scholarly journals The Gut Microbiome and Metabolomics Profiles of Restricting and Binge-Purging Type Anorexia Nervosa

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 507
Author(s):  
Alessio Maria Monteleone ◽  
Jacopo Troisi ◽  
Gloria Serena ◽  
Alessio Fasano ◽  
Riccardo Dalle Grave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Gut Dysbiosis ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Relative Abundances ◽  
Gut Microorganisms

Alterations in the gut microbiome and fecal metabolites have been detected in anorexia nervosa (AN), but differences in those profiles between restricting AN (ANR) and binge-purging AN (ANBP) type have not been explored. We made a secondary analysis of our previous data concerning microbiome and metabolomics profiles of 17 ANR women, six ANBP women and 20 healthy controls (HC). Twelve fecal metabolites differentiating ANR patients, ANBP patients and HC were identified. Both patient groups showed decreased intra-individual bacterial richness with respect to healthy controls (HC). Compared to ANR subjects, ANBP patients had a significant increase in relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bifidobacteriales, and Eubacteriacae and a significant decrease in relative abundances of Odoribacter, Haemophilus, Pasteurellaceae, and Pasteurellales. The heatmaps of the relationships of selected fecal metabolites with microbial families showed different structures among the three groups, with the heatmap of ANBP patients being drastically different from that of HC, while that of ANR patients resulted more similar to HC. These findings, although preliminary because of the relatively small sample size, confirm the occurrence of different gut dysbiosis in ANR and ANBP and demonstrate different connections between gut microorganisms and fecal metabolites in the two AN types.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of polyunsaturated fatty acids efficacy in adolescents with anorexia nervosa

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-106
Author(s):  
Agnieszka M. Piróg-Balcerzak ◽  
Anna K. Bażyńska ◽  
Katarzyna Biernacka ◽  
Joanna Brągoszewska ◽  
Lidia Popek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Female Adolescent ◽  
Eating Attitude ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Eat 26

Objective. Omega–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were tested in adolescent depression and in several neurodevelopmental disorders with partial success. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterised by deficiencies in fatty food intake and frequent comorbidity, including depressive and cognitive symptoms. Thus supplementation with PUFAs may be beneficial in this group of patients. The aim of the study was to assess whether PUFAs as an add-on treatment is associated with better improvement of body mass index (BMI) and psychopathological symptoms than placebo in patients with AN. Method. 61 female adolescent inpatients with AN were randomly allocated to omega–3 PUFAs supplementation or placebo for 10 weeks. Patients also participated in the behavioural programme and eclectic psychotherapy (treatment as usual, TAU). At baseline and follow-up visits, patients’ BMI and psychopathology were assessed with Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), Patient Global Impression Scale (PGI), and Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26). Results. After 10 weeks, both groups showed improvement in all parameters. Improvement in CGI scores was observed greater in placebo vs. PUFA-s group (p = 0.015) while other differences were not statistically significant. Omega–3 PUFAs supplementation appears not to be effective as an add-on treatment in inpatient adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa. Conclusions. The results should be analysed with caution due to small sample size and heterogeneity in TAU. As the TAU turned out to be highly effective, additional therapeutic effect of PUFA might not be visible. Nevertheless, that does not explain the tendency for better improvement in the placebo group.

Hunger and appetite during visual perception of food in eating disorders

1991 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Bossert-Zaudig ◽  
R Laessle ◽  
C Meiller ◽  
H Ellgring ◽  
KM Pirke
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Hospital Treatment ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Analogue Scales

SummaryNineteen different slides of food items and their effects on appetite and hunger as rated on visual analogue scales were investigated in 20 bulimics and 9 anorexics (DSM-III-R) at the onset and after 8 weeks of behavioral hospital treatment; 9 controls were examined at the maximum of weight loss during a diet and at normal weight. At the onset of treatment appetite ratings were significantly lower in patients than in dieting controls. In anorexics and bulimics appetite ratings increased significantly during treatment. The sight of food did not increase reported hunger in bulimics but did so in controls. Appetite ratings, however, were significantly increased by the sight of food in bulimics as well as in controls. Despite the small sample size, it may be concluded that dieting and weight loss have different psychological implications in healthy controls and in patients with eating disorders, that dieting rather than weight per se influences appetite and that differences in hunger responsiveness to the sight of food in anorexics and bulimics seem likely.

Are antifungal non-inferiority trials at risk of eroding effectiveness because of bio-creep? A secondary analysis of a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam S. Komorowski ◽  
Anthony D. Bai ◽  
Anna Cvetkovic ◽  
Omar Mourad ◽  
Carson K.L. Lo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Erosion Risk ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Over Time

Non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT) effectiveness may erode when results favour the active control over time, and when a decreasingly effective control arm is used in serial trials. We analyzed 32 antifungal noninferiority RCTs (NI-RCTs) for these scenarios in this secondary analysis of a systematic review. Our exploratory analysis suggests that the erosion risk in the effectiveness of antifungal non-inferiority trials is uncommon. Findings are limited by small sample size, and overall risk of bias.

scholarly journals THE GUT MICROBIOME AND AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S833-S833
Author(s):  
Christy S Carter ◽  
Michal Masternak ◽  
Thomas W Buford
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Multiple Model ◽  
Gut Dysbiosis ◽  
Critical Areas ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Gut Microorganisms

Abstract The human intestinal tract (i.e., “gut”) is inhabited by over 100 trillion microorganisms; including over 1000 species of known bacteria. These organisms have co-evolved with humans over millennia to live together for mutual benefit. Though long overlooked in considerations of human health and disease treatment, gut microorganisms are highly involved in numerous metabolic reactions which influence normal host physiology. A variety of biologic, medical, and lifestyle factors appear to contribute to gut dysbiosis in late-life, and interventions specifically designed to target these factors may be useful in restoring microbial balance. Evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies suggests that gut dysbiosis is related to age-related inflammation as well as age-related conditions including frailty, Alzheimer’s disease, and perhaps even longevity. Crosstalk between the gut and multiple organ systems (brain, heart, muscle etc.) may lead to the development of age-related diseases and loss of physiological function, although the signals are not well understood. In this symposium we address the broad topic of the Gut Microbiome and Aging by presenting evidence from multiple model systems (mice, rats and monkeys) and provide a forum to discuss critical areas of research for moving forward.

scholarly journals Sumatriptan Responsiveness and Clinical, Psychiatric and Psychologic Features in Migraine Patients

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.K. Meckling ◽  
W.J. Becker ◽  
M.S. Rose ◽  
J.T. Dalby
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Lifetime Prevalence ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Headache Clinic ◽  
16Pf Questionnaire

Objective:To compare sumatriptan responders and nonresponders in a migraine population with regard to a number of clinical, psychiatric and psychologic features.Methods:Patients were drawn from a referral headache clinic population, and classified as responders or nonresponders. Clinical features were assessed by a written questionnaire. The lifetime prevalence of several psychiatric disorders was determined by the National Institute of Mental Health diagnostic interview schedule and personality factors were measured by the 16 Personality Factors (16PF) Questionnaire.Results:Nonresponders indicated less influence on their migraine by menstrual factors, had a higher lifetime prevalence of generalized anxiety, and showed 16PF scores indicating greater shyness, self-sufficiency and perfectionism. Nonresponders were also more imaginative and less socially outgoing.Conclusion:Although they must be interpreted with caution due to small sample size and the multiple comparisons made, our results indicate that there may be differences between sumatriptan responders and nonresponders with regard to a number of clinical, psychiatric and psychologic factors. These results suggest that biological differences exist between the two patient groups which likely account for both the differences in their responses to sumatriptan and in the clinical features noted above.

scholarly journals Clearance of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Concomitant With Administration of a Microbiota-Based Drug Targeted at Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik R. Dubberke ◽  
Kathleen M. Mullane ◽  
Dale N. Gerding ◽  
Christine H. Lee ◽  
Thomas J. Louie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Clostridium Difficile Infection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus ◽  
Recurrent Clostridium Difficile Infection ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant

Abstract Background.  Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is a major healthcare-associated pathogen and a well known complication among transplant and immunocompromised patients. We report on stool VRE clearance in a post hoc analysis of the Phase 2 PUNCH CD study assessing a microbiota-based drug for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Methods.  A total of 34 patients enrolled in the PUNCH CD study received 1 or 2 doses of RBX2660 (microbiota suspension). Patients were requested to voluntarily submit stool samples at baseline and at 7, 30, and 60 days and 6 months after the last administration of RBX2660. Stool samples were tested for VRE using bile esculin azide agar with 6 µg/mL vancomycin and Gram staining. Vancomycin resistance was confirmed by Etest. Results.  VRE status (at least 1 test result) was available for 30 patients. All stool samples for 19 patients (63.3%, mean age 61.7 years, 68% female) tested VRE negative. Eleven patients (36.7%, mean age 75.5 years, 64% female) were VRE positive at the first test (baseline or 7-day follow-up). Of these patients, 72.7%, n = 8 converted to negative as of the last available follow-up (30 or 60 days or 6 months). Of the other 3: 1 died (follow-up data not available); 1 patient remained positive at all follow-ups; 1 patient retested positive at 6 months with negative tests during the interim. Conclusions.  Although based on a small sample size, this secondary analysis demonstrated the possibility of successfully converting a high percentage of VRE-positive patients to negative in a recurrent CDI population with RBX2660.

scholarly journals Ecological and Evolutionary Alterations in Graves’ Disease Gut Microbiome Reveal Specific Diagnostic Biomarkers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiyun Zhu ◽  
Qiangchuan Hou ◽  
Shi Huang ◽  
Qianying Ou ◽  
Yoshiki Vázquez-Baeza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Classification Model ◽  
Graves Disease ◽  
Metagenomic Sequencing ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Shotgun Metagenomics ◽  
Microbial Biomarkers

Abstract Background: Graves’ Disease (GD) is the most common organ-specific autoimmune disease and has been linked in small pilot studies to taxonomic markers within the gut microbiome. However, the small sample size and limited resolution of the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing technology limited the universality and significance of these studies. Larger cohorts and integration of different levels of analysis from high-resolution shotgun metagenomics data were therefore needed to explore the GD patients’ alteration in gut microbial taxonomy, genes, pathways and functions, metabolites, and mutational spectra, to establish robust microbial biomarkers at these levels for GD diagnosis.Results: Here, we studied 162 gut microbiomes of mild and severe Graves’ disease (GD) patients and healthy controls. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and inferred metabolomics were applied to describe the intestinal microbial characteristics and microbial mutations of GD patients. Then, combined biomarkers were identified from machine learning. Finally, we performed a meta-analysis to confirm the specificity of these biomarkers across different metabolic and autoimmune diseases. Taxonomic and functional analyses based on metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and MAG-annotated genes, together with predicted metabolic functions and metabolite profiles, revealed a bipartite co-occurrence network of MAGs, genes and clinical indexes separating healthy from GD subjects. A supervised classification model identified a combination of biomarkers including microbial species, MAGs, genes and SNPs, with predictive power superior to models from any single biomarker type (AUC=0.98). Global, cross-disease meta-analysis of gut microbiomes revealed high specificity of these GD biomarkers, notably discriminating against Parkinson’s Disease, and suggesting that non-invasive stool-based diagnostics will be useful for these diseases.Conclusions: This work extended our understanding of the microbial ecology and evolution of GD pathogenesis, and developed a useful predictive model for GD diagnosis based on intestinal microbial biomarkers.

scholarly journals Alterations of Gut Microbiome in Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL); Future Therapeutic Potentials

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5455-5455
Author(s):  
Mohammed Kawari ◽  
Mahmood Akhtar ◽  
Mohamed Sager ◽  
Zakaria Basbous ◽  
Ibrahim Baydoun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Chronic Inflammation ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
The Body ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Bacterial Phyla ◽  
Gut Dysbiosis

Introduction: Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance of the gut microbiome. The presence of dysbiosis can be a cause of systemic inflammation in the body or can be a contributing factor to it. Chronic systemic inflammation is a common feature of CLL, creating an environment in which CLL cells have a survival advantage. NF-κB and STAT3, master transcriptional regulators of pro-inflammatory markers, like IL-1 and IL-6, are reported to be involved in this process as are the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), key innate immunity receptors that are implicated in CLL pathophysiology. With increasing evidence for the role of dysbiosis in chronic inflammation, as well as the role of systemic inflammation in CLL, it seems relevant to prove the presence and the possible role of microbiome in the pathophysiology of CLL, to unravel the complex interaction between microbiome, nutrition and the host in patients with CLL. Our research investigate the hypothesis that dysbiosis i.e. the loss of "health-promoting" commensal gut microbes and/or the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria distinguishes untreated patients with CLL versus aged-matched unaffected individuals. Methodology: Eight untreated CLL patients were with no history of gastrointestinal disorders, other malignancies and have not been on antibiotics for 4 weeks prior to samples collection. Two of them were not followed for logistical reasons. Six healthy volunteers matched for sex and age were also enrolled in the study. Stool samples from six patients and additional six matched healthy controls were collected and stored in a -40 freezer immediately until they were used for DNA isolation. Total genomic DNA was extracted using the Qiamp DNA stool mini kit and sequenced using Next Generation Sequencing and then analysis were done as per the manufacturer recommendations. Results: Our data indicates a reduced diversity and variability in bacterial phyla of gut microbiota in CLL patients as compare to healthy controls. Lower diversity with increase in certain bacterial types is a well-accepted sign of gut dysbiosis, which have been shown in many disorders such as; type-2 diabetes, obesity, and various autoimmune and neurological diseases. An increase in Proteobacteria numbers has been recognized as the signature of gut dysbiosis which we confirmed in our cohort of patients. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes were also the most abundant bacterial phyla in CLL patients of our study which were reported previously in breast cancer patients. An elevated Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio with altered gut microbiota in CLL patients compared with healthy subjects was also suggested in clinical studies involving obese individuals with insulin resistance. We have observed in CLL patients of this study relative increase in the numbers of Firmicutes and reduction in Bacteriodetes which is considered to be an inverted ratio as compared to healthy individuals which were also reported in ulcerative colitis, colonic and ileal crohn's disease as compared to healthy subjects. . Our finding of gut dysbiosis in this study is linked the association between CLL, inflammatory processes and dysbiosis. The microbiota may play a role in promoting malignancy through chronic inflammation, by disturbing the balance of cell proliferation, death and by initiating unwanted innate and adaptive immune responses. Conclusion: Restoring gut microbiota might open a new avenue for future researches as potential therapeutic intervention in CLL patients. Figure Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Individual differences in members of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes is associated with resistance or vulnerability to addiction-like behaviors in heterogeneous stock rats

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sierra Simpson ◽  
Giordano de Guglielmo ◽  
Molly Brennan ◽  
Lisa Maturin ◽  
Greg Peters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Innovative Strategy ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Microbiome Composition

An emerging element in psychiatry is the gut-brain-axis, the bi-directional communication pathways between the gut microbiome and the brain. A prominent hypothesis, mostly based on preclinical studies, is that individual differences in the gut microbiome composition and drug- induced dysbiosis may be associated with vulnerability to psychiatric disorders including substance use disorder. However, most studies used small sample size, ignored individual differences, or used animal models with limited relevance to addiction. Here, we test the hypothesis that pre-existing microbiome composition and drug-induced changes in microbiome composition can predict addiction-like behaviors using an advanced animal model of extended access to cocaine self-administration in a large cohort of heterogenous stock (HS) rats. Adult male and female HS rats were allowed to self-administer cocaine under short (2h/day) and long access (6h/day) for ~7 weeks under various schedule of reinforcement to identify individuals that are resistant or vulnerable to addiction-like behaviors and fecal samples were collected before the first session and after the last session to assess differences in the microbiome composition. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified sex-dependent and sex-independent differences at the phylum, order, and species level that are differentially abundant in resistant vs. vulnerable individuals, including high level of actinobacteria both before the first exposure to cocaine and after 7 weeks of cocaine self-administration in resistant animals. Predictions of functional gene content using PICRUSt revealed differential regulation of short-chain fatty acid processing in the vulnerable group after self-administration. These results identify microbiome constituents as well as metabolic pathways that are associated with resistance or vulnerability to addiction-like behaviors in rats. Identification of microbes and tangential metabolic pathways involved in cocaine resilience/vulnerability may represent an innovative strategy for the development of novel biomarkers and medication for the treatment of cocaine use disorder.

scholarly journals #3100 A service evaluation of the experiences of patients with functional neurological disorders within the NHS

2021 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. A15.2-A15
Author(s):  
Shauna OKeeffe ◽  
Ibrahim Chowdhury ◽  
Anila Sinanaj ◽  
Iberedem Ewang ◽  
Camilla Blain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Structured Care ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Objectives/AimsPrevious research into Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) has shown that there are significant barriers in providing multidisciplinary, patient-centred care for these patients, including stigmatising attitudes, poor knowledge about FND, and a lack of structured care pathways. However, there has been no specific research into patient experiences of care for FND within NHS services to date, and whether these experiences meet the standards of care expected for long-term neurological conditions (LTNCs). The current study thus aimed to investigate the types of problems experienced by FND patients, and whether they differed in frequency and type to patients with another LTNC, multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsBoth FND (n = 40) and MS patients (n = 37) were recruited from tertiary neurology clinics at an NHS hospital and completed two questionnaires on their experiences of health and social care services and on their level of disability.ResultsThe results indicated significant differences in experiences of care between the two patient groups, with FND patients reporting significantly more problems (p<0.001)overall. These problems were reported in relation to their diagnosis and treatment, relationships with healthcare professionals, and difficulties in accessing services. This was despite FND patients reporting significantly higher levels of disability (p=0.001), highlighting the burden of care experienced by FND patients as a result of these difficulties in accessing and receiving care. A small sample size, specificity to a single neurology centre, and a cross-sectional design are acknowledged as limitations.ConclusionsTogether, these results suggest that current care for FND patients is not meeting the standards expected for LTNCs, and highlight the need for further research and the development of structured, multidisciplinary pathways with a patient-centred approach.

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