Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
08:05
Guided Protocol for Fecal Microbial Characterization by 16S rRNA-Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: March 19, 2018
20.5K
Gut microbiota profiling in Lebanese ulcerative colitis patients and healthy controls from a pilot study
Fayez Yassine1, Hassan Abbas1, Abdallah Kurdi2
1Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Scientific Reports
|December 15, 2025
Summary
This study reveals distinct gut bacteria differences in Lebanese ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, showing reduced microbial diversity. Understanding these specific gut microbiota profiles is key for targeted UC therapies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Human Health
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis.
- Region-specific gut microbial profiles in UC patients are underreported globally.
- Lebanon lacks specific data on the gut microbiome composition of UC patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and compare the gut microbiota of Lebanese UC patients and healthy controls.
- To identify unique microbial signatures associated with UC in the Lebanese population.
- To provide insights for region-specific microbiome research and personalized UC treatments.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 region) of fecal samples.
- Analysis of 11 UC patients and 11 healthy Lebanese individuals.
- Computation of alpha and beta diversity metrics and taxonomic composition assessment.
Main Results:
- UC patients exhibited significantly reduced microbial diversity (Faith's PD, Shannon index; p<0.05).
- Significant differences in beta diversity were observed between UC patients and controls (p<0.05).
- Phylum-level shifts showed increased Bacteroidota and decreased Bacillota/Actinomycetota in UC; specific genera like Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, and Coprococcus were depleted.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota of Lebanese UC patients presents a distinct signature, partially differing from global trends.
- This pilot study highlights the importance of region-specific microbiome investigations in UC.
- Findings support the development of personalized, microbiota-targeted therapies for ulcerative colitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
1.5K
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.5K
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
507
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
507
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
614
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
614
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
859
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
859