• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Contract Manufacturing: Trials & Tribulations of Today’s Supply Chains

    Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality

    Nutrition and Flavor: Formulating for Modern Product Preferences

    What Do Consumers Know About the Gut Microbiome?

    How Will the European Green Deal Impact Dietary Supplements?
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression

    Charlotte’s Web Sports Product Line to Undergo NSF Certification Process

    ADM and Benson Hill Partner to Scale High Protein Soy for U.S. Market
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression

    Fact or Myth: Antioxidants Negatively Impact Iron Absorption

    Charlotte’s Web Sports Product Line to Undergo NSF Certification Process
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression

    Fact or Myth: Antioxidants Negatively Impact Iron Absorption

    Charlotte’s Web Sports Product Line to Undergo NSF Certification Process
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression

    Charlotte’s Web Sports Product Line to Undergo NSF Certification Process

    Caffeine-Free Energy Supplement Linked to Alertness, Fatigue Benefits
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Xsto Solutions

    PhytoGaia Inc

    Verdure Sciences

    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS)
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Xsto Solutions

    PhytoGaia Inc

    Verdure Sciences

    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS)
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    Researchers Find Gut Microbiome Regulates Intestinal Immune System

    Study unveiled role of vitamin A in immune system regulation, which could help in developing treatments for autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.

    Related CONTENT
    • Blood Sugar Management Support
    • Synbiotic Supplement May Help Reduce Health Risks for Overweight Consumers
    • Examining Testing & Certification for Dietary Supplements
    • Lesaffre Completes Full Acquisition of Gnosis
    • Leafy Greens, Berries & Orange Juice May Be Linked to Decreased Memory Loss in Men
    12.21.18
    Scientists have long known that bacteria in the intestines, also known as the microbiome, perform a variety of useful functions for their hosts, such as breaking down dietary fiber in the digestive process and making vitamins K and B7.
     
    Yet a new study published in the journal Immunity, unveiled another useful role the microbiome plays. A team of researchers from Brown University found that in mice, the gut microbiome regulates the host’s immune system—so that rather than the host’s defense system attacking these helpful bacteria, the bacteria can coexist peacefully with the immune system. 
     
    What’s the trick to the microbiome’s work with the immune system? Vitamin A—the bacteria moderate active vitamin A levels in the intestine, protecting the microbiome from an overactive immune response. 
     
    That insight may prove important for understanding and treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, said Shipra Vaishnava, an assistant professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Brown. 
     
    “A lot of these diseases are attributed to increased immune response or immune activation, but we’ve found a new way that bacteria in our gut can dampen the immune response,” she said. “This research could be critical in determining therapies in the case of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as vitamin A deficiency.” 
     
    Microbiomes ‘Of Mice And Men’
    The gut microbiome is an ecosystem made of 100 trillion bacteria that have evolved to live in the special conditions of the intestines, Ms. Vaishnava said. The vast majority of these bacteria are helpful rather than harmful. A healthy microbiome, just like a healthy forest, has many species coexisting together and can fend off hostile intruders—such as disease-causing bacteria or invasive species. 
     
    In both humans and mice, the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes comprise the majority of the gut microbial community. To play their part in regulating their hosts’ immune systems, the bacteria in the microbiome fine-tune the levels of a protein responsible for the conversion of vitamin A to its active form in their hosts’ gastrointestinal tract, the researchers found.
     
    Ms. Vaishnava’s team found that Firmicutes bacteria, particularly members of the class Clostridia, reduce the expression of a protein within the cells that line the intestines. The protein, retinol dehydrogenase 7 (Rdh7) converts dietary vitamin A to its active form, retinoic acid, Ms. Vaishnava said. The Clostridia bacteria, common to both mice and men, also promote increased vitamin A storage in the liver, the team found. 
     
    Ms. Vaishnava expects the findings are generalizable to the interactions between the human microbiome and their hosts as well.
     
    Mice genetically engineered to not have Rdh7 in their intestinal cells have less retinoic acid in the intestinal tissue, as the researchers expected. Specifically, the guts of the engineered mice had fewer immune cells that make IL-22, an important cellular signal that coordinates the antimicrobial response against gut bacteria. Other components of the immune system such as cells with immunoglobulin A and two types of T-cells were the same as in standard mice, suggesting Rdh7 is only essential for the regulating antimicrobial response, Ms. Vaishnava said. 
     
    The researchers do not know exactly how Rdh7 is suppressed, but Clostridia bacteria are known to produce short chain fatty acids that change host gene expression. As a next step in their research, the team will study how bacteria regulate Rdh7 expression, including examining various short chain fatty acids, Ms. Vaishnava said.
     
    In addition, the team will conduct research to understand why Rdh7 suppression is critical. They are working to genetically engineer mice to always express Rdh7 in their intestinal cells. Ms. Vaishnava wants to see how this affects the mouse microbiome and if it leads to any inflammation or autoimmune disease-like conditions for the mice. They will also explore the impacts of increased vitamin A storage in the liver due to bacteria Rdh7 regulation.
     
    Helping Human Health
    The researchers say that understanding how bacteria regulate the immune system’s responses could be important in unlocking the keys to disorders like Crohn's disease.
     
    Data from clinical studies has shown that inflammation in the bowel is a result of disrupted interactions between a host and their gut microbiome. 
     
    “The role of vitamin A in inflammation is context-dependent and is very hard to tease apart,” Ms. Vaishnava said. “A change in vitamin A status and vitamin A metabolic genes coincides with inflammatory bowel diseases, but we don’t know if this promotes inflammation or not. We hope that adding our finding—that bacteria can regulate how vitamin A is being metabolized in the intestine or stored—could help clarify why the field is seeing what it is seeing.”
     
    These findings could also provide clues about the importance of the microbiome in addressing vitamin A deficiency, a problem that is particularly prevalent in Africa and Southeast Asia.
     
    Vitamin A deficiency affects approximately one third of children under the age of five, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Vitamin A deficiency weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infectious diseases. The WHO has been providing at-risk children with vitamin A supplements for the past 25 years, but it hasn’t been as successful as hoped for, according to Ms. Vaishnava. This study shows bacteria are a big part of vitamin A absorption and storage and perhaps children need to have the right combination of bacteria in the gut in order for the vitamin A supplements to be most effective, she added.
     
    “Both our diet and the bacteria in our gut are critically linked in regulating how our immune cells behave,” Ms. Vaishnava said. “Finding what those links are at a molecular level is important to figuring out how we could use either diet or bacteria, or both of them together, to have a therapeutic effect in inflammatory or infectious diseases.”
     
    The National Institutes of Health (grants R01-DK113265 and P20-GM10903) and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America supported the research.
    Related Searches
    • Immunity
    • Health
    • Dietary Fiber
    • Protein
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Inflammation
    • Vitamins
    • Immune Function
    Suggested For You
    Blood Sugar Management Support Blood Sugar Management Support
    Synbiotic Supplement May Help Reduce Health Risks for Overweight Consumers Synbiotic Supplement May Help Reduce Health Risks for Overweight Consumers
    Examining Testing & Certification for Dietary Supplements Examining Testing & Certification for Dietary Supplements
    Lesaffre Completes Full Acquisition of Gnosis Lesaffre Completes Full Acquisition of Gnosis
    Leafy Greens, Berries & Orange Juice May Be Linked to Decreased Memory Loss in Men Leafy Greens, Berries & Orange Juice May Be Linked to Decreased Memory Loss in Men
    Study Reveals Fucoidan Extract Reduces Gut Inflammation Study Reveals Fucoidan Extract Reduces Gut Inflammation
    Study Further Supports Wellmune’s Ability to Strengthen Immunity in Athletes Study Further Supports Wellmune’s Ability to Strengthen Immunity in Athletes
    Reimagining Success Reimagining Success
    Blood Sugar Management Challenges & Opportunities Blood Sugar Management Challenges & Opportunities
    Study Finds Astaxanthin Formula Benefits Seniors with Sarcopenia-Derived Muscle Loss Study Finds Astaxanthin Formula Benefits Seniors with Sarcopenia-Derived Muscle Loss
    Study Suggests Sabinsa’s Shelf Stable Probiotic LactoSpore May Improve Cholesterol Levels Study Suggests Sabinsa’s Shelf Stable Probiotic LactoSpore May Improve Cholesterol Levels
    Potential Role of Microbe-Gut-Brain Axis on Mood Potential Role of Microbe-Gut-Brain Axis on Mood
    Active Ingredients for Mood & Sleep, A-Z Active Ingredients for Mood & Sleep, A-Z
    Research on Curcumin’s Positive Effects on Microbiome Published Research on Curcumin’s Positive Effects on Microbiome Published
    Harvard Researcher Questions Probiotic Benefits Harvard Researcher Questions Probiotic Benefits

    Related White Papers / Tech Papers

    • Blood Sugar Management Support

      Blood Sugar Management Support

      ...

    • Breaking News | Probiotics & Prebiotics | Research | Research News | Weight Management/Weight Loss

      Synbiotic Supplement May Help Reduce Health Risks for Overweight Consumers

      Study shows link between metabolic health benefits of HOWARU Shape and gut microbiome.
      12.18.18

    • Herbs & Botanicals | Men's Health | Probiotics & Prebiotics | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Sexual & Reproductive Health | Sports Nutrition | Testing | Weight Management/Weight Loss
      Examining Testing & Certification for Dietary Supplements

      Examining Testing & Certification for Dietary Supplements

      Industry experts discuss the complexities and challenges of testing and third-party certification.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 12.06.18


    • Breaking News | Dietary Supplements | Industry & Market News | Mergers & Acquisitions | Natural/Organic | Probiotics & Prebiotics

      Lesaffre Completes Full Acquisition of Gnosis

      Lesaffre gains full ownership three years after acquiring a majority shareholding of Gnosis.
      11.26.18

    • Breaking News | Cognitive Function | Men's Health | Research | Research News

      Leafy Greens, Berries & Orange Juice May Be Linked to Decreased Memory Loss in Men

      Men who consumed the most vegetables were 34% less likely to develop poor thinking skills than those who ate the least.
      11.26.18

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Study Examines Vitamin K2 Content In Cheese
    • Chenland Nutritionals Self-Affirms GRAS For Cumin UP60 Ingredient
    • Pycnogenol Evidenced To Have Skin Benefits In Dermatology Study
    • ADM And Benson Hill Partner To Scale High Protein Soy For U.S. Market
    Breaking News
    • Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    • Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression
    • Charlotte’s Web Sports Product Line to Undergo NSF Certification Process
    • ADM and Benson Hill Partner to Scale High Protein Soy for U.S. Market
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    July/August 2022

    • A Growing Herbal Products Market Still Faces Formidable Threats, Challenges
    • Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality
    • Nutrition and Flavor: Formulating for Modern Product Preferences
    • Contract Manufacturing: Trials & Tribulations of Today’s Supply Chains
    • How Will the European Green Deal Impact Dietary Supplements?
    • What Do Consumers Know About the Gut Microbiome?
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise
    Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Nouryon Enters into Exclusive Agreement with Brenntag Specialties
    The BEHR & KILZ Brands Partner with Leanne Ford to Revitalize Her Historic American Home
    IGM Resins Acquires Litian
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    NeuroPace Becomes Exclusive U.S. Distributor of DIXI’s Product Line
    TransMed7 Achieves First-in-Human for Heron Soft Tissue Biopsy Devices
    West Pharmaceutical Services Invests in Latch Medical
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Societal CDMO Inks Land Sell Deal
    RoosterBio and AGC Biologics to Accelerate Manufacturing of Cell and Exosome Therapies
    WuXi Advanced Therapies Enters Licensing Agreement with Janssen
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Johnson & Johnson to Discontinue Global Sales of Talc-Based Baby Powder
    Dr. Squatch To Launch a 2nd Star Wars Soap Collection
    Neopac Wins 2 European Tube Manufacturers Association Awards
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Coveteur Co-founder Erin Makes Foray into Skincare Space
    The Body Shop Canada Continues Expansion of New Concept Stores
    Nutrafol Expands Hair Care with Strand Defender Conditioner
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Leadership Change in ALTANA’s ELANTAS Division
    Nazdar Highlights Ink Innovation at Labelexpo Americas 2022
    Cyngient, Imageworx Partner at Labelexpo for Security Labeling
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    TLMI partners with Convergen Energy at Labelexpo
    FINAT reports decrease in labelstock consumption during first half of 2022
    Color-Logic partners to feature metallics at autumn events
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Because Market Expands into Retail Stores
    Tranzonic Acquired by Private Investment Firm
    Monadnock Earns EcoVadis Gold Rating
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Integra LifeSciences Founder Dr. Richard Caruso Passes Away
    FDA Clears CTL Amedica's Navigation Instrument System
    FundamentalVR Raises $20 Million in Series B Funding
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    SEMI Appoints John Cooney to Lead Global Advocacy and Public Policy
    NMBS/SNCB Improves Security With HID Global’s Real-Time Location Service Technology
    onsemi Celebrates Expansion of Silicon Carbide Production Facility in New Hampshire

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login