Correlation analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites in gastric cancer patients in plateau areas based on multi-omics technologies.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize gut microbiota alterations and metabolic changes in gastric cancer (GC) patients from high-altitude regions using 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics.

METHODS

Fecal samples from 30 GC patients and 30 healthy controls in Qinghai Province were analyzed. Microbial diversity and composition were assessed via 16S rDNA sequencing, and metabolite profiles were determined using untargeted metabolomics. Correlations between significantly altered microbial taxa and metabolites were evaluated.

RESULTS

Microbial diversity differed significantly between groups (P < 0.001). Proteobacteria abundance was higher in GC patients (P < 0.05). At the genus level, Prevotella_9, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillus showed significant differences (P < 0.05-P < 0.001). GC patients exhibited upregulation of desulfo-biotin, glycylproline, glycine, hydroxyhexanoic acid, tyramine, methanethiol oxidase, 5-aminopentanoic acid, citrulline, betaine, and formyl glutamic acid, and downregulation of cytidine, 5'-methylthioadenosine, trehalose, melezitose, lotaustralin, adenosine, creatinine, 5-methyluridine, raffinose, and galactitol. Proteobacteria correlated positively with desulfo-biotin, glycylproline, and glycine, while Lactobacillus correlated with several upregulated metabolites including tyramine and betaine (all P < 0.05). Cytidine correlated negatively with Proteobacteria, whereas creatinine and 5-methyluridine correlated positively with Prevotella_9.

CONCLUSION

GC patients in high-altitude regions display distinct gut microbiota and metabolite profiles, with notable microbe-metabolite associations. These findings suggest potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GC in plateau populations.