Gallstone and bile microbiota: A case-control study based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Biliary tract diseases

Background:

• Gallstones (GS) are a common biliary disorder linked to bile stasis, infection, and cholesterol metabolism.
• Emerging research suggests the bile microbiota plays a role in gallstone pathogenesis.
• This case-control study investigated the bile microbiota in gallstone patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between bile microbiota dysbiosis and gallstone formation.
• To analyze the specific composition of bile microbiota in patients with gallstones.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 40 patients (25 with GS, 15 GS-free) at Jinshan Hospital (2022-2023).
• Bile samples from 27 patients were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Microbial composition and diversity were assessed.

Main Results:

• Gallstone patients exhibited significantly lower microbial diversity (reduced Shannon, Chao, Ace, Sobs; higher Simpson indices).
• Proteobacteria dominated the microbiota in GS patients (91.59%), compared to GS-free patients (79.81%).
• Achromobacter was more abundant in GS patients, while Acinetobacter, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella were enriched in the GS-free group.

Conclusions:

• Bile microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by Proteobacteria overgrowth, may contribute to gallstone formation.
• Lactobacillus enrichment in the bile microbiota might confer a protective effect against gallstones.
• Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and their clinical implications.