Meta-Analysis
- Exploring COVID-19 Pandemic Disparities with Transcriptomic Meta-analysis from the Perspective of Personalized Medicine.
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Medi Kori, Ceyda Kasavi, Kazim Yalcin Arga
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J. Microbiol. 2024;62(9):785-798. Published online July 9, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00154-9
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Abstract
- Infection with SARS-CoV2, which is responsible for COVID-19, can lead to differences in disease development, severity and mortality rates depending on gender, age or the presence of certain diseases. Considering that existing studies ignore these differences, this study aims to uncover potential differences attributable to gender, age and source of sampling as well as viral load using bioinformatics and multi-omics approaches. Differential gene expression analyses were used to analyse the phenotypic differences between SARS-CoV-2 patients and controls at the mRNA level. Pathway enrichment analyses were performed at the gene set level to identify the activated pathways corresponding to the differences in the samples. Drug repurposing analysis was performed at the protein level, focusing on host-mediated drug candidates to uncover potential therapeutic differences. Significant differences (i.e. the number of differentially expressed genes and their characteristics) were observed for COVID-19 at the mRNA level depending on the sample source, gender and age of the samples. The results of the pathway enrichment show that SARS-CoV-2 can be combated more effectively in the respiratory tract than in the blood samples.
Taking into account the different sample sources and their characteristics, different drug candidates were identified. Evaluating disease prediction, prevention and/or treatment strategies from a personalised perspective is crucial. In this study, we not only evaluated the differences in COVID-19 from a personalised perspective, but also provided valuable data for further experimental and clinical efforts. Our findings could shed light on potential pandemics.
Journal Article
- Characteristic alterations of gut microbiota in uncontrolled gout
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Asad ul-Haq , Kyung-Ann Lee , Hoonhee Seo , Sukyung Kim , Sujin Jo , Kyung Min Ko , Su-Jin Moon , Yun Sung Kim , Jung Ran Choi , Ho-Yeon Song , Hyun-Sook Kim
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J. Microbiol. 2022;60(12):1178-1190. Published online November 24, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-2416-1
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Abstract
- Microbiome research has been on the rise recently for a more
in-depth understanding of gout. Meanwhile, there is a need to
understand the gut microbiome related to uric acid-lowering
drug resistance. In this study, 16S rRNA gene-based microbiota
analysis was performed for a total of 65 stool samples
from 17 healthy controls and 48 febuxostat-treated gout patients
(including 28 controlled subjects with decreased uric
acid levels and 20 uncontrolled subjects with non-reduced
uric acid levels). Alpha diversity of bacterial community decreased
in the healthy control, controlled, and uncontrolled
groups. In the case of beta diversity, the bacterial community
was significantly different among groups (healthy control, controlled,
and uncontrolled groups). Taxonomic biomarker analysis
revealed the increased population of g-Bifidobacterium
in healthy controls and g-Prevotella in uncontrolled patients.
PCR further confirmed this result at the species level. Additionally,
functional metagenomics predictions led to the exploration
of various functional biomarkers, including purine
metabolism. The results of this study can serve as a basis
for developing potential new strategies for diagnosing and
treating gout from microbiome prospects.
Randomized Controlled Trial
- Ulmus macrocarpa Hance extract modulates intestinal microbiota in healthy adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
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Kwangmin Kim , Karpagam Veerappan , Nahyun Woo , Bohyeon Park , Sathishkumar Natarajan , Hoyong Chung , Cheolmin Kim , Junhyung Park
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J. Microbiol. 2021;59(12):1150-1156. Published online October 26, 2021
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-021-1329-8
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6
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Abstract
- The stem and root bark of Ulmus macrocarpa Hance has been
used as traditional pharmacological agent against inflammation
related disorders. The objective of this study was to explore
the impact of Ulmus macrocarpa Hance extract (UME)
on human gut microbiota. A randomized placebo-controlled
clinical study was conducted in healthy adults. The study subjects
were given 500 mg/day of UME or placebo orally for 4
weeks. Eighty fecal samples were collected at baseline and 4
weeks of UME or placebo intervention. The gut microbiota
variation was evaluated by 16S rRNA profiling. The microbial
response was highly personalized, and no statistically significant
differences was observed in both species richness
and abundance. The number of bacterial species identified
in study subjects ranged from 86 to 182 species. The analysis
for taxonomical changes revealed an increase in Eubacterium
ventriosum, Blautia faecis, Ruminococcus gnavus in the UME
group. Functional enrichment of bacterial genes showed an
increase in primary and secondary bile acid biosynthesis in
UME group. Having known from previous studies Eubacterium
regulated bile acid homeostasis in protecting gut microbial
architecture and immunity, we suggest that UME supplementation
might enhance host immunity by modulating
gut microbiota. This is the first stage study and forthcoming
clinical studies with larger participants are needed to confirm
these findings.