Newswise — Scientists at Texas A&M are looking at how trillions of tiny creatures lurking in our gut, also known as microbiota, could treat a variety of diseases from arthritis to diabetes. Specifically, the researchers are looking to identify the specific chemicals the microbiota produce, which microbes produce them, and how these microbial biochemicals regulate our physiologic-and immune-systems to promote health (a ‘black box’ in the current literature on gut health). Armed with a $2 NIH grant, they are focusing on how particular products, produced only by the microbiota, influence the function of T-cells, which are key regulatory and protective cells of the immune system. They will look to tailor the function of these T-cells to treat or prevent inflammatory diseases like colitis, arthritis and psoriasis and they have already had success in using a chemical made by the microbiota to treat diabetes as well as the leading anti-diabetic drug does. It is their hope that the studies will lead to development of a model to create a personalized approach tailored for each individual, rather than trying to make the patient fit the treatment as is seen in medicine today.
More info: www.news.tamhsc.edu/?post=the-future-of-medicine-may-lurk-in-our-gut
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