Researchers uncovered novel mechanisms of auto-brewery syndrome—a rare condition where the body generates ethanol on its own. Research, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, demonstrated that intestinal microbes play a principal part in this process.
Analysis of samples from 22 patients with auto-brewery syndrome revealed elevated ethanol content compared to a control group of healthy individuals. Patients also displayed increased levels of liver enzymes, suggesting toxic effects of alcohol on the body. In one instance, this resulted in liver cirrhosis.
Scientists determined that during flare-ups of the syndrome, bacteria of the Escherichia coli genus produced more ethanol than during periods of remission. This permitted a link between microbiome activity and the severity of clinical signs. One patient experienced substantial improvement following a fecal transplant.
Genomic study indicated that influencing bacterial metabolic pathways might be a more efficacious treatment approach than using antibiotics or repeated microbiome transfers. Researchers observe that auto-brewery syndrome frequently occurs alongside inflammatory bowel conditions and necessitates further investigation for a greater comprehension of the pathogenesis and creation of effective treatment plans.
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