Posted on 12/16/2022 3:05:54 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Researchers have traced a previously observed link between microscopic organisms in the digestive tract—collectively known as the gut microbiome—and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Their study in genetically altered mice and people supports the belief that dietary adjustments such as increased fiber may slow MS progression.
"Unhealthy dietary habits such as low fiber and high fat consumption may have contributed to the steep rise of MS in the US," said Kouichi Ito. "In nations where people still eat more fiber, MS is far less common."
MS is a degenerative condition in which the body's immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves in the brain, spinal cord and eyes.
Several previous studies have differentiated the microbiomes of MS patients and healthy subjects, but, Ito said, they all noted different abnormalities, so it was impossible to tell what was driving disease progression.
The study used mice engineered with MS-associated genes to trace the link between alterations in the gut bacteria and an MS-like condition called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
As these mice matured—and simultaneously developed EAE and a gut inflammatory condition called colitis—researchers observed increased recruitment of inflammatory cells (neutrophils) to the colon and production of an anti-microbial protein called lipocalin 2 (Lcn-2).
The study team then looked for evidence that the same process occurred in people with MS and found significantly elevated Lcn-2 levels in patient stool. This marker correlated with reduced bacterial diversity and increased levels of other markers of intestinal inflammation. Additionally, bacteria that seem to ease inflammatory bowel disease were reduced in MS patients with higher levels of fecal Lcn-2.
The study suggests that fecal Lcn-2 levels may be a sensitive marker for detecting unhealthy changes in the gut microbiome of MS patients. It also provides further evidence that high-fiber diets, which reduce gut inflammation, may help fight MS.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
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Poor gut health? Maybe a fecal transplant is called for.
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