Metagenomics reveals functional profiles of gut microbiota during the recovery phase of acute pancreatitis

Gut microbiota play a critical pathogenic role in acute pancreatitis (AP). This study aimed to investiage the gut microbiota composition and function during the recovery phase of AP. Rectal swab samples obtained from 12 AP patients of varying severity in the acute and recovery phases were sequenced using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The α-diversity, principal components, typing, and dominant microbiome composition were analyzed, followed by a difference analysis of gut microbiota composition and functional enrichment. In the recovery phase of AP, the microbial diversity remained decreased, and there were minimal difference in the structural diversity of the microbiome. There was an increasing tendency of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroidales) and a decreasing tendency of harmful bacteria (Enterococcus and Firmicutes) in the recovery phase of mild AP (MAP). However, in the recovery phase of moderately severe AP (MSAP) and severe AP, Enterococcus abundance increased compared with that in the acute phase. Some signaling pathways changed in the opposite direction in the recovery phase of MAP and MSAP compared to the acute phase. These results suggested that gut microbiome composition and function are associated with AP recovery, which may be used to develop strategies for the treatment and prognosis of AP.