Using Microbiome-Based Approaches to Deprogram Chronic Disorders and Extend the Healthspan Following Adverse Childhood Experiences

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences are known to program children for disrupted biological cycles, premature aging, microbiome dysbiosis, immune-inflammatory misregulation, and chronic disease multimorbidity. To date, the microbiome has not been a major focus of deprogramming efforts despite its emerging role in every aspect of ACE-related dysbiosis and dysfunction. This article examines: 1) the utility of incorporating microorganism-based, anti-aging approaches to combat ACE-programmed chronic diseases (also known as noncommunicable diseases and conditions, NCDs) and 2) microbiome regulation of core systems biology cycles that affect NCD comorbid risk. In this review microbiota influence over three key cyclic rhythms (circadian cycles, the sleep cycle, and the lifespan/longevity cycle) as well as tissue inflammation and oxidative stress are discussed as an opportunity to deprogram ACE-driven chronic disorders. Microbiota, particularly those in the gut, have been shown to affect host-microbe interactions regulating the circadian clock, sleep quality, as well as immune function/senescence and regulation of tissue inflammation. The microimmunosome is one of several systems biology targets of gut microbiota regulation. Furthermore, correcting misregulated inflammation and increased oxidative stress is key to protecting telomere length and lifespan/longevity and extending what has become known as the healthspan. This review article concludes that to reverse the tragedy of ACE-programmed NCDs and premature aging, managing the human holobiont microbiome should become a routine part of healthcare and preventative medicine across the life course.

The Earth-Connected Human Superorganism Vs. The Machine

“…Many of our microbial copartners are intimately connected to our various systems biology units, tissues, and organs. Our microbiota can control many aspects of the development and proper function of our systems using a variety of direct, indirect and epigenetics strategies [1,[9][10][11][12][13]. Our microbiota are also critical as they provide:…”

“…The human microbiota inhabit several different locations of our body (e.g., gut, skin, airways, urogenital tract, breast tissue, breast milk). Most of these trillions of microbes are not just friendly to our body, but play essential roles in our overall development and function influencing such overarching factors as circadian rhythms and lifespan [1]. Our composite life form is also referred to as a holobiont or superorganism.…”

“…Recently, a collaborator and I wrote four review articles detailing the need to approach healthcare, medicine, safety, pain management public health and holistic wellbeing by placing the human microbiome front and center. Nowhere was this more obvious than in the care of children after adverse childhood events [1,5,6]. This priority ensures not only that the attention is placed on better health for the whole human (the superorganism), but also ensures that we all go through life better connected to Earth's natural internet of microbial life.…”