The microorganisms that live in and on our body have been implicated in a variety of health functions and diseases. Two microbiologists comment on certain common assumptions about the human microbiota, including that it weighs 2 kg and is altered in case of obesity.
Two comprehensive meta-analyses identify factors associated with fecal microbiota transplant success
12 Sep 2023by Andreu Prados
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown to be efficient in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection and is being researched in clinical trials for other conditions, but its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Two new studies shed light on factors that predict clinical success in FMT.
Restricting dietary fiber is a common advice for people living with inflammatory bowel disease. New research shows that not all fibers work the same and their impact on intestinal inflammation and gut barrier function depend on the type of fiber, individual immune status and the fermentative capacity of their gut microbes.
Study identifies a role for bacterial proteases in Crohn’s disease
26 Jun 2023by Amber Hann, Heather Galipeau
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic remitting and relapsing condition that causes severe inflammation of the intestines and disabling bowel symptoms. It affects millions of lives globally, and although alterations in the gut microbiome have been associated with IBD, precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood. New research from McMaster University now implicates bacterial proteases in Crohn’s disease.
Are we ready to target the gut microbiota for obesity and weight management? A journey from bench to bedside
24 May 2023by Andreu Prados, Patrice D. Cani
Studies over the last decade have brought new hope that gut microbiome-targeted therapeutics might offer novel treatments for obesity. In this post, we ask whether dietary interventions, prebiotics, probiotics and medication that target the microbiome are useful for weight management.
What happens in the gut can have an impact on the vaginal microbiota. Now scientists understand why
28 Apr 2023by Andreu Prados
While the most popular microbiota you may have heard about is that of the gut, the vagina has a microbiota too. Find out more about the relationship between the two and why taking care of the gut microbiota matters for the vaginal microbiota.
The translational potential of microbiome research for human health and disease: takeaways from the 2023 GMFH Summit
28 Apr 2023by Andreu Prados, Joël Doré
The 11th Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit focused on emerging gut microbiome-targeted treatments in digestive, immune and cardiometabolic health. This post highlights the major take-aways from the conference and explores how they might impact clinical practice in the foreseeable future.
It’s time to delve into the world of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the crucial role they play in maintaining digestive health to gain a deeper understanding of how they contribute to overall well-being.
Discover the gut fungi world and their role in human health through our new infographic! Learn about their contribution to nutrient production, metabolism, defense against harmful microorganisms, and the establishment of healthy gut bacteria.
Could the gut microbiota explain why inflammatory bowel diseases are on the rise?
23 Mar 2023by Andreu Prados
Inflammatory bowel disease covers chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Find out more about the typical and atypical forms of IBD and what science knows about how the gut microbiota is involved in its development.
