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How Does Ultraviolet Light Influence Our Gut Microbiome?

Oct

27

According to an October 24, 2019 report by various departments of the University of British Columbia Hospital and medical centers in Vancouver, BC., the recent worldwide rise in immune and inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has been linked to decreased exposure to sunlight/UVB light and production of vitamin D, as well as changes in gut microbiome.

Their research found that Vitamin D deficiency has shown to promote an inflammatory environment which leads to dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome. By exposing the skin to Narrow Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) light to increase vitamin D levels, the makeup of the human intestinal microbiota improves. Studies support the concept that UVB light is beneficial to health, beyond its ability to promote cutaneous vitamin D production. This report found significant effect on the microbiota composition after repeated exposures, specifically for subjects that were not taking vitamin D supplements. Keystone species such as Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, and Clostridiaeae strains were notably affected. (See UBC report, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02410/full )

#UVlight #datascience #healthinnovation #healthstartups #healthtech #microbiomeresearch #unicorncompany #vitaminD

Using Classic models (Lotka-Volterra) to do microbiome research

Oct

24

What is Lotka-Volterra modeling? It is the simple model of the population dynamics of species competing for common resource, according to Wikipedia. Because there are trillions of microbes in our bodies, it becomes a huge challenge collecting, breaking down, processing, packaging, then accurately making sense of the data in presentable formats. Thanks to computing, high throughput DNA sequencing enables the exploration of dynamics in microbial populations. Mathematical modeling and simulation of such microbiome time series data can help in getting better understanding of bacterial communities.

Researchers today are able to use an "interactive platform for generalized Lotka-Volterra (gLV) based modeling and simulation of microbial populations. The tool can be used to generate the mathematical models with automatic estimation of parameters and use them to predict future trajectories using numerical simulations", according to a February 22, 2019 Frontierso India report (see https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00288/full).

"We have developed “Web-gLV” to bridge data delivery gaps to enable biologists to take advantage of the multispecies modeling and simulation without any programming expertise," adds the report. This way, scientists can focus on the Science and rely on the "Web-glv" for the computing and delivery.

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #machinelearning #mindbody

Prebiotic fiber, short chain fatty acids drive gut and immune health

Oct

22

Downline immune health grid.

Chicory root pictured here is a leading source of Inulin fiber.

Certain foods and herbs support the growth of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). These fiber-rich foods - such as fruit, vegetables, and legumes - contain large amounts of Inulin.

Inulin is a type of soluble fiber found in many plants which gut bacteria convert into SCFA. SCFAs such as butyrate, nourish colon cells, break down glucose and cholesterol, and provide other health benefits. SCFA inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs) and activate G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Since HDACs regulate gene expression, inhibition of HDACs has a vast array of downstream consequences. GPCRs, particularly GPR43, GPR41, and GPR109A, have been identified as receptors for SCFAs, but little is known beyond that. Studies have implicated a major role for these GPCRs in the regulation of metabolism, inflammation, and disease. In effect, SCFAs have anti-inflammatory, antitumorigenic, and antimicrobial effects. Butyrate, a four-carbon SCFA, is produced through microbial fermentation of dietary fibers in the lower intestinal tract, enhancing intestinal health and mucosal immunity. They alter and maintain gut and immune system integrity.

Plants naturally produce inulin and use it as an energy source. Today, it’s being added to more and more food products because of its benefits and adaptability. With its creamy consistency, inulin functions as a fat substitute in margarine, salad dressings, and baked goods.

Inulin can be found naturally in foods, such as:

- chicory root
- artichokes
- agave
- asparagus
- bananas
- garlic
- leeks
- wheat
- onions
- wild yams

Again, remember that no body is the same, so get to know your body and it's particular health needs. The key is to maintain a balanced diet, including but not limited to consumption of Inulin intensive food and herbs.

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

90% of our brain neurotransmitters come from the gut

Oct

20

There are unlimited species and strains of gut microbiomes. They differ from person to person, with limited relationship from person to person. They are known to be ‘messenger molecules’ associated with the brain that circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream. They even produce neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals our brain uses to communicate with the rest of the body.

Norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), dopamine (DA), and serotonin play roles in the gut physiology and the nervous system. "These neurotransmitters affect gut motility, nutrient absorption, gastrointestinal innate immune system, and the microbiome," according to a September 2017 Journal of Cellular Physiology article (see https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5772764/ ).

Research has shown that manipulation of catecholamine serum concentrations can help in decreasing symptomology and/or disease progression in Parkinson's disease and gut related diseases such as bowel diseases. Catecholamines and serotonin dysfunction in the gastrointestinal system could result in impairments in brain function, such as mood, sleep, and behavior, according to the above report. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are known as the “fight or flight” catecholamines while dopamine is a central acting catecholamine. Norepinephrine and epinephrine involve numerous neural pathways such as reward pathway. Dopamine is commonly associated with the ‘pleasure system’ of the brain.

90% of the well known serotonin neurotransmitter is made in the body’s digestive tract, according to a 2015 report by CalTech (April 09, 2015, “Microbes Help Produce Serotonin in Gut”, http://m.caltech.edu/news/microbes-help-produce-serotonin-gut-46495).
Research going on the influence of gut microbiomes about everything from autism, multiple sclerosis, and brain health to cancer, diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and weight loss have become widespread as major research institutions and universities are conducting studies on the subject.

"More and more studies are showing that mice or other model organisms with changes in their gut microbes exhibit altered behaviors," explains Elaine Hsiao, CalTech research assistant professor of biology and biological engineering.

Researchers are constantly learning more and more how bacteria keep us healthy, and what bacterial changes make us prone to disease, and which diseases. In the future, research could lead us to treat diseases by harnessing and stimulating the activities of more and more naturally occurring microbes.

“We knew that bugs make molecules that enable them to communicate,” adds Hsiao. These communicators in the gut constantly send and receive messages to and from the brain. Hsiao found that areas with large concentrations of serotonin in the gut were rich with enterochromaffin (EC) cells.

Scientists have found that differences in a person’s gut can be a clue to our specific health propensities, but also something as immediate as our daily mood and behaviors.

"Keystone Species" - Like the Wolves of Yellowstone Park

Oct

17

Isolating Key Bacterial Strains

Thanks in large part to innovative entrepreneurs, microbial influences on our health is reaching new heights. What this means scientifically is that research is showing more than just propensities and patterns. It is able to isolate strains using Ai, specific strains of bacteria that directly affect the neuro-degeneration of MS (multiple sclerosis) patients as one example of many.

Scientists refer to Bacteroides fragilis and Bacteroides stercosis as “keystone species” of the human gut microbiome. Though not abundant, they heavily influence the structure of microbial communities. It may be premature to say, but research points toward these gut microbiome as contributing to one's individuality.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii might be another keystone species as a gut anti-inflammatory. Rather than “bad” microbes prompting Crohn's disease, for example, a single “good” microbe plays a key role in preventing the disease. Harry Sokol, a gastroenterologist at Saint Antoine Hospital in Paris, found that if he transferred F. prausnitzii in mice, it protected them against experimentally induced intestinal inflammation. "And when he subsequently mixed F. prausnitzii with human immune cells in a test tube, he noted a strong anti-inflammatory response," according to the Scientific American report (see https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/among-trillions-of-microbes-in-the-gut-a-few-are-special/ ).

Another “keystone species” microbe worth mentioning that resides in the human gut is the ruminococcus bromii. It is a dominant member of the suite of human gut microbiome that triggers energy and digestion of resistant starches by breaking down and releasing enzymes from these starches that we consume. The ruminococcus bromii primarily reside in the colon.

The function of these "keystone" species enable the proper functioning of other downline microbial activity, much in the same way that the presence of wolves in Yellowstone Park is a keystone species to maintain a balance in the park’s ecosystem.

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #machinelearning #mindbody

Health Tech Startups Reach Unicorn, Other Milestones; UCSD Funding

Oct

13

$1 billion companies ride the popularity of health care innovations.

Venture funded food app companies such as 23andme started out as a genetics ancestry DNA health kit seller and recently expanded or pivoted to include offering meals based on your gut microbiome. Wired Magazine reported in its March 2019 issue (page 13) about the “Green Giants“, the first unicorn food platforms, SweetGarden and Joe and the Juice.

These companies are a sign that the VC and investment community are taking the emerging health tech market seriously. Livongo and Health Catalyst are two notable health tech companies who had successful IPOs in July 2019. Livongo is a platform that helps people manage their diabetes. Health Catalyst is a health data research company.

While health tech companies have trended toward two key tech related research areas – genomics (e.g., Illumina, Helix, LAM Therapeutics) and microbiome gut research (e.g., Finch Therapeutics, Second Genome, Gingko Bioworks, and Viome) – there remains a high demand for tracking and implementing those and other trends.

Health entrepreneurs can lay the groundwork for successful runs by teaming up with the world’s leading health research institutions to incubate and provide for the ongoing breakthroughs and innovations happening in the industry. Fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, UC San Diego pulled in $1.35 billion in research contracts and grants, breaking funding records according to October 07, 2019 article by the San Diego Tribune (see https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/science/story/2019-10-07/uc-san-diego-shatters-record-for-research-funding-pulling-in-1-35-bi?_amp=true). Microbiome research was key to its success, according to the Tribune article quoting Dr. David Brenner, UCSD’s vice chancellor for health sciences. The hiring of world leading microbiome expert Rob Knight four years ago suggests UCSD aims to become a world leader in microbiome research and appears well on its way.

#datascience #funding #healthinnovation #healthstartups #healthtech #microbiomeresearch #unicorncompany

Japanese Health Care Offers Private Sector Options & Coverage for Herbal Remedies.

Oct

10

Japanese private insurance companies cover eastern medicine.

Author: Chris Kenji Beer

Japanese traditional medicine (Kampo medicine) has a long historical development in Japan that dates back more than 1500 years, and even further back in China. Kampo is similar to India's Ayurveda in its integrative approach that a balance of the human body and mind, mental and physical, are critical to our health. Today, Kampo medicine has been revived accompanied by a scientific reevaluation relevant to modern health care. Kampo medical treatments include chiropractic, aromatherapy, homeopathy, health spa therapy, Ayurveda, hypnosis, flower therapy, thalassotherapy, herb therapy, qigong, yoga, dietary therapy, imagery, meditation, art therapy and prayer (See NIH article, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC516460/). This article references a survey of 1,000 Japanese residents and their percentage use of CAM (alternative medicine), such as Kampo: nutritional and tonic drinks, 43.1%; dietary supplements, 43.1%; health-related appliances, 21.5%; herbs or over-the-counter Kampo, 17.2%; massage or acupressure, 14.8%; ethical Kampo (Kampo prescribed by medical doctors), 10.0%; aromatherapy, 9.3%; chiropractic or osteopathy, 7.1%; acupuncture and moxibustion, 6.7%; homeopathy, 0.3%; other therapies, 6.5%.

HERBAL REMEDIES IN JAPAN.

In Japan, Agaricus blazei Murill is the most popular product. Many cancer patients take this mushroom. This medicinal mushroom contains special types of polysaccharides known as beta glucans which stimulate the activity of natural killer cells that are vital to the immune system. These polysaccharides are believed to be among the most potent polysaccharides for immune health. Beer yeast, Propolis, cereals, banaba, Japanese plum, Chlorella, barley verdure, vegetable juice, collagen, royal jelly and mulberry are also taken. Dong quai is an ingredient covered by Kampo. The ingredients of dong quai are coumarins, essential oils, ferulic acids, psoralens, and vitamin B12 and folinic acid, the active form of folic acid. Shakuyakukanzoto was the most frequently prescribed Kampo drug, known to relieve muscle pain and maintain healthy blood flow. It consists of peony root and licorice extract.

USA dietary supplements which are not covered by American health insurance include Gingko Biloba, Echinacea, Garlic, Ginseng, Soybean, Saw Palmetto, St John's Wort, Valerian, Black Cohosh, Milk Thistle, Evening Primrose, Grape Seed Extract, Bilberry, Green Tea, Pycnogenol, Ginger, Feverfew and Dong quai, amongst others.

JAPANESE HEALTH CARE FOR THE ELDERLY.

Though published so along ago, I was cleaning out the basement storage the other day, and came upon my only printed copy "Japanese Health Care for Elderly" which was published by US-Japan Foundation and National Conference of State Legislatures. I couldn’t find it anywhere. It has been referenced on a number of library websites, but no copy. I realized my co-author Dr. Bill Steslicke and I may have the only copies, along with a few die hard former legislators around the country, so here is a Word doc version. Noteworthy- 1) certain Japanese companies may form their own in-house HMO-style coverage and provisioning. 2) Japanese insurance covers eastern medicine, Kampo medicine described above, including but not limited to herbal remedies and acupuncture.

Here is a downloadable word doc copy of the original publication: https://kotojazz.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/ncsl_japanesehealthcare_forelderly.doc

#acupuncture #ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #diet #elderlycare #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbs #japanesehealthcare #machinelearning #mindbody #plantnutrition #seniorhealthcare #spices

Microbiome cure for cancer?

Oct

7

A February 2019 "Abstract B136: Optimized messenger RNA immunolipoplexes for cancer immunotherapy: Balancing immunogenicity and adjuvancy" found incredible gut research breakthroughs in understanding potential remedies for cancer. In a September 06, 2017 article covering the International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival (held September 6-9, 2017), Dr. G. Lezzi at the University of Basel, Switzerland, found that certain gut bacteria promotes the presence of certain immune system T-cells in a colon cancer tumor which prolongs survival in patients.

See report, https://www.aacr.org/Meetings/Pages/MeetingDetail.aspx?EventItemID=101

Treating Lymphoma & Melanoma with mRNA

The vaccine potential of mRNA lipid nanoparticles was evaluated by performing studies after delivery in mice. The preclinical antitumor efficacy was assessed in a lymphoma (EG7-OVA) and melanoma (B16-OVA ) model. In addition to evaluating overall survival, experiments were performed where tumors were isolated after immunization and screened for effector responses (e.g., antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells and NK cells) and suppressive mechanisms that could impact the positive outcome.

To tackle adaptive resistance to activated T-cells, the study evaluated a combinatory therapy of the mRNA vaccine with anti-PDL1 antibodies (8). Upon injection in mice, these particles are mainly detected within APCs (macrophages and dendritic cells) in lungs and spleen. This resulted in high mRNA expression as well as functional activation of the particle-loaded immune cells, marked by cytokine production of IL-12p70 and IFN-γ. The study was able to optimize combinations of therapeutic nanoparticles with modified mRNA, which resulted in 6 to 7 times higher numbers of tumor-infiltrating antigen-specific T-cells compared to unmodified mRNA particles. This resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in intratumoral NK cells, compared to untreated mice.

These mice exhibited reduced immune suppression at the tumor site. It resulted in clear synergistic antitumor effects between the mRNA nanoparticles and anti-PDL1 checkpoint blocking antibodies.

The study developed a flexible and versatile mRNA nanoparticle platform that effectively initiates immunity by targeting and activating immune cells!. Combining immune-silent mRNA with immune-therapy evokes a safe effective immune response.

See '"Abstract B136: Optimized messenger RNA immunolipoplexes for cancer immunotherapy: Balancing immunogenicity and adjuvancy", by
Rein Verbeke, Ine Lentacker, Karine Breckpot, Serge Van Calenbergh, Stefaan C. De Smedt and Heleen Dewitte, February 2019; https://cancerimmunolres.aacrjournals.org/content/7/2_Supplement/B136.abstract

Chamomile from the Daisy family

Oct

6

Chamomile's daisy-like flowers contain volatile oils (including bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A and B, and matricin) and flavonoids (particularly a compound called apigenin) which are anti- allergenic and help with relief of cold symptoms and asthma. Chamomile is also anti-inflammatory and aids in alleviating colds and stomach ailments.

The common applications for chamomile include chamomile tea or essential oils, which aid in relaxation. It acts as a mild sedative and muscle relaxant.
Further information provided by Integrative Medicine and published by Science Direct is available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/chamomile.

Herbs that support "the happy chemical", microbiome health

Oct

4

Scientists have found that differences in a person’s gut can be a clue to our specific health propensities, to cancers, but also something as immediate as our daily mood, behaviors, even happiness. For example, 90% of the well-known serotonin neurotransmitter is made in the body’s digestive tract, according to a 2015 report by CalTech (“Microbes Help Produce Serotonin in Gut”, April 09, 2015). Serotonin is the chemical often referred to as the “happy chemical” and the balance of serotonin in our body influences our mood. A deficiency of serotonin can lead to depression.

Before getting into the research, what herbs support "healthy happy chemicals"? Herbs that help boost serotonin levels include oatstraw, which is loaded with B vitamins, and the roots of angelica, burdock, dandelion, ginseng, wild yam and black cohosh. There are lots of natural supplements containing these herbs and foods that you can buy online. You can also find supplements that contain L-tryptophan that supports serotonin synthesis, and vitamin B3 (magnesium glycenate) which helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Basil contains serotonin boosting eugenol and rosmarinic acid.

As mentioned, there is growing evidence that the microbiome in our gut contribute not only to various body and brain diseases, but also to our mood and behavior relevant to many psychiatric and neurological disorders (Microbiome Journal, August 25, 2017). In particular, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that manipulation of the gut microbiome modulates anxiety-like behaviours, and our response to fear. The neural circuits that underlie anxiety- and fear-related behaviours are complex and heavily depend on functional communication between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Research at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) found a link between our stomach and a region of our brain that regulates mood and behavior, according IFLScience.com’s Robin Andrews (Source: “Our Gut Microbes Strongly Influence Our Emotional Behaviors,” IFL Science, July 4, 2017). The UCLA study was the first to link this connection within humans, based on the study of 40 healthy woman showing “brain-gut-microbial interactions in healthy humans”, according to the American Psychosomatic Society, affecting their mood and behaviors. Likewise, the Microbiome Journal reports that “transcriptional networks within the amygdala and PFC of Germ-Free mice are altered. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act through translational repression to control gene translation and have been implicated in anxiety-like behaviours.” (See Microbiome Journal, August 25, 2017).

These results suggest that the microbiome is necessary for appropriate regulation of miRNA expression in brain regions implicated in anxiety-like behaviours.

"Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter and hormone that is involved in a variety of biological processes. The finding that gut microbes modulate serotonin levels raises the interesting prospect of using them to drive changes in biology," says Hsiao in the Caltech Journal. Hsao is quoted here from the CalTech journal Cell, April 09, 2015 issue.

#ai #artificialintelligence #bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #machinelearning #mindbody #neurotransmitters #plantnutrition #sertonin #spices #thehappychemical

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How Does Ultraviolet Light Influence Our Gut Microbiome?

Using Classic models (Lotka-Volterra) to do microbiome research

Prebiotic fiber, short chain fatty acids drive gut and immune health

90% of our brain neurotransmitters come from the gut

"Keystone Species" - Like the Wolves of Yellowstone Park

Health Tech Startups Reach Unicorn, Other Milestones; UCSD Funding

Japanese Health Care Offers Private Sector Options & Coverage for Herbal Remedies.

Microbiome cure for cancer?

Chamomile from the Daisy family

Herbs that support "the happy chemical", microbiome health

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