By Massimo Marzorati, PhD The intestinal microbiome affects intestinal health at multiple levels. Intestinal bacteria produce several metabolites, which positively influence the intestinal epithelial barrier function and wound healing1,2. Also, gut bacteria prevent the colonization of pathogenic bacteria, by inhibiting their adhesion and by producing antimicrobial components. Further, the intestinal microbiome shapes the immune system, […]
Clinical Corner
Breast Cancer and Probiotic Link Largely Untapped
With breast cancer a leading cause of death among woman globally, it’s no surprise that billions of dollars are spent searching for better outcomes. Much of the largess is poured into cancer drugs and other treatments. Relatively little is spent exploring a microbiome connection. That’s a shame because breast microbiota may be fertile ground for intervention. […]
Probiotics a Neglected Therapy in Vaginal Disorders
Apparently vaginal health needs a #MeToo moment. Canadian researcher Gregor Reid opines about lack of progress in vaginal health applications in a 2018 review titled: “Has knowledge of the vaginal microbiome altered approaches to health and disease?” Reid writes that “Calls for innovation have been made before but to little avail.” While dominant Lactobacillus species have […]
Probiotics: Help or Hype for Healthy people?
As retailers target a wider market, more people are discovering probiotics. Should everyone be consuming probiotics in some form? Or have marketing whizzes overplayed their value? Good questions. Much of the research in the sector deals with effect of probiotics on disorders. Still, many ostensibly healthy people—those without chronic or acute diseases including cardiovascular, autoimmune, diabetes, obesity and […]
A Look at Microbes in Schizophrenia
Marked by delusions and hallucinations, schizophrenia is not uncommon. More than 50 million people or 1% of humans suffer with this devastating psychiatric disorder. What causes schizophrenia? Researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder. The gut-brain axis may be one pathway. Risk factors for schizophrenia Family […]
In Melanoma, Microbes Show Game in the Skin
Skin: We ignore it, tattoo it and burn it on beaches and tanning beds. Besides its brutish name, skin also gets little respect for its crucial job of protecting the human body from toxins and dehydration. Skin is the largest organ we have, beating out big hearts and hungry stomachs by a long shot. It […]