Karen Pendergrass, Standards Team

This review discusses the increasingly recognized role of the human microbiome in health and disease, particularly focusing on its implications for erectile dysfunction (D). The review highlights several key points:Evidence Linking Microbiome to D Risk Factors: There is compelling evidence associating the gut microbiome with conditions known to contribute to D, including diabetes, hypertension, metabolic […]

What was studied?The study investigated the causal relationship between gut microbiota and the risk of erectile dysfunction (D) using a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach based on genetic data from large WAS studies. Who was studied?Genetic data were analyzed from 223,805 participants in Europe for D and 18,340 participants from 24 cohorts for gut microbiota. What were the […]

What was studied?The study utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (R) approach to assess the causal effects of gut microbiota on the risk of erectile dysfunction (D). It analyzed the associations between specific gut microbiota and D using genome-wide association study (WAS) data.Who was studied?The study analyzed genetic and microbiota data from large cohorts, including 18,340 […]

This study confirms a bidirectional causal relationship between Graves’ Disease and the gut microbiome. Key taxa like Deltaproteobacteria elevate D risk, while others, such as Anaerostipes, are protective. These findings advance our understanding of the thyroid-gut axis and suggest microbiome-targeted interventions for D.

What Was This review investigates the hypothesis that severe anemia contributes to the elevated risk of invasive bacterial infections in African children through dysregulation of iron homeostasis, including the disruption of hepcidin—a hepatic hormone that governs iron availability in the body. The authors synthesize evidence from epidemiological, mechanistic, and experimental studies, proposing that the interplay […]

What was studied? The study assessed thyroid function and oxidative stress in foundry workers occupationally exposed to lead (Pb) dust and fumes. It investigated the correlation between blood lead levels (LL) and thyroid hormones, as well as markers of oxidative stress.Who was studied? The study involved 59 adult male foundry workers exposed to lead and […]

What was studied?The study investigated the gut microbial composition in patients with Graves’ disease (D) compared to healthy controls. Who was studied?The study involved 27 D patients and 11 healthy controls, with fecal samples collected for analysis. What were the most important findings?The association between gut microbiota and host homeostasis is pivotal for understanding various diseases, including […]

What was studied?The study investigated the association between calcium-phosphorus balance and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (IS) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cross-sectional studies. Who was studied?The meta-analysis included a total of 646 IS cases and 791 controls, comprising adolescents from various countries, with a focus on sex and menstruation status for subgroup analysis. What […]

What was studied?The study investigated the causal effects of gut microbiota on scoliosis using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (R) approach. Specifically, it aimed to determine whether variations in the composition of gut microbiome taxa could influence the risk of developing scoliosis. The study utilized genetic variants as instrumental variables (Vs) from a large genome-wide […]

Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by probiotic bacteria during fermentation, offering health benefits without containing live microorganisms.