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| Decoding Gut Bacteria: Key Players in Health and Cellulose Digestion |
A recent study featured in the journal Science has revealed novel insights into the role of previously unidentified human gut bacteria in the digestion of plant cellulose. These bacteria, abundant in ancient and hunter-gatherer microbiomes but scarce in urban societies, are closely linked to the increasing consumption of processed food in industrialized nations.
Discovery of New Cellulose-Digesting Bacteria
The study unveiled three new species of cellulose-digesting bacteria in the human gut: Candidatus Ruminococcus primaciens, Ruminococcus hominiciens, and Ruminococcus ruminiciens. These bacteria are prevalent among rural populations, great apes, ancient human societies, and hunter-gatherer communities.
The Importance of Cellulose Digestion
Cellulose, a key component of plant fiber, is a common element in diets containing plant-based materials. Humans rely on the gut microbiome to digest cellulose, which is beneficial for gut microbiome stability. The newly discovered bacteria convert these indigestible compounds into short-chain fatty acids, providing energy to the host.
Decline of Cellulose-Degrading Bacteria in Industrialized Countries
The study revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of cellulose-degrading bacteria between industrialized and non-industrialized countries. Industrialized nations like Denmark, China, Sweden, and the United States showed a collective prevalence of only 4.6%, contrasting with much higher rates in ancient human societies (43%), hunter-gatherers (21%), and diverse rural populations (20%).
The researchers attribute this decline to the increased consumption of processed food in industrialized nations, which lacks plant fiber. Modern industrialized diets, dominated by processed foods, lead to reduced dietary fiber intake compared to the diets of hunter-gatherers and rural populations.
Adaptation of Bacteria to Host Lifestyle and Diet
The study also highlighted the adaptation of cellulose-degrading bacteria to the host's lifestyle and diet. For example, the human microbe Ruminococcus hominiciens primarily resides in the guts of humans and great apes, likely originating in the ruminant gut and then colonizing humans, possibly during domestication.
Moreover, the study found that human microbes can digest monocots such as maize, rice, and wheat, major components of the human diet, while non-human primate strains can degrade chitin, a polymer abundant in insects.
Implications for Human Health
The decline of cellulose-degrading bacteria in the human gut could impact energy balance and other health-related aspects. Dietary fiber is crucial for maintaining a stable gut microbiome, and its absence in modern industrialized diets may have adverse consequences for human health.
The study emphasizes the importance of a plant-based diet rich in dietary fiber for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. The findings also suggest that the loss of these beneficial bacteria may contribute to the increasing prevalence of certain health issues in industrialized societies.
Future Research Directions
The discovery of new cellulose-degrading bacteria in the human gut opens up new avenues for research into the role of the gut microbiome in human health. Further studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms by which these bacteria contribute to cellulose digestion and the potential health benefits of maintaining a diverse and abundant population of these microbes in the gut.
Additionally, the study underscores the need for further research into the impact of processed food consumption on the gut microbiome and the development of strategies to promote the growth and maintenance of beneficial gut bacteria.