Postgraduate Course at DDW: Complete Clinical Updates for Today's Practice

16_Abreu Microbiome

Pdf Summary

Dr. Maria T. Abreu's presentation at the Cedars-Sinai IBD Institute explores the significant role of the gut microbiome in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The gut microbiome varies along the GI tract, affecting the density and composition of bacteria and contributing to disorders like colon cancer and Crohn's Disease. Key factors in understanding microbiome-disease associations include germ-free models, antibiotic treatments, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and specific microbial strains and molecules.<br /><br />The presentation highlights the efficiency of FMT, particularly in treating Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections, and notes that FMT is currently the most effective microbiome-based therapy for GI diseases. Studies show its successes in increasing microbial diversity and reducing pathogenic bacteria. Commercial microbiome assessments, such as direct-to-consumer tests, face criticism due to a lack of standardization and quality control, raising concerns over their reliability and the marketing of dietary supplements.<br /><br />Dr. Abreu emphasizes the need for standardized methodologies in microbiome studies to develop actionable therapeutic approaches. Exploring how diet and microbial metabolites affect intestinal disorders, she cites evidence that dietary interventions, such as low-fat, high-fiber diets, can positively impact conditions like ulcerative colitis by altering gut bacteria.<br /><br />The presentation also notes the disparities between current microbiome research and practical, generalized therapeutic applications. It questions the practical implementation of microbiome research into therapies for GI diseases, stressing the importance of meaningful biomarkers for gut health. Despite the potential, only FMT and certain live biotherapeutics currently have proven clinical efficacy.<br /><br />Dr. Abreu concludes by highlighting the value of the AGA's FMT and Microbial Therapies Registry study and invites interaction through social media and the AGA website for further insights and updates in the field.

Keywords

gut microbiome

gastrointestinal diseases

fecal microbiota transplantation

microbial diversity

dietary interventions

microbiome-based therapy

standardization

biomarkers

intestinal disorders

Crohn's Disease