Intestinal Flora and Metabolite Changes: Uncovering Pathogenic
Mechanisms in Myasthenia Gravis
Abstract
Objectives The intestinal flora is associated with the occurrence of MG,
but the biological relevance of these associations is often unclear. We
conducted a study to determine whether intestinal flora and metabolites
are disturbed in individuals with MG, especially in patients not
administered drugs. Methods In this study, stool samples were obtained
from 50 individuals with MG, and 15 matched healthy controls (HCs).
Then, 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplification sequencing (V3-V4
region) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to
investigate the composition and structure of the intestinal flora
community and the levels of metabolites in patients with MG and HCs.
Clinical characteristics were collected, including MG quantitative
scoring (QMGS), MG activities of daily living (MG-ADL) score,
MG-specific quality-of-life 15 (MG-QOL-15) score, manual muscle testing
(MMT) score, and acetylcholine receptor antibody titer levels. These
parameters were used to analyze the correlation between distinct flora
and clinical features. Results A prominent difference in the intestinal
flora was found between the MG and HC groups. The MG intestinal flora is
characterized by an increase in the enrichment of microorganisms such as
Escherichia-Shigella, Fusobacterium, and Ruminococcus and a decrease in
the enrichment of Lachnospira, an anti-inflammatory bacteria.
Lachnospira showed a negative correlation with QMGS, MG-ADL score,
MG-QOL-15 score, and acetylcholine receptor antibody titer, while
demonstrating a positive correlation with MMT score. Conclusion The
intestinal flora and its metabolites play irreplaceable roles in MG,
especially in individuals who are not