Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
05:41
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Intestinal steroid profiles and microbiota composition in colitic mice
Steffen Wohlgemuth1, Sylvia Keller, Romy Kertscher
1German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke Department of Gastrointestinal Microbiology Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116 14558 Nuthetal, Germany.
Gut Microbes
|August 27, 2011
Summary
Inflammation in the gut alters steroid and bile acid levels, reducing microbial diversity and promoting the growth of specific bacteria in mice. This suggests a link between gut environment, microbial changes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Reduced gut microbiota diversity is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- The impact of inflammation-induced environmental changes on gut microbiota is poorly understood.
- IBD is linked to impaired intestinal steroid metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that altered intestinal steroid and bile acid (BA) concentrations impact gut microbial communities.
- To analyze the relationship between gut inflammation, steroid profiles, and microbial diversity in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Interleukin-10 deficient (IL-10-/-) mice as a model for chronic gut inflammation.
- Compared IL-10-/- mice with healthy wild-type controls.
- Analyzed intestinal steroid concentrations and gut microbial diversity at 24 weeks of age.
Main Results:
- IL-10-/- mice exhibited moderate gut inflammation and colorectal tumors.
- Inflammation was associated with increased intestinal cholesterol and cholic acid.
- Reduced microbial diversity was observed, with proliferation of bile acid-resistant bacteria (e.g., R. peoriensis, C. innocuum).
Conclusions:
- Chronic colitis in IL-10-/- mice alters intestinal steroid profiles.
- Changes in steroid profiles may be influenced by, or influence, gut microbiota composition.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of bacterial sterol and bile acid metabolism in colitis and colorectal cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Microbiota of the Large Intestine
The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
01:27Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
01:21Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
01:18Functions of the Gut Microbiota
The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...