The human gut microbiota has many functions. It maintains equilibrium within the body and aids in many physiological processes of the body such as digestions. The microbiome of the human has been a place of research for various diseases and their pathology. A research conducted on Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), showed how the change in gut microbiota has contributes to intestinal inflammation in IBD. This research also showed how the gut microbiome could serve as a potential target and prevention of this disease.
There was been much research conducted to discover that gut microbes can cause cancer-promoting inflammations. Gut microbes also make the tumor more resistance and prevent the body from conduction anticancer immune responses. On the other hand, there has also been researched conducted that has found that some amount of microbes are good. These microbes serve as immunity enhancers. As Jeniffer Wargo, an oncologist in Houston stated “Modulating the microbes makes complete sense”.
After analyzing both articles, I realized that I have a love/hate relationship with microbiota. Though they are harmful, they are also helpful. I agree with the Houston oncologist, it is important to keep a balance of the microbiome. I do not think it is completely right to eliminate microbiota from the human body since it also helps with intestinal diseases as mentioned in the first article. Everything is good as long it is kept to a balance.
Vanessa's Mircrobiology Blog 