Allies or Adversaries in Health: The Role of Viruses in the Human Microbiome

Background

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death worldwide (Li et al., 2024). Risk factors for Coronary heart disease include a high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, and lack of physical activity. Atherosclerosis, involving the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, is the primary cause of Coronary heart disease (Picture 1). Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome, consisting of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, may influence cardiovascular health by affecting inflammation and lipid metabolism, both of which contribute to atherosclerosis. However, the precise mechanisms behind this relationship are still being investigated.

October 25, 2024November 5, 2024

Could drinking this yogurt beverage daily decrease Polycystic Ovary Syndrome symptoms?

Background

5 to 6 million American women live with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). According to the endocrine society, PCOS affects 7–10% of women of childbearing age and is the most common cause of infertility (Solorzano et al., 2022). PCOS is characterized by consistent inflammation, an irregular menstrual cycle, an excess production of male hormones, cysts formed on the ovaries (which cause pain in the uterine area), and dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is defined by an imbalance in bacterial makeup, changes in bacterial metabolic activities, or changes in distribution of bacteria within the gut. It is involved in the process by which many diseases develop or progress (“pathogenesis”). There are three types of dysbiosis according to a study in an Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) journal: 1) Loss of beneficial bacteria, 2) Overgrowth of potentially pathogenic bacteria, and 3) Loss of overall number of species of bacteria (DeGruttola et al., 2016).

October 25, 2024November 6, 2024

Is city life giving our kids Asthma?

Have you ever wondered why so many people nowadays seem to suffer chronic illnesses and conditions? Have you ever heard a grandparent say “Back in my day, nobody had inhalers”? It would seem as though despite the medical advances we’ve made, we are only getting sicker. As you probably know, humans are full of bacteria and living organisms. Microbes are becoming a hot topic with lots of talk about how these organisms affect our overall health. The communities of bacteria that inhabit our bodies are known as the human microbiome. Now, you might be pondering about the connection between bacteria and chronic illnesses. Fear not, for in this post we will explore the fascinating world of the human microbiome.