Breakthrough in microbiome research: Saliva samples reveal diseases!

Breakthrough in microbiome research: Saliva samples reveal diseases!

A current study by the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart has provided new insights into the role of the human microbiome. As part of this study, saliva samples were analyzed to find clues about the composition of the stomach and small intestine microbiome. The aim of this study is to better estimate the individual risk of certain diseases. The results could have far-reaching consequences for non-invasive diagnostic procedures and targeted prevention measures.

The study identified two stable microbiome types in the saliva, stomach and small intestine of 20 people. A striking finding is the dominance of the bacterial genus Prevotella-7 in one of the microbiome types. People with a Prevotella-7 profile had fewer potentially pathogenic bacteria and lower TNF-α levels. TNF-α is an important inflammatory marker that plays a crucial role in chronic inflammatory diseases. The oral microbiome therefore not only influences oral health, but also the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

Technical innovations for microbiome research

An innovative method for analyzing bacteria-poor samples has been developed that combines both DNA and RNA to identify active bacterial species. The results are also based on data from the REIMAGINE study, which provides information from 254 people. In the future, this methodology could serve as a non-invasive diagnostic test method for risk assessment of inflammatory and infectious diseases.

The research lays the foundation for the early identification of risk groups, which could enable preventative measures against diseases such as periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic disorders. Increased abundance of Prevotella species is associated with various diseases. These include not only inflammatory diseases, but also periodontitis and bacterial vaginosis, which can be promoted by a reduced presence of Lactobacillus reported the publication on microbiota.

In addition, it is shown that Prevotella plays an important role in immune development and response and can protect against invading pathogens. A reduced proportion of Prevotella in the lung microbiota can be observed, particularly in respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD.

Connections between diet and microbiome

The microbiome is significantly influenced by diet. A positive association between Prevotella and plant-rich diets is evident, while high-fat diets lead to lower Prevotella abundance. A study of Prevotella shows that species diversity varies in different populations and that diet has a significant influence on this variation. In western populations, the genus Bacteroides dominates, while Prevotella predominates in many non-western populations stated a comprehensive analysis.

The results from the University of Hohenheim underline the relevance of saliva sample analysis as a less invasive method for recording the microbiome. This could also reduce the number of animal experiments, as 4,368 laboratory animals were reported in Germany in 2023, the majority of which were chickens.

Continued research into Prevotella and other microbiome components will be crucial to better understand the complex relationships between microbiota, nutrition and disease. The identification of molecular mechanisms could offer new approaches to the treatment and prevention of various diseases.