While the diversity of gut bacteria in children with multiple sclerosis appears to be no different than that of children without the condition, children with multiple sclerosis have more gut microbes linked to inflammation and fewer considered to be anti-inflammatory.
The human body contains 10 times more microbial cells than human cells, and over 90 percent of them live in the gut, where they help synthesize vitamins, regulate the immune system, and protect against infection.
For their pilot study, the researchers compared the gut bacteria of 18 children with relapsing-remitting MS with 17 healthy children without MS. The children (average age 13, ranging between 4-18 years) were patients at a UCSF pediatric clinic.
An analysis of the bacteria - obtained from stool samples - found that children with MS had the same diversity of gut bacteria as the children without MS. However, there were differences in the abundance of specific species.
The researchers found a link between MS and an increase in gut bacteria associated with inflammation, and a decrease in gut bacteria considered to be anti-inflammatory.
More information here:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310324.php
The human body contains 10 times more microbial cells than human cells, and over 90 percent of them live in the gut, where they help synthesize vitamins, regulate the immune system, and protect against infection.
For their pilot study, the researchers compared the gut bacteria of 18 children with relapsing-remitting MS with 17 healthy children without MS. The children (average age 13, ranging between 4-18 years) were patients at a UCSF pediatric clinic.
An analysis of the bacteria - obtained from stool samples - found that children with MS had the same diversity of gut bacteria as the children without MS. However, there were differences in the abundance of specific species.
The researchers found a link between MS and an increase in gut bacteria associated with inflammation, and a decrease in gut bacteria considered to be anti-inflammatory.
More information here:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310324.php