The gut-brain-axis: A positive relationship between gut microbial dysbiosis and glioblastoma brain tumour

Abstract

The glioblastoma brain tumour (GBM) stands out as the most aggressive and resistant-to-treatment malignancy. Nevertheless, the gut-brain connection plays a pivotal role in influencing the growth and activation of the central nervous system. In this particular investigation, we aimed to assess and characterize the gut microbial ecosystem in GBM patients, both quantitatively and qualitatively. We collected faecal samples from 15 healthy volunteers and 25 GBM patients. To delve into the microbial content, we employed PCR-DGGE, targeting the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and conducted qPCR to measure the levels of crucial intestinal bacteria. For a more in-depth analysis, high-throughput sequencing was performed on a selection of 20 random faecal samples (10 from healthy individuals and 10 from GBM patients), targeting the V3+V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Our findings from examining the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota unveiled that GBM patients exhibited significantly higher microbial diversity compared to healthy individuals. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria saw a significant increase, while Firmicutes experienced a noteworthy decrease in the GBM group. Moving down to the family level, we observed significantly elevated levels of Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Lachnospiraceae in GBM patients, while levels of Veillonellaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Prevotellaceae were notably lower. Delving into genera statistics, we noted a substantial increase in the abundance of Parasutterella, Escherichia-Shigella, and Bacteroides, alongside significantly lower levels of Ruminococcus 2, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella_9 in the GBM group compared to the control group. Furthermore, when examining specific species, we found a significant increase in Bacteroides vulgatus and Escherichia coli in the GBM group. These observations collectively indicate a marked dysbiosis in the gut microbial composition of GBM patients. Additionally, the GBM group exhibited notably higher levels of alpha diversity when compared to the control group. This increase in diversity suggests a significant bacterial overgrowth in the gut of GBM patients in contrast to the controls. As a result, this research opens up potential avenues to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, pathways, and potential treatments for GBM, stemming from the significant implications of gut microbial dysbiosis in these patients.