Altered gut microbiota of obesity subjects promotes colorectal carcinogenesis in mice.

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). The role of gut microbiota in mediating the cancer-promoting effect of obesity is unknown.

Methods: Azoxymethane (AOM)-treated, Apc and germ-free mice were gavaged with feces from obese individuals and control subjects respectively.

Disentangling the relationship of gut microbiota, functional gastrointestinal disorders and autism: a case-control study on prepubertal Chinese boys.

Emerging evidence of an altered gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggests a pathomechanism through the gut-brain axis despite the inconsistent microbiome profile reported across studies. One of the knowledge gaps in the existing ASD microbiota studies is the lack of systematic exploration of the role of comorbid functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) in the association of ASD and altered gut microbiome. Consequently, 92 ASD and 112 age-matched typically developing (TD) boys were profiled on general psychopathology, FGID status by Rome IV classification, and gut microbiota using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing at the V4 hypervariable region.

Vitamin D and carbamazepine protect against infection in mice by restoring macrophage lysosome acidification.

infection (CDI) is a common cause of nosocomial diarrhea. TcdB is a major exotoxin that activates macrophages to promote inflammation and epithelial damage. Lysosome impairment is a known trigger for inflammation.

Biological characteristics associated with virulence in ribotype 002 in Hong Kong.

infection (CDI) is a common cause of nosocomial diarrhea and can sometimes lead to pseudo-membranous colitis and toxic megacolon. We previously reported that the PCR ribotype 002 was a common ribotype in Hong Kong that was associated with increased mortality. In this study, we assessed bacteriological characteristics and virulence of ribotype 002 compared to other common ribotypes, including ribotypes 012, 014 and 046.

Dermatomyositis as an extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report and literature review.

Rationale: Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with specific cutaneous manifestations, which is closely associated with malignancy. However, the exact mechanism remains elusive. Even less is known about dermatomyositis with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Clinical applications of gut microbiota in cancer biology.

The involvement of microorganisms in cancer has been increasing recognized. Collectively, microorganisms have been estimated to account for ∼20% of all cancers worldwide. Recent advances in metagenomics and bioinformatics have provided new insights on the microbial ecology in different tumors, pinpointing the roles of microorganisms in cancer formation, development and response to treatments.

Association Between Bacteremia From Specific Microbes and Subsequent Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer.

Background & Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) development has been associated with increased proportions of Bacteroides fragilis and certain Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, and Peptostreptococcus species in the intestinal microbiota. We investigated associations between bacteremia from specific intestinal microbes and occurrence of CRC.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study after collecting data on 13,096 adult patients (exposed group) in Hong Kong hospitalized with bacteremia (identified by blood culture test) without a previous diagnosis of cancer from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2015.

Clostridium difficile toxin B induces autophagic cell death in colonocytes.

Toxin B (TcdB) is a major pathogenic factor of Clostridum difficile. However, the mechanism by which TcdB exerts its cytotoxic action in host cells is still not completely known. Herein, we report for the first time that TcdB induced autophagic cell death in cultured human colonocytes.

Surveillance of antibiotic resistance among common Clostridium difficile ribotypes in Hong Kong.

Incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is rapidly increasing and it poses a major health burden globally. However, data regarding the epidemiology of CDI in Asia are limited. We aimed to characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of common ribotypes of toxigenic C.

Disease Burden of Clostridium difficile Infections in Adults, Hong Kong, China, 2006-2014.

Cross-sectional studies suggest an increasing trend in incidence and relatively low recurrence rates of Clostridium difficile infections in Asia than in Europe and North America. The temporal trend of C. difficile infection in Asia is not completely understood.

Gavage of Fecal Samples From Patients With Colorectal Cancer Promotes Intestinal Carcinogenesis in Germ-Free and Conventional Mice.

Background & Aims: Altered gut microbiota is implicated in development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Some intestinal bacteria have been reported to potentiate intestinal carcinogenesis by producing genotoxins, altering the immune response and intestinal microenvironment, and activating oncogenic signaling pathways. We investigated whether stool from patients with CRC could directly induce colorectal carcinogenesis in mice.

Quantitation of faecal improves faecal immunochemical test in detecting advanced colorectal neoplasia.

Objective: There is a need for an improved biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenoma. We evaluated faecal microbial markers for clinical use in detecting CRC and advanced adenoma.

Design: We measured relative abundance of (), () and () by quantitative PCR in 309 subjects, including 104 patients with CRC, 103 patients with advanced adenoma and 102 controls.