Project description:To compare the similarities and differences in species diversity of the gut microbiota between the patients with melasma and healthy subjects. The feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of the gut microbiota.
Project description:In recent years, many studies have shown that the gut microbiota can affect the occurrence and development of a variety of human diseases. A variety of skin diseases are related to the regulation of the gut-skin axis, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne. Gut microbial dysbiosis can promote the development of these diseases. The gut microbiota can affect estrogen metabolism, β-glucuronidase secreted by the gut microbiota can promote the reabsorption of estrogen by the gut, and estrogen is transported to other parts of the body through the circulatory system. The occurrence and development of melasma are closely related to abnormal metabolism of estrogen. The relationship between the structure of the gut microbiota and melasma remains unclear. Epidemiological surveys were conducted in patients with melasma and healthy subjects (control group) in this study. The feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of the gut microbiota. To compare the similarities and differences in species diversity of the gut microbiota between these two groups, we calculated the α-diversity and β-diversity indices and analyzed the differences between them. We found that the abundance of Collinsella spp., Actinomyces spp. (belonging to Actinobacteria), Parabacteroides spp., Bacteroides spp., Paraprevotella spp. (belonging to Bacteroidetes), Blautia spp., and Roseburia spp. (belonging to Firmicutes) in the melasma group were significantly different compared with that in the healthy group. The largest difference was found in Actinobacteria (p < 0.05), and there were also significant differences in the abundance of Coriobacteriia, Actinobacteria, Coriobacteriales, Coriobacteriaceae, and Collinsella spp. between the two groups (all p < 0.05). Many of these differences in the microbiota were closely related to the production of β-glucuronidase and the regulation of estrogen synthesis or metabolism. Changes in the gut microbiota structure and the biological effects of Collinsella spp. in the microbiota in patients with melasma can play an important role in the occurrence and development of melasma by affecting the body's estrogen metabolism. This study provides a theoretical basis and experimental data reference for future studies on the relationship between the gut microbiota and melasma, and may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of melasma.
Project description:BackgroundThe effects of gut microbiota and metabolites on the responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild-type non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been studied. However, their effects on EGFR-mutated (EGFR +) NSCLC remain unknown.MethodsWe prospectively recorded the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with advanced EGFR + NSCLC and assessed potential associations between the use of antibiotics or probiotics and immunotherapy efficacy. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, early on-treatment, response and progression status and were subjected to metagenomic next-generation sequencing and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses to assess the effects of gut microbiota and metabolites on immunotherapy efficacy.ResultsThe clinical data of 74 advanced EGFR + NSCLC patients were complete and 18 patients' fecal samples were dynamically collected. Patients that used antibiotics had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (mPFS, 4.8 vs. 6.7 months; P = 0.037); probiotics had no impact on PFS. Two dynamic types of gut microbiota during immunotherapy were identified: one type showed the lowest relative abundance at the response time point, whereas the other type showed the highest abundance at the response time point. Metabolomics revealed significant differences in metabolites distribution between responders and non-responders. Deoxycholic acid, glycerol, and quinolinic acid were enriched in responders, whereas L-citrulline was enriched in non-responders. There was a significant correlation between gut microbiota and metabolites.ConclusionsThe use of antibiotics weakens immunotherapy efficacy in patients with advanced EGFR + NSCLC. The distribution characteristics and dynamic changes of gut microbiota and metabolites may indicate the efficacy of immunotherapy in advanced EGFR + NSCLC.
Project description:Immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has advanced considerably over the past two decades. In particular, immune checkpoint inhibitors are widely used for treating NSCLC. However, the overall cure and survival rates of patients with NSCLC remain low. Therefore, continuous investigation into complementary treatments is necessary to expand the clinical advantages of immunotherapy to a larger cohort of patients with NSCLC. Recently, the distinctive role of the gut microbiota (GM) in the initiation, progression, and dissemination of cancer has attracted increasing attention. Emerging evidence indicates a close relationship between the gut and lungs, known as the gut-lung axis (GLA). In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding the connection between the GM and the outcomes of immunotherapy in NSCLC, with particular focus on the recent understanding of GLA. Overall, promising GM-based therapeutic strategies have been observed to improve the effectiveness or reduce the toxicity of immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC, thus advancing the utilization of microbiota precision medicine.
Project description:IntroductionTumor characteristics in computed tomography (CT) are correlated to pathologic presentation and survival. However, most studies have been based on thin slice thickness CT while lymph node metastatic pattern has remained unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between image characteristics under 5 mm slice thickness and pathology findings in non small lung cancer patients who have received curative resection.Materials and methodsFrom January 2010 to May 2014, 440 patients who underwent curative resection were included and medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The tumor size and consolidation tumor ratio were simultaneously evaluated and measured by a physician, a thoracic surgeon, and a radiologist. The correlation between image and pathology characteristics and its survival impact was analyzed.ResultsTumor sizes, as measured by CT and by pathologic measurement were highly coincident. (p < 0.001) GGO predominant lesions were correlated to well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, (p< 0.001), and less tumor necrosis (p<0.0001), lymphocyte infiltration (p = 0.0042) and tumor purity (p <0.0001). In addition, less risk of visceral pleura (p < 0.0001) and angiolymphatic invasion, and fewer metastases to N1 lymph node (p = 0.004) involvement were identified. No lymph node metastasis (0/12) was identified in sub-centimeter pure GGO lesion. The consolidation tumor ratio could be used to differentiate patients' survival and excellent 5-year overall survival was identified in pure GGO lesion cases.ConclusionNo lymph node metastasis was identified in sub-centimeter pure GGO lesion. The consolidation tumor ratio could be used to differentiate patients' disease status and overall survival, while excellent 5-year overall survival was identified in cases with pure GGO lesion.
Project description:IntroductionThis study was designed to identify a group of bacteria in the human gut microbiota with specific effects on PD-1-based immunotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThe study was performed in patients with advanced NSCLC, who received PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment for 6 months after one or several prior therapies. The combination of blood immune-related factors of the participants and their 16S rRNA gene sequencing from fecal samples at baseline was used to investigate the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota. The differences in relative abundance of gut microbiota at the genus level were compared, and the relation to blood immune-related factors was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis.ResultsThe 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed a clear difference in the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota between groups with stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). A comparison of differences in relative abundance at the genus level showed that the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, Akkermansia and Olsenella in the SD group was significantly higher than that in the PD group. The SD group had significantly higher interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) levels than the PD group. Interestingly, the numbers of white blood cells and sorted cells in the SD group were higher than those in the PD group. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis showed that Escherichia-Shigella was positively correlated with IL-12, IFN-γ and basophils. Akkermansia was positively correlated with monocytes.ConclusionThe response to PD-1-based immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC is affected by the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota. Escherichia-Shigella and Akkermansia may have specific effects on PD-1 inhibitory immunotherapy for NSCLC.
Project description:ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the effects of Jidangga-7 on enhancing gut microbiota function in non-small cell lung cancer.Materials and methodsEighteen mice were screened and randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a model group with induced non-small cell lung cancer, and a treatment group receiving Jidangga-7. A549 tumor cells were implanted in the mice, and tumor formation was monitored. Upon successful tumor induction, the treatment group received Jidangga-7 via oral gavage, while the other groups received an equivalent volume of saline. After the final dose, intestinal tissues were collected from each group, and microbial amplicon 16S analysis and non-extensive targeted metabolomics were employed to characterize intestinal fiber and associated metabolites.ResultsBy quantifying the contribution of individual species to the variations between the groups, the Sipmer results highlighted the top 10 species and their abundance that contribute to the differences between the two groups. Specifically, Jidangga-7 demonstrated a regulatory effect on various taxa such as Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and Desulfovovoviridae. At the family level, administration of Jidangga-7 exhibited a regulatory effect on families including Desulfovibrionaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Eggerthellaceae, compared to the model group. In untargeted metabolomics analyses, principal component analysis effectively differentiated the groups from one another. Subsequently, metabolites with a variable importance in projection score > 1 were screened. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed 20 metabolite pathways, encompassing metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, bacterial metabolism, antimicrobial pathways, and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism.ConclusionJidangga-7 exerted a positive influence on the intestinal microbial environment in mice with non-small cell carcinoma, ameliorating the dysbiosis induced by non- small cell lung cancer. This intervention inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria while fostering the growth of beneficial strains.
Project description:A general consensus exists that IBD is associated with compositional and metabolic changes in the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis). However, a direct causal relationship between dysbiosis and IBD has not been definitively established in humans. Findings from animal models have revealed diverse and context-specific roles of the gut microbiota in health and disease, ranging from protective to pro-inflammatory actions. Moreover, evidence from these experimental models suggest that although gut bacteria often drive immune activation, chronic inflammation in turn shapes the gut microbiota and contributes to dysbiosis. The purpose of this Review is to summarize current associations between IBD and dysbiosis, describe the role of the gut microbiota in the context of specific animal models of colitis, and discuss the potential role of microbiota-focused interventions in the treatment of human IBD. Ultimately, more studies will be needed to define host-microbial relationships relevant to human disease and amenable to therapeutic interventions.
Project description:BackgroundTo analyze the distribution of gut microbiota in erectile dysfunction (ED) patients and explore the relationship between the diversity of gut microbiota and psychogenic ED.MethodsStool specimen were collected from 30 patients with ED and 30 healthy persons (healthy donors, HDs) and analyzed Paired end (PE) 300 sequencing on V3-V4 region sequences of bacterial 16S rRNA gene by using Illumina's Miseq platform, whereby sequencing results were analyzed to assess differences in species composition and diversity. The analysis comprised five modules: sequencing data quality control, operational taxonomic units (OTU) species clustering and annotation, alpha diversity, beta diversity and the use of t-tests and analysis of linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) differences.ResultsThe International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score ranged between 8 and 21. The scores of ED patients were ≥11 and ≤20, and the mean value was 15.67±2.94. The flora diversity in the group of ED patients was significantly different from that of HDs (P<0.01), with the ED group having low bacterial diversity. There were no significant differences in the genus level between the ED and HD group, and abundant bacteria (TOP10) and core flora (90%). Comparison of total flora (the abundance >1%) display, Alloprevotella genera showed differences, whereby Alloprevotella was only be identified in the HD group. Erectile dysfunction and HD showed good separation and clustering respectively in principal component analysis, showing significant differences in two kinds of microflora. T-tests showed that six species were significantly different, and that in the ED group, streptococci and Subdoligranulum were significantly increasing, and Prevotella sp.9, Blautia, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 groups and Roseburia were significantly lower. Analysis using LEfSe analysis revealed 24 species were significantly different between ED and HD groups.ConclusionsWhen gene sequencing was performed of ED and HD specimens, the microbial community structure and diversity showed significant differences, suggesting that ED specimen had lower gut microbiota diversity.