Large quantities of fluid administered through an intestinal tube caused alterations in small bowel bacteriology in four of seven subjects. In two normal individuals, colonic bacteria were found after fluid infusion in areas of the small bowel which previously had none. The faecal microflora was also altered by the fluid purge: anaerobes were reduced in some subjects and large numbers of Entero...

In the covalent binding of nitroarenes to macromolecules, nitroreduction is an important step. The intestinal microflora represents an enormous potential of bacterial nitroreductase activity. As a consequence, the in vivo nitroreduction of orally administered nitroarenes is primarily located in the intestine. In this study, we have investigated the nitroreduction of 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF) by a ...

Although the liver has long been considered as a main organ responsible for drug metabolism, the role of the gut metabolizing enzymes and the gut microflora is becoming more profoundly evident in drug metabolism, absorption and overall efficacy. This review will explore various mechanisms by which the gut-microflora influences drug pharmacokinetics including biotransformation, bioactivation, an...

Probiotic supplements induce immunological responses in the host, and dietary fructooligosaccharides (FOS) stimulate the growth of selected intestinal microflora. In this study we investigated the immunological influences of orally administrated FOS. BALB/c mice were orally administered 0-7.5% FOS for 6 weeks, and the intestinal mucosal immune responses were measured. In the 2.5%-FOS group, fec...

BACKGROUND Leucocyte recruitment and inflammation are key features of high dose radiation-induced tissue injury. The inflammatory response in the gut may be more pronounced following radiotherapy due to its high bacterial load in comparison to the response in other organs. We designed a model to enable us to study the effects of radiation on leucocyte-endothelium interactions and on intestinal ...

The intestinal microflora is not only involved in the digestion of nutrients, but also in local immunity, forming a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms. The derangement of the gut microflora may lead to microbial translocation, defined as the passage of viable microorganisms or bacterial products (i.e., LPS, lipopeptides) from the intestinal lumen to the mesenteric lymph nodes and other e...

The human intestinal microflora is a complex microbial ecosystem that plays a critical role in the overall health of an individual. This issue will examine the benefits of the “friendly bacteria” that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, various factors that can disturb the normal GI environment, and the wide variety of health problems that can develop when the intestinal microflora is upset. A...

In humans, microbial colonisation of the intestine begins just after birth. However, development of the normal flora is a gradual process, which is initially determined by factors such as genetic aspects, the maternal-foetal interaction, place and mode of delivery, early feedings strategies, and the use of antibiotics. Current knowledge on the significance and impact of the gut microflora on th...