Alterations of the gut microbiome composition in radiation enteritis

We aimed to examine the features of the gut microbiome during radiation enteritis activity. By delivering single high-dose irradiation, a RE mouse model was established. High-throughput16S rDNA sequencing was performed to examine microbial changes in the gut microecosystem. Clinical samples were collected to validate the above observations. During RE activity, the intestinal inflammation of the mice was confirmed by typical signs, symptoms, imaging findings and pathological evidences. 16S datasets revealed that localised irradiation dramatically altered the gut microbial composition, resulting in a decrease ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes. These observations were partly confirmed in human specimens. Our study provided a comprehensive description of microbiota dysbiosis in radiation enteritis , suggesting strategies to change local microecosystem to relieve radiation injury and maintain homeostasis.