IBD Journal Scan

Key articles from high impact journals in last month

Editorial Recommendations
SEPTEMBER - 2024

Crossing the barriers: Microbiome and metabolome analysis across various cohorts in IBD

Disruptions in the gut microbiota and metabolites are linked to the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet findings across studies vary. In this study, we conducted cross-cohort integrative analysis of 9 metagenomic and 4 metabolomic IBD datasets, identifying consistent microbial signatures. Notably, three rarely reported bacteria, along with metabolomic shifts, were highlighted. Multi-omics correlation maps revealed microbial deficiencies and altered aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The identified multi-omics biomarkers achieved high diagnostic accuracy (AUROC 0.92–0.98), providing a resource for understanding host-microbiome interactions in IBD and guiding future research.

Key to assess the successful engraftment post FMT, role of microbiome.

Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) has shown promise in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). A pilot study involving 15 children and young adults with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) assessed FMT response. Subjects received antibiotics and weekly FMT or placebo. Engraftment of donor microbiota ranged from 26% to 92%, with increased alpha diversity and donor engraftment significantly correlating with improved clinical outcomes. Higher microbial diversity after antibiotics predicted better engraftment and response. Notably, a temporary rise in Lactobacillus was also linked to successful engraftment, supporting findings from previous FMT trials.

Oral-Gut microbiome axis: Can oral microbiome analysis predict early IBD and disease progression?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition linked to immune dysregulation in response to gut microbiota. Recent studies suggest that an imbalance in oral microbiota may play a role in IBD development. Oral conditions like angular cheilitis and periodontitis, common in IBD, are associated with disease severity. While the exact role of oral microbes in IBD pathogenesis remains unclear, changes in the oral microbiota could serve as early markers for diagnosis and disease progression. Emerging therapies, including probiotics and targeted antibiotics, offer potential for preventing IBD recurrence through oral microbiome modification.

Precision medicine in IBD: Analysis of the microbiome and tailoring the IBD therapy.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifaceted disorder driven by genetic, immune, microbial, and environmental factors. Standard treatments, including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and emerging therapies, mainly target immune responses. Recent research explores the gut microbiome's influence on therapeutic efficacy. These treatments often shift the microbiome toward a healthier composition, improving treatment outcomes. Preclinical studies show the microbiome's potential to enhance or hinder therapeutic success, with its composition serving as a biomarker for efficacy. Understanding the microbiome-therapy interplay could lead to more personalized, precision treatments for IBD in the future

Opportunities for diet and microbiome targeted therapy.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic gastrointestinal inflammation driven by immune responses to the gut microbiome. Diet and the microbiome are key factors influencing IBD progression and can be used in treatment. This review examines current evidence on microbiome-directed therapies like fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and post-biotics, as well as the role of dietary interventions, including special diets and enteral nutrition, in IBD management. We explore the benefits and limitations of these approaches and address challenges in translating them into clinical practice, emphasizing the need for personalized treatments and overcoming regulatory and trial design hurdles.