Characteristics of the intestinal flora in patients with peripheral neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes

Objective To study the characteristics of the intestinal flora in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and analyze the association between the intestinal flora and clinical indicators. Methods We classified 80 subjects into three groups: patients with DPN (n = 45), patients type 2 diabetes without DPN (n = 21), and healthy controls (n = 14). The intestinal flora composition was compared among the three groups, and the correlation between the intestinal flora and clinical indicators was analyzed. Results At the phylum level, the richness of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria was elevated in the DN group, and that of Bacteroidetes was decreased. At the genus level, the richness ofBacteroidesandFaecalibacteriumwas significantly decreased in the DPN group, whereas that ofEscherichia-Shigella,Lachnoclostridium,Blautia,Megasphaera, andRuminococcus torquesgroup was increased. The homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index was positively correlated withMegasphaerarichness. Glycine ursodeoxycholic acid was positively correlated withRuminococcus gnavusgroup andPhascolarctobacteriumrichness. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid was positively correlated withRuminococcus gnavusgroup andParabacteroidesrichness. Conclusion There was obvious intestinal microbiota disorder in patients with DPN, which may be related to insulin resistance. These changes may have important roles in the development of DPN.