The gut microbiome of individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a topic of growing scientific interest, as recent research has linked severe immunodeficiency in HIV infection with changes in both the bacterial and viral communities of the gut.
Gut Microbiota Research & Practice is a section dedicated to promoting knowledge-sharing and debate among researchers, scientists and healthcare professionals. You will find a selection of discussions about articles from scientific literature as well as other content including interviews with experts, event reports, and special publications.
Mucosal adherent bacteria may be involved in early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis
22 Aug 2016by Andreu Prados
A recent study, led by Dr. Yue Zeng from the Department of Gastroenterology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai (China), has found that colorectal pre-neoplasic lesions may be the most important factor leading to mucosal adherent bacterial dysbiosis in patients with colorectal adenomas.
Is gut dysbiosis involved in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?
19 Aug 2016by Andreu Prados
A recent study, led by Prof. Maureen Hanson from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, USA, has found that ME/CFS patients have an altered composition of the gut microbiota that may play a role in increased microbial translocation and inflammatory symptoms in this condition.
Investigating potential mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulates eating behaviour
17 Aug 2016by Andreu Prados
It has been previously hypothesized that gut microbes could control a host’s eating behaviour through several potential mechanisms, including microbial manipulation of reward pathways, production of toxins that alter mood, changes to receptors (including taste receptors), and interference with neurotransmission via the vagus nerve—the main neural axis between the gut and the brain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, affecting more than 10% of the population, with the highest impact in women. Although its origin is still unknown, reduced gut microbial diversity could be involved in its development.
Host and donor microbiota composition affects the rate of transplant acceptance in mice
12 Aug 2016by Andreu Prados
It has been previously reported that clinical interventions on the gut microbiota constitute a new approach for preventing side effects of bone marrow transplant. Little is known regarding the role of environmental factors such as microbiota in transplant rejection.
Gregor Reid on the impact of a grassroots system of probiotic food production in Africa
10 Aug 2016by Andreu Prados
Gregor Reid is Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Surgery at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario (Canada), as well as the Director of the Canadian Research and Development Centre for Probiotics, and Assistant Director of the Lawson Health Research Institute.
Butyrate may have a protective effect in the development of type 1 diabetes
8 Aug 2016by Andreu Prados
It has been previously reported that the gut microbiota could be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. A recent study, led by Dr. Wolfgang zu Castell from the Scientific Computing Research Unit at Helmholtz Zentrum München in Munich (Germany) has found that butyrate may have a protective effect in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes.
The role of short-chain fatty acids in driving obesity: Should we blame acetate?
5 Aug 2016by Patrice D. Cani
In a recent paper by Perry et al., researchers describe an investigation into the putative mechanisms by which gut microbiota alterations may lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Authors describe increased production of acetate by altered gut microbiota in rats. They link this to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, higher ghrelin secretion, hyperphagia, and obesity. Thus, they point to increased acetate production as a driver of metabolic syndrome.
When Michael Gershon called the digestive system "the second brain" in his 1999 book, it was because scientists were beginning to realize that the gut and the brain in humans were engaged in constant conversation.
