Research Topic: gut microbiome

Nutritional strategies in supporting immune checkpoint inhibitor, PI3K inhibitor, and tyrosine kinase inhibitor cancer therapies

This review examines how nutrition and food-based interventions can improve cancer treatment outcomes for patients receiving targeted cancer therapies. A Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of fiber (30-50g daily) appears beneficial for patients on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies by promoting healthy gut bacteria that support immune function. The review also discusses promising research on fermented foods, specific bacterial supplements, mushroom extracts, and fasting approaches as complementary strategies to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects.

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How Do Cyclodextrins and Dextrans Affect the Gut Microbiome? Review of Prebiotic Activity

Cyclodextrins and dextrans are substances commonly used in medicines that may have unexpected health benefits for your gut bacteria. Research shows these compounds can help beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium grow better in your digestive system. When these good bacteria ferment these substances, they produce helpful compounds called short-chain fatty acids that improve overall gut health and may help with conditions like obesity and inflammation.

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Prospective Comparative Study of an Oral Synbiotic and a Myoinositol-Based Herbal Supplement in Modifying Hormone Levels and the Gut Microbiome in Non-cystic Acne

This study tested two supplements for treating non-cystic acne: one containing probiotics and herbs, and another based on myoinositol and medicinal plants. Both supplements significantly reduced acne lesions and improved gut health by increasing beneficial bacteria and beneficial fatty acids produced by these bacteria. The myoinositol-based supplement also reduced hormone precursors related to acne development. These findings suggest that supporting gut health may be an effective way to treat acne.

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Fungal β-Glucans Enhance Lactic Acid Bacteria Growth by Shortening Their Lag Phase and Increasing Growth Rate

Researchers tested whether extracts from common edible mushrooms like oyster and shiitake could help beneficial bacteria in the gut grow better. They found that these mushroom extracts, particularly their β-glucan components, helped probiotic bacteria start growing faster and grow more quickly. Importantly, the extracts did not help harmful bacteria grow, making them promising candidates for developing healthier food supplements that support gut health.

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Seagrass Enhalus acoroides extract mitigates obesity and diabetes via GLP-1, PPARγ, SREBP-1c modulation and gut microbiome restoration in diabetic zebrafish

Researchers tested a seagrass extract called Enhalus acoroides on diabetic zebrafish and found it effectively reduced body weight and blood sugar levels, performing as well or better than metformin, a common diabetes medication. The extract worked by activating genes that promote glucose metabolism and reducing genes that promote fat storage. Importantly, the extract also restored healthy gut bacteria balance, which appears to play a key role in its therapeutic effects. These findings suggest that seagrass could be developed into a natural supplement or functional food to help treat obesity and diabetes.

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Microbial links to Alzheimer’s disease

This review examines whether germs like bacteria, fungi, and viruses might play a role in causing Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists have found that certain bacteria from the mouth and gut, fungal infections, and cold sores (herpes viruses) appear more frequently in Alzheimer’s patients and may trigger the brain changes that damage memory and thinking. While the evidence is promising, researchers still need to determine whether these infections actually cause Alzheimer’s or simply make it worse once it develops.

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Characterization of the gut mycobiome in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and correlations with serum metabolome

This study examined fungi in the gut of people with fatty liver disease and found that certain fungal species are more common in diseased patients. By analyzing both gut fungi and blood chemicals, researchers discovered that fungi significantly influence metabolic substances related to liver health. A computer model combining information about gut fungi and bacteria could identify fatty liver disease with reasonable accuracy, suggesting that fungi could be useful for disease diagnosis and potential treatment.

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The putatively high‐altitude adaptation of macaque monkeys: Evidence from the fecal metabolome and gut microbiome

This study examined how macaque monkeys living on the high Tibetan Plateau adapt to harsh conditions. Researchers found that high-altitude macaques have darker feces containing more stercobilin, a pigment from red blood cell breakdown. Their gut bacteria are specially adapted to process this increased bilirubin from the extra red blood cells produced at high altitude. Interestingly, high-altitude macaques also eat medicinal mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum, which may help them cope with the stress and low oxygen levels.

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Gut fungal profiles reveal phylosymbiosis and codiversification across humans and nonhuman primates

Researchers studied fungal communities in the guts of humans and various primates to understand how these fungi evolved alongside their hosts. They discovered that more closely related primate species have more similar fungal communities, and that some fungi show signs of evolving together with primates over millions of years. These findings suggest that gut fungi are long-term partners with their hosts rather than temporary travelers from diet alone.

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