Browsing by Author "Donner, Thomas"

Research into the gut microbiome has increased in recent decades, in part due to advances in sequencing technologies. A number of different disease processes appear to be linked to disturbances in the microbiome and an increase in intestinal permeability. Thus, different methods of modulating the microbiome and intestinal permeability are of great interest when considering future treatment options for several diseases. The experimental part of this thesis examines the effects of a bacterial strain (Bacteroides Vulgatus) on intestinal permeability using a CaCo-2 cell model. The bacterial strain was chosen because previous research has suggested it has the ability to reduce production of interleukin-8 (IL-8). A reduced production of IL-8 is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and possibly a positive effect on intestinal permeability.The literature review section of the thesis discusses the relationship between disturbances in the microbiome, increased intestinal permeability and inflammatory reactions, as well as possible ways to modulate these processes. Factors that may affect intestinal permeability are briefly discussed with special emphasis placed on dietary factors. Spondyloarthropathies are discussed as an example of a disease group with possible links to a disturbed microbiome and an increase in intestinal permeability. The results from the experimental part of this thesis suggest that the studied strain of B.vulgatus does not have any appreciable effect on intestinal permeability and is thus unlikely to be used for future therapeutic treatments targeting the microbiome.