Scientists from the Institute of Systems Biology in Seattle found that 69% of substances in the blood are associated with the activity of intestinal bacteria, and only 15% with genetics. Research published in the journal Nature Metabolism.
The authors of the new study analyzed the blood metabolomes of more than 1,500 people. The scientists determined which molecules are primarily controlled by gut bacteria and which are largely controlled by genes. This is important to know because microorganism-associated metabolite levels are easier to change with medications or lifestyle changes.
In addition to DNA analysis, microbiota analysis obtained from stool samples was performed on the volunteers. The results showed that 69% of associations were due to the gut microbiome alone, and 15% to genetics alone. The remaining 16% of metabolites were classified as under the joint control of genes and microbiome.
Metabolites under the control of genes include bile acids and free fatty acids, as well as other substances associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The blood molecules most strongly associated with the actions of the gut microbiome have been involved in the bacterial metabolism of aromatic and phenolic compounds.
This study showed that we can affect metabolites circulating in the blood by changing the microbiome. However, this study is only the first step towards mapping blood metabolites.