Microbiota

Microbiota Modulation: Can Probiotics Prevent/Treat Disease in Pediatrics?
A number of metagenomic analyses providing knowledge of the human microbiome have yielded data on the differences between healthy and diseased individuals. Microbiota manipulation, such as through the administration of probiotics, may potentially contribute to improved health outcomes. The objective of this review was to summarize the most recent data on the use of probiotics to treat or prevent diseases in pediatrics. Szajewska H. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2013;77:99-110. Epub 2013 Aug 29. PMID: 24107500

Transforming Growth Factor and Intestinal Inflammation: The Role of Nutrition
The intestinal mucosa possesses a complex epithelial barrier and a well-organized local immune system, which both efficiently protect this internal-external surface against potential microbial aggressions while guaranteeing tolerance towards harmless bacteria or antigens (oral tolerance). There is good experimental evidence that the intestinal microbiota is a main driver for the development of the mucosal immune system. Any perturbations/changes of this interaction with the intestinal microbiota or the microbial colonization process may cause health problems with short- and eventually long-term consequences, such as suspected for allergic or dysimmune disorders. Ruemmele FM, Garnier-Lengliné H. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2013;77:91-98. Epub 2013 Aug 29. PMID: 24107499

Understanding Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics
The intestinal microbiota is known to be a driving force in the development and maintenance of the immune system. While substantial shifts in the microbiota composition may influence immune functionality in a longer term, short occasional changes might also be sensed. The latter opens considerable perspectives for the use of nutritional interventions, intended to modulate immune functionality in a desired direction. Probiotics are discussed here as a possible way to achieve this goal. Pot B, Foligné B, Daniel C, Grangette C. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2013;77:75-90. Epub 2013 Aug 29. PMID: 24107498

Diet, Gut Enterotypes and Health: Is There a Link?
Although the distinction of enterotypes as either discrete clusters or a continuum will require additional investigation, numerous studies have demonstrated the coexclusion of the closely related Prevotella and Bacteroides genera in the gut microbiota in healthy human subjects, where Prevotella appears to be a discriminatory taxon for residence in more agrarian societies. Ultimately, the impact of diet on the human gut microbiota may be an important environmental factor involved in the pathogenesis of disease states that show a rapidly increasing incidence in industrialized nations. Bushman FD, Lewis JD, Wu GD. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2013;77:65-73. Epub 2013 Aug 29. PMID: 24107497

Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Review of Patient-Targeted Recommendations Patients have strong beliefs about the role of diet in the cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in exacerbating or alleviating ongoing symptoms from IBD. The rapid increase in the incidence and prevalence of IBD in the past several decades strongly suggests an environmental trigger for IBD, one of which may be dietary patterns. There are several pathways where diet may influence intestinal inflammation such as direct dietary antigens, altering the gut microbiome, and affecting gastrointestinal permeability. However, data that altering diet can change the natural history of IBD are scarce and evidence based dietary guidelines for patients with IBD are lacking. Hou JK, Lee D, Lewis J. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Oct 6. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 24107394