Role of the Microbiota in Intestinal Adaptation During Short Bowel Syndrome

Overview

During the first years following intestinal resection, spontaneous physiological adaptations occur in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS), allowing improvement of the absorptive capacity of the remaining intestine. This adaptation is particularly effective in SBS patients with the colon in continuity. The specific relationship between this intestinal adaptation and changes in the gut microbiota has not been studied in these patients. We hypothesize that there is a specific relationship between the microbiota and its metabolites and intestinal adaptive capacity, and that certain gut bacteria may promote this spontaneous adaptation.

We know that spontaneous adaptation, including weaning from parenteral nutrition, is more likely in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who have the colon in continuity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We have shown that the gut microbiota is altered in patients with SBS, with an overabundance of lactic acid bacteria (bacteria responsible for fermentation). It is therefore possible that some of these bacteria may promote spontaneous adaptation and improved absorption in patients with SBS with a colon in continuity, thereby enabling weaning from parenteral nutrition. In the proposed research, we will study changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in adults with SBS before and at the beginning of the restoration of colonic continuity within the digestive tract (new type 2 SBS patients). To this end, we will compare changes in fecal bacterial populations with the intestine's capacity to adapt and absorb nutrients. This will make it possible to identify specific factors within the microbiota or in the substances they produce (microbial biomarkers) that could become future targets for improving energy absorption. To address the research question, it is planned to include 15 individuals with SBS, followed in the gastroenterology and nutritional support department at Beaujon Hospital in Clichy Primary Objective: To study the relationship between intestinal absorptive capacity in adults with type 2 short bowel syndrome (jejuno-colic anastomosis) and the composition of the fecal microbiota after the restoration of colonic continuity.