Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
07:29
Real-time Analysis of Gut-brain Neural Communication: Cortex wide Calcium Dynamics in Response to Intestinal Glucose Stimulation
Published on: December 29, 2023
961
Gut Microbes Controlling Blood Sugar: No Fire Required!
Martin Jastroch1, Siegfried Ussar2, Susanne Keipert1
1Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
Cell Metabolism
|March 5, 2020
Summary
The gut microbiota impacts metabolism and nutrient absorption. New research shows it regulates glucose homeostasis through liver gluconeogenesis, not fat tissue.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Metabolism
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The gut microbiota is crucial for nutrient absorption and metabolic health.
- Imbalances in gut bacteria are linked to metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Previous research suggested gut microbiota influenced glucose homeostasis via thermogenic adipose tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiota regulates glucose homeostasis.
- To determine whether hepatic gluconeogenesis or thermogenic adipose tissue is the primary mediator.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized [specific methods not detailed in abstract, e.g., mouse models, genetic manipulation, metabolic assays].
Main Results:
- The gut microbiota was found to regulate glucose homeostasis exclusively through hepatic gluconeogenesis.
- Evidence did not support a significant role for thermogenic adipose tissue in this process.
- This finding clarifies a key aspect of host-microbiota metabolic interactions.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota's regulation of glucose homeostasis is primarily mediated by the liver's gluconeogenesis pathway.
- This research refines our understanding of the gut microbiome's role in metabolic health and disease.
- Future therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic disorders may benefit from focusing on hepatic gluconeogenesis modulation.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
6.1K
Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
6.1K
01:02Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
3.6K
Carbohydrates consumed through foods are converted into glucose, a crucial energy source for the body. In the prandial state, high blood glucose levels stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin inhibits hepatic glucose production and stimulates glucose uptake and metabolism by muscle and adipose tissue. The excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles.
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
3.6K
01:26Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine
34.4K
Complex carbohydrates consumed cannot be absorbed into the small intestine in their original form. First, they must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide form such as glucose or galactose. These monosaccharides are then transported across the intestinal membrane and into the blood via transcellular transport. The intestinal epithelial cells allow the movement of these monosaccharides with a defined 'entry' through membrane transporter proteins present on their apical membrane and...
34.4K
01:19Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
468
α-glucosidase inhibitors, including acarbose (Precose), miglitol (Glyset), and voglibose (Voglib) (primarily available in Asia), are drugs that control blood sugar levels by delaying the digestion of starch and disaccharides. They achieve this by inhibiting α-glucosidase enzymes in the intestine, which slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, which in turn leads to a prolonged release of the glucoregulatory hormone GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells.
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Acarbose and miglitol are...
468
01:16Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas
4.2K
The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
4.2K
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
1.4K
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.4K