Modifying gut microbiota could reduce postoperative complications

In a promising study, Canadian researchers are the first to show in mice that altering intestinal flora before surgery can reduce postoperative complications in colorectal cancer patients.

It was published in the magazine intestinea study by scientists at the CHUM Research Center in Montreal (CRCHUM) identified two. bacterial strain This directly affects whether anastomotic leakage, more commonly known as intestinal leakage, occurs.

Up to 30% of patients have serious complications due to poor intestinal barrier healing after colorectal surgery.Anastomotic complications can include inflammation, serious infections, and cancer recurrence.

It is well known that certain bacteria contribute to development. colorectal cancer By producing toxins that damage colon cells, by promoting the accumulation of DNA mutations and intestinal inflammation.

“Our study shows that two bacterial strains detected in the stool of patients with this type of cancer have opposite effects on intestinal healing and thus recovery,” said the lead author. , Professor at the University of Montreal and CRCHUM’s Institute of Nutrition and Microbiome.

“Alistipes onderdonkii kh 33 is primarily pro-inflammatory and increases the risk of leakage, whereas the anti-inflammatory effects of Parabacteroides goldsteinii kh 35 promote healing,” said Drs. Carol Richard, medical colleague at CRCHUM. and Roy Hager.

promising start

This discovery scientific exploration In a research field headed by three researchers.

“Patient Analysis” intestinal flora We found that the bacterial composition was different in the presence or absence of leaky gut,” explained Hajjar. Resident doctor and the first author of the study.

“If we transplanted these different microbiota profiles into mice, we could reduce those risks. postoperative complications It has changed a lot. Simply put, microbiota composition had a direct impact on the likelihood of recovery. ”

patient modification intestinal flora Therefore, mixing prebiotics and probiotics in suitable, as-yet-undetermined formulations several days before surgery may form the basis of new therapeutic approaches.

Continuing such treatment for several days post-surgery hastens the patient’s return to a healthy gut microbiota, shortens hospital stays, increases chances of survival, and may even improve quality of life. It’s helpful.

Rich biorepository

To identify these two bacterial strains and facilitate modeling of large amounts of data, the CRCHUM team developed a biorepository of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

This research biobank contains stool specimens from hospitalized patients with colorectal cancer who consented to their use for research purposes. CHUM tracks more than 500 patient cases each year.

“The two bacterial strains identified provide an excellent proof-of-concept for the role of specific bacterial species in intestinal healing,” said Surgeon in CHUM’s Gastroenterological Surgical Service and responsible for UdeM’s Department of General Surgery. Richard, who is an

“Our research, conducted in collaboration with colleagues at McGill University, UQAM, and the University of Montreal, also shows that a balance between these two types of bacteria is essential to promote intestinal barrier restoration,” she says. said.

Additional research work is currently underway at CRCHUM to identify other bacteria associated with intestinal leaks and healing.

Colorectal cancer kills over 9,500 people in Canada each year. It is her third most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canadian adults and his second leading cause of death from cancer.