Based on multi omics analysis of gut microbiota characteristics in patients with acute pancreatitis and exploring the possible mechanism of its exacerbation trend from the level of microbiota and its metabolites

Abstract

Specific intestinal metabolites are closely associated with the classification, severity, and necrosis of acute pancreatitis (AP), providing novel insights for in-depth clinical investigation of AP. In this study, the gut microbiota and metabolites of 49 AP patients at different treatment stages and severities were analyzed using 16s RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to investigate the trends observed in severe AP based on gut microbiota composition and metabolome profiles. The findings revealed an imbalance in intestinal flora homeostasis among AP patients characterized by a decrease in probiotics and an increase in opportunistic pathogens, leading to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier through reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) secretion and disruption of the intestinal epithelium. This dysbiosis further influenced energy metabolism, anti-inflammatory responses, and immune regulation while also highlighting significant differences in energy metabolic pathways. These results suggest that differential composition of intestinal flora along with alterations in intestinal metabolites and metabolic pathways contribute to compromised integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier as well as disturbances in energy metabolism within severe AP patients.