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Category: human microbiome

Published on Leave a comment on Bacteria In The Kidney Microbiome Can Prevent Or Promote Kidney Stones
Kidney stones Credit: Wikipedia

Finally, a study was done examining whether the kidneys have a microbiome (community of fungi, viruses, and bacteria). The answer is yes, the kidneys have a microbiome and the composition of the microbes plays a role in kidney health and whether a person develops kidney stones or not. This makes sense - all our other organs have microbiomes.

This multi-part study showed that the urinary tract is not sterile, and that low levels of bacteria are normal. Additionally, they found that the presence of the beneficial bacteria L. crispatus is found in the absence of kidney stones, while E.coli is associated with the development of kidney stones. (Interestingly, L. crispatus is also found in the healthy vagina and can treat bacterial vaginosis.) 

The researchers found that the L. crispatus somehow blocked E.coli's ability to form kidney stones.

Antibiotic use was associated with bacteria that promoted the development of kidney stones because antibiotics kill off Lactobacillus species and promote the growth of kidney stone forming species (e.g., E. coli). Other studies also find that bacteria such as E.coli (as well as Proteus and Klebsiella) are frequently associated with UTIs, kidney stone formation, and kidney infection (pyelonephritis). 

From Medical Xpress: First full characterization of kidney microbiome unlocks potential to prevent kidney stones

Cleveland Clinic researchers have found definitive proof of a kidney microbiome that influences renal health and kidney stone formation, demonstrating that the urinary tract is not sterile and low levels of bacteria are normal. ...continue reading "Bacteria In The Kidney Microbiome Can Prevent Or Promote Kidney Stones"

Published on Leave a comment on Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup Credit: Wikipedia

For those with a sweet tooth, maple syrup appears to be a healthier choice than sugar. A recent study found a number of health benefits in individuals who consumed some maple syrup daily in place of refined sugar.

Canadian researchers found that replacing just 2 tablespoons of refined sugars with 2  tablespoons of maple sugar daily for 8 weeks had significant beneficial health effects. Regular ingestion of maple syrup resulted in their bodies handling sugar after meals better (improved glycemic response), their blood pressure was significantly lower, their abdominal fat was reduced, an increase in beneficial gut species (bacteria linked with health), and a decrease in some gut bacterial species linked to inflammation and metabolic disorders.

In other words, there was a significant reduction in key cardiometabolic risk factors. By the way, similar results have been found in animal studies. This could be because maple syrup is a minimally processed sweetener rich in a number of beneficial nutrients and polyphenols. It's just boiled maple tree sap, with nothing added.

What made this study convincing was that persons were randomized to different groups (maple sugar or placebo), it was double-blind (no one knew what they were ingesting), and it it was a crossover study (meaning all participants were in both groups for 8 weeks with a gap in the middle). All participants were overweight adults with mild cardiometabolic alterations at the start of the study.

From SciTechDaily: Reducing Abdominal Fat: Researchers Uncover Surprising Health Benefits of Maple Syrup

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition reveals that replacing refined sugars with two tablespoons of maple syrup can significantly improve several cardiometabolic risk factors, such as blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and abdominal fat composition. This was the first placebo-controlled human clinical trial exploring the potential health benefits of maple syrup consumption. ...continue reading "Health Benefits of Maple Syrup"

Published on Leave a comment on Coffee Drinking Alters the Gut Microbiome
Cup of coffee Credit: Wikipedia

Drinking moderate amounts of coffee each day is associated with a number of health benefits. It turns out that the coffee is also feeding a particular strain of gut microbe - Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus. 

Researchers found that more people who drink coffee daily have Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus in their gut microbiome (the community of microbes, bacteria, and viruses that live in the intestines) than people who don't drink coffee. Additionally, the more a person drinks coffee daily, the higher the levels of the bacteria.

Newborns and children rarely have this bacteria in their gut microbiome. The bacteria is mainly found in adults living in places with an urbanized Western-lifestyle. Further research showed that the coffee stimulates the growth of L. asaccharolyticus.

By the way, it appears to be a beneficial bacteria. And yes, many other studies find that what you eat (your daily diet) influences the composition of microbes living in the gut.

From Newsweek: What Coffee Does To Your Gut

Coffee drinking seems to alter which microorganisms live in our guts, with potentially far-reaching implications for health, a large study has found.
...continue reading "Coffee Drinking Alters the Gut Microbiome"

Published on Leave a comment on A Promising Antibiotic For Gum Disease

The bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum is prevalent in periodontal disease (gum disease), but also in some chronic diseases and cancers, such as colorectal cancer. The bacteria F. nucleatum is normally found in the mouth (oral) microbiome, and its numbers increase as periodontal disease inflammation increases.

It is thought that sometimes the bacteria leaves the mouth and travels to other parts of the body, where it can promote cancer and other diseases.

A recent study found that the antibiotic FP 100 (Hygromycin A) totally eliminates the F. nucleatum bacteria in the mouth, and without causing harm to the mouth microbiome or gut microbiome. This is because it is a narrow spectrum antibiotic - only targets the harmful bacteria, and not all (both good and harmful) bacteria. While the study was only done in mice, this is promising and welcome news.

Eliminating the harmful bacteria in the mouth would potentially prevent some chronic diseases and cancers. Now we need further studies to see if this finding holds up in humans.

From Medical Xpress: First narrow-spectrum antibiotic successfully eliminates  Fusobacterium nucleatum, a gum disease pathogen

In a study published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology, ADA Forsyth scientists found that FP 100 (Hygromycin A), a first-in-class, small molecule, narrow-spectrum antibiotic, successfully eradicates Fusobacterium nucleatum without harming the oral or gut microbiomes. ...continue reading "A Promising Antibiotic For Gum Disease"

Published on Leave a comment on Tobacco Smoke, Bladder Cancer, and the Gut Microbiome

The microbes living on and in us (the human microbiome or microbiota) play a big role in our health. Certain microbes are even implicated in cancer development and progression. Thus, it shouldn't come as a surprise that new research finds that certain bacteria are linked with bladder cancer.

It has long been known that certain nitrosamine compounds, which are in tobacco smoke, can induce bladder cancer - both in humans and rodents (e.g., mice). Nitrosamines are carcinogenic (cancer causing).

The study was done with mice given nitrosamine compounds (in their drinking water) for 12 weeks. The interesting part was that if antibiotics were given at the same time to the mice, bladder cancer did not develop in most of those mice. But it did develop in most of the mice not given antibiotics.

Since antibiotics reduce the number of bacteria in the gut, this means that gut microbes play a part in the bladder tumor onset. The researchers did find 12 bacterial species that they thought played a role in the mice, but it is unknown whether the same or different species play a role in human bladder cancer onset.

Will the use of antibiotics prevent bladder cancer also in humans? Stay tuned..

From Medical Xpress: Gut microbes implicated in bladder cancer

At any given time, over 10 trillion microbes call our guts their home. From breaking down nutrients in our food to strengthening our immunity against pathogens, these microbes play an essential role in how we interact with the world. This includes—as shown in a new study by EMBL researchers and collaborators at the University of Split, Croatia—the way the body responds to carcinogens and develops cancer. ...continue reading "Tobacco Smoke, Bladder Cancer, and the Gut Microbiome"

Published on Leave a comment on A Mediterranean Style Diet Feeds Beneficial Gut Bacteria

The incidence of both intestinal bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer is rapidly increasing in developed countries (e.g., US, Canada, Europe). There are many theories over why this is occurring, with most researchers thinking a person's diet plays a role. A big suspect in promoting IBD and colorectal cancer is the Western diet, which has lots of ultra-processed foods and is also low in fiber.

A recent large study looked at 6 major diets and how they impact the gut microbiome. The six dietary patterns were: Western diet, Mediterranean diet, high-fiber diet, plant-based diet, high protein diet, and ketogenic diet.

And surprise, surprise - eating a Western diet resulted in having an increase in gut bacterial species linked to chronic inflammation, heart disease, colorectal cancer, IBD, and diabetes. The Mediterranean style diet had an increase in bacterial species linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, IBD, and type 2 diabetes. In fact, all 6 diets had distinct bacterial profiles in the gut.

Bottom line: The foods a person eats can either feed and nourish beneficial bacteria or harmful bacteria (linked to cancer and IBD). Best for health is a Mediterranean style diet (lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts), and avoiding ultra-processed foods. You are what you eat!

From Medical Xpress: Western diets pose greater risk of cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, study finds

Western diets pose a greater risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer, according to a milestone review of what people eat around the world. ...continue reading "A Mediterranean Style Diet Feeds Beneficial Gut Bacteria"

Published on Leave a comment on The Appendix Has Health Benefits
Drawing of colon seen from front (the appendix is colored red). Credit: Wikipedia.

Over  time researchers have learned that the appendix is more complex than originally thought, and that it is beneficial to health. It's where good bacteria go to hideout during sickness (e.g., food poisoning) or when a person is taking antibiotics, and it acts as a "training camp" for the immune system.

This is the direct opposite of what was thought for years - that it is a vestigial organ with no purpose. Instead, research found that removing the appendix increases the risk for irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer. It also plays a role in several medical conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, Parkinson's disease, and lupus.

One possibility is that it protects against diarrhea. The appendix acts as a safe house for beneficial bacteria. We now know that it contains a thick layer of beneficial bacteria. People who've had their appendix removed have a less diverse gut microbiome, and with lesser amounts of beneficial species.

By the way, recent research found that antibiotics can successfully treat up to 70% of uncomplicated appendicitis cases. For this reason, it is recommended that antibiotics should be tried first in uncomplicated appendicitis cases. And if needed (e.g., if there are recurrences of appendicitis) surgery can be done.

Excerpts from Medscape: The 'Useless' Appendix Is More Fascinating Than We Thought

When doctors and patients consider the appendix, it's often with urgency. In cases of appendicitis, the clock could be ticking down to a life-threatening burst. Thus, despite recent research suggesting antibiotics could be an alternative therapy, appendectomy remains standard for uncomplicated appendicitis.

But what if removing the appendix could raise the risk for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer? ...continue reading "The Appendix Has Health Benefits"

Published on Leave a comment on Growing Some Plants Indoors Benefits Skin and Immune System
Basil plant in a pot Credit: Wikipedia

There is a simple and easy way to improve your skin microbiome and immune system, even if you live in the city - it's indoor gardening. A new study found that just 1 month of urban indoor gardening improves the skin microbiome (community of bacteria, viruses, fungi) and boosts the immune system.

What appeared to be critical for the skin and immune system health benefits was using a good quality soil, one with lots of microbes in it, such as a compost based soil.  Avoid peat based soil, which is commonly available, because it is not rich microbially. The researchers found that growing plants in the peat based soil did not have any health benefits.

The study used flower or planter boxes filled with soil, and 7 kinds of plants (lettuce, white mustard, radish, garlic, ginger, pea, and fava bean) were planted into them. A grow lightbulb was used in a lamp because the study started in winter. Fertilizer sticks were used in the peat based soil group, while nutrients came from the compost in the rich soil group.

The participants in the study were instructed to monitor, water, harvest, and then consume the produce. That's it.

Bottom line: Set some plants on a sunny windowsill or buy grow lights for some indoor plants. Make sure the soil is a rich soil (compost based) and not peat-based. Enjoy!

From Science Daily: Urban gardening may improve human health: Microbial exposure boosts immune system

A one-month indoor gardening period increased the bacterial diversity of the skin and was associated with higher levels of anti-inflammatory molecules in the blood demonstrated a collaborative study between the University of Helsinki, Natural Resources Institute Finland and Tampere University. ...continue reading "Growing Some Plants Indoors Benefits Skin and Immune System"

Published on Leave a comment on The Skin Microbiome Is Different In Persons With Rosacea
Severe rosacea Credit: Wikipedia

A recent study confirmed that in the skin condition called rosacea, the skin microbiome is out of whack (dysbiosis). Of course. The study also confirmed that treatment with a topical ivermectin cream helps with the inflamed red skin rashes on the face and lowers the number of Demodex mites found on the skin.

Demodex mite Credit: Wikipedia

But while the cream improved symptoms in 44% of the patients, it didn't correct the skin dysbiosis. In rosacea, there is a big increase of Demodex mites (compared to normal levels) at the site of the red rashes or lesions. After the topical ivermectin cream treatment, the number of mites decreased in 88% of the rosacea group to more normal levels. [Yes, we all have Demodex mites living on our skin.]

However, other bacterial species are still different in the rosacea group compared to healthy persons without rosacea. The researchers found Cutibacterium species are predominant in healthy persons without rosacea, but are not found in persons when they have rosacea inflammation. Instead Staphylococcus species take over (just like in atopic dermatitis).

The skin microbiome is the community of bacteria, viruses, fungi that live on our skin. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the face resulting in redness, pimples, swelling, and dilated blood vessels. It frequently begins with flushing (redness) of the face in symmetrical patches, and it may or may not progress.

Excerpts from the medical site Medscape: Topical Ivermectin Study Sheds Light on Dysbiosis in Rosacea

Topical ivermectin has significant clinical efficacy and decreases the density of Demodex mites found in the skin of people with rosacea, but cutaneous dysbiosis remains, according to a report presented at the recent European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2023 Congress. ...continue reading "The Skin Microbiome Is Different In Persons With Rosacea"

Published on Leave a comment on Problems With Gut Microbiome Tests Available to Consumers
Oral microbiome Credit: Wikipedia

People have questions about the direct to consumer (DTC) gut microbiome tests that are now available from at least 31 companies. What do the results mean and can we believe them?  Well... according to a recent article in the medical site Medscape, the tests may be appealing to the consumer, but right now they don't mean anything at all.

This is because the tests are both unreliable and unregulated. Results of microbes found in the stool will vary from day to day, and from test to test. The same stool samples sent to different companies or even to the same company come back with different results. Generally the tests are offered by companies that want to sell you something - their supplements or other products in order to "improve your gut health."

However, there is no evidence backing up their claims. The tests are also not consistent - some do genetic sequencing, but others are just culture or a microscopic analysis (which find only a few of the microbes in the microbiome). Researchers stress that standardization of these tests is needed.

Yes, the gut microbiome has a tremendous effect on health and disease, and microbiome therapies definitely have potential. But right now it's buyer beware!

Excerpts from Medscape: Are Direct-to-Consumer Microbiome Tests Clinically Useful?

Companies selling gut microbiome tests directly to consumers offer up a variety of claims to promote their products.

"We analyze the trillions of microbes in your gut microflora and craft a unique formula for your unique gut needs," one says. "Get actionable dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations from our microbiome experts based on your results, tailored to mom and baby's biomarkers.…Any family member like dads or siblings are welcome too," says another. ...continue reading "Problems With Gut Microbiome Tests Available to Consumers"