After intestinal anastomosis -- resection and reconnection of intestinal segments -- the intestine sometimes fails to heal. Leakage, peritonitis, and sepsis can result: in other words, anastomotic leak. The underlying cause of this complication is unknown, but evidence is growing that intestinal microbes play a role.

Quality and quantity of gluten, maturity of gut functions influencing antigen trafficking and handling (e.g. pattern recognition receptors and barrier function) and changes in microbiome composition are factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Characterizing the gastric microbiota

16 Jul 2015

by Paul Enck

The human stomach has its own microbiota, but it receives less scientific attention than the intestines -- perhaps because acidic conditions, peristalsis, and the gastric mucus layer interfere with bacterial colonization. Nevertheless, characterizing the healthy gastric microbiota may be important

Yava L. Jones-Hall, Ariangela Kozik and Cindy Nakatsu from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA, have recently published a paper in PLoS ONE on the role of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and the impact of this pro-inflammatory cytokine on the gut microbiota.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is known for exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo by secreted metabolites that block nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. The low proportion of F. prausnitzii in the microbiome of Crohn’s disease patients characterizes the microbial dysbiosis associated with that condition.

Go to Top