Work

Characterization of the Fecal Metabolome in Patients With Early Systemic Sclerosis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fecal metabolome in patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc) compared with unaffected controls and to determine if altered metabolites are associated with specific bacterial genera in patients with early SSc. METHODS: Stool samples and clinical data were collected from 106 patients with early SSc and 79 unaffected control patients. Targeted metabolomics was performed on fecal samples using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to determine the microbial composition of fecal samples. RESULTS: Compared with unaffected controls, patients with early SSc had higher levels of nicotinamide, 5'-methylthioadenosine, and several short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including valeric acid, propionic acid, and caproic acid. Conversely, patients with early SSc had lower levels of xylonic acid, orotate, methionine sulfoxide, and sarcosine. SCFAs were associated with unique bacterial genera, several of which were more abundant in patients with SSc compared with unaffected controls. CONCLUSION: The fecal metabolome is altered in patients with early SSc, with a shift toward increased SCFAs.

Source: ACR Open Rheumatology

DOI: 10.1002/acr2.70127