Obesity, diabetes and microflora
Biologists have established a link between intestinal microflora, obesity and diabetes
"We found 26 strains of bacteria that were associated with signs of obesity and metabolic syndrome, such as an increased body mass index (BMI), high triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose in the blood," explained the head of the group of biologists Claire Fraser from the Medical School at the University of Maryland in Baltimore (USA).
Fraser and her colleagues studied the human intestinal microflora as part of the Human Microbiome program, aimed at classifying and determining the functions of all bacteria in our digestive system.
According to scientists, part of this project is carried out among Amish adherents of one of the branches of Anabaptism living in extremely isolated settlements in some US states. The Amish live only in rural areas. They grow bread, raise livestock and poultry, and are engaged in gardening and beekeeping. The Amish do not use the achievements of modern civilization – electricity, radio, television, cars.
"The Amish of the old rite are an ideal subject for such studies, as they represent a genetically homogeneous population descended from several founding families and adhere to a similar rural lifestyle," explained another member of the group Alan Schuldiner from the Medical School at the University of Maryland.
The authors of the article collected excrement samples from 310 Amish living in Pennsylvania, analyzed fragments of ribosomal RNA of bacteria inside them and obtained data on the species composition of their microflora. Then the scientists compared the data obtained with the health status of the Amish - their weight, the presence of diabetes, chronic inflammation or other metabolic disorders.
"We assumed that we would see a different composition of microflora in the excrement of thin and overweight Amish, as well as those who suffered from diabetes or metabolic syndrome," the biologists explained.
It turned out that overweight and predisposition to diabetes was associated with relatively high or low concentrations of 26 strains of fairly rare bacteria in the intestines of all Amish who agreed to participate in the study.
However, we should not make premature conclusions yet and try to destroy or increase the populations of those bacteria that are associated with obesity or diabetes. According to scientists, to finally confirm these conclusions, it is necessary to analyze how the composition of the microflora will change with a change in diet or when taking medications.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru16.08.2012