Unraveling the blood microbiome: novel insights into inflammasome responses in Crohn's disease

• Published in: European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology Vol. 36; no. 8; p. 975
• Main Authors: Kirkik, Duygu, Kalkanli Tas, Sevgi, Tanoglu, Alpaslan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Biomarkers - blood; Case-Control Studies; Crohn Disease - blood; Crohn Disease - immunology; Crohn Disease - microbiology; Female; Humans; Inflammasomes - blood; Inflammasomes - immunology; Interleukin-18 - blood; Interleukin-1beta - blood; Male; Microbiota; Middle Aged; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein - blood; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - genetics; Staphylococcus - isolation & purification; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1473-5687
• DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002695

Crohn's disease (CD), an inflammatory bowel disease with unknown etiology, is influenced by genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. This study aimed to analyze the blood microbiome and inflammasome responses, emphasizing NLRP3 protein expression and IL-1β and IL-18 plasma levels, between Crohn's patients and healthy subjects. A total of 40 volunteers were included in this study. The 16S rRNA technique was used to sequence the V3-V4 regions of the blood sample. NLRP3 protein levels in plasma were ascertained through Western Blot, and IL-1β and IL-18 plasma profiles were examined using ELISA. Analysis highlighted five unique phyla in patients' plasma, emphasizing the role of the blood microbiome in CD. Compared to controls, Crohn's patients exhibited elevated NLRP3 protein expression. Plasma IL-1β levels were diminished in patients ( P  = 0.0041), whereas IL-18 levels were comparably higher ( P  = 0.8209). In patients with CD, the presence of Staphylococcus sciuri in blood samples highlights its potential role in the disease's onset. The study also underscored the interplay between dietary habits, specifically increased meat consumption, and the progression of CD. Our pioneering research discerns the variations in the blood microbiome and inflammasome responses between Crohn's patients and healthy individuals. Significant microbiome alterations and the detection of the Staphylococcus sciuri pathogen in Crohn's patients were notable. The pronounced NLRP3 protein in patients suggests its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. Future explorations into IL-1β and IL-18 pathways promise to unveil innovative insights into CD.