# Association of biliary microflora dysbiosis with cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center study

## TL;DR

This study explores how changes in bile microflora may be linked to the development of cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct cancer.

## Contribution

The study identifies unique microbial and metabolic profiles in cholangiocarcinoma patients that could aid in early diagnosis.

## Key findings

- Biliary microbial compositions differ significantly between cholangiocarcinoma and choledocholithiasis patients.
- Microbial-metabolite interactions may contribute to CCA through inflammation and oxidative stress pathways.
- The findings suggest potential microbial and metabolic markers for early CCA detection.

## Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy that poses a serious threat to long-term survival. In this study, we compared the biliary microbiota and metabolomic profiles of patients with CCA and those with choledocholithiasis to identify characteristic microbial species and metabolites associated with CCA and to explore the mechanisms linking microbial dysbiosis to CCA development.

A total of 25 CCA patients and 25 choledocholithiasis patients were included in the study. Bile was collected intraoperatively and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) to investigate the correlation between specific microorganisms and metabolites by integrating microbiomics and metabolomics.

The abundance and diversity of microorganisms were similar between the two groups; however, their microbial compositions were significantly different. Microbial–metabolite interactions may contribute to CCA development through pathways such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism.

These findings reveal a unique microbial community structure and metabolic profiles in CCA patients, providing potential microbial and metabolic markers for early CCA diagnosis. They also lay a theoretical foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.