Systems healthcare: a holistic paradigm for tomorrow

Abstract

Systems healthcare is a holistic approach to health premised on systems biology and medicine. The approach integrates data from molecules, cells, organs, the individual, families, communities, and the natural and man-made environment. Both extrinsic and intrinsic influences constantly challenge the biological networks associated with wellness. Such influences may dysregulate networks and allow pathobiology to evolve, resulting in early clinical presentation that requires astute assessment and timely intervention for successful mitigation. Herein, we describe the components of relevant biological systems and the nature of progression from at-risk to manifest disease. We illustrate the systems approach by examining two relevant clinical examples: Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular diseases. The implications of systems healthcare management are examined through the lens of economics, ethics, policy and the law. Finally, we propose the need to develop new educational paradigms to enhance the training of the health professional in an era of systems medicine.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12918-017-0521-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Plasma microRNA markers of upper limb recovery following human stroke

“…Human blood-based biomarkers may also provide insights into specific brain repair biology and help drive translational discoveries using preclinical animal models 34 in. This exploratory clinical study was the first step determining whether plasma miRNAs might hold promise as stroke recovery biomarkers, recognizing the limitations of such a reductionistic approach and likely enhancement through future use of multiomic assessments 35 , 36 . Through a comparison of plasma from stroke recovery participants with good versus poor recovery, however, we identified 9 miRNAs that showed significant differential expression between the groups.…”

Advancing gene therapies, methods, and technologies for Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders

“…Although the aetiopathogenesis of most idiopathic neurodegenerative disorders is likely to be due to a combination of genetic predisposition and exposome-induced epigenetic modulation [33], the pathophysiological characteristics associated with the expressed clinical phenotype are well-documented and increasingly understood. Alpha (α)-synucleinopathies are specific neurodegenerative disorders in which aggregates of α-synuclein (α-syn) protein accumulate within neurons, nerve fibres, and glia, with clear evidence of an associated parenchymal cell loss [34].…”

Role of antioxidants and a nutrient rich diet in Alzheimer's disease

“…A holistic approach to healthcare to delay and prevent chronic disease by lifestyle changes that optimize individual diet, exercise, sleep and stress reduction is beneficial. Nutrition is also a central tenet of functional or integrative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and naturopathic medicine [ 12 , 13 ]. It is imperative that effective treatments for chronic diseases are implemented, reducing hospitalizations and serious complications to improve the quality of life of patients and lower the ever-increasing cost of healthcare, which we all share [ 5 , 6 , 14 ].…”