The intestine is home to a vast ecosystem of microbes which have proven to be important regulators of host physiology and metabolism. We aim to identify commensal bacterial strains and novel bacterial effector molecules with potential to attenuate intestinal inflammation.
Main researcher: Dr Veera Kainulainen
Renin-angiotensin system is a well-known main regulator of blood pressure, but recent studies have also characterized local production of RAS components in various organs including the intestine.
Several PhD theses have studied the role of bioactive peptides in elevated blood pressure and vascular reactivity. One of our novel findings is the local intestinal tissue steroidogenesis, such as corticosterone and aldosterone production.
Our present research aim is to expand the current knowledge of intestinal RAAS (RAS+aldosterone) and investigate its regulation and role in intestinal inflammation.
Main researchers: Hanna Launonen, Zan Pang, Lauri Varmavuori
Both quality and quantity of dietary fat can influence intestinal health. Our novel finding showed that the profile of bile acids affects the intestinal permeability. Our present research focuses on how dietary fat quality, nutritional ketosis, and exogenous ketone bodies can impact intestinal inflammation.
Main researcher: Lotta Luiskari
Renin-angiotensin system is a well-known regulator of blood pressure but recent studies have also characterized local production of RAS components in various organs including the intestine.
Our research aims to expand the current knowledge of intestinal RAS and investigate its role in intestinal inflammation.
Main researchers: Hanne Salmenkari, Lauri Pasanen
The gut-brain axis refers to the extensive neural network that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Recent research in this area have revealed several insights how intestinal function, nutrition, and intestinal microbes can impact our brains.
We investigate the role of intestinal microbiota in alcohol addiction and also how short-chain fatty acids modulate intestinal serotonin production.
Main researchers: Richard Forsgård, Aino Siltari, Tuomas Heini, Sofie Schubert
Our group have robust experience from clinical trials studying the effects of nutrition and probiotics on human health. This experience enables excellent potential to to prove the experimental findings in clinical settings.
Main researchers: Reijo Laatikainen, Riitta Korpela