A friend, not foe: Parasite in gastrointestinal system found to promote
health

Date:
April 25, 2022
Source:
National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Summary:
Researchers have demonstrated that a gut parasite suppresses
inflammation and improves the health of the gastrointestinal system.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
The human gut -- or gastrointestinal system -- where food is broken down
into nutrients for the body, is an ecosystem that harbours thousands
of bacteria species, whose interactions determine its health and
susceptibility to diseases. While some microorganisms are harmful, many
are beneficial and help keep the human body in good health. It is largely accepted that the more diverse the species of bacteria, the greater
capacity the gut has in regulating its health and combating diseases.


========================================================================== Higher levels of certain types of bacteria, or parasites, can result in
an unhealthy gut, which causes conditions like inflammation disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and
constipation. However, in a study conducted by researchers from the NUS
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine), a common parasite that
inhabits the gastrointestinal tracts of humans, Blastocystissubtype (ST)
4, was found to be associated with benefits for the gut.

Led by research fellows Dr Deng Lei, Dr Png Chin Wen and Dr Lukasz
Wojciech from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at NUS
Medicine, the study showed that the parasite suppresses inflammation
in the gut and displays properties of probiotics that keep the gut
healthy. Published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences,
the series of experiments found that the parasite stabilised the bacteria ecosystem in the gut of laboratory models, and promoted quicker recovery
from inflammation.

Dr Deng Lei, one of the authors of the study, said, "When one thinks
of parasites, we do not normally associate them as beneficial
organisms. However, the study proved that BlastocystisST4is not
a pathogen, butcould in fact promote better health of the gut."
The ability of BlastocystisST4in restructuring the state of the gut into
a healthy composition of microorganisms could be a result of its ability
to increase the types of bacteria that produce beneficial molecules, as
well as increase immune cells that dampen inflammation. The findings of
the study suggest that the detection of the parasite may in fact be linked
to the presence of a healthy gut, and the microorganism could potentially
be translated into probiotics to treat inflammation in patients.

Dr Png Chin Wen, another author of the study, added, "Our data indicates
that BlastocystisST4 behaves like an 'ecosystem engineer' that helps
keep the bacterial environment of the gut diverse and versatile, to
better combat potential diseases that may arise." "The common view of
bacteria is that they are either good or bad. However, interactions
between bacteria and the human body evolve over time, and the key is
finding a balance that can cultivate a healthy environment for the gut,"
said Dr Lukasz Wojciech, a co-author of the study.

While BlastocystisST4 is shown to have beneficial properties, not all
the subtypes of Blastocystis necessarily behave the same way, added the researchers. As found in an earlier study, a team from the School proved
that another subtype could be harmful to the gut. Clinically, it is key
for further studies to investigate the behaviour of the microorganism's
various subtypes, for a more complete assessment of their respective implications.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by National_University_of_Singapore,_Yong_Loo_Lin_School_of Medicine. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Lei Deng, Lukasz Wojciech, Chin Wen Png, Eileen Yiling Koh, Thet Tun
Aung, Dorinda Yan Qin Kioh, Eric Chun Yong Chan, Benoit
Malleret, Yongliang Zhang, Guangneng Peng, Nicholas Robert John
Gascoigne, Kevin Shyong Wei Tan. Experimental colonization with
Blastocystis ST4 is associated with protective immune responses
and modulation of gut microbiome in a DSS-induced colitis mouse
model. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 2022; 79 (5) DOI:
10.1007/s00018-022-04271-9 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220425104908.htm

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