Changes in gut bacteria linked to cholesterol gallstones in mice

Feeding a lithogenic diet led to cholesterol gallstone formation in mice.

• Mice on the lithogenic diet (1.25% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid) showed reduced richness and alpha diversity in gut microbiota.
• The percentage of Firmicutes decreased significantly from 59.71% on the control diet to 31.45% on the lithogenic diet (P < 0.01).
• The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes also declined in mice fed with the lithogenic diet.
• Significant differences in gut microbiota composition were found at the phylum, family, and genus levels between the two dietary groups.
• Gut microbiota dysbiosis may be associated with the development of cholesterol gallstones in mice.

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