by Kristina Campbell
For Catherine Lozupone, formerly a researcher in the Knight and Gordon labs and now faculty at the University of Colorado, characterizing a 'healthy microbiota' or even a 'healthy diet' is far from straightforward.
by 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.
by 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).
by Stefan Jellbauer
Do specific microbiota determine levels of specific metabolites? How does the metabolite profile develop during establishment of the microbiome in infants? Can we assess an individual’s physiological state based on gut flora and metabolites?
Microglia are important immune system cells in the brain that can destroy target cells. They are important for proper brain development and associated with neuropsychiatric or neurological disorders in humans.
by Kristina Campbell
Amir Zarrinpar (MD, PhD) is a gastroenterologist with UC San Diego Health, and a researcher at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
by Elena Verdú
This was the 4th symposium held in Mexico on the role of the intestinal microbiota in health and disease.
The higher rates of colon cancer in Americans of African origin compared to South Africans are usually attributed to diets containing more animal protein and fat and less fibre.
Dr. Liping Zhao, of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, is at the cutting edge of research on how the gut microbiota influence obesity.
