The impact of long-term (≥5 years) cholecystectomy on gut microbiota changes and its influence on colorectal cancer risk: based on 16S rDNA sequencing analysis

Abstract

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a major global health concern. Recent advances in molecular biology have highlighted the gut microbiota’s role in CRC. This study investigates long-term (≥5 years) gut microbiota changes in patients postcholecystectomy, comparing them with CRC patients and healthy controls to assess their impact on CRC development. Methods Sixty participants were divided into three groups: 20 healthy controls, 20 postcholecystectomy (PCE) patients, and 20 CRC patients. Demographic data and stool samples were collected. Gut microbiota composition, abundance, and diversity were analyzed using high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing. Results Significant differences in microbial community, α-diversity (P < 0.05) and β-diversity (P = 0.006), were observed among the three groups. At the phylum level, Firmicutes abundance was significantly reduced in PCE and CRC groups compared with the control group (P = 0.002), while changes in other phyla were not significant (P>0.05). At the genus level, Bacteroides, Dialister, and Parabacteroides increased progressively from control to PCE to CRC groups (P = 0.004, 0.001, and 0.002). Prevotella decreased across these groups (P = 0.041). Faecalibacterium and Roseburia abundances were reduced in PCE and CRC groups compared with controls (P = 0.001 and 0.003). The Random Forest algorithm identified Parabacteroides, Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Dialister as key distinguishing genera. Conclusion The gut microbiota of long-term (≥5 years) PCE patients significantly differs from that of controls and resembles that of CRC patients, suggesting a potential link between cholecystectomy and CRC development through key microbial changes.