0000000000267957
AUTHOR
Daniel N. Frank
Different Gut Microbial Profiles in Sub-Saharan African and South Asian Women of Childbearing Age Are Primarily Associated With Dietary Intakes
Background To compare and characterize the gut microbiota in women of childbearing age from sub-Saharan Africa (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC) and South Asia (India), in relation to dietary intakes. Methods Women of childbearing age were recruited from rural DRC and India as part of the Women First (WF) preconception maternal nutrition trial. Findings presented include fecal 16S rRNA gene-based profiling of women in the WF trial from samples obtained at the time of randomization, prior to initiation of nutrition intervention and to conception. Results Stool samples were collected from 217 women (DRC n = 117; India n = 100). Alpha diversity of the gut microbiota was higher in DRC…
Changes in Gut and Plasma Microbiome following Exercise Challenge in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disease characterized by intense and debilitating fatigue not due to physical activity that has persisted for at least 6 months, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and accompanied by a number of secondary symptoms, including sore throat, memory and concentration impairment, headache, and muscle/joint pain. In patients with post-exertional malaise, significant worsening of symptoms occurs following physical exertion and exercise challenge serves as a useful method for identifying biomarkers for exertion intolerance. Evidence suggests that intestinal dysbiosis and systemic responses to gut microorganisms may play a rol…