The human gastrointestinal tract carries a large number of microorganisms associated with complex metabolic processes and interactions. Although antibiotic treatment is crucial for combating infections, its negative effects on the intestinal microbiota and host immunity have been shown to be of the utmost importance. Multiple studies have recognized the adverse consequences of antibiotic use upon the gut microbiome in adults and neonates, causing dysbiosis of the microbiota. Repeated antibiotic treatments in clinical care or low-dosage intake from food could be contributing factors in this issue. Researchers in both human and animal studies have strived to explain this multifaceted relationship. The present review intends to elucidate the axis of the gastrointestinal microbiota and antibiotics resistance and to highlight the main aspects of the issue.
Mediterranean Diet has been recognized as one of the healthiest and sustainable dietary patterns worldwide, based on the food habits of people living in the Mediterranean region. It is focused on a plant-based cuisine combining local agricultural products and moderate intake of fish. As eating habits seem to exert a major impact on the composition of gut microbiota, numerous studies show that an adherence to the Mediterranean diet positively influences the microbiome ecosystem network. This has a profound effect on multiple host metabolic pathways and plays a major role in immune and metabolic homeostasis. Among metabolic disorders, obesity represents a major health issue where Mediterranean Dietary regime could possibly slowdown its spread. The aim of this review is to emphasize the interaction between diet and gut microbiota and the potential beneficial effects of Mediterranean diet on metabolic disorders like obesity, which is responsible for the development of many noncommunicable diseases.
Introduction Helicobacter pylori infection is a well-established etiological factor for a variety of diseases such as peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. On the other hand, there is ongoing research suggesting that H. pylori might have a beneficial effect through a pivotal influence in the immunological response especially in asthma. The aim of the current case-control study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in asthmatic children. Methods Twenty-seven children with exacerbation of persistent asthma, aged 8.6±4.5 years (18 males, 9 females) and 54 age-sex-matched non-asthmatic controls were enrolled. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations were performed. Detection of H. pylori antigen (HpSA) in stool samples was performed by a commercial kit (bioNexia® kit, BioMérieux). Serum specific IgG antibodies were detected by a rapid chromatographic immunoassay (DIAsourceImmunoAssays). Serum IgE concentration was determined by electrochemiluminescence (ECL) (Roche Elecsys) and IgE levels ≥ 90 IU/mL were considered significantly elevated. Results In 3 (11.1%) of the 27 asthmatic children H. pylori infection (based on both detection of HpSA and specific IgG-Abs) was established, whereas as many as 16 of the 54 (29.6%) non-asthmatic ones were found infected (odds ratio 0.1; 95%CI, 0.039-0.305, p=0.026). Conclusions Our findings reveal an inverse relationship between H. pylori infection and children's persistent asthma in Greece.
The aim of this study was to estimate the immunogenic effect of mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. This study included 510 participants who received mRNA vaccine. The measurement of anti-COVID-19 antibodies was performed using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG quantitative assay (Abbott). Overall, mean titer of anti-Spike antibodies was 19,319.2 ± 1787.5 AU/mL. Vaccination induced a robust immunogenic response in those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared with non-infected subjects. Additionally, individuals that were asymptomatic after vaccination produced lower levels of antibodies compared to feverish individuals. In conclusion, remarkably high levels of anti-Spike COVID-19 antibodies were observed after vaccination.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.