Essential Gut Bacteria Linked to Health
3D Media Sphere/Science Photo Library
A newly discovered group of bacteria thriving in the gut microbiome of healthy individuals suggests their crucial role in maintaining overall health.
About 4,600 species of bacteria inhabit our gut, impacting a range of bodily functions from our immune response to sleep patterns and mental health risks.
Interestingly, around two-thirds of these species fall into the “hidden microbiome,” many of which cannot be cultured in laboratories or even named. We only identify them through genomic analysis. “Are these species merely bystanders, or do they contribute to human health?” questions Alexandre Almeida, a researcher at Cambridge University.
To delve deeper, Almeida and his team analyzed genetic markers of bacteria across a comprehensive study involving over 11,000 participants from 39 countries, primarily across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Approximately half of the participants were healthy, while the other half had one of 13 conditions, including obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.
The analysis revealed that 715 bacterial species are linked to specific health conditions; 342 were more abundant in unhealthy individuals, while 373 were prevalent in those who were healthy.
Among these, a prominent genus named CAG-170 consistently correlated with better health outcomes. “Across various conditions, CAG-170 levels were markedly higher in healthy individuals compared to those with diseases,” Almeida explains.
In another aspect of the study, Almeida’s team explored bacterial species that indicate a healthy gut microbiome versus one characterized by dysbiosis.
“CAG-170 once again showed a significant correlation,” Almeida adds. “Higher CAG-170 levels corresponded with a balanced and healthier gut microbiome.”
To understand CAG-170’s role, the researchers examined its genome, identifying genes linked to metabolic pathways capable of producing elevated vitamin B12 levels and breaking down various carbohydrates and fibers.
While CAG-170 itself doesn’t utilize vitamin B12, Almeida suggests that other bacteria frequently found alongside CAG-170 likely benefit from it. “CAG-170 seems to adopt a collaborative role, providing metabolic support to its microbial companions.”
This study marks a vital step in understanding which components of the gut microbiome contribute to health and disease. Research led by Nicola Segata at the University of Trento recently characterized a healthy gut microbiome but didn’t thoroughly explore how these bacteria provide health benefits.
Determining whether high CAG-170 levels are a health cause or consequence remains challenging. Almeida emphasizes the need for further research to assess whether introducing CAG-170 can mitigate certain health risks.
“The human microbiome and body are intricately linked, and should be considered a unified complex system,” Segata states. “Instead of seeking direct causality, we need to explore the holistic relationship between microbial and bodily health, including diet’s role.”
Professor Segata advocates for follow-up studies incorporating nutritional clinical trials to evaluate the dietary factors that influence both microbiome composition and human health.
From Almeida’s perspective, CAG-170 holds potential in two ways: as a biomarker for gut health and as a foundation for new probiotics aimed at enhancing overall well-being.
The potential for CAG-170 as a probiotic candidate is promising, yet its laboratory cultivation remains a significant challenge. “Identifying optimal foods and prebiotic supplements to increase CAG-170 levels may be a more attainable goal than developing probiotic products.” Segata notes.
However, genomic insights offer guidance on practical applications. Since CAG-170 bacteria appear unable to produce arginine, supplementing with more amino acids might promote their growth and presence in the gut.
Topic:
Source: www.newscientist.com
