Identification of gut microbial species linked with disease variability in a widely used mouse model of colitis

Experimental mouse models are central to basic biomedical research; however, variability exists across genetically identical mice and mouse facilities making comparisons difficult. Whether specific indigenous gut bacteria drive immunophenotypic variability in mouse models of human disease remains poorly understood. We performed a large-scale experiment using 579 genetically identical laboratory mice from a single animal facility, designed …

Continue reading Identification of gut microbial species linked with disease variability in a widely used mouse model of colitis

Human gut bacteria produce ΤΗ17-modulating bile acid metabolites

The microbiota modulates gut immune homeostasis. Bacteria influence the development and function of host immune cells, including T helper cells expressing interleukin-17A (TH17 cells). We previously reported that the bile acid metabolite 3-oxolithocholic acid (3-oxoLCA) inhibits TH17 cell differentiation1. Although it was suggested that gut-residing bacteria produce 3-oxoLCA, the identity of such bacteria was unknown, …

Continue reading Human gut bacteria produce ΤΗ17-modulating bile acid metabolites

Disruption of autophagy by increased #5-HT alters gut microbiota and enhances susceptibility to experimental colitis and #Crohn’s disease

Autophagy, an essential intracellular recycling process, is linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases including Crohn’s disease (CD). Factors that lead to the development of impaired autophagy during intestinal inflammation remain largely unexplored. Here, we report the impact of the interaction between serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine;(5-HT)] and autophagy in colitis in mouse and human studies. In mice, …

Continue reading Disruption of autophagy by increased #5-HT alters gut microbiota and enhances susceptibility to experimental colitis and #Crohn’s disease

Serum #procalcitonin levels associate with #Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with #inflammatory bowel disease

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of morbidity among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of CDI are needed in clinical practice. The relationship between serum procalcitonin and CDI in IBD patients has not been investigated so far. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of measuring serum …

Continue reading Serum #procalcitonin levels associate with #Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with #inflammatory bowel disease

Identification of a choroid plexus vascular barrier closing during #intestinal inflammation

Locking down access to the brainInflammatory bowel disease is best known for intestinal symptoms but can also cause a variety of extraintestinal manifestations in other organs. It can also be associated with cognitive and psychiatric effects, including anxiety and depression. Using mouse models of intestinal inflammation, Carloni et al. uncovered a potential pathogenic link between …

Continue reading Identification of a choroid plexus vascular barrier closing during #intestinal inflammation