Examinando por Autor "Borrego, Juan J."

Mostrando 1 - 6 de 6
  • Miniatura
    Publicación
    Epigenetic Mechanisms in Aging: Extrinsic Factors and Gut Microbiome
    (MDPI, 2024-12-14) Borrego Ruiz, Alejandro; Borrego, Juan J.
    Background/Objectives: Aging is a natural physiological process involving biological and genetic pathways. Growing evidence suggests that alterations in the epigenome during aging result in transcriptional changes, which play a significant role in the onset of age-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. For this reason, the epigenetic alterations in aging and age-related diseases have been reviewed, and the major extrinsic factors influencing these epigenetic alterations have been identified. In addition, the role of the gut microbiome and its metabolites as epigenetic modifiers has been addressed. Results: Long-term exposure to extrinsic factors such as air pollution, diet, drug use, environmental chemicals, microbial infections, physical activity, radiation, and stress provoke epigenetic changes in the host through several endocrine and immune pathways, potentially accelerating the aging process. Diverse studies have reported that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in regulating brain cell functions through DNA methylation and histone modifications. The interaction between genes and the gut microbiome serves as a source of adaptive variation, contributing to phenotypic plasticity. However, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways driving this process are still not fully understood. Conclusions: Extrinsic factors are potential inducers of epigenetic alterations, which may have important implications for longevity. The gut microbiome serves as an epigenetic effector influencing host gene expression through histone and DNA modifications, while bidirectional interactions with the host and the underexplored roles of microbial metabolites and non-bacterial microorganisms such as fungi and viruses highlight the need for further research.
  • Miniatura
    Publicación
    Functional neurological disorder and gut microbiome: Casual or causal relationship?
    (AccScience Publishing, 2024-09-19) Borrego, Juan J.; Borrego Ruiz, Alejandro
    Functional neurological disorder (FND), or conversion disorder, is a psychosomatic condition that affects the voluntary motor and/or sensory functions of the patient. Its origin is not yet fully understood, but the main risk factors related to this disorder include exposure to recent psychological stressors and previous experience of aversive episodes during childhood, such as abuse, family dysfunction, and neglect. The symptoms of FND result from complex interactions involving the central nervous system and also the endocrine and immune systems. In this work, we hypothesized the relationship between the gut microbiome and the pathophysiology of FND because both share several common features, such as the effects of neurotransmitters, the hippocampal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and the inflammatory responses. Based on these common aspects, we suggested that stress, gut microbiome, and inflammation factors induce chronic and systemic inflammation of the brain causing neurological disorders, including FND. More specific studies are warranted to validate the casual or causal relationship between FND and the gut microbiome.
  • Miniatura
    Publicación
    Microbial Dysbiosis in the Skin Microbiome and Its Psychological Consequences
    (MDPI, 2024-09-19) Borrego, Juan J.; Borrego Ruiz, Alejandro
    The homeostasis of the skin microbiome can be disrupted by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, leading to a state of dysbiosis. This imbalance has been observed at the onset of persistent skin diseases that are closely linked to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. This narrative review explores recent findings on the relationship between the skin microbiome and the pathophysiology of specific skin disorders, including acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and wound infections. Additionally, it examines the psychological impact of these skin disorders, emphasizing their effect on patients’ quality of life and their association with significant psychological consequences, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and suicidal ideation in the most severe cases.
  • Miniatura
    Publicación
    Microbial involvement in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome pathophysiology
    (AccScience Publishing, 2024-12-02) Borrego Ruiz, Alejandro; Borrego, Juan J.
    Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and disabling disease related to persistent fatigue, exercise intolerance, post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction, and musculoskeletal/joint pain. Gastrointestinal comorbidities, including irritable bowel syndrome, have been reported in affected individuals, indicating a potential role of gut microbiota in disease progression. In this paper, bacterial and metabolomic dysbiosis in subjects with ME/CFS are reviewed, and phenotypic, microbial, and metabolic biomarkers specific to individual cohorts are also identified. Furthermore, microbiome fluctuations or metabolic endotoxemia are proposed as possible disorder biomarkers. Based on the fact that gut microbiota dysbiosis reverts to a state of eubiosis in long-term patients with this condition, it may be hypothesized that disease progression begins with the loss of beneficial gut microorganisms, particularly short-chain fatty acid producers, leading to more widespread gastrointestinal phenotypes that are subsequently reflected in plasma metabolite levels. These alterations, specific of each individual, thereby result in metabolic and phenotypic shifts and in ME/CFS.
  • Miniatura
    Publicación
    Nutritional and Microbial Strategies for Treating Acne, Alopecia, and Atopic Dermatitis
    (MPDI, 2024-10-20) Borrego Ruiz, Alejandro; Borrego, Juan J.; Borrego Ruiz, Alejandro; Guandalini, Stephano
    Background/Objectives: Diet is one of the major determinants of the composition and function of the gut microbiome, and diverse studies have established directional connections between gut microbiome dysbiosis and skin dyshomeostasis. Furthermore, a significant link between the gut and certain skin-related disorders has been reported. This work reviews the mechanisms underlying the relationship between nutritional factors, gut microbiome, and certain skin diseases such as acne vulgaris, alopecia, and atopic dermatitis. In addition, it explores how the modulation of the gut microbiome and human skin through diet and various microbial strategies, including probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, may serve as future treatments for skin diseases, possibly replacing traditional methods such as antibiotic, topical corticosteroid, and laser therapies. Results: The adequate intake of certain foods can promote a balanced gut microbiome, potentially reducing skin inflammation and improving overall skin health, while poor dietary choices may lead to worse outcomes by disrupting gut homeostasis. In this regard, diets high in antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients appear to be beneficial for enhancing skin health and preventing associated comorbidities. In addition, the administration of probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics in the treatment of cutaneous diseases has been shown to restore skin dyshomeostasis and to improve the symptoms of the reviewed skin conditions. Conclusions: Consuming a healthy, plant-based diet can reduce skin inflammation and enhance overall skin health. Although the application of probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics has demonstrated promise in modulating inflammation, enhancing tissue regeneration, and inhibiting pathogenic colonization, further research is required.
  • Miniatura
    Publicación
    The Role of Fermented Vegetables as a Sustainable and Health-Promoting Nutritional Resource
    (MDPI, 2024-11-23) Borrego Ruiz, Alejandro; González Domenech, Carmen María; Borrego, Juan J.
    The increasing global burden of morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases related to poor diet quality, coupled with the unsustainable depletion of vital planetary resources by current food production systems, threatens future food security and highlights the urgent need to transition to high-quality plant-based diets as a viable solution to mitigate economic, health, and environmental challenges. Taking into consideration the significant role that fermented vegetables may play as a sustainable, healthy, long-lasting, and plant-based nutritional resource, this narrative review analyzes their production and benefits. For this purpose, the mechanisms of the fermentation process are explored, along with the importance of probiotic cultures in plant-based fermented foods, and with the implications of fermentation on food safety within the broader framework of low-impact, organic, plant-derived nutrition. Additionally, the health benefits of fermented vegetables and probiotics are examined, including their effects on mental health. Vegetable fermentation is a versatile method for enhancing food preservation, nutritional quality, and safety. This ancient practice prolongs the shelf life of perishable items, reduces the toxicity of raw ingredients, and improves digestibility. Specific starter cultures, particularly lactic acid bacteria, are essential for controlling fermentation, ensuring safety, and maximizing health benefits. Fermented vegetables, rich in probiotics, support gut health and immune function. Emerging research indicates their potential to alleviate adverse mental health symptoms such as stress and anxiety, highlighting their significance in modern dietary guidelines and chronic health management.