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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
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Prediction and causal inference of hyperuricemia using gut microbiota
Yuna Miyajima1, Shigehiro Karashima2, Ren Mizoguchi3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
Scientific Reports
|April 30, 2024
Summary
High uric acid (Hyperuricemia) levels are linked to gut bacteria, particularly Collinsella. This study found specific gut microbes can predict and influence uric acid levels, offering new insights into metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Metabolic disease
- Human health
Background:
- Hyperuricemia (HUA), characterized by elevated blood uric acid (UA), is associated with gout, kidney stones, and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
- Gut microbiota (GM) play a role in the development and progression of these chronic diseases.
- Understanding the intricate relationship between GM and HUA is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gut microbiota composition and hyperuricemia.
- To identify specific bacterial taxa linked to HUA.
- To explore the predictive potential of GM for HUA and its causal relationship with UA levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gut microbiome composition using 16S rRNA sequencing in a cohort of 478 adults.
- Application of machine learning (light gradient boosting machine) for HUA prediction.
- Causal relationship analysis using direct linear non-Gaussian acyclic models.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower alpha-diversity (Shannon index) was observed in the HUA group.
- The genera Collinsella and Faecalibacterium showed differential abundance between HUA and non-HUA groups.
- A predictive model combining clinical characteristics and nine bacterial genera (including Collinsella and Dorea) achieved high accuracy (AUC) for HUA prediction.
- The relative abundance of Collinsella was positively associated with blood UA levels, suggesting a causal link.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota composition is significantly altered in individuals with hyperuricemia.
- Specific bacterial genera, notably Collinsella, may contribute to elevated uric acid levels.
- Gut microbiota profiles hold potential for predicting hyperuricemia and may represent therapeutic targets for managing metabolic disorders.

