Latest news with #Bacteroidetes
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why the appendix is much more important than we once thought
You may have heard that astronauts have their appendix removed before leaving Earth. After all, people say you can live without this organ because it serves no purpose, but how much truth is there in this belief? Let's start by locating it. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch located where the small intestine joins the large intestine, in the cecum. Inflammation and infection of the appendix, known as appendicitis, can lead to rupture of the organ and subsequent widespread infection (peritonitis). If left untreated, it can become life-threatening. On some long-term missions to remote and isolated areas – such as Antarctica or outer space – participants were previously required to undergo appendix removal surgery (appendectomy) before departure. This was justified by the limited access to medical facilities and the difficulties in evacuating people from these remote areas in the event of a medical emergency. Removing the appendix prior to departure eliminated any risk of appendicitis and its associated complications during the mission, thus helping to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those involved. Apparently, there were no downsides, though we now know that it not the case. For our ancestors, the appendix most likely evolved to help them digest a diet rich in raw vegetables and cellulose, as it still does in many herbivorous mammals. Thousands of years ago it would have functioned as an extension of the cecum, involved in the bacterial digestion of fibrous plant materials. As the human diet diversified, becoming richer in animal proteins and more digestible cooked or fermented foods, there was less need for a bulky cecum and a functional appendix to digest cellulose. As a result, the human appendix reduced in size and lost its original digestive function. For this reason, it has long been considered a vestigial organ, a part of the body that was useful at the time but that we can do without today. However, while it no longer serves its original purpose, we now know that the appendix has evolved new functions that are essential for human health. Leer más: The appendix has been shown to be an important component of immune function, especially in early life. It acts as a lymphoid organ similar to Peyer's patches in the intestine, and contributes to the maturation of B lymphocytes (a variety of white blood cell) and the production of antibodies (type A immunoglobulin), which are crucial for controlling the density and quality of the intestinal microbiota. In addition, the appendix itself contains a very diverse and varied microbiota, including bacteria such as Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria. This diversity is distinct from other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting a specialised role. Removal of the appendix has been associated with a reduction in gut bacterial diversity. People who have undergone an appendectomy show a reduced amount of beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, including Roseburia, Barnesiella, Butyricicoccus, Odoribacter and Butyricimonas. This reduction in microbial diversity can lead to intestinal dysbiosis, and potentially increase susceptibility to various diseases. Appendectomy has also been linked to an increase in fungal diversity in the gut. This change in the microbial ecosystem suggests that the appendix may play a role in the balance between bacterial and fungal populations, potentially acting as a store of commensal gut microbiota that repopulate the colon after exposure to pathogens or antibiotic treatment. The appendix may play a further role in protecting the gastrointestinal system from invading pathogens. This would explain why surgical removal of the appendix has been associated with a worse prognosis for recurrent infection with Clostridioides difficile, and an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis. It may even be related to the increased incidence of other conditions such as heart disease and Parkinson's disease. The role of the appendix in maintaining microbial diversity therefore appears to be critical to overall health. Leer más: Although removal of the appendix was until recently quite a routine procedure, we cannot ignore its potential risks. First of all, there are the risks inherent to any surgery – postoperative infections can occur in any surgical procedure, and appendectomies are no exception. Haemorrhage is another possible complication that may arise during or after removal, and in rare cases, postoperative bleeding may require blood transfusions. Moreover, an appendectomy is usually performed under general anaesthesia, which carries its own set of additional risks. But as we have just seen, the appendix also plays a significant role in regulating the gut microbiome, contributing to its diversity. This is why removal as a preventive measure is no longer recommended for astronauts. NASA is aware that the potential risks associated with such an intervention outweigh its benefits, and prefers to focus on maintaining astronauts' overall health while providing the necessary medical support during space missions. Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos académicos. Lee mas: Appendix cancer rising among younger generation – new study After 180 years, new clues are revealing just how general anaesthesia works in the brain 'Placebo' or 'sham' surgery is not a cruel trick – it can be very effective Ignacio López-Goñi no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoría, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y ha declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado.
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 52p herb that could help prevent Alzheimer's – plus 3 other ways it can benefit your health
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KNOWN for its strong, pine-like flavour and its use in various dishes, rosemary has a lot more going for it than its scent and taste. The popular herb is starting to gain recognition for its impressive health benefits, especially when it comes to brain health, inflammation and immune function. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Rosemary has been shown to benefit the brain in several ways Credit: Getty And research published this year suggests it could even help in the fight against Alzheimer's disease - the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Rosemary has previously been linked to memory and mental clarity. In ancient Greece and Rome, students and scholars used rosemary to sharpen concentration and recall, says Dipa Kamdar, senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University. Writing for The Conversation, she explains: "Modern science is finding there may have been something in this: in one study, people who inhaled rosemary's scent performed better on memory takes compared to those in an unscented environment." There are several ways rosemary benefits the brain, says Kamdar. Firstly, it stimulates blood circulation, including to the brain, helping deliver more oxygen and nutrients, which may improve mental clarity. It also has calming properties, with some studies suggesting its aroma can reduce anxiety and improve sleep - lower stress means better focus and memory retention. Kamdar adds: "Rosemary contains compounds that interact with the brain's neurotransmitters. One such compound, 1,8-cineole, helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical essential for learning and memory. By preserving acetylcholine, rosemary may help support cognitive performance, especially as we age." And rosemary's antioxidants may also help protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress - which is a major factor in cognitive decline. Kamdar says: " Rosemary is rich in phytochemicals, plant compounds with health-enhancing effects. One of the most powerful is carnosic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps shield brain cells from harm, particularly from the kinds of damage linked to Alzheimer's disease." Five simple tests that could indicate dementia What are rosemary's benefits beyond brain health? 2 Rosemary may aid digestion by stimulating the liver to produce bile Credit: Getty As well as boosting brain health, studies suggest rosemary may aid digestion by stimulating the liver to produce bile, which helps the body digest fat. In a study with mice, it was shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially aiding in the management of IBS and other inflammatory bowel ailments. And rosemary supplementation may also positively impact the gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Bacteroidetes, while reducing harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli. Rosemary may also be able to improve immune function. Some studies, particularly in vitro and animal models, suggest that rosemary and its active compounds, like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, can influence immune function. Other studies have shown rosemary may promote immune cell activity, such as increasing antibody production or enhancing the activity of immune cells like dendritic cells. Finally, rosemary could prevent certain cancers. Rosemary has been proven to display powerful anticancer efficacy in numerous cancers, including lung, prostate, liver, and breast. Carnosic acid appears to be the plant's primary anticancer component, as it was found in one study to exhibit antiproliferative effects in cancer cells.
