by Manon Oliero
A new publication from Alan T. Tang of the University of Pennsylvania focuses on explaining the relationship between gut microbiota and cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), which is a neurological disease that leads to hemorrhagic stroke and seizure.
While initial studies focused on characterizing the gut microbiome, there has been a shift in the field towards mechanistic research focusing on microbiome influence on host phenotype. Here, science and medical writer Andreu Prados updates major breakthroughs in the field in 2019.
by Allison Clark
Alterations of the gut microbiota have previously been observed due to sleep deprivation. A novel study shows the close crosstalk between sleep quality and gut microbiome diversity, which is mediated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6.
by GMFH Editing Team
How the gut microbial communities affect brain function and behavior remains to be seen. A new mechanistic study in Nature unravels mechanisms by which gut microbiota affects mice adaptation to fear conditioning.
by GMFH Editing Team
Recent studies have widened the immune system and the gut microbiota’s role to the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. Scientists suggest that intestinal infections could act as a trigger in Parkinson’s disease, through affecting mitochondrial antigen presentation and cytotoxic T cells establishment in mice.
by Andreu Prados
In 1971 scientists showed for the first time the contribution of human gut microbiota in metabolizing levodopa. New findings have disentangled a gut microbial enzymatic pathway involved in metabolizing this drug, with Enteroccocus faecalis being the most efficient strain.
Our gut has the ability to learn behaviours thanks to the network of neurons within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Interestingly, learning and memory processes take part in the gut and could explain, for instance, the involvement of enteric nervous system in the onset of specific gut disorders.
by GMFH Editing Team
Dietary fibers may benefit gut bacterial groups in different ways. Hiel and colleagues have recently found that regular consumption of vegetables rich in inulin-type fructans may improve food behavior, including a drop in preference for fat, salt or sugars.
Previous studies have shown associations between gut microbiota and the onset of autism spectrum disorders, especially in children with recurrent gastrointestinal problems. New research provides the first evidence of gut bacteria’s direct contribution to autism-like behaviors in mice.
by GMFH Editing Team
To what extent targeting the gut microbiota as a potential treatment for depression and anxiety is unknown. A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 controlled clinical trials concludes that probioticsbut not prebioticsmay exert potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.