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Published on: December 15, 2011
Metagenomic comparison of intestinal microbiota between normal and liver fibrotic rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Yuankui Wei1, Junhui Li2, Baoqiang Zhu3
1School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
Liver fibrosis is an important pathological process in chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Recent studies have found a close association between intestinal microbiota and the development of liver fibrosis. To determine whether there are differences in the intestinal microbiota between rhesus macaques with liver fibrosis (MG) and normal rhesus macaques (MN), fecal samples were collected from 8 male MG and 12 male MN. The biological composition of the intestinal microbiota was then detected using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results revealed statistically significant differences in ASVs and Chao1 in the alpha-diversity and the beta-diversity of intestinal microbiota between MG and MN. Both groups shared Prevotella and Lactobacillus as common dominant microbiota. However, beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus were significantly less abundant in MG (P = 0.02). Predictive functional analysis using PICRUSt2 gene prediction revealed that MG exhibited a higher relative abundance of functions related to substance transport and metabolic pathways. This study may provide insight into further exploration of the mechanisms by which intestinal microbiota affect liver fibrosis and its potential future use in treating liver fibrosis.
Insights
Liver fibrosis is linked to altered gut bacteria. Rhesus macaques with liver fibrosis showed fewer beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria compared to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Microbiology
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- Liver fibrosis is a critical pathological process in chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
- Emerging research highlights a strong connection between the gut microbiota and liver fibrosis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in intestinal microbiota composition between rhesus macaques with liver fibrosis (MG) and normal controls (MN).
- To explore the potential role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 8 male MG and 12 male MN.
- Intestinal microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Predictive functional analysis was performed using PICRUSt2.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in alpha-diversity (ASVs, Chao1) and beta-diversity of intestinal microbiota were observed between MG and MN groups.
- Beneficial bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus, were significantly less abundant in the MG group (P=0.02).
- MG group showed a higher relative abundance of functions related to substance transport and metabolic pathways.
Conclusions:
- The study identified distinct intestinal microbiota profiles associated with liver fibrosis in rhesus macaques.
- Reduced abundance of Lactobacillus may play a role in liver fibrosis progression.
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic targets within the gut microbiota for treating liver fibrosis.
