Notable intestinal dysbiosis orchestrated by Escherichia/Shigella, decreased levels of SCFTA (short chain fatty acids) and alterations in metabolic pathways characterize patients with alcohol-decompensated cirrhosis in western Mexico

Introduction and Objectives

To evaluate the composition and functions of the intestinal microbiota in patients with alcohol-decompensated cirrhosis.

Materials and methods

Fecal samples of eighteen patients and eighteen healthy controls (HC) were obtained. Microbial composition was characterized by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, SCFAs quantification was performed by gas chromatography (GC), metagenomic predictive profiles were analyzed by PICRUSt2.

Results

Gut microbiota in the cirrhosis group revealed a significant increase in the pathogenic genera Escherichia/Shigella and Prevotella, a decrease in beneficial bacteria, such as Blautia, Faecalibacterium, plus a decreased α-diversity (p<0.001) compared to HC. Fecal SCFAs concentrations were significantly reduced in the cirrhosis group (p<0.001). PICRUSt2 analysis indicated a decrease in acetyl-CoA fermentation to butyrate, as well as an increase in pathways related to antibiotics resistance and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis.

Discussion

The gut microbiota dominated by the Escherichia/Shigella general correlates with low SCFA concentrations and an increase in metabolic pathways related to pathogenicity and the production of substances associated with endotoxemia.

Conclusions

Gut microbiota of these patients possesses a pathogenic/inflammatory environment. Therefore, future strategies to balance intestinal dysbiosis should be implemented. These findings are described for the first time in the population of western Mexico.

Funding

The resources used in this study were from the hospital without any additional financing

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.