Latest news with #Bacteroidesvulgatus
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Forget Ozempic, scientists find a microbe that can work like a natural alternative to popular diabetes and weight loss drug
Scientists at Jiangnan University in China have identified a gut microbe that could act as a natural alternative to diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic . The study, published in Nature Microbiology, shows that the microbe may help regulate blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings without the need for medication. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Inside Operation Tupac: Pakistan's secret project to burn Kashmir Who is Asim Munir, the Zia-style general shaping Pakistan's faith-driven military revival 'Looking for partners, not preachers': India's strong message for EU amid LoC tensions Gut microbes may regulate blood sugar naturally The research focused on Bacteroides vulgatus , a type of bacteria found in the human gut. When its presence was increased in diabetic mice, it stimulated the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps control blood sugar levels and creates a feeling of fullness after eating. GLP-1 and Ozempic work on the same hormone GLP-1 is produced naturally in the body, but its function is often impaired in people with type 2 diabetes. Drugs like Ozempic are designed to imitate this hormone. The new study suggests that gut microbes could help the body increase GLP-1 levels on its own. Link between gut protein and sweet cravings The researchers found that mice missing a gut protein called Ffar4 had fewer colonies of Bacteroides vulgatus. This led to a decrease in a hormone called FGF21, which plays a role in sugar cravings. The study also found that people with certain genetic variants of FGF21 are more likely to prefer sweet foods. 'Treating mice with a metabolite of B. vulgatus boosted GLP-1 secretion, which then triggered the secretion of FGF21,' the research team said. Live Events Further research required The scientists believe this discovery could help develop natural methods to manage weight and blood sugar. However, more research is needed to confirm how these findings could benefit humans.
NDTV
03-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nature's Ozempic? Scientists Uncover Potential Weight Loss Solution
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially replace weight loss drugs like Ozempic with a natural alternative. Researchers at Jiangnan University in China have identified a gut microbe, Bacteroides vulgatus, and its metabolites that can naturally regulate blood sugar levels and sugar cravings. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that increasing the abundance of this microbe in diabetic mice can stimulate the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and feelings of fullness. GLP-1 is a natural hormone produced by the body, and its impaired function is often seen in people with type 2 diabetes. Drugs like Ozempic mimic this natural process, but researchers are now exploring ways to get the body to produce more GLP-1 on its own. The new research suggests that gut microbes like B. vulgatus and their metabolites may play a key role in shaping a person's sweet tooth. The study found that mice lacking a gut protein called Ffar4 had reduced gut colonies of B. vulgatus, leading to decreased release of a hormone called FGF21, which is tied to sugar cravings. In humans, genetic variants of FGF21 were linked to an increased preference for sweet foods. The research team also found that treating mice with a metabolite of B. vulgatus boosted GLP-1 secretion, which then triggered the secretion of FGF21. This breakthrough discovery could lead to new ways to manage weight and blood sugar levels naturally, potentially reducing the need for drugs like Ozempic. Further research is needed to explore the potential of this natural alternative.
