Histamine may also play a role

A healthy gut is closely related to a healthy body. A new study now shows the effect of the microbiome on chronic pain.

A healthy intestinal flora consists of different strains of bacteria. If these elements are in balance, the microbiome not only ensures a strong immune system, but also has a positive effect on mood, well-being and weight. However, if the intestinal microflora is disturbed, this can also affect the development of diseases. Certain bacteria in the gut can be responsible for conditions such as chronic abdominal pain. Scientists from McMaster University in Canada discovered this in a recent study. The results were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Chronic abdominal pain: Histamine may play a role, too

Researchers have been studying the interaction between the gut microbiota and health for several years. . effects microbiomeHowever, they are not only associated with complaints in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the intestine appears to play an important role in this luxury to have. The state of the intestinal microflora is associated with diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or rheumatic diseases. Other studies have shown that gut bacteria also cross the gut-brain axis spirit and affect behaviour.

Gastrointestinal diseases in particular can be closely associated with disturbed gut flora. Because the microbiome contains different bacteria responsible for the function Intestines Play an important role. However, although chronic abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome have already been linked to changes in the intestinal microbiota, the underlying mechanisms are very difficult to determine.

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Chronic abdominal pain: high levels of histamine in inflammation

as part of The current study Researchers around Giada de Palma have tried to get to the bottom of these mechanisms. To do this, they first analyzed stool samples from Canadian and American patients for specific markers. Scientists have discovered that many patients have high levels of histamine in their stool for several months. According to study author Premsyl Bercik, when sufferers reported severe pain, histamine levels increased significantly.

In other experiments on mice, the research team found that the messenger histamine is produced primarily by Klebsiella aerogenes. These bacteria appear to be able to convert dietary histidine – an essential amino acid found in animal and plant proteins – into histamine. According to the researchers, this strain of bacteria can also be found stool samples It was detected by patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

According to scientists, bacterial histamine activates this The immune system in the gut Via so-called histamine 4 receptors. These receptors, in turn, pull immune mast cells into the intestines, causing them to produce more histamine, as well as other pain agents—substances that the body releases in increased amounts as part of inflammation.

Chronic abdominal pain: a special diet can provide relief

Since the mechanisms are affected by diet, the researchers put the mice on a special diet. With the administration of reduced fermented carbohydrates, a decrease in mast cells responsible for the production of histamine in the large intestine can be determined. Previous studies have already shown that a restricted intake of fermented carbohydrates relieves abdominal pain.

“Now that we know how histamine is produced in the gut, we can identify and develop treatments that target histamine-producing bacteria,” study author Giada de Palma said in a press release. With a directed diet, abdominal pain can not only be relieved, but also prevented.

This article contains only general information on the relevant health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not in any way replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical images.