The Human Microbiome in Human Health

Flashcards reviewing key terms and concepts related to the human microbiome and its impact on health.

Microbiome

The vast community of microorganisms that live in and on the human body.

Microbiota

The microbes found in a specific environment.

Metagenome

The genetic material of the entire microbiome.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance of microorganisms in the body, leading to health issues.

Eubiosis

A state of balance in the community of microorganisms in the gut.

SCFAs

Short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbes that have health benefits.

Gut-brain axis

The bidirectional communication network linking the GI tract and the central nervous system.

Colonization resistance

The microbiome's ability to protect against harmful microorganisms.

Vagus nerve

The longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system that connects the gut to the brain.

Enteric nervous system (ENS)

A complex network of neurons governing the GI tract.

Opportunistic pathogens

Microorganisms that cause disease when the immune system is compromised.

Pathogen defense

The role of the microbiome in protecting against infections.

Gut microbiome

The largest and most significant microbiome for human health.

Bacterial metabolites

Small molecules and compounds produced by bacteria that contribute to health.

Microbial fingerprint

Unique microbiome composition used to identify individuals.

Microbial diversity

The variety of different microbial species present in a community.

Immune system Tregs

Regulatory T cells that prevent autoimmune diseases.

Metabolite

An intermediate or end-product of metabolism.

Histone deacetylation

A process that can inhibit gene transcription and expression.

Biofilms

Complex structures formed by microorganisms adhering to surfaces.

Serotonin (5-HT)

A neurotransmitter produced in the gut that affects mood and cognition.

Hygiene hypothesis

The theory that early exposure to microorganisms helps develop a healthy immune system.

Obesity

A condition linked to dysbiosis characterized by excessive body fat.

Akkermansia sp.

A beneficial gut microbe associated with metabolism and obesity prevention.

Fecal transplant

A procedure that transfers fecal matter from a healthy donor to restore gut microbiota.

Treg generation

The process by which regulatory T cells are produced.

Inflammaging

The decline in microbiome diversity associated with aging and inflammation.

Tph1

The rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin biosynthesis.

Firmicutes

A phylum of bacteria often linked with increased energy extraction and obesity.

Bacteroidetes

A phylum of bacteria associated with lean individuals and weight loss.

Microbial immigration

The process of new microorganisms entering the microbiome.

Antibiotic resistance

The ability of microorganisms to survive exposure to antibiotics.

Breastfeeding

A practice that influences the development of a beneficial infant gut microbiome.

Metabolic homeostasis

The balance of metabolic processes regulated by the gut microbiome.

C. difficile

A harmful bacterium that can lead to severe intestinal infection.

Alzheimer’s disease

A neurodegenerative disease potentially linked to gut microbiome dysbiosis.

Gut permeability

The ability of the gut barrier to prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.

Clinical microbiota

The composition of microbial communities in a clinical or healthcare setting.

Stress response

Physiological changes triggered by stress that can affect the microbiome.

Gut motility

The movements of the digestive system that facilitate digestion.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of how drugs affect organisms, influenced by the microbiome.

Nutritional microbiomes

Microbial communities that influence nutritional health and metabolism.

Community ecology

The study of interactions among species within a given environment.

Tissue integrity

The condition of body tissues, which can be affected by microbial health.