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07:42
An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Inflammation and gastrointestinal Candida colonization.
1Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA. carol.kumamoto@tufts.edu
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|August 2, 2011
Summary
High levels of Candida colonization in the gut are linked to gastrointestinal diseases. This fungal presence may worsen inflammation by affecting the cytokine IL-17, potentially impacting many individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Candida species are common gut microbiota members, usually harmless.
- High-level Candida colonization is increasingly associated with gastrointestinal diseases.
- Existing research suggests a potential link between Candida colonization and delayed healing of inflammatory lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Candida colonization and gastrointestinal inflammation.
- To explore the role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 in this interaction.
- To understand the potential for a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation and fungal colonization.
Main Methods:
- This study likely involved analyzing existing data and potentially conducting new experiments in animal models.
- Focus was placed on observing the effects of Candida colonization on inflammatory markers.
- Investigated the correlation between Candida colonization, gastrointestinal diseases, and IL-17 levels.
Main Results:
- High-level Candida colonization is associated with gastrointestinal diseases.
- Animal models suggest Candida colonization impedes inflammatory lesion healing.
- Both inflammatory bowel disease and Candida colonization correlate with elevated IL-17 levels.
Conclusions:
- Candida colonization may exacerbate gastrointestinal inflammation, potentially through modulation of IL-17.
- A vicious cycle may exist where inflammation promotes Candida colonization and vice versa.
- These findings have significant implications for a large population due to frequent Candida colonization.
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