Gut Microbiota Variations between Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Nephritis.

BACKGROUND

In China, little is known regarding the differences between children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) and Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) concerning their gut microbiota.

METHODS

We recruited 25 children with HSP, 25 children with HSPN, and 25 healthy children to investigate the differences. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the gene. The diversity of the fecal gut microbiota was compared between the patient groups.

RESULTS

Rarefaction curves showed that the gut microbial diversity between the three groups differed significantly ( = 0.0224). The top five most abundant gut microbial genera were , , , , and in children with HSP; , , , , and in children with HSPN; and , , , , and in healthy children. Children with HSP had the lowest abundance among the three groups ( < 0.05). Children with HSPN had a lower abundance of than children with HSP ( < 0.05), whereas children with HSPN had a higher abundance than children with HSP ( < 0.05). Fecal microbial community composition did not differ significantly between groups (ANOSIM, = -0.002, = 0.46). Despite the small sample size, our results indicate that children with HSP or HSPN displayed dysbiosis of the gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights that will benefit the development of future microbe-based therapies to improve clinical outcomes or prevent the incidence of HSP or HSPN in children.