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.
The crosstalk between bacteriophages and commensal bacteria contributes to the gut ecosystem’s stability
27 Jun 2019by GMFH Editing Team
Bacteriophages have remained largely underexplored due to limitations in sequencing methods. New in vitro findings reveal that phages have a different effect on low and high abundance bacterial species in the gut microbiota that aren’t directly targeted.
A new meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials shows the antidepressant and anxiolytic potential of probiotics
4 Jun 2019by 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.
The impact of industrialization on the gut microbiota: major triggers and what can we do to improve health
30 May 2019by Andreu Prados
Current dietary patterns and medical practices could explain the current rise in chronic diseases through involving the gut microbiome. Studying the gut microbiota of traditional populations is helping scientists build an overall picture of what a healthy gut microbiota looks like.
A high-fat maternal diet during pregnancy has consequences on the offspring’s intestinal development in mice
23 May 2019by GMFH Editing Team
Diet-induced changes in the maternal gut microbiota may affect health outcomes on the offspring. The gut microbiota, gut barrier and placental adaptations seems to be crucial in how this occurs, according to a new study in mice.
The copy number variation of the gene that encodes salivary amylase may be related to human microbiome diversity and function
14 May 2019by GMFH Editing Team
Twin studies have revealed a link between host genes and the gut microbiome. New findings reveal that our gut microbiome may also respond to copy-number variations in host genes, for instance those encoding the salivary amylase enzyme.
A new cohort study reveals variations in milk and infant fecal microbiota within and between populations
30 Apr 2019by GMFH Editing Team
Commensal bacteria in mother’s breast milk may shape the infant’s fecal microbiota. A new cohort study has found associations between both samples, with mother’s milk and infant fecal microbiome composition being more similar within than across cohorts from different geographic locations.
Genetic variations in gut microbiota are stable within individuals and shape host disease risk factors
25 Apr 2019by GMFH Editing Team
To what extent gut microbial genetic variations shape phenotypic differences of the host remains to be seen. Structural variations in 75% of bacteria have been replicated in two Israeli and Dutch cohorts, regardless genetics, lifestyle and dietary background.
Two new studies reveal universal gut microbiome signatures in colorectal cancer
22 Apr 2019by Andreu Prados
Genes aren’t the only culprit behind the current dramatic rise in colorectal cancer prevalence. Two new articles in Nature Medicine reveal specific microbial signatures for colorectal cancer, with potential use as candidates for developing non-invasive colorectal cancer screening.
Could our gut microbiota mediate the impact of bariatric surgery on severe obesity? A new cross-sectional study has found that interactions between the gut microbiota and bile acids metabolism may partially mediate the success of bariatric surgery in the medium term.