A7 CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE SENSITIVE GUT MICROBIOME SIGNATURES AND THEIR IMMUNO-METABOLOMIC LINKS TO CROHN’S DISEASE

Abstract Background A recent study reported that carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a common synthetic emulsifier, can disrupt the gut microbiota, potentially triggering gut inflammation and metabolic disturbances. A follow up study revealed interindividual variability in CMC effects liked to microbiota CMC sensitivity, identifying 78 associated metagenomic markers. Aims We aimed here to evaluate whether these 78 CMC-sensitive metagenomic markers were associated with risk of development of Crohn disease (CD), and to examine how ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption might impact these associations. Methods The CCC-GEM project prospectively enrolled healthy first-degree relatives (FDRs) of CD patients. Deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing, serum metabolomics, and serology were analyzed in a subset of GEM cohort. UPF consumption was classified using the NOVA system, with high UPF intake defined as ≥ 40% of total energy. Associations between metagenomic signatures and CD development and their relationships with metabolomic and serologic profiles, were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards and generalized estimating equation models. Statistical significance was defined at a false discovery rate-adjusted q value