Abstract
BackgroundRecent studies have found gut microbiota to be closely associated with onset and perpetuation of UC. Currently, studies about gut microbiota have mainly covered samples collected from the intestinal lumen. However, the luminal flora is only part of the gut microbiota. Studies of the changes in mucosal flora under pathological conditions have been lacking. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the onset of UC and flora changes in different intestinal layers.MethodsThe dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC model was established by exposing mice to cycles of DSS. The luminal contents, an inner mucus layer, and outer mucus layer were harvested under sterile conditions. The samples were then analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA V3 + V4 amplicons. The colonic microbiota composition and diversity were analyzed and compared using MetaStat, LefSe, multivariate analysis of variance, and spatial statistics.ResultsThe DSS-induced UC mouse model was successfully established. The diversity of the microbiota from luminal content, the outer mucus layer, and inner mucus layer were significantly different in both control and UC model groups. The statistically different OTUs belonged to Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families within the order Clostridiales were mainly localized to the outer mucus layer.ConclusionsThe alterations in flora composition and diversity mainly occurred in the colonic outer mucus layer. The change of flora in the colonic mucus layers is of great significance in the understanding of common features of gut flora in IBD and the understanding of the relationship between gut flora and disease progression.
Highlights
Recent studies have found gut microbiota to be closely associated with onset and perpetuation of Ulcerative colitis (UC)
The results showed that the Disease active index (DAI) and body weight of model group differed significantly from the control group after time correction (F = 168.66, P≦0.05; F = 10.881, P≦0.05)
The results showed that the colon tissue from the control group had a smooth surface, no erosion, ulcer, or crypt abscess (Fig. 1c)
Summary
Recent studies have found gut microbiota to be closely associated with onset and perpetuation of UC. Studies about gut microbiota have mainly covered samples collected from the intestinal lumen. The luminal flora is only part of the gut microbiota. Studies of the changes in mucosal flora under pathological conditions have been lacking. We investigated the correlation between the onset of UC and flora changes in different intestinal layers. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis [3,4,5]. The chemical groups exposed on mucin surface share similar structures with the intestinal epithelium, which facilitates the recognition and adhesion of bacteria. Current studies of gut microbiota in UC use luminal content samples frequently. The luminal content flora can only partially reflect the alteration of gut microbiota.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
