During the 9th Microbiome Movement Summit Europe, held recently in Barcelona (Spain) Microbiomepost sat down with Emil Chuang, Chief Medical Officer at Intrinsic Medicine.
In this interview, Chuang explores the growing understanding of gut-brain axis disorders and the potential of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) in their treatment.
Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, is recognized as a major contributor to diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and autism, leading to local inflammation, leaky gut, and immune dysregulation. This, in turn, affects the brain, causing further complications.
HMOs, naturally occurring saccharides, can reset a dysregulated immune system and re-balance the gut microbiota.
Chuang also emphasizes that while traditional therapies tend to target single pathways, the complexity of gut-brain axis disorders requires a broader approach. HMOs offer a multifaceted mechanism that addresses multiple factors contributing to these conditions, making them an ideal candidate for treatment.
Currently, Parkinson’s disease is the primary indication being targeted, but Chuang believes HMOs also hold promise for treating other conditions related to gut-brain health, such as autism, Alzheimer’s, inflammatory bowel disease, and even cancer immunotherapy. This innovative approach to gut-brain axis disorders represents a major step forward in potential therapeutic strategies.
