Gut microbiota predicts severity and reveals novel metabolic signatures in acute pancreatitis

Christoph Ammer-Herrmenau1, Kai L Antweiler2, Thomas Asendorf2

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.

Gut
|December 21, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The orointestinal microbiome can predict acute pancreatitis severity, mortality, and hospital stay. Short-chain fatty acids may offer future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical diagnostics

Background:

  • Early prediction of acute pancreatitis (AP) severity remains a clinical challenge.
  • The role of the orointestinal microbiome in AP progression is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively investigate the predictive capacity of the orointestinal microbiome for AP severity at hospital admission.
  • To establish a microbiome-based classifier for predicting AP severity and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Collected buccal and rectal swabs from 424 AP patients within 72 hours of admission across 15 European centers.
  • Utilized full-length 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing (Oxford Nanopore Technologies).
  • Performed multivariate analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to build predictive classifiers and identify functional pathways.

Main Results:

  • The intestinal microbiome composition significantly correlated with AP severity, mortality, and hospital stay (p<0.01).
  • A microbiome-based classifier achieved an 85% AUROC for predicting severity, outperforming existing scores.
  • GSEA indicated elevated short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in severe AP cases.

Conclusions:

  • The orointestinal microbiome serves as a significant predictor of clinical outcomes in acute pancreatitis.
  • SCFAs represent a potential target for future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in AP management.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
125
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
366
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
90
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
92
What is Monogastric Digestion?01:50

What is Monogastric Digestion?

The human body contains a monogastric digestive system. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach only contains one chamber in which it digests food. Several other animal species also have monogastric digestive systems, including pigs, horses, dogs, and birds. This chapter, however, focuses on the human digestive system.
71.2K
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
72.0K