Intestinal Microbiota a unique health generator
Gut Microbiota – An Incredible Organ
Intestinal microbiota a unique health generator GUT MICROBIOTA – AN INCREDIBLE ORGAN The human gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of a huge number of various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses or fungi, referred to as intestinal microbiota. The microbiota is mined by bacteria represented by more than 500 different species, whose number is more than 10 times higher than the total number of cells forming the human digestive tract This complex intestinal ecosystem is constantly changing, affecting even apparatus and organs seemingly unrelated to the digestive tract. Human intestinal microbiota plays a significant role in the function of the whole body and is therefore increasingly often referred to as an incredible bacterial organ. The primary (autochthonous) intestinal microflora of humans is characterized by numerous skills. The intestinal bacteria have the ability to communicate (quorum sensing) and the multidirectional network of connections enables the transmission of a signal and communication of one bacteria with another, the bacteria with the host and the host with the bacteria. As a result, the microorganisms together with the host cells form a comprehensive interactive ecosystem that determines many different important biological processes, including health and disease (1-5), The role of microorganisms colonizing the human gastrointestinal tract is not yet fully understood. So far, however, studies have shown several basic roles played by indigenous intestinal microorganisms, including:
Competition for receptor sites with pathogenic microorganisms the autochthonous (primary) intestinal microflora, which is the first to colonize the human gastrointestinal tract already at the moment of birth, is ideally suited to the conditions prevailing in it. The bacteria’s ability to use the receptor spots on the surface of intestinal epithelium and to obtain nutrients determines effective competition with potential pathogens. The intestinal bacteria change evenly the conditions in the intestine to unfavourable for the development of pathogens by lowering the pH of the environment or production of bacteriocins with antibacterial properties.
Immunomodulation – in order to effectively combat infectious and potentially harmful factors, the human body has developed a complex system of lymphatic tissue associated with mucous membranes GALT, which consists of more than 75% of lymphatic cells of the entire immune system. In other words, human immunity is located in the intestines in a dominant amount. It should be emphasized that for the proper development of the GALT tissue and thus for the proper functioning of the entire immune system, a proper bacterial colonization of the food chain is necessary. The first bacteria colonizing the human gastrointestinal tract are the basis for activation and subsequent regulation of the immune system and are a key element in the development of properly functioning defence mechanisms. Immunocompetent cells activate when they come into contact with infectious agents, thus developing immune memory.
The proper and desirable stimulation of GALT, by stimulating immunocompetent cells to produce sIgA, antibacterial antibodies, intensifying macrophage activity and harmonizing the function of lymphocytesTh1 to Th2 and the synthesis of numerous cytokines, causes that the immune system is in a state of adequate activity and readiness for defence – for possible elimination of pathogenic microorganisms from the system. Therefore, a constant interaction between intestinal bacteria and immune cells located in the intestines is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system throughout life. The intestinal microorganisms therefore play the role of the main „trainers” of the immune system. The domination of proseptic bacteria in the intestine – the best trainers of immune cells – therefore favours the proper functioning of the immune system. As a result, allergic and autoimmune diseases are less likely to develop, and there is less possibility to fight against infectious agents efficiently.
Regeneration of the intestinal epithelium – intestinal bacteria produce short chains of fatty acids (butyric, propionic and other), polyamines and other cytoprotective substances, thanks to which they continuously regenerate damaged intestinal epithelium. Properly shaped microbiota and the metabolites it produces, take care of the proper functioning of the barrier located in the intestine, which also acts as a filter. Any damage to the intestinal barrier may cause uncontrolled penetration of harmful toxic substances into the bloodstream. Which may lead to the formation of inflammation. The actual shape of the microbial microorganisms also stimulates the production of mucin and intestinal mucus, which is an integral part of this barrier. The intestinal ecosystem is therefore a key element in maintaining the continuity of the intestinal epithelium as well as proper regeneration of possible damage.
Neutralisation of potentially harmful factors – the lithium microflora has the ability to neutralise harmful substances from the external environment. Such an action enables the intestinal epithelium to be protected against potentially harmful factors and their action reduced to a minimum. The beneficial microbiota is also capable of stimulating the production of fatty acids with potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it should be stressed that a healthy intestinal ecosystem plays a significant role in the prevention of inflammatory diseases and primary prophylaxis of cancer processes.
Synthesis of enzymes and vitamins and regulation of intestinal peristalsis – bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract provide a pool of digestive enzymes, thus taking a direct part in the decomposition of consumed food. Thanks to such an action, the food is more easily digested and absorbed, and the regulation of the intestinal stalk allows for easy transfer of undigested food steaks for excretion. Moreover, intestinal bacteria have the ability to synthesize mainly B and K vitamins as well as thiamine and riboflavin. [6-11].