Glucocorticoid-induced changes of the gut microbiota and metabolic markers in healthy young men: Outcome of a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: Glucocorticoids induce insulin resistance and suppress immunity, but their impact on gut microbiota, which may modulate metabolism and immunity remains under explored. In this 7-day trial, we assess glucocorticoid-induced changes in gut microbiota and metabolic markers in 56 healthy men, randomly assigned to three interventions: oral prednisolone (PO group), intramuscular methylprednisolone acetate (IM group), or saline (CTL group). Shotgun metagenomics reveal that PO glucocorticoid causes shifts in bacterial abundance, increasing Blautia and Collinsella, while decreasing Dysosmobacter welbionis and Anaerotignum faecicola, linked with insulin resistance and immunosuppression markers. Additionally, PO treatment alters microbial pathways and enzymes related to glycolysis and lipid metabolism

SUBMITTER: Lyu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12711672 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature