Study shows association between gut microbes and brain structure in people with irritable bowel syndrome

FINDINGSA new study by researchers at UCLA has revealed two key findings for people with irritable bowel syndrome about the relationship between the microorganisms that live in the gut and the brain.For people with IBS research shows for the first time that there is an association between the gut microbiota and the brain regions involved in the processing of sensory information from their bodies. The results suggest that signals generated by the brain can influence the composition of microbes residing in the intestine and that the chemicals in the gut can shape the human brain ’s structure.Additionally, the researchers gained insight into the connections among childhood trauma, brain development and the composition of the gut microbiome.BACKGROUNDPrevious studies performed in mice have demonstrated effects of gut microbiota on brain function and behavior, as well as the influence of the brain on the composition of microbes in the gut. However, to date, only one study performed in human subjects has confirmed the translatability of such findings to the human brain.Studies have also reported evidence for alterations in the composition of gut microbiota in people with irritable bowel syndrome, but there has been little consistency among studies regarding the specific microbial alterations and the relationship of such alterations with the cardinal symptoms of IBS, recurring abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.In relation to a person ’s history with childhood trauma, it ha...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news