Webinar Series on the Gut-Brain Axis and the Microbiome

Synopsis of the Gut-Brain Axis and the Microbiome -- ILSI-North America and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois

Washington, DC, Webinar Series

August 28, 2020 – September 25, 2020

August 28th

Professor Rodney Johnson, PhD

General introduction to the webinar series: A Synopsis of the Gut-Brain Axis and the Microbiome (5 – 10 min).

Professor Jeffrey Woods, PhD (35 min)

Doctoral student Noah Hutchinson (35 min)

Title: “Exercise, Diet and the Gut-Brain-Axis.”

Summary:

There is currently much interest in the gastrointestinal microbiota and its modulation as it relates to implications for host health. A notable aspect is the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and brain, referred to as the gut-brain-axis. Nutritional interventions have powerful effects on the gut microbiota but another significant and often overlooked factor is the influence of physical activity. Join Dr. Jeff Woods and his doctoral student Noah Hutchinson as they review evidence and past work regarding the influence of exercise and diet on the gut microbiome and its potential to regulate the gut-brain-axis.

Questions and Dialogue

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September 3rd

Professor Kelly Swanson, PhD (35 min)

Title: “Sex-Related Differences in Host Metabolism and Health: Role of the Gastrointestinal Microbiome”

Doctoral student Celeste Alexander (35 min)

Title: “Metabolic and Gastrointestinal Health Perturbations Following Cholecystectomy in a Model of Menopause”

Summary: Sex hormones have a strong impact on the risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders and many other diseases, with men and postmenopausal women having a greater risk than younger women. Similar phenotypic changes and risk of disease have been demonstrated following the surgical removal of ovaries in animal models. Although all mechanisms and relationships are not yet understood, the gastrointestinal microbiota are known to be different between the sexes, metabolize endogenous and exogenous estrogenic compounds, and impact host health. Join Dr. Kelly Swanson and his doctoral student Celeste Alexander as they review evidence and past work regarding the relationships that exist between sex, the gastrointestinal microbiota and metabolic diseases, with specific emphasis on cholecystectomy.

Questions and Dialogue

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September 11th

Professor Yanina Pepino, PhD (35 min)

Doctoral student Clara Salame (35 min)

Title: “Low Calorie Sweeteners: Treat or Trick?”

Questions and Dialogue

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September 18th

Professor Aditi Das, PhD

Professor Andrew Steelman, PhD

Doctoral student Justin Kim

Title: “Neuromodulatory Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Endocannabinoids found in the Gut”

Questions and Dialogue

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September 25th

Professor Sharon Donovan, PhD RD

Professor Naiman Khan, PhD RD

Doctoral student, Arden McMath, MS

Title: “STRONG Kids 2: The role of Childhood Nutrition and Obesity in the Microbiome-Brain Axis”

Questions and Dialogue

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This series is being supported by the ILSI North America Gut Microbiome Committee and the University of Illinois’ Division of Nutritional Sciences in collaboration with the American Society for Nutrition.