GUT MICROBIOME

What is a Microbiome and Microbiota?

The intestinal microflora is often called the microbiota or gut microbiome, but these terms have different meanings. The microbiome (from Latin micro — “small”, bios — “life”) is the set of genomes of all microorganisms in an environment in general (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea) or in a specific environment (e.g., skin, intestine, etc.), while the term “microbiota” refers to the set of microorganisms themselves without considering their genes for a specific environment.

The gut microbiome (GM) is characterized by a complex hierarchical structure that provides the host organism with biologically active substances (vitamins, amino acids, hormone-like and antibacterial substances) and performs important functions, such as antitoxic, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic actions. Thanks to the symbiosis of different bacterial cultures, the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the intestines is regulated, and normal pH is maintained. Fatty acids produced by bacteria of the normal microflora are important for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. The human microbiome also affects mood, behavior, taste preferences, and other aspects of physiology.

According to scientific data, 100 trillion bacteria live in the intestine, which exceeds the total number of human cells by 10 times. The weight of these bacteria ranges from 2.5 to 3 kg, and their composition includes about 1,000 different species, most of which cannot be cultivated under laboratory conditions.

Despite some fluctuations in composition, the gut microbiome has a fairly stable nature, which allows it to be studied and analyzed.

How the Gut Microbiome Changes Under Different Factors

A detailed analysis of the gut microbiome has revealed that its composition changes depending on:

• The method of birth (vaginal delivery or cesarean section)
• The method of feeding (breastfeeding or formula)
• Place of residence
• Dietary habits (lack of sufficient dietary fiber, which serves as food for beneficial bacteria)
• Bad habits
• Stress
• Gender
• Diseases, in particular prolonged intestinal inflammation
• The influence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or fungi on the intestine
• Taking antibiotics or other drugs, and many other factors

The microflora of the human intestine often changes in individuals with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other inflammatory bowel diseases. These diseases are accompanied by the release of cytokines, enzymes, and acidic substances that are harmful to gut bacteria.

Beneficial bacteria regulate intestinal peristalsis, so when the microbiome is disturbed, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other unpleasant symptoms may occur.

With Which Organs or Systems of the Body is the Gut Microbiome Associated?

Today, the following axes of GM influence are known:

• Intestines — brain
• Intestines — skin
• Intestines — heart
• Intestines — lungs
• Intestines — metabolism
• Intestines — thyroid gland
• Intestines — immune system

According to this list, the GM has a significant impact on human health.

Why is the Analysis of the Gut Microbiome so Important?

The analysis of the GM allows for a broader assessment of a person’s health and can help identify early markers of disease onset.

Assessing the structural and functional state of the GM helps improve diagnostics and deepen the understanding of the course of existing diseases.

Clarifying dynamic changes in the state and composition of the GM makes it possible to optimize preventive and therapeutic measures, mitigate disease progression, and ensure a favorable prognosis for the patient.

Determining and taking into account the state of the GM also helps identify potential side effects of medications used for treatment, allowing adjustment of therapeutic strategies.

In general, dysbacteriosis (a change in the normal species composition of the intestine) is detected in 70% of the adult population and almost 90% of preschool children. Dysbacteriosis is a contributing factor in many gastrointestinal pathologies and accompanies a number of other diseases.

Therefore, studying the GM is especially important in cases of gastrointestinal disorders, as well as in the following pathological conditions and/or diseases:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Thyroid diseases
• Asthma
• Eczema
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis
• Chronic kidney diseases
• Mental health changes

It is clear that this list is not exhaustive, as GM analysis can be recommended for any disease or complaint to improve health or optimize current treatment strategies based on individual characteristics.

What the Gut Microbiome Analysis Reveals

Microbial Diversity

The diversity of the gut microbiota determines how stable the microbial environment is and how well it protects against pathogenic microorganisms. The more diverse the bacteria in the intestine, the better a person feels, and the lower the risk of pathological abnormalities.

The Presence and Type of Probiotic Bacteria

Certain types of bacteria are beneficial, while others may be harmful. Beneficial gut bacteria regulate immunity, protect against obesity, bind and remove heavy metals and various toxins, and perform other important functions. Gut microbiome analyses demonstrate the composition of all gut bacteria and their contribution to the functioning of the body.

Protection From Diseases

After next-generation metagenomic sequencing (NGS) of fecal microorganisms, it is possible to determine whether adjustments to the diet are necessary and what foods should be emphasized. Because diet significantly affects the microbial composition of the digestive tract, specific foods are recommended for each type of deviation. In addition to dietary recommendations, a doctor may prescribe medications, such as probiotics, to increase the proportion of beneficial microorganisms in the intestine and neutralize unwanted ones.

If you want to examine your gut microbiome, you can learn about its condition at the Korona Clinic. The clinic deciphers the relevant tests and prescribes effective therapy methods tailored for you.

For a consultation, contact the Korona Clinic by phone at (068) 776 65 54 or (050) 282 98 68 to receive highly qualified advice on this analysis.