Alterations in Gut Microbiota Composition and Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench,
,
2 March 2026
https://doi.org/10.22037/ghfbb.v19i01.3293
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis may play a critical role in the pathogenesis and inflammatory status of T1DM. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate alterations in specific gut bacterial genera and investigate their associations with inflammatory biomarkers in patients with T1DM.
Methods: In this case–control study, 30 patients with T1DM and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Clinical and biochemical parameters were recorded. The relative abundance of Clostridium and Ruminococcus was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR, and related protein expression levels were evaluated by western blot analysis. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between bacterial abundance and inflammatory status.
Results: Patients with T1DM exhibited significantly higher fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, body mass index, and blood pressure compared with controls (p < 0.001). The abundance of Clostridium and Ruminococcus was significantly reduced in patients with T1DM. Lower abundance of Clostridium was associated with elevated IL-6 and CRP levels, while reduced Ruminococcus abundance showed significant inverse correlations with IL-6 and TNF-α. Logistic regression analysis indicated that decreased abundance of these genera was independently associated with increased systemic inflammation. Gene and protein expression levels of both bacteria-related markers were significantly higher in the control group than in the T1DM group.
Conclusion: Alterations in gut microbiota composition, particularly reduced abundance of Clostridium and Ruminococcus, are associated with increased systemic inflammation in T1DM. These findings support a potential link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammatory status in T1DM and suggest that microbiota-targeted strategies may represent a complementary approach for inflammation modulation.
- Gastrointestinal Microbiome
- Clostridium
- Ruminococcus
- Inflammation
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
How to Cite
References
Reference
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