Latest news with #gutbacteria
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Our gut bacteria can absorb and remove toxic 'forever chemicals' — at least in lab mice
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Researchers have identified gut bacteria that can absorb toxic "forever chemicals" in lab mice, according to a new study, potentially offering up a way to control PFAS levels in humans. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products, from non-stick cooking pans to cosmetics. These substances are often nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they have strong chemical bonds that don't easily break down in nature and, in some cases, stick around for thousands of years. As a result, these chemicals pose a major pollution concern, both in our environment and in our own bodies. Our drinking water and agricultural systems are already contaminated with PFAS to some degree, and as some of these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and into our blood, there's no keeping them out of our bodies. Scientists are still untangling the health implications of PFAS, but exposure has been linked to various potential harms, including an increased risk of some cancers and disruptions to our immune system. However, our bodies may also have a way of protecting themselves from these chemicals. The new study, published Tuesday (July 1) in the journal Nature Microbiology, investigated how human gut bacteria interacted with PFAS and found that nine species could effectively fend off the chemicals, at least in lab mice. The bacteria absorbed a good chunk of common PFAS that the mice were exposed to, which was then excreted in the mice's feces. While there's a lot more work to be done, these findings suggest that we may be able to employ some bacterial species to control forever chemicals. "The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now," study co-author Indra Roux, a researcher in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Toxicology Unit at the University of Cambridge, said in a statement. "We haven't found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the possibility of developing ways to get them out of our bodies where they do the most harm." Related: How worried should we be about PFAS, the 'forever chemicals'? PFAS resist water, oil and heat, making them useful in many different products. Today, there are thousands of different chemicals under the PFAS umbrella. While they are being phased out of some industries, like food packaging, many already exist in the environment and aren't going anywhere anytime soon. To explore how gut bacteria interact with PFAS, the researchers first identified nine bacterial species that could absorb these chemicals and then gave those species to lab mice. The mice were then exposed to PFAS, including the common perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). The bacteria absorbed between 25% and 74% of PFNA and 23% to 58% of PFOA, according to the study. Accumulated PFAS didn't seem to affect the bacteria much. The PFAS aggregated (grouped together) in dense clusters within the bacteria, which appeared to minimize their impact on vital cell processes, according to the study. "We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations, and store these in clumps inside their cells," senior study author Kiran Patil, an investigator within the University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit, said in the statement. "Due to aggregation of PFAS in these clumps, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects." RELATED STORIES —PFAS 'forever chemicals' to officially be removed from food packaging, FDA says —Scientists find a simple way to destroy 'forever chemicals' — by beheading them —PFAS can absorb through the skin, potentially threatening our health, study finds The researchers noted in the study that their experiments involved giving mice a one-time dosage of PFAS, while humans — and other animals — typically experience low but chronic exposure to the chemicals. Lawrence Wackett, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities who wasn't involved in the study, told Live Science in an email that the research was "particularly interesting" in light of another study published June 13 in the journal PNAS, which found that human gut microbial enzymes can break down carbon–fluorine bonds — the strong bonds present in PFAS. "Taken together, there might be both sequestration and degradation of certain fluorinated compounds in the human gut," Wackett said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Gut Bacteria Found to Soak Up Toxic Forever Chemicals
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have the nickname 'forever chemicals' thanks to their persistence in the environment. While a handful of bacteria are known to mop up these insidious compounds, it's unclear whether any of our own microflora hide such a talent. A new study by an international team of researchers has shown how several species of human gut bacteria can absorb and store PFAS. Potentially, boosting these types of bacteria in our bodies could stop the chemicals from negatively impacting our health. "We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations, and store these in clumps inside their cells," says Kiran Patil, a molecular biologist from the University of Cambridge in the UK. "Due to aggregation of PFAS in these clumps, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects." Related: Through detailed lab tests, the researchers found a total of 38 different gut bacterial strains able to absorb forever chemicals at a variety of concentrations, with the fiber-degrading bacterium Bacteroides uniformis one of the best at the job. In experiments with Escherichia coli, the team also discovered certain mechanisms that could make bacteria more or less effective at taking on board PFAS – something that will be useful if this absorption can be bioengineered in the future. The researchers found that PFAS were effectively locked away in the bacteria that could handle the chemicals, the bacteria clustering together in a way that reduces their surface area and possibly protects the microorganisms from being harmed themselves. Further tests on mice with nine of these bacteria species implanted in their guts showed that the microbes were able to quickly absorb PFAS, which was excreted from the mice through their feces. As levels of forever chemicals increased, the microbes worked harder at soaking them up. "The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now," says molecular biologist Indra Roux from the University of Cambridge. "We haven't found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the possibility of developing ways to get them out of our bodies where they do the most harm." PFAS are found in everything from cosmetics to drinking water to food packaging, and have become embedded in so many manufacturing processes that it would now be almost impossible to avoid them completely. What's less clear is the harm they might be doing to our bodies, though they've already been linked to a number of health issues – including kidney damage. The bacteria's ability to remove PFAS from human bodies remains to be seen. It is possible, the researchers say, that probiotic dietary supplements may be developed to boost the right mix of gut microbes and help safely clear out PFAS from our systems. "Given the scale of the problem of PFAS 'forever chemicals', particularly their effects on human health, it's concerning that so little is being done about removing these from our bodies," says Patil. The research has been published in Nature Microbiology. Gene Therapy Can Restore Hearing in Adults, First-of-Its-Kind Trial Shows Cheese May Actually Fuel Nightmares, Surprising Study Confirms New Weight-Loss Drugs Under Scrutiny Amid Pancreas Concerns
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers discover certain gut bacteria can protect you from toxic plastics that increase cancer risks
Could your gut protect you from the toxic impacts of forever chemicals? Forever chemicals, also known as 'PFAS,' are long-lasting, synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since the 1950s. They're found in waterproof clothing, non-stick pans, plastic food packaging, and firefighting foams. Exposure to the chemicals may be tied to negative health impacts, including fertility, developmental delays in children, a weakened immune system, increased cholesterol levels, and a heightened risk of some cancers. There are thousands of forever chemicals that have potentially varying effects and toxicity levels. Now, scientists say they've discovered that some bacteria found in the human gut have the ability to absorb the chemicals — and potentially protect from associated health impacts. 'We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations, and store these in clumps inside their cells,' Dr. Kiran Patil, a member of the British University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit, explained in a statement. 'Due to aggregation of PFAS in these clumps, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects.' Patil was the senior author of the research, which was published in the journal Nature Microbiology. To reach these conclusions, the researchers inserted several species of bacteria from the human gut into mice. The study found that nine species of the bacteria gathered the forever chemicals the rodents ate and then pooped out. When exposed to increasing levels of the chemicals, the bacteria worked even harder, consistently removing the same percentage of the toxic chemicals. Within just minutes of exposure, the bacterial species soaked up between a quarter and nearly two-thirds of the forever chemicals. The same effect has not yet been tested in humans, but the researchers said they plan to use their findings to create probiotic dietary supplements that boost the levels of these species in the gut to shield against any PFAS-related health harms. They are also looking at how they could turbo-charge the species' performance. 'The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now,' Dr. Indra Roux, a researcher at the University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit and a co-author of the study, said. Until then, the researchers say the best thing people can do to protect themselves is to avoid known risks for exposure. Although, even tap water has been contaminated: nearly half of all tap water in America. Under the Trump administration, the Environmental Protection Agency moved to weaken Biden-era standards limiting the pollution of potentially-toxic 'forever chemicals' in U.S. drinking water sources earlier this year. 'PFAS were once considered safe, but it's now clear that they're not,' added fellow researcher Dr. Anna Lindell. 'It's taken a long time for PFAS to become noticed because at low levels they're not acutely toxic. But they're like a slow poison.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Researchers discover certain gut bacteria can protect you from toxic plastics that increase cancer risks
Could your gut protect you from the toxic impacts of forever chemicals? Forever chemicals, also known as 'PFAS,' are long-lasting, synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since the 1950s. They're found in waterproof clothing, non-stick pans, plastic food packaging, and firefighting foams. Exposure to the chemicals may be tied to negative health impacts, including fertility, developmental delays in children, a weakened immune system, increased cholesterol levels, and a heightened risk of some cancers. There are thousands of forever chemicals that have potentially varying effects and toxicity levels. Now, scientists say they've discovered that some bacteria found in the human gut have the ability to absorb the chemicals — and potentially protect from associated health impacts. 'We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations, and store these in clumps inside their cells,' Dr. Kiran Patil, a member of the British University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit, explained in a statement. 'Due to aggregation of PFAS in these clumps, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects.' Patil was the senior author of the research, which was published in the journal Nature Microbiology. To reach these conclusions, the researchers inserted several species of bacteria from the human gut into mice. The study found that nine species of the bacteria gathered the forever chemicals the rodents ate and then pooped out. When exposed to increasing levels of the chemicals, the bacteria worked even harder, consistently removing the same percentage of the toxic chemicals. Within just minutes of exposure, the bacterial species soaked up between a quarter and nearly two-thirds of the forever chemicals. The same effect has not yet been tested in humans, but the researchers said they plan to use their findings to create probiotic dietary supplements that boost the levels of these species in the gut to shield against any PFAS-related health harms. They are also looking at how they could turbo-charge the species' performance. 'The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now,' Dr. Indra Roux, a researcher at the University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit and a co-author of the study, said. Until then, the researchers say the best thing people can do to protect themselves is to avoid known risks for exposure. Although, even tap water has been contaminated: nearly half of all tap water in America. Under the Trump administration, the Environmental Protection Agency moved to weaken Biden-era standards limiting the pollution of potentially-toxic 'forever chemicals' in U.S. drinking water sources earlier this year. 'PFAS were once considered safe, but it's now clear that they're not,' added fellow researcher Dr. Anna Lindell. 'It's taken a long time for PFAS to become noticed because at low levels they're not acutely toxic. But they're like a slow poison.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Could your gut protect you from toxic plastics?
Could your gut protect you from the toxic impacts of forever chemicals? Forever chemicals, also known as 'PFAS,' are long-lasting, synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since the 1950s. They're found in waterproof clothing, non-stick pans, plastic food packaging, and firefighting foams. Exposure to the chemicals may be tied to negative health impacts, including fertility, developmental delays in children, a weakened immune system, increased cholesterol levels, and a heightened risk of some cancers. There are thousands of forever chemicals that have potentially varying effects and toxicity levels. Now, scientists say they've discovered that some bacteria found in the human gut have the ability to absorb the chemicals — and potentially protect from associated health impacts. 'We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations, and store these in clumps inside their cells,' Dr. Kiran Patil, a member of the British University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit, explained in a statement. 'Due to aggregation of PFAS in these clumps, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects.' Patil was the senior author of the research, which was published in the journal Nature Microbiology. To reach these conclusions, the researchers inserted several species of bacteria from the human gut into mice. The study found that nine species of the bacteria gathered the forever chemicals the rodents ate and then pooped out. When exposed to increasing levels of the chemicals, the bacteria worked even harder, consistently removing the same percentage of the toxic chemicals. Within just minutes of exposure, the bacterial species soaked up between a quarter and nearly two-thirds of the forever chemicals. The same effect has not yet been tested in humans, but the researchers said they plan to use their findings to create probiotic dietary supplements that boost the levels of these species in the gut to shield against any PFAS-related health harms. They are also looking at how they could turbo-charge the species' performance. 'The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now,' Dr. Indra Roux, a researcher at the University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit and a co-author of the study, said. Until then, the researchers say the best thing people can do to protect themselves is to avoid known risks for exposure. Although, even tap water has been contaminated: nearly half of all tap water in America. Under the Trump administration, the Environmental Protection Agency moved to weaken Biden-era standards limiting the pollution of potentially-toxic 'forever chemicals' in U.S. drinking water sources earlier this year. 'PFAS were once considered safe, but it's now clear that they're not,' added fellow researcher Dr. Anna Lindell. 'It's taken a long time for PFAS to become noticed because at low levels they're not acutely toxic. But they're like a slow poison.'
