Identification of Intestinal Microbial Community in Gallstone Patients with Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Genomics

Background:

• Gallstone disease (GD) is a prevalent global gastrointestinal condition.
• Intestinal microbiota are increasingly recognized for their role in gallstone formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the composition and function of the gut microbiota in patients with gallstone disease.
• To identify specific microbial signatures associated with gallstone disease.

Main Methods:

• Human fecal samples were analyzed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) on the Illumina HiSeq platform.
• Bioinformatics analyses were performed to determine microbial composition and function.
• Correlation analysis was conducted between microbial abundance and serum biochemical indicators.

Main Results:

• GD patients exhibited a distinct intestinal micro-ecosystem compared to healthy individuals.
• Abundances of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides, and Thetaiotaomicron were significantly higher in GD patients.
• Profound alterations in microbial functions, including glycan metabolism and beta-lactam drug resistance, were observed in GD patients.
• Significant correlations were found between serum biochemical indicators and intestinal microbial abundances in GD patients.

Conclusions:

• The study illuminates the unique gut microbial composition and functions in gallstone disease patients.
• Findings suggest potential mechanisms by which gut microbes influence gallstone progression.
• Identified microbial signatures and functions may serve as potential targets for GD prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.