An Update on the Role and Potential Molecules in Relation to Ruminococcus gnavus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Jinni Hong,1,2 Tingting Fu,1,2 Weizhen Liu,1,2 Yu Du,1,2 Junmin Bu,1,2 Guojian Wei,1,2 Miao Yu,1,2 Yanshan Lin,1,2 Cunyun Min,1,2 Datao Lin3 1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangdong Provincial Institute of Geriatric, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jinni Hong, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax [phone], Email [email protected] Datao Lin, Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax [phone], Email [email protected]: Ruminococcus gnavus (R. gnavus) is a gram-positive anaerobe commonly resides in the human gut microbiota. The advent of metagenomics has linked R. gnavus with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and diabetes mellitus (DM), which has become a growing area of investigation. The initial focus of research primarily centered on assessing the abundance of R. gnavus and its potential association with disease presentation, taking into account variations in sample size, sequencing and analysis methods. However, recent investigations have shifted towards elucidating the underlying mechanistic pathways through which R. gnavus may contribute to disease manifestation. In this comprehensive review, we aim to provide an updated synthesis of the current literature on R. gnavus in the context of IBD, obesity, and DM. We critically analyze relevant studies and summarize the potential molecular mediators implicated in the association between R. gnavus and these diseases. Across numerous studies, various molecules such as methylation-controlled J (MCJ), glucopolysaccharides, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), interleukin(IL)-10, IL-17, and capric acid have been proposed as potential contributors to the link between R. gnavus and IBD. Similarly, in the realm of obesity, molecules such as hydrogen peroxide, butyrate, and UDCA have been suggested as potential mediators, while glycine ursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) has been implicated in the connection between R. gnavus and DM. Furthermore, it is imperative to emphasize the necessity for additional studies to evaluate the potential efficacy of targeting pathways associated with R. gnavus as a viable strategy for managing these diseases. These findings have significantly expanded our understanding of the functional role of R. gnavus in the context of IBD, obesity, and DM. This review aims to offer updated insights into the role and potential mechanisms of R. gnavus, as well as potential strategies for the treatment of these diseases. Keywords: Ruminococcus gnavus, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus

Keywords

• ruminococcus gnavus
• inflammatory bowel disease
• obesity
• diabetes mellitus.