Gut germs might have a protective result

For this research study, Dr. Federico Rey, associate teacher of bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and senior author of this research study, and his group carried out fecal transplants on mice. They moved gut microorganisms from fully grown mice to mice born with microbe-free digestion systems. This likewise triggered the artery health of the fully grown mice to be revealed in the microbe-free mice.

Upon analysis, researchers discovered the mice who received microorganisms from donors with plaque-filled arteries and high levels of uric acid established these very same conditions. Similarly, mice who received microorganisms from donors with clearer capillary and less uric acid developed the very same functions.

From there, the scientists had the ability to determine the particular microorganisms connected with health results in the mice. Scientists had the ability to identify a cluster of genes discovered throughout various kinds of germs required to break down purines and uric acid in the intestinal tract.

Researchers reported when the purine-lowering microorganisms utilized the uric acid in the intestinal tracts for their own requirements, there was then less uric acid present in the blood of mice in the design.

“The findings from our study point to gut bacteria as potentially important contributors to uric acid levels,” Dr. Rey explained.

“These findings also have implications for understanding how microbes make a living in the gut. Our results show that uric acid is a [nutrient] — a source of carbon, energy, potentially nitrogen — for a lot of bacteria in conditions when there is no oxygen. We are interested in learning whether there are components of our diets that promote these organisms,” he included.

Uric acid is a waste item produced when the body breaks down purines. Purines are naturally taking place chemical substances in the body utilized to produce DNA and RNA.

Additionally, purines can be discovered in high levels in particular foods and drinks, consisting of seafood, red meat, video game meats, organ meats, and both sweetened and alcohols.

When uric acid is produced, it is finished the capillary to the kidneys where it is strained and leaves the body in urine.

If an individual has excessive uric acid in their blood stream, it might not all leave the body, triggering a build-up. A build-up of uric acid in the body is referred to as hyperuricemia.

“We have known for a long time that too much uric acid can cause gout. More recent studies have connected uric acid with other conditions, including metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Uric acid is a proinflammatory compound that can activate processes that exacerbate cardiovascular disease.”
— Dr. Federico Rey

With hyperuricemia, crystals of uric acid form triggering swelling in the body. These crystals can either enter into the kidneys triggering kidney stones. Or they can enter into the body’s joints, triggering a kind of inflammatory arthritis referred to as gout.

And high levels of uric acid have actually likewise been connected to an increased threat for particular cardiovascular conditions, consisting of hypertension and stroke.

This is not the very first time the gut microbiome has actually been connected to heart problem. Previous research study says the healthiness of gut microbiota has an effect on the advancement of heart disease in basic.

Other research studies have actually discovered a link in between particular conditions, consisting of coronary heart problem, stroke, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

According to Dr. Rey, he and his group pursued this research study as they had an interest in discovering more about how the gut microbiome effects heart disease.

“In the context of these studies, we found associations between gut bacteria and uric acid levels and between this compound and markers of disease progression both in mice and humans. Others have observed associations between uric acid and cardiovascular disease,” he informed Medical News Today.

“The unexpected finding was that uric acid variation was associated with gut bacteria,” Dr. Rey continued. “ By using animals grown in a highly controlled environment, we were able to show that gut microbes influence the abundance of uric acid in the host. This was a novel finding and motivated us to try to identify the bacteria and bacterial genes responsible for this effect.”

Dr. Rey said he believes the concept of utilizing gut germs or dietary interventions that promote particular bugs to help in reducing uric acid for gout treatment or avoidance is something that would be excellent to analyze.

“At the same time, appropriate levels of uric acid and related compounds are necessary for host health, so the ultimate question is how gut microbes and diet interact and perhaps be manipulated to maintain levels of these compounds in a beneficial range — neither too high (nor) too low,” he included.

Dr. Rey likewise commented that the relate to heart disease is less clear at this moment, however it is something that we have an interest in checking out.

“We still do not fully understand how gut bacterial metabolism influences uric acid in circulation,” he said when inquired about the next actions for this research study.

“This will be a priority in our group moving forward. We are also interested in testing the effect of bacterial modulation of uric acid on cardiovascular disease in preclinical models,” he included.

Medical News Today likewise consulted with Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a board accredited cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, about this research study.

He commented this was a fascinating research study since it offers clinicians more details on how gut health is connected to cardiovascular health.

“We have seen now that elevated uric acid levels have been associated with the formation of arterial plaque and also the progression of atherosclerosis, which we characterize as an accumulation of those fatty deposits in the arteries,” he explained.

“What we know about the mechanism thus far is that uric acid can promote oxidative stresses, endothelial dysfunction, (and) inflammation, and each of these are key processes in the development of arterial plaque,” he said.

“What’s interesting about this study is seeing how specific bacteria might be capable of breaking down this uric acid, and how there is yet another link between gut microbiota and uric acid metabolism and, therefore, potentially for atherosclerosis. So having a deeper understanding of this is of high importance because it may help us come up with new or novel strategies for preventing or treating atherosclerosis.”
— Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar

When it comes to having a healthy gut microbiome, Dr. Tadwalkar said from a dietary perspective, the very best recommendations he can provide someone is to consume a varied diet plan that consists of a variety of plant-based foods and keeps away from processed and sugar-filled foods.

“Looking at the essential nutrients that provide or promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, those are found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes — that’s where you get that rich array of nutrients that provide these microbial species for the gut,” he continued.

Dr. Tadwalkar likewise recommended expecting unneeded antibiotic usage, as prescription antibiotics can interrupt the balance of the gut microbiome.

“And then from a lifestyle standpoint, stress management is important. There is some evidence that stress can disrupt the gut-brain axis. So obviously, stress-reducing activities would be highly encouraged — exercise, yoga, meditation, (and) things of that nature,” he included.