Reduced gut microbiota diversity in patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy

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Montenegro, Renan Magalhaes, Jr. ; Melo Ponte, Clarisse Mourao ; Costa Gurgel Castelo, Maria Helane ; de Oliveira Silveira, Alessandro Conrado ; Fernandes, Virginia Oliveira ; D'Alva, Catarina Brasil ; Valter Oliveira, Luiz Felipe ; Hristov, Angelica Domingues ; Bandeira, Silviane Praciano ; da Cruz Paiva, Grayce Ellen ; Levi, Jose Eduardo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: DIABETOLOGY & METABOLIC SYNDROME; v. 14, n. 1, p. 12-pg., 2022-09-24.

Abstract

Background Previous studies suggest intestinal dysbiosis is associated with metabolic diseases. However, the causal relationship between them is not fully elucidated. Gut microbiota evaluation of patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL), a disease characterized by the absence of subcutaneous adipose tissue, insulin resistance, and diabetes since the first years of life, could provide insights into these relationships. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients with CGL (n = 17) and healthy individuals (n = 17). The gut microbiome study was performed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene through High-Throughput Sequencing (BiomeHub Biotechnologies, Brazil). Results The median age was 20.0 years old, and 64.7% were female. There was no difference between groups in pubertal stage, BMI, ethnicity, origin (rural or urban), delivery, breastfeeding, caloric intake, macronutrient, or fiber consumption. Lipodystrophic patients presented a lower alpha diversity (Richness index: 54.0 versus 67.5; p = 0.008). No differences were observed in the diversity parameters when analyzing the presence of diabetes, its complications, or the CGL subtype. Conclusion In this study, we demonstrate for the first time a reduced gut microbiota diversity in individuals with CGL. Dysbiosis was present despite dietary treatment and was also observed in young patients. Our findings allow us to speculate that the loss of intestinal microbiota diversity may be due to metabolic abnormalities present since the first years of life in CGL. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings, clarifying the possible causal link between dysbiosis and insulin resistance in humans. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50907-5 - INCT 2014 - of obesity and diabetes
• Grantee: Mario Jose Abdalla Saad
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants