Gut Microbiota in HBV Cirrhosis

Background: The role of gut microbiota during the progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the specific microbiota associated with disease progression and to assess their potential as biomarkers.Methods: Serum samples from decompensated HBV-related cirrhosis (n = 21) and compensated controls (n = 22) were collected for quantitative metabolomics analysis. A subset of the subjects (n = 21) underwent fecal 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Multi-omics analysis, LEfSe, and correlation analysis were employed to explore the shifts and relationships in the gut microbiota and associated metabolites. Potential biomarkers for decompensation were identified, and their prognostic capabilities were evaluated.