Chapters authored
Role of Gut Microbiome and Enteric Bacteria in Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is associated with a sinister prognosis, a short survival time, and early metastasis to distant sites. Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder due to gallstone disease and biliary bacteria remain key factors in the pathogenesis of GBC. The association of chronic bacterial infections with the development of GBC has provided a new perspective on the causation of GBC. A strong link between chronic Salmonella infection and enterohepatic strains of Helicobacter species with GBC has been suggested. It is believed that many other enteric bacterial strains, predominantly the Enterobacteriaceae species, are associated with the development of GBC. However, the available literature mainly comprises observational studies and small meta-analyses necessitating the requirement of a higher level of evidence. This chapter discusses the role of the gut microbiome, dysbiosis and its association with carcinogenesis, and the organisms associated with the causation of GBC.
Part of the book: Immunology of the GI Tract
Gut Microbiome and Crohn’s Disease: An Enigmatic Crosstalk
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic, recurrent, immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease that demonstrates a spectrum of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations. The pathogenesis of CD is multifactorial and involves a complex interplay between environmental and microbiological factors in a genetically susceptible host. There is robust evidence suggesting the role of gut microbial dysbiosis in the development as well as exacerbation of CD by immune dysregulation and alteration in the immune microbiota crosstalk. Patients with CD show reduced commensal microbial diversity, along with increased numbers of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae and Proteobacteriaceae. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, an anti-inflammatory molecule-producing bacteria, is also seen in reduced numbers in patients with CD and is associated with an increased risk of recurrence. There has been a paradigm shift in the management of patients of CD, from controlling symptoms to controlling inflammation and promoting mucosal healing. Current treatment strategies aim to replace, remove, reset, or redesign the gut microbiota for the therapeutic benefits of patients with CD. These include microbial restoration therapies such as dietary modification, the use of pre-, pro-, and postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transfer (FMT). This chapter focuses on the role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of CD and the emerging concepts in microbial therapeutics.
Part of the book: Crohn’s Disease