The authors of a recent study believe thatcertain intestinal bacteriacould contribute to the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the future. The Western diet is high in saturated fats and refined sugars and increases the risk of developing diabetes. The scientific team has found a connection between such a diet in the intestinal microbiome and diabetes.
The body's own helpers in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
The research suggests that a small number of specific bacteria could be crucial. Scientists from the USA and the University of Vienna conducted the research. The study shows that certain bacteria that are not influencing factors of the entire microbiome can still have an important individual influence on health. The analysis revealed microbes that would potentially influence the way a person metabolizes glucose and lipids. More importantly, it allowed researchers to draw conclusions about whether these effects are harmful or beneficial to the host. They have found links between these gut microbes and obesity. When fed a Western diet, the lab mice studied by the team developed glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, which contribute to type 2 diabetes. The researchers also noticed a significant change in the composition of the gut microbiome.
The scientists managed to narrow the list down to four bacteria that appeared to play a key role in reducing or intensifying the harmful effects of a Western diet. These are Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus gasseri, Romboutsia ilealis and Ruminococcus gnavus. The first two microbes are considered potential improvers of glucose metabolism, the other two are considered harmful. The general suggestion is that individual species of gut bacteria and/or their interactions, rather than community-level dysbiosis, are the key players in type 2 diabetes, according to the study authors. An analysis of human research data showed that the four bacteria identified in mice also correlate with the body mass index (BMI) of people eating a Western diet.
Medical perspectives
Mitochondrial health improved in the liver of mice that received gut bacteria and reduced harmful lipids. Scientists believe this is important for achieving better glucose tolerance and metabolism. The authors of the study believe that these results could help develop a possible treatment for type 2 diabetes in the future.This researchshows potential probiotic strains as therapeutic agents against diabetes and obesity as well as insights into the mechanisms of action. This represents an opportunity to develop targeted therapies rather than trying to restore healthy microbiota in general.
