Research Papers

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Examining associations between gut microbiome composition and host phenotypic features, including

gut symptoms, across a large population.​

• Published: 2020

• Source: Nature Communications

• Study Design: Cross-sectional study analysing gut microbiota from faecal samples of approximately 3,400 individuals using 16S rRNA sequencing, correlated with 150 host phenotypic features (e.g., gastrointestinal symptoms, lifestyle factors, and blood biomarkers).

• Findings: The study identified significant associations between gut microbiome composition and gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and diarrhoea. Higher microbial diversity was linked to fewer symptoms, while specific microbial shifts correlated with increased symptom severity.​

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Exploring the relationship between gut dysbiosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in a clinical population.​

• Published: 2022

• Source: Gut Microbe

• Study Design: Case - control study with 200 IBS patients and 100 healthy controls. Gut microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea) were evaluated via standardised questionnaires.

• Findings: IBS patients exhibited significantly lower microbial diversity and distinct microbial profiles compared to controls. Symptom severity correlated with specific microbial imbalances, suggesting a role for dysbiosis in symptom generation.

 

​​Assessing gut microbiota alterations in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and associated gastrointestinal symptoms.​

• Published: 2023

• Source: Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology

• Study Design: Prospective cohort study of 150 patients diagnosed with SIBO via breath testing, compared to 50 healthy controls. Faecal microbiota was analysed using shotgun metagenomics, with symptoms like bloating and abdominal discomfort tracked.

• Findings: SIBO patients showed microbial overgrowth in the small intestine and reduced diversity in the gut microbiome. Symptoms were more severe in those with pronounced dysbiosis, supporting a link between microbial imbalance and gut dysfunction.

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Investigating the impact of gut dysbiosis on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during remission and flare - ups.​

• Published: 2024

• Source: Clinical Nutrition

• Study Design: Longitudinal study of 120 IBD patients (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) followed over 12 months. Faecal samples were collected during remission and flare-ups, analysed via 16S rRNA sequencing, and correlated with symptoms (e.g., diarrhoea, abdominal pain).

• Findings: Dysbiosis was more pronounced during flare -ups, with reduced microbial diversity and shifts in composition linked to symptom exacerbation. Even in remission, subtle imbalances persisted, suggesting a chronic dysbiotic state.

 

Title: Gut Microbiome Signatures in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients​

Published: 2023, Nature Communications
Source: PubMed
Study Design: Longitudinal cohort study tracking microbiome changes in IBD patients over 12 months.
Findings: Significant depletion of anti-inflammatory bacterial taxa and increased abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria during flare-ups.
Key Insights: Microbiome alterations correlate with disease activity, supporting microbiome modulation as a therapeutic avenue.

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Microbiota and Metabolomic Changes in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders​

Published: 2020, The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Source: PubMed
Study Design: Case-control study comparing microbiome and metabolite profiles in patients with functional GI disorders vs. healthy controls.
Findings: Altered microbial diversity and metabolic by-products linked to symptom severity including bloating and pain.
Key Insights: Functional GI disorders may result from combined microbial and metabolic dysregulation.

 

Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Patients with IBS​

Published: 2021, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Source: PubMed
Study Design: Cross-sectional study including 300 IBS patients screened for SIBO using breath tests.
Findings: Approximately 36.7% of IBS patients tested positive for SIBO, especially in diarrhoea-predominant IBS subtypes
Key Insights: SIBO is a common comorbidity in IBS and contributes to symptom severity; addressing bacterial overgrowth can reduce symptoms.

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