Restriction lift date: 2026-03-20
Elucidating the microbiome of Irish athletes
Loading...
Files
Date
2020-02
Authors
O'Donovan, Ciara M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Exercise has been established as a factor that has a beneficial impact on several body systems, including the prevention and treatment of obesity, and alleviation of symptoms affecting the cardiovascular system. A variation in the gut microbiome composition and functionality of athletes relative to that of the general population has been identified. Numerous factors have the potential to alter the gut microbiome of athletes, including type of sport, travel for competition, and training intensity. This thesis explores these factors, while also assessing how they impact on microbial and host metabolism. After reviewing several aspects of the topic in chapters 1 and 2, in chapter 3, we investigate the impact of travel on the athlete gut microbiome using 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic sequencing approaches. In chapter 4, we evaluate the differences in the gut microbiome and metabolome between athletes participating in different types of sports. Chapter 5 focuses on profiling the bile and fatty acid content and bile salt hydrolase potential of athletes and controls and, finally, in chapter 6, we employ shotgun metagenomic sequencing to analyse the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiome in an active cohort to determine the impact of activity level and fitness. Overall, this thesis explores the factors that influence an athlete’s gut microbiome, and indicates a role for travel as well as sports type and activity level on gut microbiome composition, functional potential, and metabolism.
Description
Keywords
Exercise , Athlete , Gut microbiome , Metabolome
Citation
O'Donovan, C. M. 2020. Elucidating the microbiome of Irish athletes. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.