Molecular Profiling of the Appendix in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To address this gap, we characterized microbial species, associated patterns, and host-microbiota interactions in the appendix and non-inflamed regions of the colon tissue and mucus from pediatric IBD and non-IBD patients (n=15).

Metagenomic analyses revealed an enrichment of Proteobacteria (p-value=0.0061) and reduced bacterial diversity in IBD patients’ appendix compared to controls. Strong correlations between host tissue and mucus microbial pathways of IBD patients highlighted a link between microbial communities and host gene expression, contributing to immune activation and inflammation in the appendix. Our findings thus provide valuable insights and a basis for mechanistic hypotheses regarding the appendix’s role in IBD pathogenesis.