This study aims to investigate the characteristics of the gut microbiota and immunefunction status in patients with monoclonal gammopathy complicated by infection, and toanalyze the correlation between the two.200 patients diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathyby MALDI-TOF MS were included, of which 100 had concurrent infections and 100 did not. Anadditional 100 healthy controls, matched for age and gender, were also enrolled.Bycomparing the composition of the gut microbiota and immune function markers (such asperipheral blood immune cell profiles and cytokine levels) between the patient groups andthe control group, the study will evaluate the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota andabnormal immune status in patients with monoclonal gammopathy complicated by infection.The aim is to explore the correlation between the gut microbiome alterations and immunedysfunction, in order to provide a basis for further investigation of the underlyingmechanisms.
The intestine is the largest immune organ in the human body, playing a crucial role in
regulating host health, maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis, and preventing
pathogen invasion. The gut microbiota can directly participate in the immune regulation
of the host, promote the development of the immune system, and maintain normal immune
function. Meanwhile, the immune system also has a regulatory and constraining effect on
the gut microbiota. With age, the structure of the gut microbiota and the function of the
immune system undergo continuous changes and adjustments to adapt to the body's needs.
This dynamic gut microbiota-immune system interaction plays a key role in maintaining
metabolic homeostasis and immune balance in the body.Multiple myeloma (MM) is a
hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma
cells in the bone marrow, commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. MM
patients generally have a higher risk of infection, especially after receiving intensive
chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Monoclonal gammopathy of
undetermined significance (MGUS) is an asymptomatic condition, and multiple myeloma often
progresses from monoclonal gammopathy. Although most MGUS patients do not progress to
malignant disease for life, MGUS patients do have a higher risk of infection. Gut
microbiome dysbiosis may be involved in regulating immune function, leading to increased
susceptibility to infections in MGUS patients.This study aims to use a retrospective
cohort study approach to systematically analyze the characteristics of the gut microbiota
in MGUS patients with concurrent infections, and explore its correlation with
immune-related indicators. In-depth analysis of these key factors will help further
elucidate the pathogenesis of MGUS complicated by infection, and provide new evidence and
insights for clinical prevention and treatment.
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Age 45 years and older; and
2. Patients who were monoclonal gammaglobulin negative by MALDI-TOF MS screening;
3. No symptoms of infection and normal indicators of infection (whole blood hs-CRP,
serum IL-6, PCT);
4. Sufficient remaining whole blood, plasma and faecal samples are available, and
relevant case information can be provided.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Those with a previous history of intestinal tumour, irritable bowel syndrome or
inflammatory bowel disease or confirmed in hospital; and
2. Patients receiving antibiotic therapy in the last month
3. Severe systemic diseases including malignant tumours;
4. Insufficient remaining sample volume, or the presence of sample failure such as
severe haemolysis, lipaemia or jaundice.
Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University
Guanzhou, Guangdong, China
Investigator: Hongwei Zhou, Professor
Contact: 186 8848 9622
hzhou@smu.edu.cn
Nianyi Zeng
13928801657 - +86
zengny1@i.smu.edu.cn
Hongwei Zhou, Professor
Hongwei Zhou, Professor, Study Chair
Southern Medical University, China