolism.

Conclusions:

• The GI microbiome plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis.
• Understanding microbiome alterations is crucial for elucidating gallstone formation.
• Targeting the GI microbiome may offer new therapeutic strategies for cholelithiasis.