Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Kumpitsch, C.
Exploring the human microbiome – A journey through the
human aerodigestive and gastrointestinal tract
in health and disease
PhD-Studium (Doctor of Philosophy); Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Medical University of Graz; 2021. pp. 138
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Holzer Peter
- Moissl-Eichinger Christine
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- The human body is inhabited by trillions of microorganisms such as archaea, bacteria and fungi. These microbes are crucial for health by taking on several crucial tasks like priming the immune system, food degradation or vitamin production. However, microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) has been linked to a variety of diseases. Depending on different factors, the microbial load, diversity and composition is distinct throughout specific body areas. In this cumulative dissertation the microbiome of three body sites belonging to the human aerodigestive and gastrointestinal tract are covered and the microbial diversity and community structure at these particular niches are addressed in three publications: 1) For a comprehensive review article, the literature of the microbiome associated with the upper respiratory tract (URT) has been collected and examined from different angles. Overall findings considered factors – different URT niches, defence systems of the host and other microbes as well as the process of aging and disease state – as modulators of the URT microbiome. Furthermore, alternative therapy options against URT infections, like probiotics, have been discussed as potential non-invasive future therapeutic approach. 2) The second publication deals with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiome of high and low methane emission via breath in healthy adults. Different methane levels were linked to distinct microbial community patterns. Several microbes of these patterns have been associated with different levels of dietary fibre and vitamin B12 ingestion as well as formate concentration in stool samples. Alterations in dietary intake seem to result in a distinct microbial community structure and consequently to different metabolites of high and low methane emitters. 3) Cancer like oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (oSCC) are also able to affect the adjacent microbiome. In the third publication, we assessed the disturbance of the salivary microbiome in patients suffering from oSCC. Microbial differences in non-treated and even more in treated oSCC patients (combined cancer therapy) have been observed compared to healthy adults.