THE MICROBIOME AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE: EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES ON HEALTH
Humans have known since ancient times that what we eat can affect our health. Foods high in cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries, for example, and salty foods can raise our blood pressure. But recent research shows that the microbiome — the diverse community of microorganisms that inhabit not just the gut, but the mouth, skin, lungs and vagina — plays a larger role in our health than we previously understood.
Ongoing molecular research focused on the human microbiome is uncovering strong connections between cancer and the microbiome, among other diseases and conditions. While these connections are concerning, their identification offers the promise of potential treatments and cures. Finding a disease’s origin increases the possibility of getting it under control.
Technological advances, and DNA sequencing techniques in particular, are empowering scientists to study the microbiome in unprecedented detail. This thorough understanding is spurring insights into its complex interactions with the human body and potential therapeutic applications.
Here we’ll look at some of the ways the microbial communities that make up the microbiome impact human health — the understanding of which will be crucial as research further confirms its relationship to cancer and other health dangers.
THE INFLUENCE OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES ON HUMAN HEALTH
Systemic Health
Beneficial bacteria (often referred to as “good bacteria”) in the microbiome can compete with and deter the growth of harmful pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infections.
Digestive Health
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption. Good bacteria help break down complex carbohydrates, produce vitamins including B and K and ferment dietary fiber, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
Immune Function
The microbiome helps train and regulate the immune system. Beneficial bacteria aid in controlling immune responses, safeguarding against pathogens and preserving the integrity of the gut barrier, which is essential for keeping harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
Skin Health
The skin microbiome assists in maintaining skin health and protecting against pathogens. Imbalances in the skin microbiome have been linked to conditions including eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Metabolic Health
The composition of the microbiome is known to affect metabolic health, including nutrient metabolism, appetite regulation and energy balance. Microbiome imbalance — dysbiosis — has been associated with conditions such as insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Mental Health
Recent research points to a link between the gut microbiome and mental health. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, influences mood, stress responses and cognitive function. Gut microbiome changes have been tied to anxiety, depression and neurodevelopmental disorders.
EXPLORE THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE HUMAN HEALTH
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online Molecular Medicine Graduate Certificate Program delves into topics including biotechnology, genetics, molecular structure, and cellular function and metabolism, providing a firm understanding of some of the key concepts and practices in the molecular medicine field today. Our Graduate Certificate provides a strong foundation for health-profession school and numerous professional pursuits. At just 11-14 credits, our Program also offers many immediate benefits:
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Sources:
https://www.nature.com/articles/468S16a
https://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-4914(23)00152-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801843/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32612660/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7306068/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-00974-4
