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A Metagenomics Approach to Frailty in Patients With Cirrhosis Undergoing a Multifactorial Intervention
Sara Vega-Abellaneda1, Eva Román2,3,4,5, Zaida Soler1
1Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.
Summary
Frailty in cirrhosis patients is linked to specific gut bacteria. A 12-month intervention improved frailty and altered the microbiome, suggesting a connection between gut health and physical function in liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Frailty is a significant concern in cirrhosis patients, impacting prognosis.
- The gut microbiome's role in cirrhosis-related frailty remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gut microbiota composition associated with frailty in cirrhosis.
- To evaluate the impact of a multifactorial intervention on frailty and the gut microbiome in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Metagenomic shotgun sequencing of fecal microbiota in 29 cirrhosis patients.
- Patients were randomized to a 12-month multifactorial intervention or control group.
- Correlation analysis between microbial abundance, Liver Frailty Index (LFI), and gait speed.
Main Results:
- Rothia dentocariosa abundance correlated positively with LFI; Bacteroides faecis correlated with gait speed.
- The intervention improved LFI and significantly altered microbiome composition.
- Key changes included decreased Akkermansia muciniphila and increased Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium species.
Conclusions:
- Cirrhosis-related frailty is characterized by a distinct gut microbiome signature.
- A long-term multifactorial intervention can improve frailty in cirrhosis patients.
- Improvements in frailty were paralleled by significant shifts in gut microbial composition.
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