The microbiota and research on metabolic diseases
The microbiota represents all the microorganisms living in an ecosystem. Our bodies host 100 trillion microorganisms—primarily bacteria—which is 10 times more than the number of cells. We often talk about the gut microbiota, but we also have an oropharyngeal, skin, and vaginal microbiota. In the gut, microorganisms are mainly located in the small intestine and colon. The microbiota consists of two main groups of bacteria: Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The microbiota is very complex. Until recently, researchers only had a very fragmented understanding of its composition and function. The study of the microbiota intestinal function has revealed previously unsuspected functions, particularly in terms of brain function.
Research on the microbiota Studies show that the gut microbiota is unique to each individual: it is individual and develops very rapidly during the perinatal period. Our gut flora plays a direct role in digestion, the functioning of the digestive tract, and that of the intestinal immune system. It also has a distant effect on various organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Microbial metabolites can diffuse into the bloodstream and thus reach certain organs. The composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota are closely linked to our diet. Eating a varied diet without excess will only benefit our microbiota, and therefore our health.
Research on the gut microbiota is essential to better understand its role in certain diseases, particularly chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitisThe microbiota is also extensively studied in cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, hypertension), metabolic (diabetesobesity) and the inflammatory diseases pulmonary conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Research on the microbiota at the Pasteur Institute of Lille
Teams at the Pasteur Institute in Lille are working on the links between the gut microbiota and infectious and inflammatory diseases. Dr. François Trottein's team at the Lille Center for Infection and Immunity (INSERM U1019 – CNRS UMR9017 – University of Lille) is studying the influence of viral respiratory infections (influenza, COVID-19) on the composition and function of the gut microbiota. "The disruptions caused by the infection contribute to the severity of the disease," explains the researcher. "Furthermore, the alteration of the gut microbiota observed in patients with comorbidities (obesity, diabetes) or in elderly patients could be responsible for increased susceptibility to infections," he continues. "Strategies exist to correct this alteration, such as probiotics or prebiotics." The team is currently trying to harness the properties of the gut microbiota to strengthen defenses against respiratory infections and reduce their severity.
Dr. Philippe Gosset's team, also at CIIL, is studying the role of the microbiota in inflammatory lung diseases, particularly COPD and cystic fibrosis. "The development of these diseases results in alterations of both the digestive and pulmonary microbiota, which contribute to the initiation and/or progression of the disease," explains Philippe Gosset. "These alterations have a negative impact on the occurrence and consequences of respiratory infections, which are very common in these patients. The goal is to understand the role of these environment/microbiota interactions in patient progression so that we can then intervene in these processes and limit the consequences of infections," the researcher adds.
The research teams
Associated diseases
