Bacteria acting as shield against intense inflammation.
Healthy gut bacteria play a significant role in our wellbeing, yet the specific strains that have an impact are still a mystery. A team of researchers has recently discovered that particular intestinal bacteria can lower the risk of severe infections.
Patients who fall seriously ill in hospitals, such as those suffering from pneumonia, often have a disruptive gut microbiome. However, it's unclear whether the microbiome imbalance is a result of illness and treatment or if the illness originated due to an unhealthy microbiome to begin with. Previous large-scale studies on this matter in the general population have been lacking, according to the research team in "The Lancet Microbe". In their study, they conclude that certain intestinal bacteria help reduce the chance of serious infections.
The Role of Butyrate
To determine the types and frequencies of bacteria in the gut, the researchers analyzed stool samples from 10,699 individuals in Denmark and Finland. 602 of the study participants developed severe infections at later dates, some of which were fatal. These individuals had significantly fewer butyrate-producing bacteria in their gut compared to others.
"We found that individuals who had 10 percent more of these bacteria in their gut had a 15 to 25 percent lower risk of infection," explained Kullberg. Infections encompassed those both within and outside the gut, such as in the lungs, urinary tract, or other parts of the abdomen.
Circulation in the Body
Butyrate is generated in the gut by certain intestinal bacteria, yet it can also make its way into the bloodstream and other organs like the lungs. "Butyrate can impact the immune cells within the gut tract, as well as those in other organs of our body," stated Kullberg.
The fatty acid, for instance, influences the growth and energy metabolism of certain immune cells, the macrophages. "This bolsters their action against bacteria and viruses that cause infections, for example, through the production of more microbial agents or through enhanced phagocytosis and elimination of bacteria." In addition, butyrate can reduce inflammation, resulting in less organ damage.
The lifestyles of the participants were evaluated using questionnaires at the commencement of the study. However, the researchers could not find a noticeable relationship between the diet of the participants and butyrate-producing bacteria. They could not rule out diet as a factor either.
Fiber as a Factor?
Another study published in the journal "Cell" suggests that fiber intake may contribute to the production of butyrate. Conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, the study found that a high-fiber diet increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut. The researchers also found that the bacteria were more efficient in extracting energy from fiber and converting it into butyrate.
"Our study demonstrates that dietary fiber is an essential component in the production of butyrate by the gut microbiome," said study senior author Dr. Emeran Mayer. "This could impact the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic disorders, and even neurodegenerative diseases."
As for increasing the number of butyrate-producing bacteria, it remains unclear. "That's easier said than done," says Kullberg. The team has not specifically investigated this question. "But I believe that a healthy lifestyle - such as not smoking, engaging in regular exercise - is generally beneficial."
Butyrate is produced during the fermentation of fiber by bacteria. "Therefore, a diet rich in fiber - fruits, vegetables, grain bran - is likely to be advantageous."
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Furthermore, educating individuals about the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and consuming a fiber-rich diet could potentially reduce the risk of infectious diseases. Inadequate nutrition can lead to a depletion of beneficial bacteria, including those that produce butyrate, which in turn may increase susceptibility to infections.
Moreover, ongoing research into the role of bacteria in disease prevention and treatment, such as the discovery of bacterial strains that lower infection risk, could pave the way for novel therapies and prevention strategies in the field of infectious diseases.
