Gut Flashcards
What is the Gut Microbiome?
The human gut, comprising the small and large intestines, hosts trillions of microorganisms known as the gut microbiota, which include bacteria, archaea, viruses, and eukarya.
What factors influence gut microbiota composition?
Factors include:
* Prenatal environment
* Maternal diet during breastfeeding
* Aging
* Exercise
* Environment
* Psychological factors (anxiety, stress, depression)
* Diet
What are the essential roles of gut microbiota?
Roles include:
* Strengthening and maintaining the intestinal barrier
* Fermentation of undigested food components
* Synthesizing essential vitamins (e.g., vitamin K and B)
* Nutrient and energy metabolism
* Protection from pathogens
* Regulation of host immunity
What is the Gut-Muscle Axis?
The gut-muscle axis highlights the role of gut microbiota in muscle growth and development, with its absence considered harmful.
How does gut microbiota influence sarcopenia?
Gut microbiota composition can positively influence systemic inflammation and aid in improving anabolism, which is crucial for muscle health.
What changes in gut microbiota have been observed in sarcopenic individuals?
Reduction in microbial diversity, genera for producing butyrate, and firmicutes compared to healthy controls.
Which short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are linked to muscle health?
SCFAs include:
* Acetate
* Propionate
* Butyrate
What is the role of SCFAs in muscle function?
SCFAs influence muscle function through anti-inflammatory effects and promotion of mitochondrial activity.
What is the effect of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on muscle health?
LPS can induce systemic inflammation, increase intestinal permeability, and lead to muscle breakdown.
What are the effects of a low skeletal muscle index on gene expression?
Lower expression of genes for enzymes related to branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis, particularly leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
What role do BCAAs play in muscle protein synthesis?
BCAAs, especially leucine, increase the phosphorylation of key proteins within the mTOR pathway.
What are the effects of the absence of gut microbiome on muscle mass?
The absence of gut microbiome reduces muscle mass and affects physical performance.
What were the findings regarding young Germ-Free Mice (GFM)?
Grip strength decreased, treadmill endurance capacity reduced, and increased ex vivo muscle fatigability was observed.
What effects were noted after 6 weeks of aerobic training in young adults?
Increased fecal SCFAs were observed.
What are the recommendations for older adults to improve muscle health?
Recommendations include:
* Aerobic exercise
* Increased fiber intake
* BCAA supplementation
What are some limitations in current research on gut microbiota and muscle health?
Limitations include:
* Most studies conducted on mice
* Lack of studies on older adults
* Unclear impact of exercise versus diet
* Uncertainty about sedentary lifestyle effects
* Insufficient dietary intake data
What future research directions are suggested?
Future research should focus on:
* More human studies, especially in older adults
* Exploring diet and exercise roles
* Investigating sedentary lifestyle impacts
* Effects of gut-based interventions on muscle health
