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BMC Gastroenterology
Published in: BMC Gastroenterology 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Respiratory Microbiota | Research article

Intestinal flora imbalance affects bile acid metabolism and is associated with gallstone formation

Authors: Qiang Wang, Chenjun Hao, Wenchao Yao, Defu Zhu, Haifeng Lu, Long Li, Biao Ma, Bei Sun, Dongbo Xue, Weihui Zhang

Published in: BMC Gastroenterology | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

The gut microbiota participates in the metabolism of substances and energy, promotes the development and maturation of the immune system, forms the mucosal barrier, and protects the host from pathogen attacks. Although the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones is still not clear, studies have suggested that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in their formation.

Methods

Microbial DNA from faeces of normal control patients and those of patients with calculi was subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing to detect gene expression changes in intestinal microbes. ELISA kits were used to measure free bile acids, secondary bile acids and coprostanol according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The relationship between flora and their metabolites was then analysed.

Results

In the gallstone group, the diversity of intestinal bacteria and the abundances of certain phylogroups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), especially Firmicutes (p < 0.05), the largest phylum represented by the gut microbiota. This study found an increase in free bile acids (p < 0.001) and secondary bile acids (p < 0.01) in the enterohepatic circulation. Bile salt hydrolase activity was not related to the abundances of BSH-active bacteria. 7a-dehydroxylating gut bacteria were significantly increased (p < 0.01), whereas cholesterol-lowering bacteria were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The Ruminococcus gnavus group could be used as a biomarker to distinguish the gallstone group from the control group.

Conclusion

We conclude that intestinal flora imbalance affects bile acid and cholesterol metabolism and is associated with gallstone formation.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Intestinal flora imbalance affects bile acid metabolism and is associated with gallstone formation
Authors
Qiang Wang
Chenjun Hao
Wenchao Yao
Defu Zhu
Haifeng Lu
Long Li
Biao Ma
Bei Sun
Dongbo Xue
Weihui Zhang
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Gastroenterology / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-230X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-020-01195-1

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