The gut microbiota provides essential signals for the development and appropriate function of the immune system. Through this critical contribution to immune fitness, the gut microbiota has a key role in health and disease. Recent advances in the technological applications to study microbial communities and their functions have contributed to a rapid increase in host-microbiota research. Althou...

Before the appearance of a functional heart in many invertebrate species, the assumption was that general body movements provide circulatory function. Consequently, I investigated the frequency of gut movements in the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana, immediately post-hatch to the point when a functional heart appeared. Prior to cardiac ontogeny, movements of internal musculature and gut provi...

Gut microbiota regulates intestinal and extraintestinal homeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may also regulate brain function and behavior. Results from animal models indicate that disturbances in the composition and functionality of some microbiota members are associated with neurophysiological disorders, strengthening the idea of a microbiota-gut-brain axis and ...

Recent research has shown that the amino acid glutamine can positively affect gut health by supporting microbiome, mucosal wall integrity, and modulating inflammatory responses. As modulated vagus nerve, via enteric nervous system, gut-brain connection impact brain's neurochemical environment. Poor disrupt balance of neurotransmitters, which result in neuropsychiatric based conditions such as d...

Residual kidney function for patients with chronic disease (CKD) is associated better quality of life and outcome; thus, strategies should be implemented to preserve function. Among the multiple causes that promote damage, gut dysbiosis due increased uremic toxin production endotoxemia need attention. Several have been proposed modulate microbiota in these patients, diet has gained increasing a...