Microbiome

Researchers call for new rules to regulate probiotics
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should consider the unique features of probiotics—bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestines—in regulating their use and marketing, says Diane Hoffmann, JD, director of the Law and Health Care Program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and lead author of the a newly released Science article, "Probiotics: Finding the Right Regulatory Balance." MedicalXpress

The microbiome and cancer
Microbiota and host form a complex 'super-organism' in which symbiotic relationships confer benefits to the host in many key aspects of life. However, defects in the regulatory circuits of the host that control bacterial sensing and homeostasis, or alterations of the microbiome, through environmental changes (infection, diet or lifestyle), may disturb this symbiotic relationship and promote disease. Increasing evidence indicates a key role for the bacterial microbiota in carcinogenesis. In this Opinion article, we discuss links between the bacterial microbiota and cancer, with a particular focus on immune responses, dysbiosis, genotoxicity, metabolism and strategies to target the microbiome for cancer prevention. Schwabe RF, Jobin C. Nat Rev Cancer. 2013 Oct 17. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 24132111

Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation prevents rhinovirus infections in preterm infants: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Gut microbiota modification with specific prebiotics and probiotics might offer a novel and cost-effective means to reduce the risk of rhinovirus infections. Luoto R, Ruuskanen O, Waris M, Kalliomäki M, Salminen S, Isolauri E. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 Oct 13. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 24131826

Molecular analysis and clinical significance of Lactobacillus spp. recovered in clinical specimens presumptively associated with disease
Lactobacillus spp. are part of the normal human flora and are generally assumed to be non-pathogenic. We determined the genotypic identification of over 100 Lactobacillus isolates from clinical specimens in the context of presumed pathogenic potential (e.g. recovered as the single/predominant isolate from a sterile site, or at ≥105 CFU/ml from urine). This study assessed the clinical significance as well as the frequency of occurrence of each Lactobacillus spp. Martinez RM, Hulten KG, Bui U, Clarridge JE 3rd. J Clin Microbiol. 2013 Oct 16. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 24131686