Helicobacter pylori infection ( HPI ) is a prevalent infectious disease associated with gastric ulcer, gastric cancer, and many nongastrointestinal disorders. To identify genes that may serve as microbial markers for HPI , we performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples from 313 Chinese volunteers who had undergone a C14 breath test. Through comparing differences in intestinal microbial community structure between H. pylori ‐positive and H. pylori ‐negative individuals, we identified 58 HPI ‐associated microbial species ( P < 0.05, Wilcoxon test). A classifier based on microbial species markers showed high diagnostic ability for HPI ( AUC = 0.84). Furthermore, levels of gut microbial vitamin B12 ( VB 12) biosynthesis and plasma VB 12 were significantly lower in H. pylori ‐positive individuals compared with H. pylori ‐negative individuals ( P < 0.05, Wilcoxon test). This study reveals that certain alterations in gut microbial species and functions are associated with HPI and shows that gut microbial shift in HPI patients may indirectly elevate the risk of VB 12 deficiency.

The BMP2, PPARG and PRKAR2B genes may therefore be potential biomarkers in the treatment of PCa. Additionally, the small molecular agent phenoxybenzamine may be a potential drug for PCa.

ObjectiveWe compared the salivary nontargeted metabolite profiles between patients with recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) and healthy individuals to investigate the metabolic alterations associated with RAU.MethodsSaliva samples were collected from 45 patients with RAU and 49 healthy individuals, and the salivary metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The metabolomic profiles were then analyzed using multivariate and univariate statistical methods, and enrichment of the metabolites in various biological pathways was assessed.ResultsIn total, 206 significant differentiating metabolites (Wilcoxon test, false discovery rate [FDR] of <0.05) were identified between patients with RAU and healthy individuals. These metabolites were implicated in tryptophan metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and other metabolic pathways. Two commonly circulating steroids, estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, were significantly lower in the saliva of patients with RAU (Wilcoxon test, FDR < 0.05, power > 0.9). Principal component analysis and partial least-squares discriminant analysis revealed metabolic perturbations involving RAU, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with several metabolites showed good diagnostic ability for RAU.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that patients with RAU are characterized by metabolic imbalances. Psychogenic factors, endocrinopathies, and immunosuppression may contribute to the onset of RAU.