Tremaroli et al. reported that bariatric surgery for obesity, whether gastric bypass or vertical banded gastroplasty, induced a significant and sustained change in the gut microbiome of 14 women for at least a decade.
Pawnobes’: Cultivated commensal microbes that impact host phenotype
21 Jul 2015by GMFH Editing Team
Thousands of years ago, humans went beyond hunting and gathering and began purposefully selecting and growing the most beneficial plants; what we know as the agricultural revolution was born. Is it possible that cultivating the microbiome would create a comparable paradigm shift?
Human study shows flaxseed fibres modulate gut microbiota and improve insulin sensitivity
10 Jul 2015by Paul Enck
Prebiotics and probiotics are food components that directly target the gut microbiota. This recent human study investigated their effects on gut microbiota and metabolic risk markers in obesity.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are complex chronic diseases with rapidly growing prevalence across the world. Human studies have found that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to T2DM; the clearest lifestyle factors are high caloric intake and low physical activity. The mechanisms by which human T2DM arises is still unclear, but obesity, insulin resistance and ß-cell dysfunction all play a role.
Short-chain fatty acids and Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio may be related in lean and obese humans
7 Jul 2015by Paul Enck
Scientists aren't clear on the exact relationship between the Firmicutes to Bacteroides/Prevotella (F:B) ratio, fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and obesity. This observational human study analyzed 3-day dietary intakes, physical activity levels, body mass index, fecal microbiota, and SCFAs in both lean and overweight/obese research participants (n=94).
Bernd Schnabl, on incorporating intestinal microbiota into the leaky gut hypothesis of liver disease
3 Jul 2015by Kristina Campbell
Bernd Schnabl, MD, is a practicing physician and associate professor at University of California San Diego. His research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to chronic liver disease.
Many studies are moving beyond investigation of species that are present in the gut, and addressing how the gut microbiota function. How do they achieve, for example, their influence on weight?
Time-restricted feeding can protect against metabolic effects of diet-induced obesity
28 Jun 2015by Kristina Campbell
Amir Zarrinpar (MD, PhD) is a gastroenterologist with UC San Diego Health, and a researcher at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
Not the usual probiotic suspect: Research shows Lactococcus lactis has anti-inflammatory effects in mice
8 Jun 2015by Kristina Campbell
Results of a research collaboration between Harvard and Danone, released today, show that an 'underrated' species of bacteria, Lactococcus lactis CNCM I-1631, conferred beneficial effects in mouse models of inflammation.
Dr. Justin Sonnenburg: Gut inflammatory trajectories and treatment of chronic disease
8 Jun 2015by GMFH Editing Team
Dr. Justin Sonnenburg, of Stanford University, is carrying out exciting research in the area of host-microbiota interactions. He is also the co-author of a popular book called "The Good Gut".