Synopsis:
Alterations in microbial composition (taxa) of the gut, as well as metabolomic changes are associated with many seemingly diverse disorders, including: cancer immunotherapies, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as autism. However, it is not known which comes first - a change in the microbiota or the onset of the disease or disorder. If microbiotic species can be collected soon after spinal cord injury (SCI), it would reflect the microbiotic status prior to the sudden onset of SCI. Subsequent tracking of the microbiome might then allow medically meaningful correlations to be developed leading to potential development of beneficial interventions.
Particular microbiota species, as well as their metabolites alter responses of the immune system, including functions of B cells, helper T cells and regulatory T cells and are suggested to impact relapsing and remitting forms of experimental multiple sclerosis. Alterations of the gastrointestinal microbiota has been linked to increased rates of urinary tract infections and renal stone formation.
There is a need to longitudinally track changes in human urinary tract and gastrointestinal microbiota after SCI. Inflammation and persistent immune reactions are a hallmark after CNS trauma (e.g. SCI, traumatic brain injury and stroke). We know that people with late onset CNS trauma or those individuals who have lived long-term with a traumatic CNS disorder suffer more infections and health complications, as well as a shorter lifespan.
Considering the profound consequences for individuals following SCI and the emerging association between microbiome and humans’ health, addressing the following topics are of great interest for any profession involved in the management of individuals with SCI.
This workshop will provide a fundamental overview of the microbiome and its relationship with the immune system. Furthermore, attendees will receive a comprehensive summary of the current evidence from animal and human trials (including our ongoing clinical trial assessing the changes in human urinary tract and gastrointestinal microbiota after SCI, followed by an interactive discussion with the audience.

Overview of workshop topics (total 90 min):

Prof. John Steeves (Introduction to microbiome) – 20 min

1. What is the microbiome (including terminology such as microbiota & metabolomics) and what can we actually investigate (skin, gut, urine, etc.)?
2. Microbiome and the immune system
3. Why is this relevant to humans – Impact and implications, e.g. diabetes, allergies, and neurological diseases ?
4. Microbiome – Limitations and influences

Dr. Kristina Kigerl

5. Microbiome and SCI – Evidence from preclinical animal models, including the value of germ-free mice – 20 min

Prof. Bilge Yilmaz

6. Microbiome and SCI – Evidence from previous human studies – 15 min

Dr. Matthias Walter

7. Presentation of our ongoing multicenter trial including preliminary results – 15 min

All presenters

8. Audience Discussion: Q’s and A’s – 20 min

Conclusion:
Up-to-date knowledge transfer to everyone who is involved with taking care of individuals with SCI. After attending this workshop, the participant will be able to understand the foundation of microbiome and its relevance to human health. It will provide clinicians, students, healthcare providers and scientist with state-of-the-art information relevant to clinical practice and (future) research in this population.