Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, emerge as promising therapeutic agents in Parkinson’s disease (PD). They target the gut-brain axis, mitigating alpha-synuclein (α-syn) pathology, reducing neuroinflammation, and enhancing dopaminergic function. PD patients exhibit gut dysbiosis with reduced SCFA-producing bacteria (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia spp.) and lower fecal/plasma SCFA levels, correlating with motor […]
Dementia: Pathways to Prevention Dementia, a progressive decline in cognitive function that affects memory, thinking, and daily activities, is a growing global concern. While there is no cure, emerging research offers strong evidence that a significant portion—up to 45%—of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modifications targeting modifiable risk factors. thelancet.com […]
Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Recent Developments According to a September 22, 2025 CDC post, breast cancer risk factors are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories: Modifiable: Increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol consumption, limiting hormone intake, and maintaining a healthy weight. Non-modifiable: Genetic mutations, dense breast tissue, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and […]
The role of the vagus nerve in regulating inflammation and its broader implications for immunity and metabolism have been analyzed by Valentin A. Pavlov and Kevin J. Tracey in the article, “The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex—linking immunity and metabolism.” The two scientists describe the inflammatory reflex as a neural circuit where the vagus […]
The connection between our gut microbiome and mental health is a reality. Depressive disorder (like major depression), generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia) are all linked to the gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria and other microbes living in our intestines. These connections happen mainly through the gut-brain […]
Positive social relationships and connections have been linked to improved microbiome health, particularly in the gut, through increased microbial diversity, richness, and the presence of beneficial bacteria. Studies show that individuals with stronger social ties tend to have more diverse and similar microbiomes to those in their networks, which is associated with better overall health […]
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression and function that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes influence how genes are turned on or off, affecting cellular processes without modifying the genetic code itself. Epigenetics acts like a regulatory layer, modulating how genetic information is expressed in response […]
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and molecules that work together to protect the body from harmful pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and abnormal cells (e.g., cancer cells). It also maintains tissue homeostasis and responds to internal and external threats. Below is a detailed explanation of the immune system, […]
Metabolism is the collective set of biochemical processes that occur within living organisms to sustain life. It encompasses all chemical reactions involved in converting food and other substances into energy, building blocks for growth, repair, and maintenance, and waste products for excretion. Below is a detailed explanation of metabolism, covering its components, pathways, regulation, and […]
The relationship between the immune system, metabolism, and genetics/epigenetics forms a dynamic, interconnected triangle that significantly influences health. Each component interacts with and influences the others, creating a complex system that shapes our susceptibility to disease, our response to environmental factors, and our overall well-being. 1. Immune System and Metabolism – their relationships and impact […]