Toxicity of Methylated Bismuth Compounds to Gut Bacteria
Author Information
Author(s): Beatrix Bialek, Roland A. Diaz-Bone, Dominik Pieper, Markus Hollmann, Reinhard Hensel
Primary Institution: University of Duisburg-Essen
Hypothesis
The production of methylated bismuth species by intestinal microorganisms impairs the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Conclusion
Methylated bismuth compounds produced by gut microorganisms can significantly inhibit the growth of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a beneficial gut bacterium.
Supporting Evidence
- Methylated bismuth compounds inhibit the growth of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron at low concentrations.
- The minimal inhibitory concentration for trimethylbismuth was found to be 30 nM.
- The study suggests that methanoarchaea may negatively impact gut health by producing toxic methylated derivatives.
Takeaway
Some tiny particles made by bacteria in our tummy can hurt good bacteria that help us digest food.
Methodology
The study used coculture experiments to assess the effects of methylated bismuth compounds on the growth of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.
Limitations
The molecular mechanisms behind the observed toxicity are not fully understood.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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