Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Aims: The human gastrointestinal system hosts a rich and diverse microbial community, surpassing a staggering 10[ 14 ] bacteria, collectively harbouring more than 5,000,000 genes. The aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review of human studies in order to investigate the correlation between the gut microbiota and pancreatic disorders. Materials and Methods: To systematically compile relevant research between 2011 and 2022, a thorough exploration of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was executed. The initial search results, encompassing all identified studies, were meticulously scrutinised, including a comprehensive review of their reference lists to ensure the completeness of our search. Initially, our search strategy yielded a total of 114 items. Subsequent refinement involved the removal of 58 duplicate articles identified in both searches. Following a meticulous screening process involving title, abstract and keyword assessments, 36 studies progressed to the next phase of evaluation. However, this cohort underwent further scrutiny, leading to the exclusion of 11 studies categorised as reviews or case reports, 5 in languages other than English that have been published and 20 that did not investigate the microbiome. As a result, a focused set of 20 papers emerged for in-depth evaluation for eligibility. Results: The demographic profile of the patients revealed that nearly half were men, with an average age of 52 years (interquartile range of 44-56). The interquartile range further ranged from 45% to 52%, reflecting the distribution of ages within the group. Among the studies scrutinising acute pancreatitis, gallstones emerged as the predominant cause in 9 out of 15, while 7 studies focusing on chronic pancreatitis found no evidence of gallstones. Conclusion: This comprehensive, systematic investigation has furnished robust evidence substantiating the intricate connection between pancreatitis and the microbiota.