Saturday, November 8, 2014
Weight 'Influenced by Gut Bacteria'
Studies done in the past has shown that weight is affected by genes, but new research done by researchers from Cornell University in Ithica, NY, and King's College London in the UK, adds to that thought. This study states that how heavy we are relies on what bacteria live in our guts. The study was published in Cell and it "sequenced the genes of microbes present in over 1,000 fecal samples taken from 416 pairs of twins who were part of the Twins UK data registry." 171 pairs were identical (share 100% of their genes) and 245 were non- identical (share 50% of their genes).
In the study, researchers found the presence of the class of bacteria, Christensenellacaea was most influenced by genes. The strain Christensenellaceae minuta was more common in individuals who weighed less. Mice were used to test this theory to find that the guts of mice with this bacteria also had less of a gut. This shows that increasing Christensenellaceae minuta will decrease the size of the gut and reduce obesity.
Professor Tim Spector, head of the Dept. of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemology at King's College London says these results may aid in the creation of personalized probiotic treatments which may reduce obesity and related diseases. He adds that the abundance of Christensenellaceae minuta is influenced by our genes. Senior author Ruth Ley, an associate professor at Corell University, points out how this study is the first to show obesity is not only influenced by diet, environment, lifestyle, and health, but also gut microbes in our genes.
I think this study is a great addition to the other studies done in the past that just conclude how weight is affected by genetics. This study shows a specific bacteria that aids in weight loss that is hereditary, which is a new idea. Similarily to Tim Spector, I also believe that this can aid in the creation of personalized probiotic treatments to reduce obesity and heart disease. Christensenellaceae minuta can be extremely useful when aiding in weight loss and most likely beneficial since we have this bacteria in our gut already.
Article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285122.php
Related Article:
http://www.science20.com/news_articles/gut_bacteria_implicated_in_whether_or_not_your_clothes_fit-148717
Labels:
Bacteria,
Christensenella minuta,
Christensenellaceae,
genes,
microbes,
Obesity
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As obesity in America continues to rise, this study could be a step forward to reducing the numbers. As further research is conducted, scientists may develop a way to alter the behavior of our genes to increase the amount of christensenellaceae in our bodies. If this is accomplished we can incorporate the method into patients with high levels of obesity and to those who are at risk of it.
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