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Title The Human GallBiome, At The Interface of Hepatic Health and Disease |
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Type Poster Presentation |
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Theme Probiotics and Prebiotics: Excellence in Science and Clinical Translation |
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Topic Translational Microbiome Studies |
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Main Author Crystal Johnson1 2 |
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Presenting Author Crystal Johnson1 2 |
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Co-Author Criostoir O’Suilleabhain3 Paul Ross1 Catherine Stanton1 2 |
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Department / Institution / Country Microbiology Department / APC Microbiome Institute / Ireland1 Department of Food Biosciences / Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre / Ireland2 Department of Upper GI & Hepatobiliary Surgery / Mercy University Hospital / Ireland3 |
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Background and Rationale While more than one million cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal surgeries) are performed throughout Europe each year, the bacterial communities associated with the human gallbladder and its disease states remain unknown. Studies that characterize the effects of cholecystectomies on the gut microbiome are indeed lacking. |
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Objectives: Indicates the purpose of the study Without the ability to regulate bile entering the duodenum during food intake, it is expected that gallbladder removal will lead to downstream changes in the intestinal population. Once the gallbladder microbiome has been elucidated, the impact of its removal on the gut microbiome will be assessed, with the objective of assessing the potential for a new probiotics to restore the gut microbiome in patients who can no longer emulsify dietary fats. |
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Methodology: Describe pertinent experimental procedures Here, the microbial composition of human bile, gallbladder mucosa, and biopsies of surgically removed healthy gallbladders (adherent and non-adherent microbiota) are being investigated using molecular and cultivation based techniques. |
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Results: Summarize the results of the research The profiles are being compared to samples of a second cohort undergoing emergency cholecystectomies, in order to identify possible biomarkers for gallbladder disease. Stool samples (collected during the recovery period) have also been collected for community composition, metabolomics, bile, fat and energy content. Clear differences in bile and gallbladder metabolomics were observed in the pilot data set, and a number of novel species have been recovered. |
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Conclusions: State the main conclusions Ultimately, GallBiome will form the basis for establishing relationships between the gallbladder microbiota, gut microbiota, and human health with a view to informing future development of diagnostics and therapeutics. Lessons learned from this study may serve as a basis for suggesting probiotic use for patients following their surgery in order to recuperate properly. Characterization of the core gallbladder microbiome has important biological and medical implications with potential to lower the risk and incidence of cholelithiasis and the negative effects of cholecystectomies. |