In general, we often think about the commensal bacteria as being beneficial to your health. Did you know that the bacteria in the gut microbiome can also contribute to systemic inflammation and disease? There is molecule called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) within the outer membrane of all gram-negative bacteria. LPS can be readily taken up into circulation where it acts as an inflammatory trigger (endotoxin). But not all LPS can trigger the immune system. Only LPS molecules with a structure containing at least six acyl groups are large enough to stimulate cytokine release – hexa-acylated LPS.

On today’s episode, we discuss the LPS molecule, and more specifically hexa-LPS. What is it, how does it cause a problem, and more importantly, what can we do to prevent it from causing inflammation?

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:30 Gram-negative vs gram-positive bacteria
• 4:40 Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and systemic endotoxemia
• 7:05 Hexa-acylated LPS vs. LPS
• 9:55 Protecting the gut mucosal barrier
• 10:40 The role of dietary fat
• 12:15 Logical Speculation: Dietary saturated fats are not all created equally
• 17:15 Question of the Day?
  • How do we measure LPS?

Additional Resources:

Intestinal Permeability Assessment

GI Effects Stool Profile

 

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