Histamine may also play a role

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

A healthy intestinal flora consists of many different strains of bacteria. If these 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 flora is disturbed, it can also affect the development of diseases. Certain bacteria in the gut may also be responsible for conditions such as chronic abdominal pain. Scientists from Canada’s McMaster University have discovered this in a recent study. The results were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Chronic abdominal pain: Histamine may also play a role

Researchers have been investigating the interaction between intestinal flora and health for many years. its effects microbiomeHowever, s is associated not only with complaints in the area of ​​the digestive tract. In addition, the gut plays an important role in Well being to keep. The state of the intestinal flora is associated with diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or rheumatic diseases. Further studies have also shown that intestinal bacteria also travel through the gut-brain axis. psyche and affect behavior.

Diseases of the digestive system in particular may be closely related to an upset intestinal flora. Because the microbiome consists of various bacteria that are responsible for the function of Intestine play an important role. However, although chronic abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome are already associated with changes in the intestinal flora, the underlying mechanisms are very difficult to determine.

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Chronic abdominal pain: elevated histamine levels in inflammation

like a part current study Researchers around Giada de Palma 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 found that many patients had high levels of histamine in their stool for months. According to study author Premsil Bursik, when affected people reported severe pain, histamine levels also increased significantly.

In further experiments on rats, the research team found that the messenger substance histamine is mainly produced by the bacterium Klebsiella aerogenes. This bacterium appears to be able to convert dietary histidine – an essential amino acid found in animal and vegetable proteins – into histamine. According to researchers, this strain of bacteria can also be found in stool samples Detected by patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

According to scientists, bacterial histamine activates it immune system in the gut Through the so-called histamine-4 receptors. In turn, these receptors draw immunological mast cells into the gut, resulting in the production of even more histamine, but also other pain mediators – substances that the body releases in increased amounts as part of inflammation.

Chronic abdominal pain: Special diet may provide relief

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

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

This article contains only general information on a related 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 personal questions about clinical pictures.