The blood metabolome is the small molecules found in your bloodstream that can interact with everything from brain function to bodily organs. We’re only just starting to understand the incredible impact our gut microbiome has on shaping molecules found in our blood. Figuring out what governs this variation could pave the way for precision approaches when it comes down to health and disease status.
In a consumer scientific wellness program, researchers identified 930 blood metabolite measurements from over 1,500 people. They found 60% were relatively associated with host genetics or gut microbiome and 69% of these came from just one species – microscope bacteria. The study was conducted where participants submitted de-identified samples without any personal information being exposed beyond what’s already publicly accessible on file collections like FDA approval records.
When the researchers looked at specific blood metabolite-microbe interactions, they found that these relationships were only important in individuals with certain genetic backgrounds. This means there is an intricate interplay between our microbiome and host genetics. However, some specific combinations were only significant when one has certain genotypes suggesting an intricate interaction between our microbiome and how much DNA they carry throughout their lifetime.
The findings are encouraging because they show how our blood metabolomes can be changed through dietary and lifestyle changes. This means that much of the other parts in your body’s ecosystem may also have their own alteration potential. This may make them good candidates for drug treatments targeted at specific host pathways rather than just general ones like inflammation or immunity.
Circulating small molecules can be classified into two categories: those that are under host control, and others which have more influence on the microbiome. Understanding which types of these compounds fall predominantly in each category will help guide interventions designed to prevent or treat a range diseases. This is an extremely interesting finding that could have vast implications for our understanding of not only metabolism, but also health in general.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Genome-microbiome interplay provides insight into the determinants of the human blood metabolome
