We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Rare Gut Bacteria Linked to Restless Legs Syndrome

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 18 Jun 2019
Print article
The Fecal Swab Collection and Preservation System fecal collection kit (Photo courtesy of Norgen Biotek).
The Fecal Swab Collection and Preservation System fecal collection kit (Photo courtesy of Norgen Biotek).
One common sleep disorder in which the microbiome may play a role is restless legs syndrome (RLS). While the pathogenesis of RLS is not fully understood, a relative state of brain iron deficiency has been described in patients with RLS and appears to induce changes in several pathways known to be involved in the disease.

RLS is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by a complaint of a strong, nearly irresistible urge to move the limbs that is often accompanied by other uncomfortable sensations. These symptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity such as lying down or sitting, are partially or totally relieved by movement such as walking or stretching, and occur exclusively or predominantly in the evening or at night. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which rare gut-residing bacteria are over-represented in the gut.

Scientists at the Stanford Sleep Center (Redwood City, CA, USA) recruited at the center three groups: RLS and low peripheral iron stores of less than 50ng/mL and/or transferrin saturation of less than 18%, RLS and normal peripheral iron stores, and insomnia (control).

Participants completed questionnaires concerning sleep and SIBO symptoms and were sent home with the Fecal Swab Collection and Preservation System fecal collection kit (Norgen Biotek, Thorold, ON, Canada; https://norgenbiotek.com) and a SIBO Home Breath Test Kit, (Mullumbimby, Australia).

Fecal samples are assayed by the University of Minnesota Genomics Center (Minneapolis, MN, USA) with microbial community profiling evaluated by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing protocols. SIBO breath samples are evaluated by Aerodiagnostics (Concord, MA, USA) for hydrogen and methane abnormalities.

The investigators reported that seven participants diagnosed with RLS (three men and four women) have thus far completed the protocol. All indicated poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] ≥ 5) and moderate to severe symptoms of RLS (IRLS scores ranging from 13 to 34/40). SIBO was present in all seven participants (100%) whereas general population rates are estimated to be 6% to15%.

Daniel Jin Blum, PhD, DBSM, an adjunct clinical instructor and first author of the study, said, “We've observed extremely high rates of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in the RLS group. Exploring the relationship between RLS and gut microbial health has the potential to open novel avenues for possible detection, prevention and treatment for RLS and other sleep disorders.” The study was presented on June 9, 2019, at the Annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies held in San Antonio, TX, USA.

Related Links:
Stanford Sleep Center
Norgen Biotek
SIBO
University of Minnesota Genomics Center
Aerodiagnostics


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
ADAMTS-13 Protease Activity Test
ATS-13 Activity Assay

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.