NEW EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THE PRESENCE OF MICROBES IN THE PLACENTA
Microbes found in the placenta may play a key role in shaping the developing fetal immune system.… READ MORE…
GUT BACTERIA INTERFERES WITH METABOLISM OF PARKINSON’S DRUG
Study provides first concrete examples of how the microbiome can interfere with a drug’s intended path throughout the body.… READ MORE…
GUT CHECK: RESEARCHERS DESCRIBE ROLE OF GUT BACTERIA IN DRUG RESPONSE
Researchers have identified causal links between microbiota gene content and metabolic activity which impacts personal differences in drug metabolism. The findings help explain why some people don’t respond to, or have adverse side effects from taking medications, while others don’t.… READ MORE…
GUT BACTERIA’S CONNECTIONS TO HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
Study goes beyond evaluating the organisms in the microbiome, looking at the functions different bacteria may be performing.… READ MORE…
GUT BACTERIA INFLUENCE AUTISM-LIKE BEHAVIORS IN MICE
Using germ-free mouse models, researchers transplanted fecal bacteria from children on the autism spectrum and neurotypical children. Mice who received the transplants from the ASD cohort began to exhibit autism-like behaviors, whereas the mice who received transplants from typically developing children did not. Additionally, the mice showed altered gene expression in their brains and differences in types of metabolites present. In particular, the ASD mice had lower levels of 5AV and taurine. Findings suggest gut microbiota regulates autism-like behaviors via the production of neuroactive metabolites, providing further evidence for the gut-brain axis connection to the pathology of autism.… READ MORE…
RESEARCH CONFIRMS GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION IN AUTISM
Genetic mutations, which occur in both the brain and gut, could be a main cause of autism. Using mouse models of ASD, researchers discovered the neuroligin-3 R451C mutation affects neural communication in the brain and causes dysfunction in the gut. The findings strengthen the gut-brain hypothesis of autism.… READ MORE…
ANXIETY MIGHT BE ALLEVIATED BY REGULATING GUT BACTERIA
A new meta-analysis study reports regulating intestinal microbiota is more than 50% effective at helping to reduce anxiety. Non-probiotic interventions were more effective than probiotic interventions at helping to relieve symptoms. … READ MORE…
LIKE A LOT OF THINGS, WOMEN’S GUT MICROBIOMES APPEAR TO MATURE EARLIER THAN MEN’S
Young women have higher gut bacteria diversity than males, study reports. … READ MORE…
HOW STRESSED-OUT GUT BACTERIA MAY TRIGGER AUTOIMMUNE RESPONSE
Chronic social stress in mice induces the expression of virulent genes in the gut microbiota. The altered microbiota increases the presence of effector T helper cells in the lymph nodes and induces myelin autoreactive cells. Exposure to chronic stress, therefore, may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases for some individuals with a susceptibility.… READ MORE…
TRANSPLANTING GUT BACTERIA ALTERS DEPRESSION-RELATED BEHAVIOR, BRAIN INFLAMMATION IN RATS
The gut microbiome contributes to depression-like behaviors and inflammation in the ventral hippocampus, according to a new rat study. Fecal transplants from rats with lower levels of Clostridia reduced depressive behaviors and inflammation in vulnerable rodents.… READ MORE…
EXERCISE MAY IMPROVE HEALTH BY INCREASING GUT BACTERIAL DIVERSITY
A new study reveals exercises that improve cardiorespiratory fitness may help to support health by altering the presence, activity and clustering of gut bacteria.… READ MORE…
GUT BACTERIA MAY CONTRIBUTE TO TOXIC SIDE EFFECTS OF DRUGS
Researchers report the gut microbiome could help explain why some people experience toxic side effects from medications. A new study reveals how gut bacteria can transform certain drugs into harmful compounds.… READ MORE…