by Andreu Prados
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus of research for scientists worldwide, major breakthroughs in gut microbiome science have been made in 2020. In this last post of the year, we bring you articles from our blog that cover the major advances in the gut microbiome in 2020, from bench to bedside.
by Andreu Prados
The metabolic activity of immune cells is enhanced after a viral infection, such as the one driven by COVID-19. Dietary approaches that support a healthy gut microbiome can benefit the immune system and ensure a good nutritional status that would help the host deal with pathogens.
by GMFH Editing Team
The mechanisms underlying associations between yogurt consumption and a reduced risk of negative health outcomes have not been widely studied. A cross-sectional study now suggests that maintaining normal gut barrier function is a new mechanism that supports the benefits of consuming yogurt.
The last 9th Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit hold in Madrid on March updated the science behind diet, the balance between gut microbiota and the immune system, mental health, food intolerances and functional gut disorders, among others. Check out here the Summit’s official report.
by Andreu Prados
While patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 typically present with a respiratory illness, certain patients also report gastrointestinal symptoms. The presence of virus receptors in gastrointestinal epithelial cells and an altered gut microbiota composition in some patients might have implications for managing COVID-19.
by Andreu Prados
Whether bacterial colonization starts in utero is still a matter for scientific debate. The study of the fetal intestinal content collected from terminated pregnancies reveals some evidence for early bacterial colonization linked to distinct immune imprinting.
by Patrice D. Cani
Gut microbiota, with its close links to metabolism and the immune system, could potentially be a factor that lies at the core of good health. This means it can be positioned at the heart of the processes that influence the risk of contracting different diseases.
by GMFH Editing Team
Gut microbiome responses to antibiotics and their long-lasting effects on the host remain poorly characterized. A new mice study shows that amoxicillin-clavulanate for 7 days leads to personalized changes in gut microbiota composition and colonic transcriptome.
Circadian rhythms are also apparent within our gastrointestinal tract. Two new mice studies show that circadian rhythm and clock genes may also affect intestinal immune cells by boosting the secretion of cytokines that help maintain proper balance of the intestinal barrier.
by GMFH Editing Team
Imbalances in the gut microbiota composition have been described as a hallmark of certain liver diseases. Yi Duan from the University of California San Diego and colleagues have found in mice that specific phages targeting the gut-dwelling bacterium E. faecalis might be used to treat patients with alcoholic hepatitis.