The microbiome of the oral mucosa in irritable bowel syndrome Original paper
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Recent research has focused on the gut microbiota's role in IBS, aiming to identify specific microbial signatures associated with the condition.
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Kimberly Eyer
Kimberly Eyer, a Registered Nurse with 30 years of nursing experience across diverse settings, including Home Health, ICU, Operating Room Nursing, and Research. Her roles have encompassed Operating Room Nurse, RN First Assistant, and Acting Director of a Same Day Surgery Center. Her specialty areas include Adult Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery.
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
Location
United States of America
Sample Site
Buccal mucosa
Species
Homo sapiens
What was studied?
The study examined the microbiome composition of the oral mucosa in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to healthy controls. Specifically, it aimed to determine if distinct microbial shifts in the oral cavity could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for IBS diagnosis and symptom severity, particularly visceral pain. The researchers analyzed the buccal mucosal microbiome using PhyloChip microarrays to profile microbial richness, diversity, and composition.
Who was studied?
The study included 38 participants, comprising individuals diagnosed with IBS and healthy controls. Within the IBS group, participants were further classified based on body weight to explore associations between microbial diversity and symptom severity. Overweight IBS participants exhibited the most pronounced microbial shifts, highlighting the impact of both IBS and obesity on the oral microbiome.
What were the most important findings?
The study identified significant alterations in the oral microbiome of IBS patients, with particular emphasis on those who were overweight. Overweight IBS participants demonstrated decreased richness in the phylum Bacteroidetes and the genus Bacillus, while microbial diversity analyses revealed significant shifts in community structure. Analysis of β-diversity indicated a clear separation in microbial composition between overweight IBS patients and other groups. The oral microbiome of IBS participants showed marked increases in Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, and Flavobacterium, with a strong correlation between these microbial changes and visceral pain severity. Notably, visceral pain in IBS patients was robustly associated with 60 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), 4 genera, 5 families, and 4 orders of bacteria. These correlations suggest that microbial perturbations in the oral cavity reflect systemic dysbiosis linked to symptom severity. Overweight IBS participants, in particular, exhibited a distinct oral microbial profile resembling dysbiosis patterns seen in both gastrointestinal and obesity-related conditions. The findings propose that the oral mucosa could serve as a practical, non-invasive substrate for diagnosing IBS and assessing symptom severity. Moreover, the stability of the oral microbiome compared to the gut highlights its potential as a reliable source for microbial information in IBS diagnostics.
| Parameter | Findings in IBS Patients |
|---|---|
| Microbial Diversity | Reduced richness in Bacteroidetes and Bacillus |
| Key Microbial Shifts | Increased Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium |
| Beta Diversity | Marked separation in overweight IBS participants |
| Pain Correlation | Increased pain severity correlated with 60 OTUs, 4 genera, 5 families, and 4 orders |
| Diagnostic Implications | Oral microbiome as a potential non-invasive biomarker for IBS severity and visceral pain |
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study’s findings underscore the diagnostic potential of the oral microbiome in IBS, particularly in overweight patients. By identifying distinct microbial signatures linked to visceral pain, the research suggests that oral mucosal sampling could serve as a non-invasive method for diagnosing IBS and monitoring symptom progression. Unlike the gut microbiome, which can be influenced by various transient factors, the oral microbiome remains relatively stable, offering a consistent reflection of systemic microbial changes. This makes it an ideal candidate for longitudinal studies and patient monitoring. Furthermore, the study opens pathways for personalized therapeutic interventions targeting microbial imbalances in IBS patients, particularly those with weight-related symptom exacerbation. Future research could expand on these findings by exploring targeted microbial therapies and correlating oral dysbiosis with specific clinical outcomes
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Recent research has focused on the gut microbiota's role in IBS, aiming to identify specific microbial signatures associated with the condition.