Background: The alteration of gut microbiota is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Nevertheless, the relationships between HIV/HCV-coinfection, gut dysbiosis and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including butyrate are not well-characterized.
Methods: Fecal sample specimens obtained from 25 healthy controls, 46 patients with HIV, and 24 patients with HIV/HCV-coinfection were examined. Gut microbiome profiles and butyrate level (butyryl-CoA:acetateCoA-transferase gene) were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and quantitative PCR, respectively.
Results: Our data showed that microbial alpha diversity (Chao1) and butyrate levels in the HIV and HIV/HCV groups were declined compared with healthy controls. Moreover, butyrate levels were significantly associated with the abundant of SCFAs-producing bacteria including Blautia (r=0.327, P=0.006), Roseburia (r=0.483, P<0.001), Lachinopira (r=0.325, P=0.006), and Eubacterium (r=0.390, P=0.001). The reduction in these bacteria was also correlated with elevated serum aminotransferase, severity of liver fibrosis (FIB-4, APRI and transient elastography) and declined mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. Additionally, the level of fecal butyrate was negatively correlated with liver stiffness assessed by transient elastography (r=-0.248, P=0.047).
Conclusions: Decrease in fecal butyrate and the abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria were correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis. These data suggest that gut dysbiosis and reduced SCFAs may involve in the pathogenesis of HIV and HIV/HCV infection.