gut

Scientists from The Ohio State University said diversity, number, and constitution of gut micro-organisms changes when exposed to stress.

"These bacteria affect immune function, and may help explain why stress dysregulates the immune response," said lead researcher Michael Bailey of the Ohio State University.

Changes due to stress
Gut bacteria activates the production of antibodies by stimulating the lymphoid tissue associated with the gut mucosa, thereby, helping the immune system in fighting harmful bacteria.

Experts theorize that methane from methane-producing bacteria in the gut may hinder digestion and increase the uptake of calories thereby triggering obesity.

Co-author of the study, Dr Ruchi Mathur, a physician in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism stated, "Obesity is a major health issue and is reaching pandemic levels.

“It is our hope that by better understanding all the factors that contribute to obesity, we can develop more effective ways of fighting it."

Study details

Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that may result in fractures, and numerous types of drugs are available to prevent the condition.

The researchers from the Columbia University Medical Center who initiated the study found that the new drug that was initially developed to treat the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reversed bone loss, and also cured the disease in some cases.