Researchers from the University of Utah determined that the gut bacterium Turicibacter significantly affects body weight and metabolic health in mice consuming a high-fat diet. Although Turicibacter is present in the microbiome in small amounts, it generates fatty acids that counteract the ceramides accumulating due to fatty food intake. These fatty acids are linked to the progression of type two diabetes and cardiovascular ailments.
The findings turned out to be surprising. Microbiologist June Round was astonished, as she did not anticipate that a single microorganism could exert such a potent impact. She had supposed that a combination of three or four bacteria would be needed to achieve a significant effect. Experiments demonstrated that Turicibacter supplements reduce weight gain, blood glucose levels, fat mass, and improve the lipid profile in mice.
It is important to note that Turicibacter is sensitive to a high-fat diet. Its proliferation is suppressed by palmitate, a common constituent of such diets, which may lead to its depletion in situations where its presence is crucial. However, the high-fat environment does not exterminate the bacterium, and its growth resumes upon normalization of conditions.
The study’s results suggest prospects for developing novel methods to combat obesity and associated illnesses. Conceivably, supplements based on Turicibacter molecules or its utilization in personalized therapeutic plans will be created in the future. These approaches might engage the body’s natural mechanisms, minimizing adverse effects, unlike certain medications.
The scientists emphasize that this research is only an initial step. Further investigations are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of applying this strategy in clinical practice. The results are published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
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