Linking research to migrant gut microbial shifts to cardiovascular risk

A UMC-led study in Amsterdam found that the case from West Africa to Europe experienced a “clear change” in microbiota composition compared to its non-immigrant peers in West Africa. These peer-reviewed findings are published today in the journal Intestinal Microorganisms, which show that participants who have lost a specific group of microorganisms or who have lost a specific new group of microorganisms have a higher rate of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and renal dysfunction.

He is a postdoctoral researcher at Amsterdam UMC, and he does his research with colleagues at the University of Ghana and describes himself as the first author of a study at Kwamnukulma University Science and Technology (Knust).

Although migration was already thought to affect individual microbiota, previous studies compared only second- and second-generation immigrants, whether they lacked the number of individuals included or did not control dietary variability. Our study utilizes our own Rodham research cohort to clearly demonstrate this change. ”

Barbara Welhar, a postdoctoral researcher at Amsterdam UMC and first author of the study

The UMC LED study in Amsterdam included more than 1,100 individuals from two separate continents, including three locations in the countryside of Ghana, the city of Ghana, or the Netherlands. Respondents completed the same dietary questionnaire and provided both fecal and blood samples to determine the composition of the gut microbiota. The analysis revealed the presence of different microorganisms across the three groups, in line with the hypothesis that migration affects microbiota composition. Findings show that some microbial groups disappear and new microbial groups appear along the axis of migration.

Health outcomes

Previous research and the World Health Organization note that immigrants experience poorer health outcomes than residents, and a study from Amsterdam UMC found this too in the Netherlands.

“This study highlights the associations of gut health and how we view the adverse health outcomes that are often associated with migration. It is fascinating to know that once we migrate, we lose the associated microorganisms we acquired in our home country and we can pick up new microorganisms in new countries. Charles Aggieman, professor of ethnicity & health at Amsterdam UMC and senior author of the study, said to have more migrants who may have contributed to changing gut microbiome composition to validate these findings.

The risks of cardiovascular metabolism are growing concern for researchers around the world, and Aggieman is currently leading many projects in both the Netherlands and several African countries, aiming to develop better interventions to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. To improve the management of cardiac metabolic diseases.

As part of these efforts, like this study, he works with several institutions around the world, particularly in the African region, to ensure that research in Amsterdam is enhanced with international data and that the findings are translated into concrete policies.

“The results of this study provide important insights into how the transition can reshape the gut microbiome and subsequent health outcomes and highlight the needs of North-South collaboration,” adds Ellis Ouso Dabo, professor of epidemiology and global health.