The impact of long-term (≥5 years) cholecystectomy on gut microbiota changes and its influence on colorectal cancer risk: based on 16S rDNA sequencing analysis

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Nov 1;36(11):1288-1297. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002827. Epub 2024 Jul 15.

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a major global health concern. Recent advances in molecular biology have highlighted the gut microbiota's role in CRC. This study investigates long-term (≥5 years) gut microbiota changes in patients postcholecystectomy, comparing them with CRC patients and healthy controls to assess their impact on CRC development.

Methods: Sixty participants were divided into three groups: 20 healthy controls, 20 postcholecystectomy (PCE) patients, and 20 CRC patients. Demographic data and stool samples were collected. Gut microbiota composition, abundance, and diversity were analyzed using high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing.

Results: Significant differences in microbial community, α-diversity ( P < 0.05) and β-diversity ( P = 0.006), were observed among the three groups. At the phylum level, Firmicutes abundance was significantly reduced in PCE and CRC groups compared with the control group ( P = 0.002), while changes in other phyla were not significant ( P >0.05). At the genus level, Bacteroides , Dialister , and Parabacteroides increased progressively from control to PCE to CRC groups ( P = 0.004, 0.001, and 0.002). Prevotella decreased across these groups ( P = 0.041). Faecalibacterium and Roseburia abundances were reduced in PCE and CRC groups compared with controls ( P = 0.001 and 0.003). The Random Forest algorithm identified Parabacteroides , Bacteroides , Roseburia , and Dialister as key distinguishing genera.

Conclusion: The gut microbiota of long-term (≥5 years) PCE patients significantly differs from that of controls and resembles that of CRC patients, suggesting a potential link between cholecystectomy and CRC development through key microbial changes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cholecystectomy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / microbiology
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Feces* / microbiology
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S* / genetics
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • DNA, Bacterial