The brain has its own microbiom: What it means for your health

Introduction
The discovery that the brain has its own microbioma has accelerated a whole new research area in neuroscience. Previously, the brain was considered sterile, protected by the blood-brain barrier that effectively prevented microorganisms from penetrating. But recent research has shown that the brain is not only a biological network of nerve cells and synapses, but also houses its own society of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. This insight has groundbreaking implications on how we understand and treat neurological diseases, especially neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis. This article will explore the growing understanding of the brain's microbioma and its possible connection with health, including how the microbiota can affect the development of diseases, as well as potential therapeutic strategies to manipulate this microbioma to improve neurological health.

Nikki Schultek's History: A Turning Point

In 2015, Nikki Schultek, a young mother and former marathon runner, was hit by a mysterious disease that caused severe symptoms, including asthma, chronic pain, and eventually cognitive problems such as brain-mist and memory failure. After months of various diagnoses, it turned out that infections with Borrelia Burgdorferi and Chlamydia pneumoniae was the cause. After an intensive antibiotic course, both her physical and cognitive health improved dramatically.
This story illustrates how infections and microorganisms can affect both body and mind, and have led to increased interest in how microbiomas can play a role in cognitive disorders.

Brain microbiom: a revolutionary discovery

Previously, scientists assumed that microorganisms were only able to affect the brain indirectly through the gut through the vagus nerve or the production of neuro -active substances. However, advanced microscopic techniques have revealed that microorganisms such as bacteria are found directly in the brain tissue. Bacteria from well -known groups such as Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes have been found in the brain, and they appear to gather around important cells such as astrocytes and neurons.
Astrocytes are especially important because they maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate the brain tissue homeostasis. Microbes that accumulate around the astrocytes can interfere with this protective mechanism, which can potentially increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

Microbiota-tarm-brain axis: Communication between intestine and brain

The intestinal microbioma plays a key role in how the body communicates with the brain. This compound, known as the microbiota-tong-brain axis, involves constant communication between microbes in the gut and brain cells. Via the vagus nerve and the immune system, the intestinal microbioma sends signals affecting mood, cognition and behavior.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as butyrat and propionate, produced by the intestinal microbiota, can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce the inflammation of the brain. Disorders of this communication, known as dysbiosis, can lead to serious health problems, including anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Microbial infection and neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinsons have been shown to be associated with increased levels of bacteria in the brain. Bacteria that Streptococcus and Staphylococcus is found in increased amounts in patients with Alzheimer's, suggesting that infections can contribute to disease progression by triggering inflammation and the formation of harmful proteins such as amyloid beta.
Candida-Arts and other fungi have also been detected in the brain of people with neurological disorders, which has led researchers to assume that microbial infection can be an important but hitherto underrated, factor in the development of neurodegenerative disorders.

Neuroin flammation: brain response to microbial presence

Microglia and astrocytes are two types of glial cells in the brain that play a critical role in the brain's immune response. When the brain detects the presence of harmful microbes, microglia is activated to fight the infection. However, in chronic conditions, this activation can lead to a persistent inflammatory response, known as neuroin flammation. This can contribute to damage to neurons and aggravation of diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Astrocytes, which normally protect the neurons, can also become dysfunctional during chronic microbial exposure. This can weaken the blood-brain barrier, making it easier for bacteria and toxins to penetrate the brain and aggravate neurodegenerative processes.

Therapeutic Opportunities: Manipulation of the Microbioma

The growing understanding of the role of microbioma in the brain's health has led to the exploration of new treatment opportunities. By manipulating the microbiots of the gut and brain, it may be possible to improve cognitive function and slow down the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

• Probiotics and prebiotics: Supplements with specific strains of bacteria, which Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.
  
  
• Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT): This treatment, which involves the transmission of microbiota from a healthy donor to a patient, has shown promising results in the treatment of intestinal -related disorders affecting the brain, including autism and Parkinson's disease.
  
  
• Diet: Dietary interventions such as increasing fiber intake and reducing intake of inflammatory foods have also been shown to support a healthy intestinal microbiota and reduce the risk of neurological diseases.

Conclusion

The discovery of brain microbioma has revolutionized our understanding of neurological health. This insight opens the door to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases that can include anything from probiotic supplements to fecal microbiota transplant. Although much research remains to be fully understood how the microbioma in the brain affects our health, it is already clear that this knowledge will be crucial for future therapeutic interventions.

References

1. Qin, J., et al. A Human Gut Microbial Gene Catalog Established by Metagenomic Sequencing.
2. Bullmore, E., et al. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease.
3. Nicholson, J.K., et al. Gut Microbiota and Health: Connecting Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria to Disease.
4. Roberts, R., et al. Microbes in the Brain: Their Role in Neuro Inflammation.
5. Rowland, I., et al. Gut Microbiota Functions: Metabolism of Nutriters and Other Food Components.
6. Forsyth, C.B., et al. Increased Intestinal Permeability Correlates with Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease.
7. "Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for neurodegenerative Diseases." The Lancet Neurology.
8. Hijtz, R.D., et al. Normal Gut Microbiota Modulates Brain Development and Behavior.
9. Needham, B.D., et al.

Disclaimer:
Uno Vita AS is increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) for analyzes, summaries and design of articles. We do not take responsibility for possible errors in texts, articles or descriptions caused by human or computer technology errors (AI). We encourage all readers to investigate information critically to ensure that the content is correct. Uno Vita AS does not claim the medical effects of the products we market, but we refer to publicly available research in accordance with the right to freedom of speech.

The information on this website is only for information purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content should not be used as a basis for diagnoses or selecting treatment forms. All information and material on this website is offered "as it is" without any guarantees, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, implicit guarantees of salarability, fitness for a specific purpose or non-violation.

Uno Vita AS disclaims all liability for losses or damage that may occur as a result of the use of information or products from this website. We strongly recommend that you consult a qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment, dietary change or use of supplements. Any use of products or information from this website is done at your own responsibility.

Freedom of speech and right to information:

Uno Vita AS reserves the right to share publicly available research and information on health and wellness technologies, natural substances, vitamins and the like. We do this with reference to national and international laws on freedom of speech, including:

• The UN World Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Article 19 ensures the right to freedom of opinion and freedom of speech, including the freedom to receive and disseminate information without regard to boundaries.
• The International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (1966): Article 19 emphasizes the right to freedom of speech and the freedom to apply, receive and communicate information and ideas through various media.
• Norwegian Constitution Section 100: Ensures freedom of speech, with certain restrictions on the sake of children's protection, privacy, public order and security.
• US First Amendment: Protects freedom of speech against state intervention, providing one of the strongest protections for free expression.