8 months ago
Gut Bacterium Turicibacter May Aid Weight Loss
Scientists at the University of Utah found a special bacteria in the gut called Turicibacter that might help people lose weight and stay healthier.
They tested this on mice and found that the bacteria helped the mice lose weight, have less fat in their blood, and lower blood sugar levels, even when the mice ate a lot of fatty food.
People who are obese usually have less of this bacteria, so the scientists think it might help humans too.
The bacteria works by keeping levels of a certain fat called ceramides low, which can cause problems like diabetes and heart disease if there's too much of it.
The scientists are excited because this could lead to new treatments for weight loss and better health, but they need to do more research to see if it works the same way in humans.
Researchers from the University of Utah discovered a gut bacterium called Turicibacter that may aid weight loss and improve metabolic health in mice.
Turicibacter was found to reduce blood sugar, fat levels, and weight gain in mice on a high-fat diet.
People with obesity tend to have less Turicibacter, suggesting it may promote healthy weight in humans as well.
The bacterium appears to improve metabolic health by affecting the production of ceramides, a type of fat linked to metabolic disorders.
Further research is needed to determine if the findings apply to humans and to develop potential treatments.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of Utah
- What
- Discovered a gut bacterium called Turicibacter that may aid weight loss and improve metabolic health in mice
- Where
- University of Utah, USA
- When
- Not specified
- Why
- To explore new ways to control weight and improve metabolic health by adjusting gut bacteria
Key facts
- Bacterium
- Turicibacter
- Study Subjects
- Mice
- Diet
- High-fat
- Effects
- Reduced blood sugar, fat levels, and weight gain
- Journal
- Cell Metabolism
- Researchers' Institution
- University of Utah
Quotes
Lora V. Hooper
Senior author and immunologist at the University of Utah
“We have improved weight gain in mice, but I have no idea if this is actually true in humans.”
thehansindia.com
Kendra Klag
First author and researcher at the University of Utah
“With further investigation of individual microbes, we will be able to make microbes into medicine and find bacteria that are safe to create a consortium of different bugs that people with different diseases might be lacking.”
thehansindia.com
