Christensenella minuta
Unlocking the Secrets of Christensenella minuta: A Microbe with Far-Reaching Implications
Description
Christensenella minuta is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium found within the human gastrointestinal tract. This enigmatic microbe plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and is involved in a range of metabolic processes.
Associated Diseases
Mounting evidence suggests that C. minuta dysbiosis (an imbalance in its levels) is linked to various diseases, including:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): C. minuta is depleted in individuals with IBD, and its restoration has been shown to alleviate inflammation and improve disease outcomes.
- Type 2 diabetes: Lower levels of C. minuta have been associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.
- Cardiovascular disease: C. minuta is inversely correlated with cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Did you Know ?
According to a recent study, individuals with healthy gastrointestinal microbiota have significantly higher levels of C. minuta than those with dysbiosis. This highlights the potential of C. minuta as a biomarker for overall digestive health.