Gut microbiome

Posted on Diabetes, Gut microbiome

Genetic link between diabetes and gut health could offer treatment solutions

Genetic link between diabetes and gut health could offer treatment solutions
Genetic link between diabetes and gut health could offer treatment solutions.

Researchers at Edith Cowan, University’s Centre for Precision Health, have found a significant genetic connection between Type 2 Diabetes and some gut disorders, which could lead to more effective treatments. 

 
The research found that gut disorders like stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux could share similar biological origins with Type 2 Diabetes, meaning that some of the same genes played a role in these conditions. 

“Prior studies have suggested a connection between these conditions, and although the mechanisms remain unclear, reports associating gut conditions with diabetic complications underscore the substantial impact of their coexistence on health outcomes,” said lead researcher Dr Emmanuel Adewuyi. 

“Our study employs a genetic approach to unravel the intricate relationships of these seemingly unrelated conditions. Uncovering their genetic underpinnings has laid the foundation for targeted treatment and personalised care. I am optimistic about its potential to enhance the lives of millions worldwide”. 

Diabetes has reached pandemic proportions, with over 536 million people globally living with the disease by 2021 and with the illness resulting in more than 6.7 million mortalities. Type 2 Diabetes accounts for between 90% to 95% of all cases of diabetes. 

The co-occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes and gut disorders can speed up disease progression and increase healthcare costs, leading to complex management plans and poorer quality of life for patients.  

This co-occurrence could also contribute to the actual development of these disorders through shared genetic mechanisms, biological processes, or causal relationships. 

Surprisingly, however, unlike the other gut conditions, the study found no genetic connection between Type 2 Diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), showcasing the complexities of these conditions.  

 
Dr Adewuyi noted that understanding the relationship between Type 2 Diabetes and gut disorders could advance knowledge of their underlying biological mechanisms, identify targets for further investigation, and provide opportunities for treatment development, evidence-based clinical decisions, or precision prevention strategies. 

“This research marks another significant milestone in our Centre’s statistical genetics research program that seeks to unravel the intricate relationships across many of today’s major health conditions,” Professor Simon Laws, Director of the Centre for Precision Health and supervisor of the study, remarked. 

“By delving into the genetic architecture of Type 2 Diabetes and various gut disorders, we have uncovered novel insights that could pave the way for more effective therapeutic strategies. Deciphering the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions has the potential to lead to improvements in patient care and outcomes.” 

Researchers say further research will be essential to translate these findings into tangible benefits for patients worldwide. 

Posted on Autism, Gut microbiome

Microbiome changes linked to Autism

Autism, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by decreased social communication and repetitive behaviours, has long intrigued scientists seeking to unravel its underlying mechanisms. Researchers from the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University have now identified a potential link between autism and the composition of the gut microbiome.

The researchers analyzed the diversity of the gut microbiome in an Israeli cohort of 96 individuals diagnosed with autism and 42 neurotypical individuals. Their findings, recently published in the journal npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, point to significant differences in both alpha and beta diversity in autists and identify specific types of bacteria that are found at higher abundance in individuals with autism.

The key discoveries include an unexpected increase in alpha diversity, a measure of microbial diversity, and a notable rise in the relative abundance of the phylum Bacteriodetes and the genus Bacteroides in autists. Traditionally, decreased alpha diversity has been associated with compromised health in various conditions. However, the increased alpha diversity observed in the autistic cohort challenges prevailing notions, especially considering its potential connection to neurological diseases. Bacteroides, normally found in the human gut microbiome, may disadvantage health when increased in abundance.  

The researchers conducted experiments involving newborn mice to investigate the potential functional consequences of these microbiome changes. Mice treated with Bacteroides fragilis at birth exhibited social behaviour dysfunction, increased repetitive behaviours, and gene expression dysregulation.

“Our research suggests that an overabundance of Bacteroides, particularly in early life, may have functional consequences for individuals with autism. This sheds new light on the complex interplay between the microbiome and neurodevelopment in individuals with autism,” said the study’s lead researcher, Prof. Evan Elliott, of Bar-Ilan University’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine. The study was conducted with Prof. Omry Koren, a microbiome expert at the Azrieli Faculty.

Intriguingly, these effects were observed primarily in male mice, with female mice showing no behavioural deficits. This suggests that males may be more susceptible to environmental factors contributing to autism. The research underscores the importance of further investigation into the sex-specific aspects of autism and the potential role of microbial composition.

The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory, offering potential avenues for further exploration into the long-term effects of microbial interventions during early developmental stages and their implications for brain development.

Prof. Elliott’s research into mechanisms between microbiome dysbiosis and autism behaviour is now receiving international recognition and a significant boost. The Eagles Autism Foundation, established by the Philadelphia Eagles football team, has just announced that Elliott’s work is among 34 projects specializing in cutting-edge autism research and care that will receive a total of $6.2 million in funding. 

Posted on Gut microbiome

Peanuts and herbs and spices may positively impact gut microbiome


 Adding a daily ounce of peanuts or about a teaspoon of herbs and spices to your diet may affect the composition of gut bacteria, an indicator of overall health, according to new research from Penn State. In two separate studies, nutritional scientists studied the effects of small changes to the average American diet and found improvements to the gut microbiome.

The human gut microbiome is a collection of trillions of microorganisms that live inside the intestinal tract. The bacteria there can affect nearly all systems of the body, including metabolism and the building and maintaining of the immune system.

“Research has shown that people who have a lot of different microbes have better health, and a better diet, than those who don’t have much bacterial diversity,” said Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Evan Pugh University Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State.

For the peanut study, which published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, Kris-Etherton and her colleagues compared the effects of snacking on 28 grams (approx. 1 ounce) of peanuts per day, versus a higher carbohydrate snack—crackers and cheese. At the end of six weeks, participants who ate the peanut snack showed an increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae, a group of bacteria linked to healthy liver metabolism and immune function.

In the herbs and spices study, which published in The Journal of Nutrition, scientists analyzed the impact of adding blends of herbs and spices — such as cinnamon, ginger, cumin, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme — to the controlled diets of participants at risk for cardiovascular disease. The team examined three doses — about 1/8 teaspoon per day, a little more than 3/4 teaspoon per day and about 1 1/2 teaspoon per day. At the end of four weeks, participants showed an increase in gut bacteria diversity, including an increase in Ruminococcaceae, most notably with the medium and high doses of herbs and spices.

“It’s such a simple thing that people can do,” said Kris-Etherton. “The average American diet is far from ideal, so I think everyone could benefit by adding herbs and spices. It’s also a way of decreasing sodium in your diet but flavoring foods in a way that makes them palatable and, in fact, delicious! Taste is really a top criterion for why people choose the foods they do.”

In both studies, the increase in Ruminococcaceae and bacterial diversity was viewed positively, as scientists continue to learn more about the connection between the gut microbiota and a spectrum of health factors, from blood pressure to weight. However, Kris-Etherton is quick to point out that more research is needed to understand all of the implications.

She said, “We need a lot more research on the microbiome to see what its proper place is in terms of overall health.”