Recent research published in Trends in Microbiology journal by scientists from the University of Lausanne has clarified new data concerning the small intestinal microbiota (SIM). This study highlights the importance of recent advances in sampling and -omics techniques, which have enabled a more thorough characterization of the SIM.

The small intestinal microbiota (SIM) and the sites of absorption of nutrients. Credits: Yersin, S., & Vonaesch, P. (2024). Trends in Microbiology.

The SIM, a vital component of gastrointestinal health, has long been challenging to study due to sampling limitations and ethical considerations. However, this new research reveals significant findings:

Core Microbiota

The SIM consists of a core microbiota present throughout the small intestinal tract, complemented by segment-specific taxa.

This nuanced understanding provides crucial understanding of the dynamics of the SIM ecosystem.

Functional Roles

The SIM plays key roles in crucial metabolic processes such as carbohydrate degradation, amino acid metabolism, lipid absorption, and micronutrient metabolism.

These functions highlight its importance in overall digestive health and nutrient absorption.

Bacterial Overgrowth

The study identifies two distinct subgroups of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: small intestinal oral bacterial overgrowth (SIOBO) and coliform small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIOBO, characterized by an overgrowth of oropharyngeal Gram-positive bacteria, may contribute to conditions such as environmental enteric dysfunction and linear growth delay.

This research increases the understanding of the complexities of the SIM and its implications for human health, allowing new targeted interventions and therapies aimed at optimizing gastrointestinal health.

Dr. Pascale, Vonaesch, lead author of the study, will join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October to clarify the association of the small intestinal microbiota and disease, and highlight the importance of developing interventions.

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In a collaborative effort joining scientists from Spain, China, and Canada, researchers led by Dr. Anita L Kozyrskyj, University of Alberta, have shed light on the important role of the environment in shaping the developmental origins of health and disease, particularly in relation to childhood allergies. The study, based on data from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) Cohort Study, investigated the impact of residing near natural green spaces during early infancy on the development of atopic sensitization.

Mediation of natural space <500m from residence and ≥2 inhalant atopic sensitizations at 3 years via Simpson diversity of Actinobacteria at 4 months. Beta estimates and 95% confidence intervals presented. 5,000 bootstrap. Acknowledgment of images: Eucalyp, Dima Lagunov, Parkjisun, Blair Adams.

The study, which focused on a cohort of 699 infants in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, utilized the Urban Planning Land Vegetation Index (uPLVI) map to assess infants' exposure to natural spaces based on their home postal codes. Atopic sensitization was evaluated through skin prick testing (SPTs) for common food and inhalant allergens at ages 1 and 3.

The findings revealed a significant protective effect of proximity to natural green spaces on the development of multiple inhalant atopic sensitizations at 3 years of age. According to the study, infants residing closer to natural green spaces exhibited a substantially lower likelihood of developing inhalant allergies, with an odds ratio of 0.28 [95% CI 0.09, 0.90].

Furthermore, the research studied the relationship between natural green space exposure and gut microbiota composition. Analysis revealed that changes in Actinobacteria diversity in infant fecal samples, measured at 4 months, mediated the protective effect observed on inhalant atopic sensitizations.

However, the study also noted a positive association between proximity to natural green spaces and sensitization to at least one food or inhaled allergen, which was not mediated by gut microbiota. This nuanced understanding emphasizes the multifaceted interactions between environmental factors and allergic sensitization.

The implications of this research extend beyond the realms of allergy prevention, shedding light on the interplay between environmental factors and human health. By advocating for the preservation of natural green spaces, researchers aim to promote healthier childhoods and improved quality of life.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 will highlight the role of the environment in shaping the microbiome. Join in in Malta this October to learn more about this topic, and submit a related abstract.

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A recent study published in Cell Host & Microbe conducted by Antonio Y. Hardan from Stanford University, Mauro Costa-Mattioli from Baylor College of Medicine, Luigi Mazzone from Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation Hospital, and their team investigated the efficacy of L. reuteri (a product combining strains ATCC-PTA-6475 and DSM-17938) in addressing social deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The study, a pilot double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, demonstrated that L. reuteri, particularly the combination of strains 6475 and 17938, improves social functioning in children with ASD. However, it does not significantly affect overall autism severity or repetitive behaviors. Additionally, the intervention does not induce notable alterations in microbiome composition or immune profiles.

Interestingly, the research reveals that while both strains contribute to the observed improvements in social behavior, only strain ATCC-PTA-6475 demonstrates efficacy in reversing social deficits in preclinical mouse models of ASD.

These findings highlight the potential of precision microbial intervention as a novel therapeutic avenue for enhancing social functioning in children with ASD. Further large-scale trials are warranted to explore the specific effects of different strains and to validate these promising results.

Article DOI.

Photo Credits: Graphical Abstract - Mazzone et al. Cell Host & Microbe (2024)

Hot springs, renowned for their therapeutic benefits, have long been harnessed for various purposes, from health treatments to leisure activities. In Japan, where hot springs hold cultural significance, ten distinct types of therapeutic springs, or spa types, are traditionally believed to offer different health benefits. 

A recent study, led by Shunsuke Managi from Kyushu University, Japan, and published in Scientific Reports (By Nature), examined the impact of bathing in different spa types on the gut microbiota of healthy individuals. Focusing particularly on the prevalence of Bifidobacterium bifidum, a key bacterium associated with gut health, the study aimed to elucidate changes in gut microbiota following immersion in various hot springs.

Conducting the study in Beppu's hot springs, encompassing simple, chloride, bicarbonate, sulfur, and sulfate types, researchers enlisted 136 healthy Japanese adults residing in the Kyushu area. Over a span of seven days, participants bathed in the same hot spring, and fecal samples were collected both before and after the bathing period. Analysis of the gut microbiota's relative abundance was conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing.

The findings showed significant increases in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium bifidum following seven consecutive days of bathing in the bicarbonate spring.

Moreover, notable increases in other gut microbiota were observed after immersion in simple, bicarbonate, and sulfur springs. These outcomes suggest that bathing in diverse hot springs may exert varying effects on the gut microbiota of healthy individuals.

This study is a valuable contribution to the intricate relationship between hot spring bathing and gut microbiota composition, shedding light on the potential health implications associated with different spa types.

As research in this domain progresses, a deeper understanding of the therapeutic properties of hot springs and their impact on human health is poised to emerge, offering promising avenues for future exploration and application in wellness practices.

Article DOI.

Photo Credits: https://beppu-tourism.com/en/

A recent clinical cohort study published in the Gut Microbes Journal sheds light on the relationship between gut microbiota, Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and Pre-eclampsia (PE).

Graphical abstract. Credit: Jiayi Wang et al., 2024

Pre-eclampsia, a common complication of pregnancy, poses significant risks to the health and safety of both the mother and child. The study, which included 28 patients with eclampsia and 39 matched healthy controls, aimed to investigate the causal relationship and mechanism between gut microbiota, TMAO, and PE.

The results of the study revealed a significant increase in the level of TMAO and the abundance of its source bacteria in patients with PE. These increases were positively correlated with the clinical progression of PE.

To further explore the causal relationship, the study employed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in an antibiotic-depleted-treated mouse model and targeted inhibition of TMAO. The findings showed that mice receiving fecal microbiota transplantation from patients with PE developed typical PE symptoms, including increased oxidative stress and inflammatory damage. However, these symptoms were reversed by 3,3-Dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB), a TMAO inhibitor, which also improved pregnancy outcomes in the model mice.

The study also found that TMAO promotes the progression of PE by regulating inflammatory and oxidative stress-related signaling pathways, affecting the migration and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells, as well as the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells.

These findings not only reveal the role and mechanism of gut microbiota and TMAO in the progression of PE but also provide new insights into the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for PE. Furthermore, the study determines the potential application value of TMAO as a target for PE intervention.

Stay updated on all microbiome recent advances during Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October. Submit a related abstract.

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The International Society of Microbiota commented and provided scientific insights on the recent Stanford Medicine study which monitored 86 individuals for up to six years, examining the bacteria in their gut, mouth, nose, and skin to unravel the secrets of a healthy microbiome.

According to ISM, the study led by Stanford Medicine highlights the highly individualized nature of each person’s microbiome, suggesting that a one-size-fits-all approach to probiotic supplementation may not be the most effective strategy for everyone.

The key takeaways from the study that relate to the use of probiotics include:

1. Individualized Microbiomes: Since each person’s microbiome is unique and influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, and the immune system, the response to the same probiotic strains may vary significantly from one individual to another.
2. Stability and Health: The study suggests that the stability of an individual’s microbiome is linked to their health. Probiotic supplements could potentially disrupt this stability if they are not well matched to the individual’s existing microbial ecosystem.
3. Interconnected Ecosystem: The microbiome’s interconnected nature across different body sites implies that altering the microbiome in one area (e.g., the gut) could have unexpected effects on other areas (e.g., the skin, mouth, or nose).

Given these considerations, while probiotics can be beneficial in some contexts, such as restoring gut flora balance after antibiotic use or aiding in certain gastrointestinal conditions, their use should ideally be personalized. This means:

• Personalized Probiotic Selection: Choosing probiotic strains based on an individual’s specific health needs, microbiome composition, and other personal factors may be more effective than a generalized approach.
• Consultation with Healthcare Providers: It’s important for individuals to consult healthcare providers before starting any probiotic regimen, especially those with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications.
• Further Research Needed: More research is necessary to understand how to best utilize probiotics for personalized health interventions. This includes identifying which strains are most beneficial for specific conditions and how to tailor probiotic therapies to an individual’s microbiome.

In summary, while supplementing with the same probiotics for everyone might offer some benefits, a more tailored approach, taking into account the unique composition of each person’s microbiome, could enhance the efficacy and safety of probiotics.

Photo Credits: Stanford Medicine

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Moving Beyond the “Ideal” Microbiome Concept: A new published study conclude that the notion of an “ideal” microbiome is outdated, emphasizing instead the importance of understanding and maintaining one’s unique microbiome for personal health.

The International Society of Microbiota shares this excellent study by researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine, led by Xin Zhou, Michael Snyder and colleagues.

A Stanford Medicine-led study reveals that our microbiome, the collective of bacteria within our bodies, is as unique to each individual as a fingerprint. This research involved tracking the gut, mouth, nose, and skin bacteria of 86 participants over up to six years.

The findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal, Cell Host & Microbe.

Graphical Abstract - Credits: Xin Zhou et al., 2024

Unique Bacterial Persistence

The study found that the bacteria which persisted best in each person’s microbiome were those most unique to the individual, suggesting a highly personalized microbial ecosystem.

Influence of Genetics, Diet, and Immune System

According to Michael Snyder, PhD, individual genetics, diet, and immune systems play significant roles in shaping these unique microbial ecosystems.

Correlation with Health Conditions

The research identified correlations between microbiome stability and health conditions, noting that individuals with Type 2 diabetes exhibited less stable and diverse microbiomes.

Comprehensive Long-term Tracking

This extensive study involved the collection of 5,432 biological samples and generated over 118 million measurements, offering unprecedented insights into microbiome stability and variability.

Microbiome Stability as a Health Indicator

Stability within an individual's microbiome during periods of health contrasts with fluctuations observed during illness or disease onset, highlighting the potential of microbiome stability as an indicator of health.

Integrated Microbial Ecosystem

Surprisingly, the study also discovered that microbiomes across different body sites are highly correlated, suggesting an interconnected ecosystem responsive to changes in health conditions.

The Immune System's Role

The study suggests the immune system as a key connector between microbes in various body sites and overall health, with changes in immune protein levels correlating with microbiome shifts.

Environmental Influences and Personal Health

Environmental factors, including seasonality, diet, and possibly other lifestyle factors, were found to influence the microbiome, though much of the variability between individuals remains unexplained.

Moving Beyond the "Ideal" Microbiome Concept

The researchers conclude that the notion of an "ideal" microbiome is outdated, emphasizing instead the importance of understanding and maintaining one's unique microbiome for personal health.

Stay updated on the latest advances on microbiome and related strategies during Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October. Submit a related abstract.

Article DOI.

Read more about the findings: Stanford University Press Release.

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A recent study has identified the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a promising area for the treatment of depression, which currently suffers from low efficacy rates. The research aimed to address current gaps in understanding, as most studies are underpowered and focus narrowly on major depression without considering the microbiome's functionality, composition, or external influences.

To tackle these challenges, the researchers utilized a multi-omics approach, integrating multiple types of biological data from pre-clinical models and three human cohorts with mild depression. The key findings revealed connections between depression and microbial metabolism affecting glutamate/GABA pathways, with a particular emphasis on the amino acid proline.

High dietary intake of proline emerged as the most significant dietary influence on depression. Furthermore, depression and high circulating proline levels were linked to disruptions in the brain's rich club network, which is responsible for integrating information from different brain regions.

In mice, proline supplementation led to worsened depressive symptoms and microbial translocation. Additionally, human microbiota transplantation in mice resulted in depressive behaviors and changes in genes related to GABA, proline, and the extracascular matrix in the prefrontal cortex.

Genetic and microbial interventions in Drosophila (fruit flies) offered further insights. Knockdown of proline and GABA transporters, along with mono-association with L. plantarum (a high GABA producer), provided protection against depressive states.

These findings suggest that targeting microbiome dynamics and dietary proline intake could lead to more effective depression treatments. The study highlights the importance of considering the complex interplay between the gut microbiota, diet, and brain function in the development and treatment of depression. Future research may build upon these findings to develop novel therapeutic strategies for depression and other mood disorders.

Stay updated on the latest advances on microbiome and depression during Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October. Submit a related abstract.

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The human gastrointestinal tract plays host to a rich ecosystem of microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiome. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies have deepened our understanding of the pivotal role this microbial community plays in human biology. From health maintenance to disease development, the gut microbiome's influence spans across various facets of human health.

The microbiota–gut–brain axis. The bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain is mediated by the immune system, vagus nerve, enteric nervous system, neuroendocrine system, and circulatory system. Alterations in gut microbiota have been linked to the development of autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depressive-like behavior, impaired physical performance, and motivation, as well as neurodegenerative diseases. This figure was created with BioRender (https://biorender.com/). Credits: Jian Sheng Loh et al., 2024.

In a recent review published in the Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Journal, researchers delve into the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, termed the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". This bidirectional communication pathway has emerged as a crucial regulator of glial functions, offering promising avenues for mitigating the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

The review meticulously explores the mechanisms underlying the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases. It elucidates how the gut microbiota communicates with key glial cells — microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes — during both healthy states and neurodegenerative conditions. Employing a metabolite-centric approach, the paper highlights the role of microbial metabolites, neurotransmitters, and gut hormones in modulating glial function and neurodegeneration.

Furthermore, the review investigates potential therapeutic targets along the microbiota-gut-brain axis, including the intestinal barrier, blood-brain barrier, meninges, and peripheral immune system. By addressing glial dysfunction at these interfaces, researchers aim to disrupt the pathological cascade associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

The paper wraps up by evaluating the preclinical and clinical evidence surrounding interventions targeting the gut microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the microbiota-gut-brain axis promises to catalyze the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for combating neurodegeneration, offering hope for millions affected by these debilitating conditions.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 will highlight the latest advancements in microbiota-gut-brain axis. Don't miss the chance to join the 11th ISM World Congress on October 14-15, 2024 at Corinthia Palace Malta!

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A recent review by researchers from California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology meticulously evaluates the influence of gut microbiota on the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), a significant global health concern. Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a thorough database search was conducted, yielding 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria from 2000 to 2023.

Identifying Promising Microbiota Markers for Early Diagnosis and Treatment Enhancement

The review highlights the identification of specific microbiota markers, notably Fusobacterium nucleatum, which hold promise for early diagnosis and enhancing treatment of CRC. The synthesis of results underscores a significant correlation between gut and oral microbiota dysbiosis and CRC, suggesting that microbial markers could serve as cost-effective, noninvasive tools for early detection, monitoring recurrence, and evaluating treatment responses.

Addressing Challenges and Calling for Methodological Standardization

However, challenges such as establishing a cause-and-effect relationship, variability in study methodologies, and unaccounted variables like diet and lifestyle present limitations to the current understanding. The review calls for the standardization of microbiota research methodologies to allow for comparable findings across studies and suggests that future research should focus on large-scale multicenter longitudinal studies to validate specific biomarkers for developing universal diagnostic tools.

Exploring Novel Strategies for Prevention and Treatment

Additionally, exploring how microbiota influences CRC pathogenesis could lead to novel prevention and treatment strategies. Despite the low level of study overlap indicating a broad range of unique primary studies and reducing the risk of citation bias, the review acknowledges the need for a deeper understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between gut microbiota and CRC.

In conclusion, leveraging microbiota markers for CRC could revolutionize early detection and monitoring, but further research is necessary to overcome current challenges and fully harness the potential of microbiome-centered treatments and preventive methods.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 will highlight the latest advancements in microbiome research and different diseases. Don't miss the chance to join the 11th ISM World Congress on October 14-15, 2024 at Corinthia Palace Malta!

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