Against liver cirrhosis: carbon beads that restore the intestinal microbiome

Belonging “beads” swallow “less than a grain of salt”. Invented by researchers at University College London (UCL), the carbon beads have been shown to be effective in rodents in restoring the balance of the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and slowing the progression of liver disease. The results were published in the journal intestine.

Beads that restore microbiome health and protect the liver

“When the microbiome is out of balance, bad bacteria can overgrow and crowd out the good bacteria that support gut health. recalled Professor Rajeev Jalan, lead author of the study, in a press release. They do this, in part, by releasing endotoxins, toxic metabolites and cytokines that transform the intestinal environment, making it more favorable to them and hostile to beneficial bacteria. These substances, especially endotoxin, can cause inflammation and increase intestinal permeability, which damages other organs such as the liver, kidneys and brain.”

However tiny “carbon beads” developed by researchers, equipped “special microscopic physical structure” act by absorbing endotoxins and other molecules produced by bad bacteria in the gut, in other words, creating an environment conducive for good bacteria to thrive. What “restores the health of the microbiome and prevents toxins from spreading and damaging other areas, as occurs with cirrhosis of the liver.”

Less liver damage in rodents with cirrhosis

Tested in mice and rats when administered daily over several weeks, the pellets were effective in preventing the progression of scarring and liver damage in rodents suffering from cirrhosis and reducing mortality in those suffering from acute liver failure (ACLF). They also turned out to be “safe” on 28 people with cirrhosis who tested them – only to note possible side effects.

If their effectiveness in humans is confirmed by new clinical trials, “one of which should start soon”carbon balls could well become “an invaluable tool”according to the researchers, to treat not only liver diseases, but also, possibly, “conditions associated with poor microbiome health, such as irritable bowel syndrome.”