ABSTRACT Gut bacteria, metabolites and trace elements are involved in the whole process of the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to explore the variety of gut microbes, metabolites and trace elements in the whole life cycle (from occurrence to metastasis to cachexia) of CRC. Stool samples from 302 volunteers (107 CRC, 69 adenoma dvanced, 126 controls) underwent DNA extraction and full‐length 16S rDNA sequencing (PacBio Sequel II). Gut metabolites and trace elements were analysed by mass spectrometry to assess CRC‐associated variations. The results found that a total of seven bacteria (Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, etc. ), one trace element (Plumbum) and four metabolites (VLH, etc. ) could be used as biomarkers to construct CRC identification models with an accuracy of 93. 3%. Metastatic CRC showed distinct microbial/metabolite profiles (10 bacteria such as FaecalibacteriumₚrausnitziiG and 19 metabolites such as adrenic acid), while Lachnotalea soehngenii, PD 0200347 and Vanadium predicted malnutrition risk (80% accuracy). In conclusion, gut bacteria, metabolites and trace elements serve as predictive biomarkers for CRC risk, metastasis and malnutrition while supporting therapeutic drug research.
Yinhang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.