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Bacteroides_GG Spring 2025 Graduate SMA 3/31/25

Microbiome
March 07, 2025
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Bacteroides_GG Spring 2025 Graduate SMA 3/31/25

Graduate SMA Slides 3/31/25

Microbiome

March 07, 2025
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Transcript

  1. Bacteroides is a Pathobiont • Bacteroides is a pathobiont, an

    organism that is usually neutral or beneficial but can become harmful under certain circumstances. • Dominant anaerobic bacteria in the gut microbiome, comprising anywhere from 10-25% of all the gut bacteria. • Produces potentially inflammatory LPS, although different effects from the LPS of true pathogens, we will explore LPS later in this presentation. • Because it makes up probably the largest percentage of the microbiota, understanding Bacteroides is critical to keeping its levels healthy and preventing harm.
  2. Jekyll and Hyde Bacteria • Anaerobic infections: Bacteroides is common

    in abscesses, bone, and blood infections • Immune system benefits: Aids in immune system development and maturity • Resists bad bacteria: Provides resistance against Salmonella and C. difficile • Breaks down food: Converts indigestible components into beneficial compounds • Produces propionate: Important short chain fatty acid that reduces inflammation and supports immune function e.g. helps resist Salmonella infection
  3. Negative Effects of High Bacteroides Levels Excessive Bacteroides linked to

    reduced microbiome diversity and insulin resistance. Bacteroides perform protein putrefaction, producing harmful compounds like amines, indoles, and ammonia. Bacteroides transform primary bile acids into potentially carcinogenic secondary bile acids, which have been found to cause DNA damage in certain studies – these bile acids are thought to be one of the risk factors for colorectal cancer (this is why calcium intake and fiber intake are protective against CRC because both of them bind to and neutralize these secondary bile acids)
  4. LPS (lipopolysaccharide) Toxicity Varies by Bacteria Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a

    component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria in the gut microbiome that helps maintain bacterial structure and interactions with the host. It is supposed to be within the gut only and never enter the human bloodstream. If LPS enters systemic circulation due to a leaky gut or other disruptions, it can trigger an inflammatory immune response and hyperactivation, leading to chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory conditions LPS toxicity differs greatly between bacteria. Bacteroides LPS is 100x less inflammatory than E. coli, Salmonella, and other Proteobacteria.
  5. Dysbiosis Impairs Detoxification Excessive Bacteroides High levels impair toxin clearance

    Beta-Glucuronidase Production (next slide) Breaks down compounds for elimination Reabsorption of Toxins Allows toxins and hormones such as estrogen to recirculate
  6. Bacteroides regulates Detox via Beta-Glucuronidase Bacteroides are major producers of

    beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that impairs detoxification by breaking down compounds the liver packages for elimination, we do not want the level to be too low or too high. High beta-glucuronidase levels allow toxins and hormones to be reabsorbed, linked to breast and colon cancer.
  7. Immune/Autoimmune Impact High Bacteroides levels are seen in preclinical type

    1 diabetes. Lack of microbiome diversity and shortage of butyrate-producers also seen in this as well as other early autoimmune conditions. Maintain healthy Bacteroides range with acidic colon pH, limiting animal fats/dairy, and foods containing prebiotics like FOS, GOS, polyphenols.
  8. Foods That Promote Bacteroides Growth 1.Animal-Based Proteins & Fats are

    highly favored by this bacteria 1. Bacteroides are more abundant in individuals consuming a high- protein, high-fat diet, particularly from animal sources. 2. Foods: Lean meats, eggs, fish, dairy. 3. Mechanism: Bacteroides have specialized enzymes to metabolize amino acids and bile acids associated with animal fat digestion. 2.Resistant Starches & Fiber 1. Certain types of fiber serve as substrates for Bacteroides, supporting their growth but also supporting many other gut bacteria. 2. Foods: Whole grains (barley, oats), legumes (lentils, chickpeas), cooked and cooled potatoes (rich in resistant starch). 3.Polyphenol-Rich Foods 1. Bacteroides species can metabolize polyphenols about as well as other gut microbes, producing beneficial metabolites. 2. Foods: Green tea, red wine, berries, dark chocolate. 4.Omega-3 Fatty Acids 1. Studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids can positively modulate gut microbiota, including Bacteroides. 2. Foods: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), walnuts, flaxseeds.