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Scoliosis, traditionally understood as a musculoskeletal disorder with idiopathic origins, has been found to have a direct causal link between specific gut bacteria and the risk of developing the condition.
Scoliosis
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Read MoreKaren Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Jonathan Pendergrass
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Jonathan Pendergrass
Scoliosis, a spinal curvature over 10°, is influenced by gut microbiome variations, affecting spinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular health.
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Karen Pendergrass
Read More -
Jonathan Pendergrass
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Read More -
Jonathan Pendergrass
ID
Jonathan Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
Overview 
Research Feed 
References Overview
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, identified when the curvature exceeds a Cobb angle of 10 degrees. It includes types such as idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type, accounts for approximately 80% of cases and mainly affects adolescents, historically with no identifiable cause. Severe cases can lead to complications like spinal cord compression, respiratory difficulties, and cardiovascular issues. Traditional treatments focus on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause. However, recent research has discovered that gut microbiome disturbances are a causal factor in scoliosis development. [1] This insight opens a new frontier for treatment: Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTIs). By correcting gut microbiome imbalances, MBTIs aim to address the root causes of scoliosis, offering a revolutionary approach that could improve patient outcomes and transform scoliosis care.
Causes
Scoliosis, traditionally understood as a musculoskeletal disorder with idiopathic origins, has been found to have a direct causal link with specific gut bacteria, influencing the risk of developing the condition. Recent studies using Mendelian randomization have identified that certain gut microbiota, such as Bilophila and Prevotella9, provide protective effects against scoliosis. Conversely, other bacterial taxa like Mollicutes RF9 and Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group increase the risk of the disease. This groundbreaking discovery suggests that microbial imbalances in the gut could play a significant role in the development of scoliosis, shifting the paradigm from solely structural or genetic causes to include the microbiome’s impact. [2]
Interventions
Supplementation should be considered as part of a comprehensive management plan for scoliosis, which may include physical therapy, bracing, microbiome-based interventions, and other treatments as necessary.
What supplements have support for Scoliosis?
Vitamin D: Based on the meta-analysis findings, scoliosis patients, particularly those with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), might benefit from vitamin D supplements. AIS patients had significantly lower serum vitamin D levels, [x] potentially disrupting calcium-phosphorus metabolism crucial for bone health. Adequate vitamin D levels facilitate calcium absorption necessary for healthy bone formation. Thus, supplementing vitamin D could improve bone metabolism in AIS patients, potentially stabilizing or preventing scoliosis progression by ensuring proper calcium absorption and bone mineralization.
Research Feed
Causal effects of gut microbiota on scoliosis: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study.
October 27, 2023
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Association between calcium-phosphorus balance and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A meta-analysis
October 16, 2019
Alias iure reprehenderit aut accusantium. Molestiae dolore suscipit. Necessitatibus eum quaerat. Repudiandae suscipit quo necessitatibus. Voluptatibus ullam nulla temporibus nobis. Atque eaque sed totam est assumenda. Porro modi soluta consequuntur veritatis excepturi minus delectus reprehenderit est. Eveniet labore ut quas minima aliquid quibusdam. Vitae possimus fuga praesentium eveniet debitis exercitationem deleniti.
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Idiopathic
"Idiopathic" is a term used in medicine to describe a disease or condition that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.
References
- Causal effects of gut microbiota on scoliosis: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study.. Lai B, Jiang H, Gao Y, Zhou X.. (Heliyon. ( Oct 27. 2023))
- Causal effects of gut microbiota on scoliosis: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study.. Lai B, Jiang H, Gao Y, Zhou X.. (Heliyon. ( Oct 27. 2023))
Lai B, Jiang H, Gao Y, Zhou X.
Causal effects of gut microbiota on scoliosis: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study.Heliyon. ( Oct 27. 2023)
Lai B, Jiang H, Gao Y, Zhou X.
Causal effects of gut microbiota on scoliosis: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study.Heliyon. ( Oct 27. 2023)