The human gut microbiota is a dynamic ecosystem essential to health, influenced by diet, age, and lifestyle. It plays a key role in digestion, immunity, and nervous system regulation. Among its important compounds, short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, are crucial for intestinal and metabolic balance, as they support homeostasis, strengthen the epithelial barrier, and have anti-inflammatory effects.
An imbalance in the microbiota, especially a decrease in butyrate-producing bacteria, is linked to intestinal, metabolic, and neurological disorders. A fiber-rich diet promotes the growth of these beneficial bacteria.
This study aims to isolate and characterize probiotics that can enhance butyrate production, thereby improving intestinal health and microbiota balance. Sampling conditions will comply with regulations governing research involving human subjects.
People between the ages of 20 and 80, in good health, with a body mass index between 18.5 kg/m² and 30 kg/m², who are not deprived of their liberty or under guardianship.
Additional criteria for people aged between 20 and 60: Engaging in sports at least twice a week or following a flexitarian diet, No known chronic conditions, Not undergoing chronic treatment.
Under the age of 20 or over the age of 80, Part of the principal investigator's team, Reporting to the investigator (intern, student, or employee under their authority), Having been on antibiotic therapy in the 3 months prior to sampling, Having taken probiotics in the 15 days prior to sampling, Having taken synbiotics in the 15 days prior to sampling, Having a BMI below 18.5 kg/m² or above 30 kg/m², Being deprived of liberty or under guardianship.
Additional criteria for people aged between 20 and 60: Not exercising twice a week or following a flexitarian diet, Having a chronic illness, Undergoing chronic treatment
General population
Case-only
Prospective
Not listed
Number of bacterial strains identified from stool samples that belong to species known to produce butyrate or stimulate butyrate production (16S rRNA gene sequencing)
Stool samples will be collected from participants and processed under anaerobic conditions to maximize bacterial survival. Homogenized samples will be plated on selective culture media and incubated at 37 °C under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Clones will be expanded in liquid culture, and isolated bacterial strains will be identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The outcome will be reported as the number of distinct strains belonging to species with documented butyrate-producing capacity. The primary endpoint is the identification of at least 12 such strains.
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