What is the best strategy for moving microbiome-based therapies for functional gastrointestinal disorders into the clinic? Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
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.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study focuses on strategies to integrate microbiome-based therapies for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), into clinical practice. It examines the role of the gut microbiome in FGID pathogenesis, explores various therapeutic approaches such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics, and highlights the need for more precise microbiome-targeted treatments.
Who was studied?
The review primarily considers the clinical and experimental studies related to FGIDs, specifically IBS. It integrates findings from human clinical trials and animal models that investigate the association between the microbiome and gastrointestinal function. The review also discusses challenges in translating these findings to therapeutic strategies.
Most important findings
The study reveals that microbiome alterations, particularly in individuals with IBS, are associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, including changes in gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and intestinal permeability. Despite significant advances in understanding the microbiome’s role, studies often show inconsistent results, with microbiome-based therapies failing to consistently address specific disease mechanisms. The review calls for a systems-based approach, integrating multi-omics data and patient-specific characteristics to improve therapeutic outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of patient stratification based on microbial alterations and pathophysiological measurements.
Key implications
This review outlines the gap between microbiome research and clinical application. It suggests that to move microbiome-based therapies into the clinic effectively, future studies should combine multiple layers of data, including microbial composition, metabolomics, and clinical measurements. Personalized treatment strategies should be developed based on these integrated data, which can help target the underlying causes of FGIDs. Moreover, employing longitudinal studies will be crucial in understanding the dynamic nature of these disorders and identifying responders to specific therapies.
Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTIs)
Microbiome Targeted Interventions (MBTIs) are cutting-edge treatments that utilize information from Microbiome Signatures to modulate the microbiome, revolutionizing medicine with unparalleled precision and impact.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Recent research has focused on the gut microbiota's role in IBS, aiming to identify specific microbial signatures associated with the condition.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient to restore microbiome balance.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.