RESUMO
The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, regulates various physiological processes crucial for health, including immune response, metabolism, and neurotransmitter production. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD), understanding the intricate connection of the gut-brain axis has gained significance. Disturbances along this axis have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing its role in AD pathogenesis. Microbiota dysbiosis, influenced by diet, lifestyle, and genetics, contributes to altered gut permeability, leading to protein dyshomeostasis, astroglial activation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive decline. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing interventions to restore a healthy gut microbiota and potentially mitigate AD-related cognitive decline. The bidirectional communication along the gut-brain axis involves microbial metabolites, influencing oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and other pathways linked to neuroprotection. Modulating the gut microbiota through dietary changes, prebiotics, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation emerges as a promising approach to target cognitive decline in AD. Despite progress, challenges persist, including the correlational nature of studies, the complexity of the gut microbiome, and variations in methodologies. Standardization is essential for reliable findings and the identification of biomarkers associated with AD. Unanswered questions warrant further exploration, particularly in understanding specific mechanisms, the temporal dynamics of microbiota changes, and the influence of diet and lifestyle on the gut-brain axis in AD. Future perspectives involve promising therapeutic interventions targeting the gut-brain axis, emphasizing personalized medicine to optimize outcomes based on individual variations in the gut-brain axis characteristics.
RESUMO
This investigation meticulously explores the evolving landscape of Covid-19-related mortality in the United States from 2020 to 2023. Leveraging the comprehensive CDC WONDER database, the study conducts a detailed analysis of age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), considering various demographic and regional parameters. The identified pattern illustrates an initial surge in AAMRs from 2020 to 2021, followed by a subsequent decline until 2023. Notably, there is a discernible reduction in AAMRs for both the elderly (85 years and older) and infants (below one year). Within specific demographic segments, heightened AAMRs are observed among NH American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, men, and residents in particular states and regions. Emphasizing the significant impact of Covid-19 on cardiovascular health, the study underscores increased mortality rates associated with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. AAMR rates were standardized per 100,000 population, providing a comparative metric. Noteworthy states with elevated AAMRs include Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Mexico, and Alabama, with the Southern region exhibiting the highest AAMR. The research sheds light on demographic and regional disparities in Covid-19-related mortality, calling for intensified efforts in prevention and treatment strategies. These findings, offering nuanced insights, serve as a guide for strategic public health initiatives to mitigate the multifaceted repercussions of the pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations.