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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
07:15
An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Stool Microbiota, Metabolites, and Fecal Incontinence in Women
Lily A Arya1, Purna C Kashyap2, Megan U Carnes3
1Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Fecal incontinence (FI) is not linked to butyrate or Clostridiales bacteria. Instead, specific stool lipids like glycerolipids and fatty acids may play a role, offering new therapeutic targets for FI.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Fecal incontinence (FI) can be influenced by gut motility and sensation.
- Specific stool metabolites and microbial taxa are hypothesized to contribute to FI pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fecal incontinence (FI) and levels of butyrate and Clostridiales taxa in stool.
- To explore novel stool metabolite signatures related to FI and its subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Compared stool metabolites and microbiota in 96 women with FI and 42 controls.
- Utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiota characterization and multiomics factor analysis for metabolite profiling.
- Assessed FI severity and subtype using validated questionnaires and bowel diaries.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in butyrate levels or Clostridiales taxa were found between FI patients and controls.
- Multiomics analysis revealed glycerolipids associated with FI (FDR=0.08).
- Insensible FI showed associations with glycerolipids, fatty acids, phospholipids, and dipeptides (FDR=0.08-0.09).
Conclusions:
- Butyrate and Clostridiales are not significantly associated with fecal incontinence.
- Novel stool metabolite signatures, including lipids, are identified in FI patients.
- These findings suggest new biological pathways and potential therapeutic targets for managing FI.
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