Good News for Gut Health: Bacteria Found That Can Soak Up Toxic Forever Chemicals

The fight against "forever chemicals" just got a little help from some unexpected heroes: the bacteria living in our gut. Scientists have discovered that certain types of bacteria in the human digestive system have the amazing ability to absorb and store harmful substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These findings could pave the way for new strategies to reduce the levels of these persistent pollutants in our bodies and protect our health.

Understanding the Threat of Forever Chemicals (PFAS)

PFAS have earned the ominous nickname "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the environment or in our bodies. They are used in a wide array of everyday products, from non-stick cookware and food packaging to cosmetics and firefighting foam. This widespread use means that PFAS are now present in our soil, water, air, and unfortunately, in most people's bodies.

Why are forever chemicals a concern?

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a growing list of health problems, including:

• Kidney disease and kidney damage

• Liver problems

• Thyroid disorders

• Increased cholesterol levels

• Reduced immune function

• Certain types of cancer

Because these chemicals stick around for so long, even low levels of exposure over time can potentially lead to health issues. This is why scientists are urgently looking for ways to remove or neutralize PFAS.

A Surprising Discovery in Our Gut

While researchers have previously identified some environmental bacteria capable of breaking down or absorbing PFAS, the question remained: could the trillions of microorganisms living in our own gut also play a role in dealing with these toxins?

A new study by an international team of researchers has provided a promising answer. Their work has revealed that several species of bacteria commonly found in the human gut possess the remarkable ability to absorb and store PFAS.

How Gut Bacteria Tackle Forever Chemicals

The researchers conducted detailed laboratory experiments to investigate how different types of gut bacteria interact with PFAS. They tested various concentrations of these chemicals and observed how the bacteria responded.

Key findings of the study:

• 38 types of gut bacteria can absorb PFAS: The study identified 38 different strains of bacteria present in the human gut that could effectively soak up forever chemicals.

• Bacteroides uniformis stands out: One particular type of fiber-degrading bacterium, Bacteroides uniformis, showed a particularly high capacity for absorbing PFAS. This suggests that a diet rich in fiber might indirectly support this natural detoxification process.

• PFAS are stored in clumps: The bacteria don't just absorb the PFAS; they store them in concentrated clumps inside their cells. This clumping action seems to protect the bacteria themselves from the toxic effects of the chemicals.

• Mechanisms for absorption identified: Experiments with Escherichia coli revealed specific mechanisms within the bacteria that influence how effectively they can take up PFAS. This knowledge could be crucial for future efforts to enhance this natural ability.

• Bacteria lock away the toxins: Once absorbed, the PFAS appear to be effectively locked away within the bacterial cells, reducing their potential to interact with the rest of the body.

Real-World Impact: Experiments in Mice

To see if these findings held true in a living organism, the researchers conducted further tests on mice. They introduced nine of the identified PFAS-absorbing bacteria species into the guts of the mice. The results were encouraging:

• Rapid PFAS absorption: The gut microbes in the mice quickly absorbed PFAS.

• Excretion through feces: The absorbed PFAS were then eliminated from the mice's bodies through their feces.

• Increased absorption with higher PFAS levels: As the levels of forever chemicals increased, the bacteria worked even harder to soak them up, demonstrating a natural response to higher exposure.

Potential for Future Health Solutions

These groundbreaking findings open up exciting possibilities for developing new strategies to combat the harmful effects of forever chemicals.

Could probiotic supplements be the answer?

One potential application is the development of probiotic dietary supplements. These supplements could be designed to boost the populations of beneficial gut bacteria that are particularly good at absorbing PFAS. By increasing the number of these "detoxifying" bacteria in our gut, we might be able to enhance our body's natural ability to clear out these harmful substances.

The Urgent Need for Solutions

As Dr. Indra Roux from the University of Cambridge emphasizes, "The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now." While completely avoiding PFAS may be nearly impossible due to their widespread use, finding ways to remove them from our bodies is a critical step in protecting public health.

A Glimmer of Hope

Dr. Kiran Patil, a molecular biologist also from the University of Cambridge, highlights the significance of this discovery: "Given the scale of the problem of PFAS 'forever chemicals', particularly their effects on human health, it's concerning that so little is being done about removing these from our bodies. We haven't found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the possibility of developing ways to get them out of our bodies where they do the most harm."

This research provides a crucial foundation for developing new interventions, potentially through targeted probiotic therapies or dietary modifications, to help our bodies naturally reduce the burden of these persistent and potentially harmful forever chemicals. The future of PFAS mitigation may lie, in part, within the complex and fascinating world of our own gut microbiome.

Open Your Mind !!!

Source: Nature Microbiology