Abstract
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has emerged as a highly effective intervention in the management of obesity. While there has been a recent surge in research exploring the relationship between obesity and gut microbiota, the association between gut microbiota and LSG remains relatively underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and both early and later effects of LSG. METHODS: In this retrospective study, clinical characteristics and preoperative fecal samples were collected from 52 individuals who underwent LSG. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we compared the community composition, alpha diversity, and beta diversity of gut microbiota between patients who experienced efficient weight loss and those who did not. Additionally, comprehensive and correlation analyses were performed to identify potential associations between specific microbial taxa and LSG outcomes. RESULTS: The abundances of gut microbiota in patients who experienced efficient weight loss and those who experienced general weight loss were comparable. However, the influence of gut microbiota on the efficacy of weight loss is dynamic. Specifically, the Fusobacteriota phylum significantly contributed to the early curative effects of LSG, while Actinobacteriota had a greater impact on the late curative effects. Additionally, Proteobacteria were found to mediate long-term efficacy through complex mechanisms. CONCLUSION: This study analyzed the preoperative gut microbiota signature to predict the efficacy of LSG, potentially offering valuable insights for clinical applications. Preoperative assessment of gut microbiota profiles could assist patients in their decision-making processes, particularly regarding the potential outcomes of LSG and the long-term impact of the procedure on their health.