Proteins Secreted by Beneficial Gut Microbes Inhibits Growth of Harmful Bacteria

Bacteria-caused intestinal inflammation may lead to diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Few treatments exist for this condition. But University of California, Irvine microbiologists have demonstrated a new approach that may lead to more effective remedies.

In the journal Nature, Manuela Raffatellu, associate professor of microbiology & molecular genetics, and colleagues provide the first evidence that small protein molecules called microcins, produced by beneficial gut microbes, play a critical part in blocking certain illness-causing bacteria in inflamed intestines.

In their study, the researchers show that a probiotic strain of E. coli called Nissle 1917 utilizes microcins to inhibit the pathogen salmonella and an invasive form of E. coli (isolated from patients with inflammatory bowel disease).

‘Small protein molecules called microcins, produced by beneficial gut microbes, play a critical part in blocking certain illness-causing bacteria in inflamed intestines.’

"Although an in vivo role for microcins has been suggested for 40 years, it has never been convincingly demonstrated," said Raffatellu, who's affiliated with UCI's Institute for Immunology. "We hypothesize that their role was missed because, as our data indicate, microcins do not seem effective in noninflamed intestines. In contrast, we show that in an inflamed intestine, microcins help a probiotic strain limit the growth of some harmful bacteria."

She added that microcins are essential for the therapeutic activity of E. coli Nissle, and her next step is to purify microcins and test whether they can be given as targeted antibiotics.

Source: Eurekalert

Nanoparticles Designed To Treat Intestinal Inflammation

Nanoparticles reduce the expression of CD98, a glycoprotein that promotes inflammation. This could be used as an effective treatment for inflammation.

Study Says Probiotic-Derived Product Protects in Model of Intestinal Inflammation

The beneficial effects of probiotics in preventing and/or treating several intestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis is touted widely

Intestinal Inflammation and Carcinogenesis may be Abetted by Bacterial Imbalance

Previous research has indicated that instability in the composition of gut bacterial communities called dysbiosis can cause common human intestinal disorders.

Heat Waves Linked to Increased Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Problems

An increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease relapse has been linked to the presence of heat wave periods by a team of Swiss researchers

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are among the most used and abused medications. This article explains some general features about antibiotics.

Baby Food - Basics

The healthiest baby foods can be made at home. Products from big brands that claim to develop infants’ health in a variety of ways are no match for nutritious home-made preparations.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition caused by increased intestinal permeability of the gut. It resembles the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by excessive gas production and bloating.

Magical Millets for Your Health

Millets are far more nutrient dense than wheat and rice. They are inexpensive and tasty too. Nutritionists now advise switching to millets from wheat and rice.

MRSA - The Super Bug

MRSA infection is the most dreaded hospital or community acquired infection that can become life-threatening.

Probiotics - Support System for the Gut

Probiotics are live microorganisms that resemble the “good bacteria” in our gut. Science is yet to fully explore the healing potential of probiotics; meanwhile some studies have ruled in their favor.