Author Archives: lassesen

Unknown's avatar lassesen 4:49 pm on December 29, 2019  

Microbiome and Iron, Calcium, Phosphate, Zinc…

However, Bifidobacteriaceae are capable of binding iron in the large intestine, thereby limiting the formation of free radicals synthesized in the presence of iron, and thus reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Animal studies have revealed that supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics has a significant effect on bone calcium, phosphate and bone metabolism. The dynamic interaction between microbiota and zinc was shown. Human studies have provided evidence of the influence of probiotic bacteria on parathormone, calcium and phosphate levels and thus on bone resorption. Recent studies have produced new information mainly on the impact of the intestinal bacteria on the metabolism of calcium and iron. From a scientific perspective, the most urgent fields that remain to be investigated are the identification of all human gut microbes and new therapies targeting the interaction between intestinal bacteria and minerals.

Association between the gut microbiota and mineral metabolism. [2018]

In this post, I will try finding the studies and further information.

Bottom Line

The available literature suggests that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are dominate player for calcium levels. Since these are much higher in children than adults, this would assist in bone growth by providing the needed calcium. This appears to extend to other minerals such as zinc, copper, phosphorus in a similar manner.

Both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium decrease with old age and may account for calcium /bone loss issues. ” The presence of the Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides group, and Clostridium cluster XIVa decreased with age up to 66-80 years of age,  “[2019]

Low levels of one of more of theses would hint towards insufficient of these, or a bad balance with them. High levels of one or more would hint towards a surplus of these, or a bad balance with them.

Unknown's avatar lassesen 9:29 am on December 28, 2019  

Natural Killer Cells and Microbiome

A reader with ME/CFS wrote:

One of the many tests over the years has been Natural Killer cell function. Many CFS patients from what I understand have low NK cell function.
 Any clue how this is related to microbiome and ways to possibly reverse this or restore NK function? Could this just be due to gut dysregulation?

This has been my assumption for over 6 years. The following is what I could find that has been documented:

  • “Some effects of modulation by probiotics include cytokine production by epithelial cells, increased mucin secretion, increased activity of phagocytosis, and activation of T and natural killer T cells, stimulation of immunoglobulin A production and decreased T cell proliferation. Intestinal microbiota has a major impact on the systemic immune system. ” [2019]
  • ”  Some probiotics have been found to regulate immune responses via immune regulatory mechanisms. T regulatory (Treg) cells, T helper cell balances, dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells can be considered as the most determinant dysregulated mediators in immunomodulatory status.  ” [2019]

The gut microbiota is a key element to support host homeostasis and the development of the immune system. The relationship between the microbiota and immunity is a 2-way road, in which the microbiota contributes to the development/function of immune cells and immunity can affect the composition of microbes…. Our results indicate that intestinal NKT cells are important modulators of intestinal homeostasis and that gut microbiota composition may be a potential target in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases.  

Fecal IgA Levels and Gut Microbiota Composition Are Regulated by Invariant Natural Killer T Cells. [2019]

The review compiles data from multiple studies on the role of microbiota in the innate immune response and the development and differentiation of CD4+ T cells, a major component of the adaptive arm of the immune response. As a result of dysbiosis, invariant natural killer T cells may induce T helper 2 cell differentiation and immunoglobulin E isotype switching through the release of Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13. Furthermore, degradation of immunoglobulin A antibodies, increased circulating mast cells and basophils, and inflammation are among other mechanisms by which dysbiosis can induce or exacerbate asthma. 

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Atopic Asthma and Allergy, Implications in the Understanding of Disease Pathogenesis. [2019]

Some bacterial species (e.g. Prevotella, Citrobacter rodentium, Collinsella aerofaciens, Segmented filamentous bacteria) participate in the creation of the pro-inflammatory immune status, presumably via epitope mimicry, modification of self-antigens, enhanced cell apoptosis mechanisms, and destruction of tight junction proteins and intestinal barrier integrity, all leading to the development and maintainance of inflammatory arthropathies… The underlying mechanisms include dysbiosis-mediated changes in the functional activity of the intestinal immune cell subsets, such as innate lymphoid cells, mucosa-associated invariant T cells, invariant natural killer T cells, T-follicular helper and T-regulatory cells. In turn, disturbed functionality of the gut-associated immune system is shown to promote the overgrowth of many bacteria, thus establishing a detrimental vicious circle of actively maintaining arthritis.

A cross talk between dysbiosis and gut-associated immune system governs the development of inflammatory arthropathies. [2019]

Recent evidence indicates that memory is also present in the innate immune cells such as monocytes/macrophages and natural killer cells. These cells exhibit pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize microbe- or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs or PAMPs) expressed by the microbes. Interaction between PRRs and MAMPs is quite crucial since it triggers the sequence of signaling events and epigenetic rewiring that not only play a cardinal role in modulating the activation and function of the innate cells but also impart a sense of memory response. 

Potential Role of Gut Microbiota in Induction and Regulation of Innate Immune Memory. [2019]

Bottom Line

I stopped following studies on natural killer cells a few years ago because the evidence pointed to them being a secondary effect of issues with the microbiome. In other words, a symptom and not a cause. Symptom relief is good but it does not deal with the root cause. Altering natural killer function by drugs do have a chance of causing a cascade into the microbiome ( it is a 2-way road ), unfortunately drugs also have unknown side effects. I have focused on the microbiome because it is easier to do in one sense (no need to talk a MD into prescribing, no fight with insurance company to pay for it), it is also more complex to do — which is why I ended up writing a fuzzy logic artificial intelligence system to do it.
http://microbiomeprescription.com/

Unknown's avatar lassesen 2:39 pm on December 27, 2019  

Prebiotic and probiotic Enemas

A reader asked me about doing this. I have no personal experience (I am sure some readers will add their own experiences to this post). I did find a few items on Pub Med

 The preliminary clinical trials and animal experiments show that the probiotics biologicals from Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium, and the prebiotics including inulin and galactooligosaccharides, as well as lubiprostone and activated carbon adsorbents can be used for improving dysfunction of CKD patients with the gut microbiota dysbiosis via reducing uremic toxins and inhibiting the systemic micro-inflammation. But not only that, it is reported that, to some extent, a number of the single Chinese herbal medicine（CHM）, the CHM prescriptions and the CHM extracts（emodin, etc.）with oral or enema administration can also regulate the gut microbiota dysbiosis, protect the intestinal epithelial barrier, reduce uremic toxins accumulation and delay CKD progression.

[Pathomechanism and treatment of gut microbiota dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease and interventional effects of Chinese herbal medicine]. 2017

Bottom Line

No adverse reactions were cited. Results were either positive or none. It presents an interesting alternative for some people.

Unknown's avatar lassesen 12:44 pm on December 24, 2019  

Histamine reducing probiotics

A reader asked not for probiotics that do not produces histamine (the usual ask), but ones that reduces histamine and mask cell issues. The following is what I could find in the literature. Mast cell issues are increasingly implicated with digestive issues. Release of histamine from mast cells cause inflammation.

” a growing body of publications clearly showed that patients with postinfectious IBS have increased Mast Cell [MC] activation… it has been recently demonstrated that dietary administration of S. cerevisiae‐derived β‐glucan was able to attenuate MC‐induced intestinal hyperpermeability in patients affected by Crohn’s disease ileitis as well as in noninflammatory IBD subjects,”

Mast cells at the crossroads of microbiota and IBD. [2018]

This article Mast cells at the crossroads of microbiota and IBD. [2018], lists some specific impacts. “several commensal bacteria such as Enterococcus fecalis, Lactobacillus paracaseii, and nonpathogenic Escherichia coli are able to suppress murine MC degranulation  “

  • Enterococcus faecalis – Suppression of IgE/Ag‐induced degranulation, Reduction of MC infiltration and serum IgE levels in a murine model of atopic dermatitis
  • Lactobacillus paracasei – Suppression of IgE/Ag‐induced degranulation
  • Escherichia coli – Suppression of IgE/Ag‐ and PMA/ionomycin‐induced degranulation
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae – Attenuation of MC‐induced intestinal hyperpermeability

Oral administration of Clostridium butyricum CGMCC0313-1 reduces ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice.[2017]

Enterococcus faecium has some evidence;

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has some evidence

DNA Aspect

There are some mutations of DNA that can result in low levels of  DAO or diamine oxidase (what counteracts histamine). This can be a factor for histamine. See this site for how to look up in your 23andMe or Ancestry DNA.

Bottom Line

My personal recommendations, based on the literature (and ranked), are:

Unknown's avatar lassesen 8:44 pm on December 23, 2019  

FUT2 and the microbiome

fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) is a DNA variation with ” Intestinal microbiome analyses have also revealed differences in the microbiota structure based on FUT2 status, with non-secretors showing reduced microbial richness compared to secretors[2017]. “Heritability analysis of the microbiota has demonstrated the importance of host genotype in defining the human microbiota “[2018]

The gene coding for your blood type lies on chromosome 9q34. However, a separate gene (called FUT2) actually interacts with your blood type gene, and determine your ability to secrete your blood type antigens into body fluids and tissues. …
A Secretor is defined as a person who secretes their blood type antigens into body fluids and secretions like the saliva in your mouth, the mucus in your digestive tract and respiratory cavities, etc. Basically what this means is that a secretor puts their blood type into these body fluids. A Non-secretor on the other hand puts little to none of their blood type into these same fluids. As a general rule, in the U.S. about 20% of the population are Non-secretors (with the remaining 80% being Secretors).

Importance of Secretor Status, DR. PETER J. D’ADAMO

In other words, both your blood type and your FUT2 status may also have impacts on your microbiome. This adds more layers to what is “normal” for you as an individual. For nursing mothers, they alter their milk microbiome for their infants [2019].

  • These are the first results indicating that the O blood group and FUT2 secretor status are protective factors against Crohn’s Disease in Asians. [2019]
  • Secretor Status Is Strongly Associated with Microbial Alterations Observed during Pregnancy. [2015]
  • ” Additionally, we demonstrate that both secretor status and blood group antigen expression especially affect the Lachnospiraceae family of bacteria within the gut microbiome, with lower abundances noted in nonsecretors and higher abundances in secretors of various blood groups. We further note specific differences in blood group A-secretors demonstrating that the genus Blautia is lower in the group A-secretors compared with the non-A-secretors and that this reduction is accompanied by higher abundances of members of the Rikenellaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Clostridiales, and Turicibacter” [2017]
  • Faecal microbiota composition in adults is associated with the FUT2 gene determining the secretor status.[2014]
    • ” Several other genera, including the mucus-degrader Akkermansia , showed a trend towards a lower relative abundance in the non-secretors “
    • “Enzymes for the degradation of the ABO glycan structures have also been identified in Bifidobacterium species and the mucus degrading genera Ruminococcus, Clostridium and Akkermansia , which were among the significantly abundant bacteria in the secretors in this study “
Secretor genotype (FUT2 gene) is strongly associated with the composition of Bifidobacteria in the human intestine.[2011]

Wait there’s more!

  • ” Recent report showed that NOD2 genotypes have an influence also on human microbiome ” [2014]
  • FUT2 may be a factor for autism [2019]
  • Fut2 induces epithelial fucosylation and exacerbates airway inflammation in asthmatic patients  [2020]
  • The FUT2 (fucosyltransferase-2) gene determines blood group secretor status. Being homozygous for the inactive “non-secretor” rs601338(A) allele confers resistance to certain infections (e.g. Norovirus, Rotavirus) and susceptibility to others (e.g. Haemophilus influenza, Streptococcus pneumonia). Non-secretors also have an increased risk of type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.  [2018]
  • Our results identify an association between FUT2 secretor status and self-reported kidney disease, and confirm a recently reported association with susceptibility to mumps infection.  [2018]

On the flip side:

From larger studies, we found these earlier reports were not replicated.

  • ” Despite previous reports, the taxonomic composition of the microbiota does not appear to be strongly associated with ABO or secretor status in 1503 individuals from the United Kingdom.  ” [2016]
  •  Thus, FUT2 genotype and inferred phenotype are not associated with human fecal microbial composition and imputed function. [2018]

Bottom Line

My reading is that the impact is at the species or strain level often. We need more and better studies to come to firm conclusions. The two negative studies had weakness in not accounting for several possible factors and in contrary to multiple previous studies.

The real interesting aspect is in selecting probiotics. Depending on your secretor status, you may wish to avoid those that are not seen with your secretor status.

If you have done 23andMe, this is how you can check your status. I am a  A/A on rs601338:  non-secretor of blood type, lower amounts of bifidobacteria, resistant to norovirus.

I had just added FUT2 secretor and FUT2 non-secretor to the “symptom list” for people that have uploaded.

Both Holigos™ products currently available contain 2’FL. This key ingredient nourishes your good bacteria and your intestinal wall and has been clinically proven to increase the abundance of bifidobacteria in FUT2 non-secretors.

Also, in a trial involving more than 1,400 people, the vast majority are either satisfied or very satisfied with their experience and find the product easy to take. Several FUT2 non-secretors have tried Holigos™, one of whom, also suffers from IBS-D and celiac disease. She told us that after using Holigos™ for 3 weeks, she felt a significant improvement in her symptoms. She explained, “My IBS symptoms have somehow calmed down a great deal, which of course makes me feel a lot better, more energized and indeed stronger.” As described by this user, if you are a FUT2 non-secretor, Holigos™ provides you with the specific nutrient you need to support your journey to good digestive health.

We recommend our Digestive Health product for non-secretors without severe gastrointestinal issues but with low abundance of bifidobacterial.

The FUT2 gene and non-secretors (Holigos web site)

As a personal FYI, Holigos has made major difference for a family member that is also a non-secretor of blood type.