Gut microbiota predict retinopathy in patients with diabetes: A longitudinal cohort study

• DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13316-x
• Publication Date: 2024-10-28T09:29:07Z
• Authors: Xinran Qin; Jiaqi Sun; Shuli Chen; Yi Xu; Lina Lu; Min Lu; Jieying Li; Yingyan Ma; Fangzhou Lou; Haidong Zou
• Keywords: Male; Adult; Clostridiales; Diabetic Retinopathy; Middle Aged; Acetates; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ruminococcus; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Female; Longitudinal Studies; Prospective Studies; Aged

The gut microbiota has emerged as an independent risk factor for diabetes and its complications. This research aimed to delve into the intricate relationship between microbiome diabetic retinopathy (DR) through a dual approach of cross-sectional prospective cohort studies. In our study investigation involving ninety-nine individuals with diabetes, distinct microbial signatures associated DR were identified. Specifically, profiling revealed decreased levels Butyricicoccus Ruminococcus torques group, alongside upregulated methanogenesis pathways among patients. These concurrently exhibited lower concentrations short-chain fatty acids in their plasma. Leveraging machine learning models, including random forest classifiers, we constructed panel genera genes that robustly differentiated cases. Importantly, these also demonstrated significant correlations dietary patterns molecular profiles peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Building upon findings, followed 62 patients over 2-year period assess predictive value markers. results underlined panel's efficacy predicting incidence. By stratifying based on metabolites identified phase, established associations reduced Butyricicoccus, plasma acetate, increased susceptibility DR. not only deepens understanding how influences but underscores potential markers early indicators disease risk. insights hold promise developing targeted interventions at mitigating impact • Microbial are differed without DR-related taxa linked habits transcriptomic Lower abundances acetate prospectively