Karen Pendergrass

Karen Pendergrass, Standards Team

About

Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease, four years before the first published case study.

Recent Posts

2025-03-18

Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on Cognitive Function and Sleep Efficiency in Healthy Elderly Subjects in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Parallel-Group Study

The study reviewed the effectiveness of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), a water-soluble prebiotic dietary fiber, on cognitive function, sleep efficiency, and overall mental health in elderly individuals. The research specifically focused on assessing the impact of PHGG supplementation on cognitive domains such as visual memory and simple attention, sleep quality parameters […]

2025-03-18

Does Exposure of Lead and Cadmium Affect the Endometriosis?

The study links lead and cadmium exposure to increased endometriosis risk, emphasizing lead’s role at low blood levels and synergistic effects with cadmium. It advocates for strict monitoring and preventive measures to minimize exposure.

2025-03-18

Dioxin-like PCBs and Endometriosis

The study focused on the potential impact of environmental exposure to dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the development of endometriosis. It specifically reviewed the complexities and challenges of determining the effects of such toxicants on human health, with an emphasis on reproductive tract diseases. Who was studied? The research predominantly referenced […]

2025-03-18

Critical Review on Zeolite Clinoptilolite Safety and Medical Applications in vivo

The review focused on the safety and medical applications of clinoptilolite, a naturally occurring zeolite, for in vivo use. The analysis encompassed the physical and chemical properties of clinoptilolite, its detoxifying capabilities, and its potential therapeutic effects in both human and veterinary medicine. The review also considered various studies on clinoptilolite’s role […]

2025-03-18

Copper in microbial pathogenesis: meddling with the metal

The study investigated the role of copper in microbial pathogenesis. Specifically, it examined how copper serves as both a necessary nutrient for microbial organisms and a microbial weapon used by hosts against pathogens. The research explored copper’s dual roles, its involvement in various microbial resistance mechanisms, and its interaction with the host’s […]

2025-03-18

Comparison of Vaginal, Cervical and Gut Microbiota Between Women with Stage 3/4 Endometriosis and Healthy Controls

The study focused on exploring the associations between the microbiota of the vaginal, cervical, and gut regions and stage 3–4 endometriosis in women. This research aimed to uncover potential differences in the microbiome composition between women diagnosed with advanced endometriosis and healthy controls, particularly at the genus level of microbial classification. […]

2025-03-18

Comparative Analysis of Taxonomic and Functional Gut Microbiota Profiles in Relation to Seroconversion of Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies in Euthyroid Participants.

This study investigated the taxonomic and functional gut microbiota profiles of euthyroid individuals with and without thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), a marker for autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The goal was to assess whether gut microbiota composition differs in individuals with TPOAb before the clinical onset of autoimmune thyroid disease […]

2025-03-18

Coincidence of uterine malformations and endometriosis: a clinically relevant problem?

The retrospective study explored the prevalence of endometriosis in patients with uterine malformations. It specifically investigated the relationship between different types of uterine malformations (obstructive, non-obstructive, and various classifications under the American Fertility Society (AFS)) and the incidence of endometriosis, which is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The […]

2025-03-18

Causal effects of gut microbiota on scoliosis: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study.

The study investigated the causal effects of gut microbiota on scoliosis using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Specifically, it aimed to determine whether variations in the composition of gut microbiome taxa could influence the risk of developing scoliosis. The study utilized genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) from a large genome-wide […]

2025-03-18

Association of the Cervical Microbiota With Pregnancy Outcome in a Subfertile Population Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Case-Control Study

The study focused on the association between the composition of cervical microbiota and pregnancy outcomes in a subfertile population undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Specifically, it aimed to characterize the cervical microbiota of patients undergoing embryo transfer (ET) and assess whether the composition of these microbiota is associated with the outcomes of […]

2025-03-18

Association between calcium-phosphorus balance and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A meta-analysis

The study investigated the association between calcium-phosphorus balance and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cross-sectional studies. Who was studied? The meta-analysis included a total of 646 AIS cases and 791 controls, comprising adolescents from various countries, with a focus on sex and menstruation […]

2025-03-18

Antimicrobial, Probiotic, and Immunomodulatory Potential of Cannabis sativa Extract and Delivery Systems

The study investigated the antimicrobial, probiotic, and immunobiological effects of the Henola Cannabis sativae extract and its combinations with specific carriers: polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer, magnesium aluminometasilicate, and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. The study demonstrated that Henola Cannabis sativae extract, particularly when combined with carriers like hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against various […]

2025-03-18

Analyzing the impact of heavy metal exposure on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: an approach based on interpretable machine learning

This study examined the impact of heavy metal exposure on the prevalence and differentiation of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using interpretable machine learning models. Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2003–2020) to assess how various heavy metals contribute to arthritis risk. Who Was Studied? […]

2025-03-18

Altered Gut Microbiota in Chronic Heart Failure: A Pathway to New Therapies

This review emphasizes the significant alterations in gut microbiota in severe chronic heart failure (CHF) patients and suggests that gut microbiota modulation could be a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. The study provides a foundation for future research aimed at leveraging gut microbiota to improve CHF management and patient health.