Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2025
Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: June 28, 2021
The Fecal Mycobiome in Chronic Pancreatitis Is Characterized by an Increase in Candida species and Nakaseomyces
Przemyslaw M Podgorny1, Stefan Weiss1,2, Corinna Bang3
1Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
Introduction:
The exocrine pancreas is an important determinant of the intestinal microbiome composition and stability. Although chronic pancreatitis (CP) is known to severely affect the bacterial community, its impact on the intestinal mycobiome is currently unknown.
Methods:
A total of 93 patients with clinical and imaging evidence of CP were prospectively recruited and compared with 2 equally sized matched control cohorts. One control group was matched for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking (Con-1), and the other additionally for exocrine pancreatic function (stool elastase) and diabetes (Con-2). Fecal samples were collected from all 279 individuals to determine the fecal mycobiome by internal transcribed spacer 2 sequencing.
Results:
In CP patients, fungal reads were increased (3.7-fold and 2.0-fold) as compared with Con-1 and Con-2. In comparison with Con-1, CP patients demonstrated higher total abundance of Candida (4.5-fold, q = 0.009) and higher mean relative abundance (11.4% vs 1.0%, q = 0.014) and presence (25.8% vs 9.7%, q = 0.025) of Nakaseomyces . In contrast to Con-2, CP patients showed higher Candida total abundance (1.9-fold, P = 0.016) which was, however, not significant after correction for multiple testing ( q = 0.056).
Discussion:
Not only the microbiome but also the mycobiome in CP patients is characterized by distinct changes, with higher abundances of Candida or Nakaseomyces . Exocrine pancreatic dysfunction in CP patients likely contributes to this observation. This may result in increased rates of fungal infections, chronic inflammation, and could be contributing to the development of pancreatic cancer.
Insights
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) alters the gut mycobiome, increasing fungi like Candida and Nakaseomyces. This dysbiosis may drive inflammation and pancreatic cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Oncology
Background:
- The exocrine pancreas influences gut microbiome stability.
- Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is known to alter the gut bacterial community.
- The impact of CP on the gut mycobiome remains uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in the fecal mycobiome of patients with chronic pancreatitis.
- To compare the mycobiome composition in CP patients with matched control groups.
Main Methods:
- Prospective recruitment of 93 CP patients and 279 controls (matched for various factors).
- Fecal sample collection from all participants.
- Fecal mycobiome analysis using internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequencing.
Main Results:
- CP patients exhibited significantly higher fungal reads compared to controls.
- Increased abundance and presence of Candida and Nakaseomyces were observed in CP patients.
- Specific fungal changes were noted even when controlling for exocrine function and diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pancreatitis is associated with distinct alterations in the gut mycobiome, including increased Candida and Nakaseomyces.
- Exocrine pancreatic dysfunction likely contributes to these mycobiome changes.
- CP-associated mycobiome dysbiosis may increase risks for fungal infections, chronic inflammation, and pancreatic cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
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...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
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:
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...