ATHENS - Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that disease-causing stomach bacteria thrive on hydrogen molecules -- a discovery that could one day lead to better treatments for stomach ailments. <br>
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The researcher said the study marks the first time this has been proven. <br>
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The bacteria studied, helicobacter pylori, can create peptic ulcers and gastric cancers in some people. Half of all humans are infected with the bacteria, but most never suffer any ill effects. <br>
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Ron Maier is a microbiology professor who co-wrote the study in the journal Science. Maier said knowing what the potentially dangerous bacteria thrive on can help doctors create better treatments, including simple changes in diet to block the bacteria's access to hydrogen. <br>
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Bacteria previously were known to exist in animals by living on sugars and amino acids. Animals and humans don't utlize hydrogen molecules for metabolism or cell growth, and it's typically excreted as a waste product. <br>
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Researchers used a tiny probe to detect hydrogen in the stomachs of mice. Then they studied two different strains of the bacteria to determine the role of hydrogen consumption on bacteria growth. One of the strains, a mutant strain designed to be incapable of hydrogen absorption, grew very slowly without hydrogen. <br>
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Molecules of hydrogen are produced by other kinds of bacteria in the colons of animals. The hydrogen can enter the stomach via the bloodstream.
