Cause And Effect Relationship Between Obesity And Gut Microbiome
Global rises in metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes pose severe medical and socio-economic threats, influenced by a variety of both genetic and environmental factors. Chronic inflammation links these diseases, suggesting an impact on the immune system. The human intestinal flora, especially the metabolic products it produces, appear to play a role in the development of obesity and diabetes.
To understand the underlying mechanisms, our project utilizes innovative methods (gnotobiotics, metagenomics and metabolomics) to explore the relationship between gut flora, metabolism and immune function. By unraveling these relationships, we aim to lay the foundation for innovative strategies to prevent and treat these diseases.
FibreGum Study
Obesity affects 1 in 6 Swiss children, leading to rising health and socioeconomic challenges. It’s a chronic condition and a risk factor for major diseases. Preventing childhood obesity is crucial for healthier futures. We’re tackling this issue with “FibreGum,” a dietary fiber-enriched chewing gum, in collaboration with Delica AG. Our goal is to enhance gut health, reduce snacking, and improve metabolic markers in children and adolescents.
Wound Infection Project
Obesity and diabetes, which are both rapidly increasing in prevalence world-wide, are considered multifactorial in their pathogenesis, including genetic and environmental factors. Amongst the latter, the gut microbiota and bacteria-derived metabolites have been described to contribute to disease development. Obesity and diabetes are both characterized by a chronic low-grade inflammatory state (“metaflammation”). However, despite the chronic immune activation, obese and diabetic patients are considered immunosuppressed leading to an increased risk for and inferior outcome during infections. This results in increased morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms leading to immune dysfunction and increased infections in obesity and diabetes are unclear and the main focus of this project.
Hypoxanthine Project
The human gut microbiota, a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, plays a pivotal role in health and disease. Emerging research reveals a fascinating interplay between the gut microbiota, the immune system, and metabolism. The gut microbiome engages in a constant dialogue with immune cells, educating and regulating them, which in turn maintains gut health and guards against pathogens. This project aims to unravel the hidden mechanisms underlying the interactions between bacterial metabolites in the microenvironment and the activation of immune cells, by in particularly focusing on the impact of hypoxanthine (HPX) on dendritic cell metabolism and biological function. Preliminary data showed that HPX is highly produced by bacteria expanding logarithmically and it can be sensed by DCs, fueling their activation. A lot of questions have still to be answered…
