The Interrelationships between Intestinal Permeability and Phlegm Syndrome and Therapeutic Potential of Some Medicinal Herbs

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has an intriguing and critical role beyond digestion in both modern and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as demonstrated by its link with the immune system. In this review, we attempted to explore the interrelationships between increased GI permeability and phlegm, an important pathological factor in CAM, syndrome, and therapeutic herbs for two disorders. The leaky gut and phlegm syndromes look considerably similar with respect to related symptoms, diseases, and suitable herbal treatment agents, including phytochemicals even though limitations to compare exist. Phlegm may be spread throughout the body along with other pathogens via the disruption of the GI barrier to cause several diseases sharing some parts of symptoms, diseases, and mechanisms with leaky gut syndrome. Both syndromes are related to inflammation and gut microbiota compositions. Well-designed future research should be conducted to verify the interrelationships for evidence based integrative medicine to contribute to the promotion of public health. In addition, systems biology approaches should be adopted to explore the complex synergistic effects of herbal medicine and phytochemicals on conditions associated with phlegm and leaky gut syndromes.

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Adopting seasonal regimen (Ritucharya) to modulate the seasonal variation in gut microbiome

Journal of Ethnic Foods ◽

10.1186/s42779-021-00078-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Deepthi. R ◽

Vandana Rani M ◽

Delvin T. Robin ◽

Anusree Dileep

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Health Management ◽

Disease Process ◽

The Body ◽

Leaky Gut ◽

Human Gut ◽

Extrinsic Factors ◽

Application Prospects

AbstractThe science of Ayurveda with its strong and unique fundamentals holds its domain forever amidst all scientific and medical advancements. The concept of Shadkriyakala (the different phases of disease formation) holds relevance in preventive medicine and public health management as it provides ample chance to halt the disease process at each stage by timely intervention. In this review, we would like to bring to the limelight the relevance of Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) in primary prevention by modulating the gut microbiota. The modern gut microbiome researches now help us to better explore the Ayurveda theories of Agni (digestive fire) and Ama (metabolic toxins) preached centuries back. Ayurveda firmly proclaims that no disease ever arises without the derangement of Agni (digestive fire). The whole preventive and treatment methodology in Ayurveda focuses upon the modulation and management of “Agni” (digestive fire). When the functioning of Agni is deranged, Ama (metabolic toxin) is produced and it vitiates the doshas which spread throughout the body and manifest as varied diseases. A biomedical perspective of our reviews suggests that dysbiosis of microbial flora can cause a leaky gut by which the toxins of deranged digestive metabolism enter the bloodstream. Consequently, an inflammatory response occurs within the body which expresses out as diseases opportunistically. We meticulously reviewed the influence of extrinsic factors namely diet and climate on human gut microbiota, and our analysis emphasises the application prospects of Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), in regulating the dynamic host-microbe interaction.

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Peripersonal Space and Bodily Self-Consciousness: Implications for Psychological Trauma-Related Disorders

Frontiers in Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnins.2020.586605 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

Author(s):

Daniela Rabellino ◽

Paul A. Frewen ◽

Margaret C. McKinnon ◽

Ruth A. Lanius

Keyword(s):

Multisensory Processing ◽

Premotor Cortex ◽

Critical Role ◽

Psychological Trauma ◽

Peripersonal Space ◽

The Body ◽

Future Research ◽

Altered States ◽

Tactile Stimuli ◽

Defensive Role

Peripersonal space (PPS) is defined as the space surrounding the body where we can reach or be reached by external entities, including objects or other individuals. PPS is an essential component of bodily self-consciousness that allows us to perform actions in the world (e.g., grasping and manipulating objects) and protect our body while interacting with the surrounding environment. Multisensory processing plays a critical role in PPS representation, facilitating not only to situate ourselves in space but also assisting in the localization of external entities at a close distance from our bodies. Such abilities appear especially crucial when an external entity (a sound, an object, or a person) is approaching us, thereby allowing the assessment of the salience of a potential incoming threat. Accordingly, PPS represents a key aspect of social cognitive processes operational when we interact with other people (for example, in a dynamic dyad). The underpinnings of PPS have been investigated largely in human models and in animals and include the operation of dedicated multimodal neurons (neurons that respond specifically to co-occurring stimuli from different perceptive modalities, e.g., auditory and tactile stimuli) within brain regions involved in sensorimotor processing (ventral intraparietal sulcus, ventral premotor cortex), interoception (insula), and visual recognition (lateral occipital cortex). Although the defensive role of the PPS has been observed in psychopathology (e.g., in phobias) the relation between PPS and altered states of bodily consciousness remains largely unexplored. Specifically, PPS representation in trauma-related disorders, where altered states of consciousness can involve dissociation from the body and its surroundings, have not been investigated. Accordingly, we review here: (1) the behavioral and neurobiological literature surrounding trauma-related disorders and its relevance to PPS; and (2) outline future research directions aimed at examining altered states of bodily self-consciousness in trauma related-disorders.

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Partners in Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal Dysbiosis and Autoimmunity

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2021.673708 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Yusuke Kinashi ◽

Koji Hase

Keyword(s):

Autoimmune Diseases ◽

Critical Role ◽

The Body ◽

Epithelial Barrier ◽

Intestinal Epithelial ◽

Leaky Gut ◽

Commensal Microbiota ◽

Food Borne ◽

Intestinal Dysbiosis ◽

Food Antigens

The intestinal surface is constitutively exposed to diverse antigens, such as food antigens, food-borne pathogens, and commensal microbes. Intestinal epithelial cells have developed unique barrier functions that prevent the translocation of potentially hostile antigens into the body. Disruption of the epithelial barrier increases intestinal permeability, resulting in leaky gut syndrome (LGS). Clinical reports have suggested that LGS contributes to autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease. Furthermore, the gut commensal microbiota plays a critical role in regulating host immunity; abnormalities of the microbial community, known as dysbiosis, are observed in patients with autoimmune diseases. However, the pathological links among intestinal dysbiosis, LGS, and autoimmune diseases have not been fully elucidated. This review discusses the current understanding of how commensal microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by modifying the epithelial barrier.

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Role of PD-L1 in Gut Mucosa Tolerance and Chronic Inflammation

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21239165 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (23) ◽

pp. 9165

Author(s):

Marina Chulkina ◽

Ellen J. Beswick ◽

Irina V. Pinchuk

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Critical Role ◽

The Body ◽

Regulatory Cells ◽

Gi Tract ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Gut Mucosa ◽

Mucosal Homeostasis ◽

Gi Mucosa

The gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa is among the most complex systems in the body. It has a diverse commensal microbiome challenged continuously by food and microbial components while delivering essential nutrients and defending against pathogens. For these reasons, regulatory cells and receptors are likely to play a central role in maintaining the gut mucosal homeostasis. Recent lessons from cancer immunotherapy point out the critical role of the B7 negative co-stimulator PD-L1 in mucosal homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge supporting the critical role of PD-L1 in gastrointestinal mucosal tolerance and how abnormalities in its expression and signaling contribute to gut inflammation and cancers. Abnormal expression of PD-L1 and/or the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways have been observed in the pathology of the GI tract. We also discuss the current gap in our knowledge with regards to PD-L1 signaling in the GI tract under homeostasis and pathology. Finally, we summarize the current understanding of how this pathway is currently targeted to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

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Seeing the quality improvement forest through the quality improvement trees: A meta-synthesis of case studies in Florida and Georgia

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312119845703 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 205031211984570 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

William C Livingood ◽

Lori Bilello ◽

Katryne Lukens-Bull

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Quality Improvement ◽

Case Studies ◽

Group Dynamics ◽

Critical Role ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Quality Improvement Intervention ◽

Dissemination And Implementation ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Healthcare Settings

Objectives: To identify important characteristics of quality improvement applications for population health and healthcare settings and to explore the use of quality improvement as a model for implementing and disseminating evidence-based or best practices. Methods: A meta-synthesis was used to examine published quality improvement case studies. A total of 10 published studies that were conducted in Florida and Georgia were examined and synthesized using meta-synthesis (a qualitative research methodology) for meaningful insights and lessons learned using defined meta-synthesis inclusion criteria. The primary focus of the analysis and synthesis were the reported processes and findings that included responses to structured questioning in addition to emergent results from direct observation and semi-structured open-ended interviewing. Results: The key insights for the use of quality improvement in public health and healthcare settings included (1) the essential importance of data monitoring, analysis, and data-based decision making; (2) the need to focus on internal mutable factors within organizations; (3) the critical role of quality improvement team group dynamics; (4) the value of using a quality improvement collaborative or multi-clinic quality council/committee for sharing and comparing performance on key metrics; and (5) the need to identify a quality improvement approach and methods for clarification as a structured quality improvement intervention. Conclusion: In addition to the advantages of using quality improvement to enhance or improve healthcare and public health services, there is also potential for quality improvement to serve as a model for enhancing the adoption of evidence-based practices within the context of dissemination and implementation research.

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Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C(ut)annabinoid” System

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules24050918 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 918 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Kinga Tóth ◽

Dorottya Ádám ◽

Tamás Bíró ◽

Attila Oláh

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Endocannabinoid System ◽

The Body ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Directions ◽

Physiological Processes ◽

Barrier Formation ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

Pigmentation Disorders

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has lately been proven to be an important, multifaceted homeostatic regulator, which influences a wide-variety of physiological processes all over the body. Its members, the endocannabinoids (eCBs; e.g., anandamide), the eCB-responsive receptors (e.g., CB1, CB2), as well as the complex enzyme and transporter apparatus involved in the metabolism of the ligands were shown to be expressed in several tissues, including the skin. Although the best studied functions over the ECS are related to the central nervous system and to immune processes, experimental efforts over the last two decades have unambiguously confirmed that cutaneous cannabinoid (“c[ut]annabinoid”) signaling is deeply involved in the maintenance of skin homeostasis, barrier formation and regeneration, and its dysregulation was implicated to contribute to several highly prevalent diseases and disorders, e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, acne, hair growth and pigmentation disorders, keratin diseases, various tumors, and itch. The current review aims to give an overview of the available skin-relevant endo- and phytocannabinoid literature with a special emphasis on the putative translational potential, and to highlight promising future research directions as well as existing challenges.

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Subchondral bone microenvironment in osteoarthritis and pain

Bone Research ◽

10.1038/s41413-021-00147-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yan Hu ◽

Xiao Chen ◽

Sicheng Wang ◽

Yingying Jing ◽

Jiacan Su

Keyword(s):

Subchondral Bone ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Critical Role ◽

Sensory Nerve ◽

Cartilage Degeneration ◽

Cartilage Destruction ◽

Future Research ◽

Bone Lesions ◽

Obesity Trends

AbstractOsteoarthritis comprises several joint disorders characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and persistent pain, causing disability and economic burden. The incidence of osteoarthritis is rapidly increasing worldwide due to aging and obesity trends. Basic and clinical research on osteoarthritis has been carried out for decades, but many questions remain unanswered. The exact role of subchondral bone during the initiation and progression osteoarthritis remains unclear. Accumulating evidence shows that subchondral bone lesions, including bone marrow edema and angiogenesis, develop earlier than cartilage degeneration. Clinical interventions targeting subchondral bone have shown therapeutic potential, while others targeting cartilage have yielded disappointing results. Abnormal subchondral bone remodeling, angiogenesis and sensory nerve innervation contribute directly or indirectly to cartilage destruction and pain. This review is about bone-cartilage crosstalk, the subchondral microenvironment and the critical role of both in osteoarthritis progression. It also provides an update on the pathogenesis of and interventions for osteoarthritis and future research targeting subchondral bone.

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A systematic review of narrative interventions: Lessons for countering anti-vaccination conspiracy theories and misinformation

Public Understanding of Science ◽

10.1177/09636625211011881 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 096366252110118

Author(s):

Aleksandra Lazić ◽

Iris Žeželj

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Future Research ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Conspiracy Theories ◽

Narrative Intervention ◽

Cultural Worldviews ◽

Corrective Information

Even if a small portion of the population refuses vaccination due to anti-vaccination conspiracy theories or misinformation, this poses a threat to public health. We argue that addressing conspiracy theories with only corrective information is not enough. Instead, considering that they are complex narratives embedded in personal and cultural worldviews, they should be encountered with counternarratives. To identify existing narrative interventions aimed at countering anti-vaccination conspiracy theories and, more generally, map prerequisites for a narrative intervention to be successful, we present a systematic review of experimental effects of exposure to pro-vaccine narratives on a range of vaccination outcomes, based on 17 studies and 97 comparisons. We did not find any narrative interventions aimed directly at conspiracy theories. However, the review allowed us to make evidence-based recommendations for future research and for public communicators. This might help pro-vaccine communication match anti-vaccine communication in its potential to spread and go viral.

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A systematic review of narrative interventions: Lessons for countering anti-vaccination conspiracy theories and misinformation

10.31234/osf.io/g5r8z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aleksandra Lazić ◽

Iris Zezelj

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Future Research ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Conspiracy Theories ◽

Narrative Intervention ◽

Cultural Worldviews ◽

Corrective Information

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Energy Metabolism

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Biochemistry ◽

10.3329/bjmb.v6i2.17646 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 68-76

Author(s):

PAJ Perera ◽

Faiz MMT Marikar

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Amino Acids ◽

Energy Metabolism ◽

The State ◽

The Body ◽

Considerable Progress ◽

Energy Sources ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Questions ◽

Made In

This review considers how our understanding of energy utilized by energy metabolism has progressed since the pioneering work on this topic in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Research has been stimulated by a desire to understand how metabolic events contribute to the development of the body into the different phases, the need of considering health with which to improve the success of implication on public health. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been made in defining the roles of the traditional nutrients: pyruvate, glucose, lactate and amino acids; originally considered as energy sources and biosynthetic precursors, but now recognised as having multiple, overlapping functions. Other nutrients; notably, lipids, are beginning to attract the attention they deserve. The review concludes by up-dating the state of knowledge of energy metabolism in the early 1970s and listing some future research questions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v6i2.17646Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2013; 6(2): 68-76

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