Investigating the ileal microbiota biomechanical characteristics of patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)

Objective: To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of ileal microbiota in patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods: 72 patients with MAFLD were recruited in our hospital between January 2024 and November 2024. They were divided into mild fatty liver (MF group, n = 36) and moderate to severe fatty liver (SF group, n = 36) based on CAP values, and a healthy control group (H, n = 36) was included. The ileal microbiota was sampled using endoscopy with newly designed accessories, followed by 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze the biomechanical properties of the microbial community. Results: Compared with the control group, Alpha diversity of ileal flora in MAFLD group elevated, a gradual decrease in the percentage of Turicibacter, a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus and Veillonella, but an increase in the abundance of Prevotella, Leptotrichia, Porphyromonas. Conclusion: The biomechanical diversity and abundance of ileal microbiota in MAFLD patients change, which is related to the severity of the disease. The reduction of Turicibacter and the migration of oral colonizing bacteria are characteristic features of the ileal microbiota in MAFLD patients, potentially influencing the biomechanical interactions within the gut environment.