Metagenomics analysis reveals universal signatures of the intestinal microbiota in colorectal cancer, regardless of regional differences.

The human gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms living in our intestines and has emerged as an important factor for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). The purpose of our study was to investigate the microbiota composition in Brazilian CRC patients compared with a local control population (CTL) to find out which changes could be considered universal or regional features in CRC microbiota. Fecal samples were obtained from 28 CRC and 23 CTL individuals. The 16S rRNA gene was used for metagenomic analysis. In addition to the anthropometric variables, the clinical stage (TNM 2018) was considered. Patients with CRC had a significant increase in alpha diversity and a higher percentage of genus Prevotella and a decreased proportion of Megamonas and Ruminococcus. Additionally, the proportion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was associated with a better prognosis in the first stages of CRC, and Fusobacterium nucleatum proved to be an important marker of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor aggressiveness. Although regional differences influence the composition of the microbiota, in the case of CRC, the microhabitat created by the tumor seems to be a major factor. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the carcinogenic process, and even in different environments, some factors appear to be characteristic of the microbiota of patients with CRC.

Metagenomics analysis reveals universal signatures of the intestinal microbiota in colorectal cancer, regardless of regional differences

The human gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms living in our intestines and has emerged as an important factor for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). The purpose of our study was to investigate the microbiota composition in Brazilian CRC patients compared with a local control population (CTL) to find out which changes could be considered universal or regional features in CRC microbiota. Fecal samples were obtained from 28 CRC and 23 CTL individuals. The 16S rRNA gene was used for metagenomic analysis. In addition to the anthropometric variables, the clinical stage (TNM 2018) was considered. Patients with CRC had a significant increase in alpha diversity and a higher percentage of genus Prevotella and a decreased proportion of Megamonas and Ruminococcus. Additionally, the proportion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was associated with a better prognosis in the first stages of CRC, and Fusobacterium nucleatum proved to be an important marker of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor aggressiveness. Although regional differences influence the composition of the microbiota, in the case of CRC, the microhabitat created by the tumor seems to be a major factor. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the carcinogenic process, and even in different environments, some factors appear to be characteristic of the microbiota of patients with CRC.

Sibutramine enhances insulin sensitivity ameliorating metabolic parameters in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

AIM: To assess the effect of sibutramine-assisted weight reduction program on insulin sensitivity and metabolic parameters in obese normal glucose tolerant individuals over a period of 24 weeks. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, prospective clinical trial was carried out at our medical centre. Forty female normal glucose tolerant patients, body mass index: 34.3 +/- 2.9 kg/m2 and age: 41.1 +/- 9.9 (range: 19-58 years), were randomized to placebo or sibutramine, 10 mg once daily. RESULTS: Seventeen patients from sibutramine group and 14 placebo had completed the study protocol. Significant weight change was seen in sibutramine (p < 0.01) (-5.6 kg or -6.1% vs. +0.9 kg or +1.1% in placebo). Insulin sensitivity enhanced in sibutramine group (Kitt: from 4.03 +/- 1.97 to 5.09 +/- 2.48%/min; p < 0.05). Homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) decreased from 7.8 +/- 6.9 to 5.6 +/- 4.5 (p < 0.05). HOMA-beta also decreased from 508 +/- 381 to 374 +/- 256 (p < 0.05). No changes were observed in the placebo control group regarding insulin sensitivity or secretion. Concomitant reductions were observed in the sibutramine group in lipid parameters (triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol), uric acid and gamma-glutamyl transferase (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sibutramine has demonstrated efficacy in reducing weight in non-diabetic women along with amelioration in insulin sensitivity and additional improvement in metabolic parameters.