• About
  • Masthead
  • License Content
  • Advertise
  • Submit Press Release
  • RSS/Email List
  • Write for us
  • Contact us
2 Minute Medicine
No Result
View All Result

No products in the cart.

SUBSCRIBE
  • Specialties
    • Cardiology
    • Chronic Disease
    • Dermatology
    • Emergency
    • Endocrinology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Imaging and Intervention
    • Infectious Disease
    • Nephrology
    • Neurology
    • Obstetrics
    • Oncology
    • Ophthalmology
    • Pediatrics
    • Preclinical
    • Psychiatry
    • Public Health
    • Pulmonology
    • Rheumatology
    • Surgery
  • The Scan
  • Wellness
  • Classics™
    • 2MM+ Online Access
    • Paperback and Ebook
  • Rewinds
  • Visual
  • Partners
    • License Content
    • Submit Press Release
    • Advertise with Us
  • AccountLog-in/out
    • Subscribe
    • Sign-in
    • My account
2 Minute Medicine
  • Specialties
    • Cardiology
    • Chronic Disease
    • Dermatology
    • Emergency
    • Endocrinology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Imaging and Intervention
    • Infectious Disease
    • Nephrology
    • Neurology
    • Obstetrics
    • Oncology
    • Ophthalmology
    • Pediatrics
    • Preclinical
    • Psychiatry
    • Public Health
    • Pulmonology
    • Rheumatology
    • Surgery
  • The Scan
  • Wellness
  • Classics™
    • 2MM+ Online Access
    • Paperback and Ebook
  • Rewinds
  • Visual
  • Partners
    • License Content
    • Submit Press Release
    • Advertise with Us
  • AccountLog-in/out
    • Subscribe
    • Sign-in
    • My account
SUBSCRIBE
2 Minute Medicine
Subscribe
Home All Specialties Gastroenterology

Gut microbiome alteration may improve survival in graft-versus-host disease [PreClinical]

byCorinne FoleyandJessica Lau
April 26, 2016
in Gastroenterology, Preclinical
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

 

1. Decreased levels of the molecule butyrate and its receptors were found in mice that received an allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT).

2. The addition of butyrate-producing bacteria increased the function of the intestinal epithelium as well as survival in mice that received transplants.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

Study Rundown: Although BMTs are beneficial treatments for patients with malignancies or other blood-related conditions, they can result in the complication of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Based on the role of the gut microbiome in GVHD pathology, this study developed a potential therapy for the complication.

The researchers first showed that in mice that received allogeneic BMTs, butyrate was the only microbe-produced compound that was decreased in the gut. In addition, the concentration of butyrate transporters and receptors was decreased, a result that was ameliorated upon the addition of butyrate. Butyrate administration also decreased the weight loss associated with GVHD and increased the survival of the mice. Experiments to determine the function of butyrate showed that the compound increased levels of anti-apoptotic proteins, decreased levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, and restored the expression of junctional proteins in the mouse intestinal epithelium. Together, these changes promoted the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Finally, bacterial strains known to produce butyrate were introduced into the intestines of mice that received BMTs. Similar results were seen with these experiments as with the addition of butyrate alone, showing a significant decrease in GVHD severity.

Further studies will need to determine the effect of butyrate on other cells in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as any systemic effects of the microbiome alteration. However, this study shows the potential of altering the microbiome to reduce the complications associated with BMTs.

RELATED REPORTS

Oral microbiome therapy reduced Clostridioides difficile recurrence

Very-low-calorie diet leads to significant but reversible changes in gut microbiome

Wellness Check: Nutrition

Click to read the study in Nature Immunology

Relevant Reading: Regulation of intestinal inflammation by microbiota following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

In-Depth [animal study]: In order to induce GVHD in mice, major histocompatibility complex-mismatched BMTs were performed. Using mass spectrometry, the concentrations of microbial fatty acids in the gut were compared between the transplanted and control mice, with the only difference being a significant decrease in transplant recipient butyrate levels (p<0.05). This finding led the researchers to test the effect of butyrate administration on GVHD severity. Butyrate was administered to transplanted mice via intragastric gavage daily for 1 week and then every other day for the remaining weeks of the experiment. A significant decrease in weight loss (p<0.0001) and an increase in survival (p<0.00001) were noted in mice given butyrate.

The mechanisms of butyrate function were then determined in an in vitro culture of mouse intestinal epithelial cells as well as the in vivo mouse model of GVHD. After the addition of butyrate in both models, qPCR analysis showed a significant increase in the mRNA levels of BCL-B, an anti-apoptotic protein, and decreases in Bak1 and Bax, pro-apototic proteins (p<0.05). In addition, immunoblotting showed a significant increase in occludin, JAM, and E-cadherin following butyrate administration (p<0.05).

Finally, strains of Clostridia bacteria known to produce high amounts of butyrate were introduced into the intestines of mice via intragastric gavage, on alternating days from 14 days before the BMT until 21 days after. Upon addition of these bacteria, there was a significant increase in butyrate within the intestinal lumen and tissues (p<0.05). Compared to mice that did not receive bacteria, those that did showed a significant decrease in GVHD severity (p<0.05) and increase in survival (p<0.0001).

Image: PD

©2016 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved. No works may be reproduced without expressed written consent from 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. Inquire about licensing here. No article should be construed as medical advice and is not intended as such by the authors or by 2 Minute Medicine, Inc.

Tags: microbiome
Previous Post

New guidelines define brief resolved unexplained events

Next Post

Disparities exist in economic impact of childhood food allergy

RelatedReports

[Physician Comment] The extent of C. difficile infections may not differ in light of immune status
Gastroenterology

Oral microbiome therapy reduced Clostridioides difficile recurrence

January 24, 2022
Of Background Image
Gastroenterology

Very-low-calorie diet leads to significant but reversible changes in gut microbiome

July 27, 2021
Provision of medically-tailored meals linked with lower admissions and medical spending
Wellness

Wellness Check: Nutrition

July 22, 2021
Intrapartum antibiotics associated with altered infant gut microbiome
Obstetrics

Intrapartum antibiotics associated with altered infant gut microbiome

October 4, 2015
Next Post
Disparities exist in economic impact of childhood food allergy

Disparities exist in economic impact of childhood food allergy

Molecular testing for Clostridium difficile may not predict disease activity

Isolation of Clostridium difficile-carriers linked to lower hospital transmission

HOSPITAL score predicts risk of 30-day potentially avoidable readmission to hospital

Worse quality of care amongst Puerto Rican Hispanics compared with continental US Hispanics

License Our Award-Winning Physician-Written Medical News and Visual Abstracts

2 Minute Medicine is the leading authoritative medical news licensing service, and the only with reports written by practicing doctors.

LICENSE CONTENT

2MM+ Premium Access

No ads & unlimited access to all current reports, over 9000 searchable archived reports, visual abstracts, Weekly Rewinds, and the online edition of The Classics Series™ textbook.

Subscription Options
2 Minute Medicine

2 Minute Medicine® is an award winning, physician-run, expert medical media company. Our content is curated, written and edited by practicing health professionals who have clinical and scientific expertise in their field of reporting. Our editorial management team is comprised of highly-trained MD physicians. Join numerous brands, companies, and hospitals who trust our licensed content.

Recent Reports

  • Abnormal menstruation may be associated with worse cardiometabolic outcomes later in life
  • Past infection with pre-omicron variants of COVID-19 protects against re-infection
  • No difference in complete expulsion of intrauterine device between early and standard interval postpartum placement
License Content
Terms of Use | Disclaimer
Cookie Policy
Privacy Statement (EU)
Disclaimer

© 2021 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. - Physician-written medical news.

  • Specialties
    • Cardiology
    • Chronic Disease
    • Dermatology
    • Emergency
    • Endocrinology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Imaging and Intervention
    • Infectious Disease
    • Nephrology
    • Neurology
    • Obstetrics
    • Oncology
    • Ophthalmology
    • Pediatrics
    • Preclinical
    • Psychiatry
    • Public Health
    • Pulmonology
    • Rheumatology
    • Surgery
  • The Scan
  • Wellness
  • Classics™
    • 2MM+ Online Access
    • Paperback and Ebook
  • Rewinds
  • Visual
  • Partners
    • License Content
    • Submit Press Release
    • Advertise with Us
  • Account
    • Subscribe
    • Sign-in
    • My account

© 2021 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. - Physician-written medical news.

Want more physician-written
medical news?

Join over 10 million yearly readers and numerous companies. For healthcare professionals
and the public.

Subscribe for free today!

Subscription options