Gut bacteria and inflammation

A new study by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre has uncovered key molecular pathways behind the disruption and imbalance of the gut's bacteria during episodes of inflammation.  The new research may help in developing new treatments and prevention for conditions including Inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal infections and some cancers.  The findings of the study are published in Cell Host & Microbe.

The study found that gut inflammation coincides with a change in the nutrients available to gut bacteria.  The gut is full of microbes helping digestion, protecting against infection and encouraging the development of a healthy immune system.  During episodes of Intestinal inflammation the composition of the microbiome is disturbed, beneficial bacteria begin to lessen in number and harmful bacteria begin to flourish.  A healthy gut is without oxygen and beneficial bacteria thrive colonising the gut, breaking down fibre through fermentation.  Inflammation of the intestines increases the availability of oxygen and harmful bacteria including E. coli increase and thrive in environments with the availability of oxygen.

About the journal:  Cell Host & Microbe is a peer reviewed scientific journal.