Uncovering the role of gut microbes on host response to dietary fibres in MS

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$50,000
Affiliation(s)
University of Manitoba
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Manitoba
Researcher(s)
Dr. Heather Armstrong
Research Priorities
Cause of MS
Impact Goal(s)
Understand and Halt Disease Progression

Summary: 

  • Microbes, which include bacteria and fungi, are important for the breakdown of dietary fibres in the gut. We know that people with MS have different types and amounts of microbes compared to healthy people. 
  • Dr. Heather Armstrong and team aim to examine whether gut microbes in people with MS are able to breakdown certain dietary fibres in comparison to healthy people, and understand the effect on immune cells, inflammation, and disease severity in MS. 
  • Knowledge generated from this research will be important for developing dietary guidelines for people with MS. 

Project Description: 

Dietary fibres, found in fruits, grains, and vegetables are fermented and broken down by microbes naturally living in the human gut. The breakdown of these fibres into by-products is the main source of energy for the gut. 

People with MS however have different types and levels of these microbes in the gut compared to healthy people, suggesting that this fermentation process may be reduced. Additionally, some people with MS experience worsened symptoms after eating a high fibre diet. 

Dr. Heather Armstrong and team hypothesize that differences in the microbe population in MS prevents the breakdown of specific dietary fibres, causing inflammation and worsened symptoms. In this study, the researchers will assess a patient cohort of 30 people living with MS and 15 healthy controls using diet questionnaires and clinical records to understand the following:

  1. Determine if the microbes in people with MS are less able to breakdown certain dietary fibres. 
  2. Compare how the breakdown of these fibres affect immune cells and inflammation in people with MS compared to healthy people.  
  3. Evaluate the relationship between the breakdown of these fibres and disease severity in people with MS. 

Potential Impact: The findings of this study will further our understanding on the role of gut microbes in inflammation and disease severity in MS. It will also provide evidence for the development of personalized dietary guidelines that indicate which foods are safe and which are not safe for people living with MS. 

Project Status: In Progress