Butyricicoccus spp.

Butyricicoccus spp. are anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria found in the human gut. They play a vital role in producing butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid essential for gut health. 

By metabolizing dietary fibers and amino acids, these bacteria help maintain the gut barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote overall gut health. Their abundance is notably reduced in conditions like ulcerative colitis and chronic kidney disease.

What is Butyricicoccus spp.?

Butyricicoccus spp. is a genus of anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria found in the human gut. Part of the Firmicutes phylum, it is a commensal bacterium, meaning it normally coexists with the human body without causing harm. 

One of its most important functions is the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) essential to gut health. These bacteria metabolize dietary fibers and amino acids to generate butyrate, which serves as an energy source for colonocytes, stabilizes the gut barrier, and reduces permeability by regulating tight junction proteins. 

Butyricicoccus spp. abundance is reduced in conditions like ulcerative colitis (UC) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), with research showing that a decrease in Butyricicoccus correlates with increased expression of claudin-1, a tight junction protein, which may be associated with inflammation. 

Research suggests that Butyricicoccus and its metabolites, such as butyrate, could help reverse inflammation-induced damage and maintain gut barrier function, offering potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like UC and CKD.

One notable species, Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum, has been studied as a potential next-generation probiotic. Research has demonstrated that B. pullicaecorum is safe, well-tolerated, and does not disrupt the gut microbiota or metabolic activity, making it a promising candidate for promoting gut health. 

While these effects cannot definitively be extrapolated to humans, animal studies have shown that B. pullicaecorum can reduce colorectal cancer progression and enhance survival, possibly through its effects on short-chain fatty acid transporters. The bacterium’s stable shelf life also supports its viability as a probiotic.

Butyrate Production and Gut Health

Butyrate plays a key role in maintaining gut health. It provides energy to colon cells, supports the gut barrier by regulating tight junction proteins, and reduces gut inflammation by limiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. 

Butyrate also helps balance the gut microbiome by promoting beneficial microbes and producing antimicrobial substances. It has therapeutic potential for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, and its effects extend to immune modulation and cancer prevention. 

Dietary interventions can promote butyrate production, supporting gut health.

Who Should Get Butyricicoccus spp. Levels Assessed?

Assessment of Butyricicoccus spp. levels may be useful in several clinical scenarios:

Gut Dysbiosis or Microbiome Imbalances

Patients with suspected gut dysbiosis or an imbalance in gut bacteria may benefit from testing Butyricicoccus spp. levels as part of a broader microbiome analysis.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

For patients with conditions like IBD or IBS, where Butyricicoccus spp. levels may be altered, evaluating these levels can provide insights into disease mechanisms and may inform treatment strategies.

Research Settings

Butyricicoccus spp. abundance may be investigated in various studies exploring links between the microbiome and conditions such as metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and even mental health disorders.

Test Procedure and Interpretation

The following section outlines important testing and interpretation information: 

Testing Procedure and Preparation Requirements

Butyricoccus spp. is typically tested using stool samples, which can be conveniently collected at home. Patients are advised to avoid medications and supplements, including probiotics, before collection. Always follow the lab company's recommendations regarding preparation and sample collection.

The following information is generally accepted regarding microbiome analysis and testing; always consult the laboratory company used for their recommendations.

Normal Reference Ranges

The optimal relative abundance of Butyricoccus spp. in the gut microbiome can vary based on individual factors such as age, diet, and lifestyle.

Generally, normal reference ranges for microbiome species are reported as a balanced abundance, with excessively high or low levels being out of range. The testing laboratory used should provide specific reference ranges.

Clinical Implications of Elevated Levels

High levels are associated with:

Positive Gut Health

High levels of Butyricicoccus spp. are generally seen as a sign of healthy gut function, indicating enhanced butyrate production and a stronger gut barrier.

Reduced Inflammation

Higher levels often correlate with reduced gut inflammation, which may support gut health in conditions like IBD.

Improved Gut Motility

Adequate levels may help maintain proper digestion and movement through the intestines.

Clinical Implications of Decreased Levels

Low levels of Butyricoccus spp. may indicate:

Gut Dysbiosis

Low levels of Butyricicoccus spp. may indicate gut dysbiosis, where harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones. Comprehensive testing can assess for levels of harmful bacteria in the microbiome.

Increased Inflammation

A lack of Butyricicoccus spp. could result in less butyrate production, contributing to inflammation in the gut which is a hallmark of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Low levels of Butyricicoccus spp. have been associated with chronic kidney disease.

Need for Further Investigation

When levels are low, clinicians should consider a comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiome to understand the full scope of the dysbiosis and guide treatment options.

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