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
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