The gut
Frontlines of Fighting Disease
The gut is one of the core disease-fighting systems of the human
body. First, the acid and enzymes in the stomach work to sterilize our
food and, in this way, protect the body from illness and infection. In
addition, the digestive tract is an important source of immune function
in the body. “All foods we eat are in communication with immune
receptors in the digestive tract, triggering hormones and various cell
types that help the body with its immune function,” Dr. Ganjhu
explained.
One way the gut aids in immune function is through the presence of
Peyer’s patches, or large oval clusters or nodules of lymphoid tissue
that are found on the wall of the small intestine. “Because the lining
of the gastrointestinal tract is exposed to the external environment,
through food and other material, bad bacteria or other pathogenic
substances can gain entry into the gut. Peyer’s patches help to monitor
the lining of the gut and, when necessary, generate an immune response,
producing antibodies that will fight rogue antigens and allergy-causing
substances,” said Dr. Ganjhu.
Finally, the digestive system is the home of the “gut microbiome”—a
diverse community of different bacteria types that play a vital role in
both fighting disease and maintaining our health. Each of us has his or
her own unique bacteria mix, or bacteria “thumbprint” in the gut. Some
gut bacteria, or some bacteria in excessive amounts, can cause
infection, symptoms, and even an increased risk for cancer. While other
bacteria, or the right amounts of these bacteria, help us to fight
disease and stay healthy. Scientists are continuing to study the good
and bad effects of bacteria in the gut, and whether there are mixes of
bacteria that correspond to good health and health risks.
NYU Langone researchers recently published a study in the journal Nature,
showing a potential association between antibiotic use, changes in gut
bacteria, and an increased risk of obesity. In addition, doctors have
begun using good bacteria to treat people who have a serious and
potentially life-threatening infection, such as Clostridium difficile (C diff) infection, when antibiotic therapy is no longer working.
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NYULangone Health
Shared by Pranab Kumar Kundu
Pranab Kumar Kundu
