Nutritional Insight
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • INSIGHTS
  • CONTACT
Featured Posts
  • New Diet and Nutrition Survey Data in the UK – Latest Insights.
  • Nutritional Insight – 2020 Roundup
  • Webinar Wisdoms
  • Choline, Neurological Development and Brain Function: A  Focus on the First 1000 Days

  • Is there Scope for a Novel Mycelium Category of Proteins alongside Animals and Plants?

  • Is there a Role for Immunonutrition in the Over 65s?

  • COVID-19 and Why the Aged Should be Swiftly reminded to take their Vitamin D.
  • Genome-Edited Foods: Are they Coming to our Supermarkets Soon?
  • Green and Blue Water Footprints: What Are They & How Do They Relate to Food?
  • Stress and Micronutrient Concentrations: Do They Impact Each Other?
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • INSIGHTS
  • CONTACT
Followers
Subscribe
Nutritional Insight
Nutritional Insight
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • INSIGHTS
  • CONTACT
  • All
  • Microbiota

In-Depth: Links Between Microbiota and the Gut-Lung Axis.

  • Posted on December 5, 2018December 6, 2018
Total
0
Shares
0
0

What is the Lung Microbiome?

The lung microbiome, found in the lower respiratory tract, is a collection of microorganisms, particularly found on the mucous layer and the epithelial surfaces. It was traditionally believed that the lungs of healthy individuals were sterile when examined by culture-based techniques. However, advances in molecular identification techniques have led to the ability to greater explore the lung microbiome. Initial studies have demonstrated that the lower respiratory tract has a detectable microbial population that may be altered in disease. This emerging and exciting field of investigation is leading to new ways of thinking about the lung and about lung disease.

Human Microbiome Definitions:

To begin to understand investigations of the lung microbiome, sharing precise definitions has become increasingly important.

Microbe – Any microscopic lifeform
Microbiome – The collection of microorganisms (microbes), their genes, and their environmental interactions
Microbiota – All of the microorganisms (microbes) of a given region or habitat
Metagenome – Genetic information of the microbiota
Microbial Communities – Populations of microbes that interact functionally and metabolically
Dysbiosis – An imbalance in the composition of the microbiota

The Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome, commonly known as intestinal flora, consists of trillions of microorganisms. These microorganisms are mainly bacteria, but eukaryotes, eukaryote viruses and cells, genes and metabolites from them can also be found. The gut microbiome aids digestion and the absorption and synthesis of nutrients. It is also known to impact metabolic functions, immune responses in our body, body weight, brain function and mood. The gut microbiome is unique to each person, and begins to develop very early in life. Diet plays an important role in determining the composition of the gut microbiota, where gut microorganisms help to assimilate dietary nutrients, which are otherwise indigestible. Changes in dietary patterns can have an effect on the gut microbiota and lead to the development of intestinal disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

The Gut-Lung Axis

The bi-directional cross-talk that occurs between the gut and the lung has been termed the Gut-Lung axis. Intestinal disturbances have been observed in certain lung diseases, which have been shown to be mediated by the gut microbiota and some probiotics have shown beneficial effects on lung health and the treatment of respiratory diseases. It stands to reason that a deeper understanding of the gut microbiome and its role in respiratory disorders will aid in the design and development of improved, novel drugs for the treatment of lung diseases.

The Gut Microbiome and Lung Disorders

It is important to understand the influence of gut microbiota on the functioning of various organs within the body. A nutrient-rich diet supplemented with dietary fibres is associated with a more diverse gut microbiota. Human health is significantly influenced by the metabolites produced by the gut microbiome during the digestion of food, and there is a known association between dysbiosis in gut microbiota and malnutrition. The metabolites produced by the gut microbiota not only modulate gastro-intestinal immunity, but also impact distal organs like lung and brain. Changes occur when the metabolites reach the lungs. Hence, dysbiosis in gut microbiota has been implicated in several lung diseases, including asthma, cystic fibrosis and allergy.

Changes in dietary patterns, including unhealthy diets consisting of cured and red meats, refined grains and junk foods, and the subsequent effect on gut microbiota can also impair lung function and are implicated in disorders of the lung, and increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and respiratory infections. Equally, people suffering with COPD can improve their condition and lung function by switching to a diet high in fruit, vegetable, fish and wholegrains. Reduction in Bifidobacteria and an increase in Clostridia in the intestine are associated with asthma in early life. In addition, studies in rodents have shown that antibiotic intake leads to a depletion of certain species within the gut microbiota and in turn influences lung diseases and allergic inflammation.

The Lung Microbiome and Intestinal Disorders

Research into the lung microbiome and its effect on distal organs has been less researched, but is emerging as an important area for drug development with the discovery that changes in the lung microbiome also influence the composition of the gut microbiome. There is growing evidence, in animal studies, that pneumonia due to multi drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa is likely to stimulate intestinal inflammation. Further animal studies have shown that dysbiosis in the lung microbiota by the administration of a lipopolysaccharide is followed by disturbances in gut microbiota, which is caused by the bacteria moving from the lung into the bloodstream. Also, studies in mice have shown that the influenza virus increases Enterobacteriaceae and reduces Lactobacilli and Lactococci in the intestinal microbiota. Thus, there is much evidence to show that the gut and lung are complexly linked organs and that the gut-lung axis is a bidirectional loop, with each organ influencing the homeostasis of the other.

The Lung Microbiome and Lung Disorders

Research has shown that a disruption in the lung microbiota plays an important role in the pathophysiology of lung inflammatory disorders. However, its role in health and disease is currently only poorly understood. As such, scientists are looking towards the lung microbiota and characterising its composition as a prognostic marker or as a target for drug therapy in chronic lung diseases.

An analysis of the bronchoalveolar lavage in children with severe asthma has shown a difference in microbiota community in comparison to control subjects. There is a greater abundance of certain flora, with the lung microbiota being more diverse and abundant in some subjects with asthma. Determining the mechanisms underlying lung microbiota maintenance is paramount in finding novel methods to prevent respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

Conclusions

The lung microbiome is a rapidly growing area of research, where furthering our understanding of the lung microbiota can aid in drug discovery with the potential elucidation of novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets. The subsequent influence of the lung microbiota on the immune system, might also lead to the identification of important discoveries into the pathogenesis of lung diseases, as well as the potential role the lung microbiome may play in distal organs, like the gut, and associated diseases. The gut and lung microflora are clearly linked by nutrition, the immune system and digestive and respiratory health, through mutual communication linking this intricate system.

References:

Anand S & Mande SS (2018) Diet, Microbiota and Gut-Lung Connection. Front Microbiol 9:2147.

Costa AN et al. (2018). The Pulmonary Microbiome: Challenges of a New Paradigm. J Bras Pneumol. Jul 30:0

Dumas A et al. (2018) The role of the lung microbiota and the gut-lung axis in respiratory infectious diseases. Cell Microbiol 20(12):e12966.

Mathieu E et al. (2018) Paradigms of Lung Microbiota Functions in Health and Disease, Particularly, in Asthma. Front Physiol 9:1168.

 

 

Total
0
Shares
Tweet 0
Share 0
Related Topics
  • Microbiota
Nutritional Insight

Previous Article
  • All
  • Children's Health
  • Marketing
  • Obesity

Is it Time to Change Food and Drink Marketing in the Interests of Children’s Health?

  • Posted on December 5, 2018December 6, 2018
View Post
Next Article
  • All
  • Micronutrients
  • Mid-Life

An Insight into British ‘Mid-Life’ Micronutrient Intakes.

  • Posted on December 5, 2018December 6, 2018
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • All

Webinar Wisdoms

  • Posted on September 24, 2020September 24, 2020
View Post
  • All

COVID-19 and Why the Aged Should be Swiftly reminded to take their Vitamin D.

  • Posted on March 20, 2020
View Post
  • All

Genome-Edited Foods: Are they Coming to our Supermarkets Soon?

  • Posted on February 3, 2020
View Post
  • All

Green and Blue Water Footprints: What Are They & How Do They Relate to Food?

  • Posted on November 4, 2019November 4, 2019
View Post
  • All

Stress and Micronutrient Concentrations: Do They Impact Each Other?

  • Posted on November 4, 2019November 4, 2019
View Post
  • All

Does the Nutrition Education of Physicians Need Advancing?

  • Posted on September 27, 2019September 27, 2019
View Post
  • All

Palm Oil: Should it Be Given the Same Attention as Single Use Plastics?

  • Posted on September 27, 2019September 27, 2019
View Post
  • All

Folic Acid Fortification: Assessing the Folate Status of Women After 20 Years of Fortification in the US

  • Posted on September 27, 2019September 27, 2019
Subscription Form
Keep Up to Date
Design By
SEVENTEEN
Frequently Searched
ADHD Almonds Antibiotic resistance Assessment Brexit Cardiac Health Children Choline Chrono-Nutrition Chronotype COVID-19 Depression Drug production Eggs Evidence-base Folic Acid Future of Nutrition Future Trends Growing Up Guidelines Health Health Science Information Era Microbiota micronutrients Minerals Novel methods Nutritional Profiling Nutrition and Health Claims Nutrition Exit Omega Orthorexia Polyphenols Precision Nutrition Protein Distribution Protein Quality Ratios Red Meat Registered Nutritionists Regulations Supplements Synergy Vertical Farming Vitamin D Vitamins
Nutritional Insight
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • INSIGHTS
  • CONTACT

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.