Changes in Lactate-related Fecal Microbiome in Hyperlactatemia Diabetic Dogs

Background/Aim: The correlation between the intestinal microbiome and endocrine disorders has recently been drawing attention as an important key for determining their pathology and clinical assessment. In this study, we evaluated the microbiome of dogs with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) with respect to blood lactate. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were obtained from 17 subjects and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction determinations were performed to quantify the gene expression levels of lactate-producing and dysbiosis index-related bacteria. Results: Expression levels of the lactate-producing bacteria Lactobacillus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Bifidobacterium spp., were confirmed in patients with high concentrations of lactate in the blood. The abundance of Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium was higher in diabetic dogs compared to that of non-diabetic dogs. When blood lactate concentrations were high, the abundance of Bifidobacterium also increased. Conclusion: Blood lactate levels influence the gut microbiome in dogs with IDDM. This study will help understand the gut microbiota in the context of diabetes in human and veterinary medicine.