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GUT microbiome byproduct found to cause heart disease

Apr

15

A March 05, 2020 study published in Cell, found that a gut microbiome byproduct phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) is linked to development of "cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and death." Research in this field is critical as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have become the leading cause of death and disease worldwide.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in many foods, including plant- and animal-based protein sources like meat, beans and soy. The researchers found that when phenylalanine is broken down by microbes in the gut, it produces a byproduct (metabolite) that ultimately shows up in blood called phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) that contributes to heart disease (led by Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences in Lerner Research Institute and co-section head of Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation in the Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute).

(see source: https://www.cell.com/trends/endocrinology-metabolism/fulltext/S1043-2760(20)30024-2)

Gut bacteria strains found to prevent onset of Parkinson's

Apr

12

Parkinson’s News Today reported on April 08, 2020 that several strains of a bacteria Bacillus subtilis "inhibits, delays, and reverses" the buildup of the protein alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease patients. The study, “Probiotic Bacillus subtilis Protects against α-Synuclein Aggregation in C. elegans,” was originally published in the journal Cell Reports. The building up of the protein alpha-synuclein, or Lewy bodies, is known to create the degeneration of brain cells in Parkinson’s disease (see source: https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/2020/04/10/probiotic-strain-of-b-subtilis-halts-alpha-synuclein-aggregation-in-round-worms/ ).

Last September. Herbsprout reported that scientists found evidence that Parkinson's disease may originate in the gut. Building on that discovery, scientists found the strains of gut microbes that may prevent Parkinson's, each finding building on the next.

It is not yet conclusive whether or not the a-synuclein build up occurs first in our gut, and before or after it reaches the brain. This study was tested in round worms, and is proven as a preventive measure. It is not able to treat Parkinson's disease but prevent it's growth. While further studies are required , it poses the possibility of a preventive dietary supplement, according to scientists involved in this study (see article https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/home).

Other articles by Herbsprout include microbial treatments for Parkinson's, https://en.bloguru.com/healthtech/360989/microbial-treatments-for-parkinsons ; and Parkinson's disease may originate in the gut, https://en.bloguru.com/healthtech/357162/parkinsons-may-originate-in-the-gut .

#ai #bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #mentalhealth #plantnutrition #probiotics #psychobiotics

Shinrinyoku- an evidence based connection to "forest bathing"

Apr

8

Japan's Shinrinyoku

Japanese health care evolving from the Shinto and Buddhist traditions seek to integrate our connection to nature with our physical and spiritual health, and recommends regular “Shinrinyoku”, or “bathing in the forest”. Likewise, Ayurveda seeks to integrate the mind, body and spirit to promote health and wellness.

Today, we can identify two evidence based connections between Shinrinyoku and healthy living. Scientists have found that common evergreen trees such as pine, cedar, oak, and cypress trees emit phytoncides, which are volatile substances that protect against pathogens and insects. Phytoncides possess insecticidal, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.

The second evidence based property of certain evergreen trees are they contain and emit alpha-pinenes or α-Pinene. A-pinene is an organic compound of the terpene class found in the oils of many species of coniferous trees, such as pine and hinoki (Japanese cypress). This chemical is anti-inflammatory, possibly antimicrobial, and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (known to be a memory aid).

The National Institute of Health and the Public Library of Science reported that phytoncides reduced the level of noradrenaline, a stress hormone, in mice. It also cited studies of humans who practiced "forest bathing" showed an increase in the number of natural killer cells and levels of intracellular anticancer proteins when exposed to phytoncides. Hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa, is the representative tree of forest bathing, and is popular activity in East Asia. (See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4666656/ ). The same effect can just as easily be experienced as your weekend walk in the woods or hike in the mountains.

For further evidence of the therapeutic chemical emitted by certain evergreen trees such as hinoki, read our previous blog by Herbsprout contributing writer, Cindy Postma at https://en.bloguru.com/healthtech/365413/hinoki-oil-tests-positive-for-easing

Modern science- based approaches have evolved to include healthy living. It also supports the belief that the fundamentals of even meditation are factors influencing our overall health, such as slowing down, being present, mindful, and conscious in our breathing. In these holistic traditions, the fundamentals of Hinduism and Buddhism are a worthy consideration. For individuals not seeking a replacement to their western traditions, eastern traditions can simply complement your traditionally held beliefs.

#Shinrinyoku #bacteria #diet #easternmedicine #essentialoil #forestbathing #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #herbalmedicine #herbs #japanesemedicine #plantnutrition #spices

Skin, our body's largest organ shows bidirectional relationship between gut and skin

Apr

4

source: vectorstock.com

As pointed out by a January 2020 article by Amy Myers MD, "your skin is the largest organ in your body, your first defense against the outside world." Since we know that 70 to 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, there must be a connection between the gut and skin, right? Researchers in fact have found such connections. Dr. Myers begins backing this assertion by saying that our gut's 300 to 500 species defend our body against pathogens as do the healthy bacteria covering our skin. Both our gut and skin need to be covered in beneficial bacteria when in a healthy state (see https://www.amymyersmd.com/2019/02/gut-skin-connection/ ).

Researchers found evidence that Dr. Myers assertions are in fact true. They demonstrate an intimate, bidirectional connection between the gut and skin, gastrointestinal (GI) health to skin, according to an NIH report.

This includes microbiome’s contribution to three common skin disorders – acne, atopic dermatitis (AD), and psoriasis, and probiotic supplementation as a therapeutic remedies.

The study found that short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), products of dietary fibers fermented by components of the gut microbiome, demonstrate a protective role against the development of inflammatory disorders including arthritis and allergies.

"SCFAs resulting from fiber fermentation in the gut – propionate, acetate, and butyrate – are believed to play a pivotal role in determining the predominance of certain skin microbiomic profiles." Propionibacterium, for example, is a genus capable of producing SCFAs, predominantly acetate and propionic acid are one of a number of gut microbes that influence our immune defense system.

Another study found that lactobacillus brevis in rats resulted in decreased cutaneous arterial sympathetic nerve. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6048199/ ).

#acne #ai #bacteria #datascience #diet #eczema #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #plantnutrition #probiotics #skinhealth #spices

Gut microbe bifidobacteria found to help fight cancer

Apr

1

According to March 20, 2020, a Medical News Today article says scientists discovered various species of Bifidobacterium that are able to enter tumors, and activate immune support which serve to enhance a type of cancer treatment called CD47 blockade immunotherapy.

The report was led by Prof. Yang-Xin Fu at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Prof. Ralph R. Weichselbaum, co-director of The Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research at the University of Chicago. Originally reported in the Journal of Alternative Medicine, the injection of bifidobacteria in mice successfully converted the nonresponder mice into responders. They found that bifidobacteria survive within the low oxygen environment inside tumors. Current treatments block the aid from our natural immune response.

Having made this finding, the scientists are also conducting several additional clinical trials using other anaerobic bacteria, namely Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium novyi–NT, to destroy tumors.

(See https://rupress.org/jem/article-abstract/217/5/e20192282/133861/Intratumoral-accumulation-of-gut-microbiota?redirectedFrom=fulltext, and https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/amp/articles/gut-bacteria-may-boost-cancer-therapy-by-colonizing-tumors ).

#bacteria #chinesemedicine #diet #easternmedicine #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs

Bellymount highlights the fruit fly where 65% of human disease causing genes can be studied

Mar

28

source: depositphotos.com

A January 27, 2020 article co-published by lead scientist Leslie Ann Jaramillo Koyama of Stanford University, developed Bellymount, a method for high-resolution imaging of live microscopy. The imaging of an adult vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has yielded foundational insights into what scientists call metazoan physiology, or developmental biology. Bellymount is able to show how cellular and physiological processes unfold inside living organisms. The adult vinegar fly (common fruit fly) has approximately 65% of human disease-causing genes with functional homologs (member of a chromosome pair). It is a powerful tool for pathologies in humans, revealing live physiological dynamics of cells, tissues, and organs.

The Bellymount method capabilities means the same opportunities exist for the study of microscopic organisms living inside our gut, potentially revealing the layers of processes and interactions between our gut microbiome and cells, such as stem cells, in our body, their functions, and root causes of ailments.

(See articles, https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3000567 ; and
https://carnegiescience.edu/news/eavesdropping-conversations-between-gut-stem-cells-and-gut-bacteria).

#DNA #chromosomes #developmentalbiology #fruitfly #gutbacteria #guthealth #microbiome #stemcells

Thinking about a fecal transplant? Think again with your gut brain

Mar

25

A March 12 2020 safety alert was issued by the FDA warning that infections were linked to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Six patients were infected with diarrhea-causing e-coli (Escherichia coli) following the procedure, according to the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease and Policy. The infections came from three OpenBiome donors, the nation's largest stool donor bank.

Boston-based OpenBiome has shipped more than 55,000 treatments since 2013 with no incidents until these six cases covered in this safety alert. The OpenBiome press release immediately announced enhanced donor screening protocols. As a result, OpenBiome is adding PCR testing for STEC (a form of e-coli) to improve detection of asymptomatic carriage of STEC.

So the message here might be, "proceed with caution" if you are planning to do a fecal transplant and check the date to make sure the STEC testing was conducted.

https://www.openbiome.org/press-releases/2020/3/12/openbiome-announces-enhanced-donor-screening-protocols-following-fda-alert

http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/03/fda-warns-about-infections-linked-fecal-microbiota-transplants

For previous article on fecal transplant research, go to https://en.bloguru.com/healthtech/361448/how-do-butyrate-producing-foods-support

Supplements can reduce MS symptoms

Mar

22

Damaged myelin in the brain’s nerve cell lining causes MS symptoms.

A March 16 2020 report in Multiple Sclerosis News Today found MS patients to be deficient in bacteria that produce a short chain fatty acid called propionic acid. Propionic acid (PA) produced by gut bacteria promotes a greater number of regulatory immune cells that defend against inflammatory responses in multiple sclerosis (MS), according to the study first reported in Cell.

An increase in pro-inflammatory "Th17 cells, and a reduction in cells that work to stop an immune response, like immune regulatory T-cells (Tregs)" contribute to damaging myelin, the protective coat of axon nervevfibers, leading to loss of sensory and motor function, says the study. These results were based on researchers comparing blood and stool samples from a group of 268 MS patients. Researchers found lower levels of bacteria Butyricimonas, and higher levels of disease-associated bacteria, like Flavonifractor, Escherichia, and Shigella in these MS patients.

The study found that diet and PA supplements can play an important role in mitigating the effects of MS and it's symptoms. The PA supplements showed long term reduction in MS symptoms among the tested patients (see https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/news-posts/2020/03/11/diet-has-an-impact-on-the-multiple-sclerosis-disease-course ). Says Aiden Haghikia, member of the Department of Neurology of Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) at St. Josef-Hospita in Germany, “Further research into this largely unknown organ and the knowledge gained from it will enable us to develop innovative dietary measures to complement the known therapeutics in the future” (see https://news.rub.de/english/press-releases/2020-03-11-neurology-diet-has-impact-multiple-sclerosis-disease-course ).

More information about this topic is available here, "Miracle bugs- Microbiome influences on MS"; https://en.bloguru.com/healthtech/355966/miracle-bugs-microbial-influences-on-ms

Can probiotics like kimchi aid against Coronavirus?

Mar

18

A March 18, 2020 article in the American Journal of Gastroenterology reports that diarrhea and other digestive symptoms can be early signs of the Coronavirus. After studying 204 Coronavirus patients in Hubei Province, scientists found that nearly half suffered from digestive symptoms before respiratory issues become noticeable. Various types of probiotics have been recommended to address digestive related symptoms, among them are kimchi. (see https://www-yahoo-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.yahoo.com/amphtml/lifestyle/study-suggests-digestive-issues-first-212548290.html ).

Kimchi is definitely good for you. It is a healthy food rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, β-carotene, β-sitosterol, chlorophylls, phenols, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and minerals.

There have been studies suggesting that kimchi can protect against ailments such as colon cancer. Scientists treated cancerous mice with the methanolic extracts from different kimchis, particularly 1.89 g/kg of anticancer kimchi, which significantly increased their colon length, decreased the ratio of colon weight/length, and resulted in the lowest number of tumors (see https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126272/?fbclid=IwAR3aJDzBpHYd0x6XkSXJyehnaZarASt0R0bpYFoF_uVupRfsfsUgavmU_AA ).

But does eating kimchi help protect against the coronavirus?

This youtube video news report says it does and the lactic acid bacteria in kimchi is the key: https://youtu.be/nY6w3Rhz33Q

#bacteria #diet #easternmedicine #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #kimchi #plantnutrition #spices

Facts behind health remedies of Cannabis- DeepCell Industries CEO Kelly Ogilvie

Mar

15

How Cannabis saved his sister and inspired Ogilvie's deep dive into "non-intoxicating cannabis R&D, product dev. Deepcell success now hinges b2b technology licensing to food products industry.

Herbsprout.com discusses the state of the Cannabis industry with DeepCell Industries CEO Kelly Ogilvie. He invites us to look behind the curtain and learn about the science behind Cannabis as a health remedy, and what's in store for the industry's future. -- blogger and podcaster Chris Kenji Beer

#CBD #THC #ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #cannabis #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #machinelearning #marijuana #mindbody #plantnutrition #spices

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GUT microbiome byproduct found to cause heart disease

Gut bacteria strains found to prevent onset of Parkinson's

Shinrinyoku- an evidence based connection to "forest bathing"

Skin, our body's largest organ shows bidirectional relationship between gut and skin

Gut microbe bifidobacteria found to help fight cancer

Bellymount highlights the fruit fly where 65% of human disease causing genes can be studied

Thinking about a fecal transplant? Think again with your gut brain

Supplements can reduce MS symptoms

Can probiotics like kimchi aid against Coronavirus?

Facts behind health remedies of Cannabis- DeepCell Industries CEO Kelly Ogilvie

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