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Hussain ST, Baumann C. The human side of biodiversity: coevolution of the human niche, palaeo-synanthropy and ecosystem complexity in the deep human past. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230021. [PMID: 38583478 PMCID: PMC10999276 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Today's biodiversity crisis fundamentally threatens the habitability of the planet, thus ranking among the primary human challenges of our time. Much emphasis is currently placed on the loss of biodiversity in the Anthropocene, yet these debates often portray biodiversity as a purely natural phenomenon without much consideration of its human dimensions and frequently lack long-term vistas. This paper offers a deep-time perspective on the key role of the evolving human niche in ecosystem functioning and biodiversity dynamics. We summarize research on past hunter-gatherer ecosystem contributions and argue that human-environment feedback systems with important biodiversity consequences are probably a recurrent feature of the Late Pleistocene, perhaps with even deeper roots. We update current understandings of the human niche in this light and suggest that the formation of palaeo-synanthropic niches in other animals proffers a powerful model system to investigate recursive interactions of foragers and ecosystems. Archaeology holds important knowledge here and shows that ecosystem contributions vary greatly in relation to different human lifeways, some of which are lost today. We therefore recommend paying more attention to the intricate relationship between biodiversity and cultural diversity, contending that promotion of the former depends on fostering the latter. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumon T. Hussain
- MESH – Center for Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies in the Humanities & Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Cologne, Weyertal 59, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Aarhus University, Moesgård Allé 20, 8270 Højbjerg, Denmark
- BIOCHANGE – Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Chris Baumann
- Biogeology Research Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Hölderlinstrasse 12, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, PL 64 (Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2), 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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2
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Di Natale MR, Athavale ON, Wang X, Du P, Cheng LK, Liu Z, Furness JB. Functional and anatomical gastric regions and their relations to motility control. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14560. [PMID: 36912719 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The common occurrence of gastric disorders, the accelerating emphasis on the role of the gut-brain axis, and development of realistic, predictive models of gastric function, all place emphasis on increasing understanding of the stomach and its control. However, the ways that regions of the stomach have been described anatomically, physiologically, and histologically do not align well. Mammalian single compartment stomachs can be considered as having four anatomical regions fundus, corpus, antrum, and pyloric sphincter. Functional regions are the proximal stomach, primarily concerned with adjusting gastric volume, the distal stomach, primarily involved in churning and propelling the content, and the pyloric sphincter that regulates passage of chyme into the duodenum. The proximal stomach extends from the dome of the fundus to a circumferential band where propulsive waves commence (slow waves of the pacemaker region), and the distal stomach consists of the pacemaker region and the more distal regions that are traversed by waves of excitation, that travel as far as the pyloric sphincter. Thus, the proximal stomach includes the fundus and different extents of the corpus, whereas the distal stomach consists of the remainder of the corpus and the antrum. The distributions of aglandular regions and of specialized glands, such as oxyntic glands, differ vastly between species and, across species, have little or no relation to anatomical or functional regions. It is hoped that this review helps to clarify nomenclature that defines gastric regions that will provide an improved basis for drawing conclusions for different investigations of the stomach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine R Di Natale
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Omkar N Athavale
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xiaokai Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Peng Du
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Leo K Cheng
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Zhongming Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John B Furness
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Konner M, Eaton SB. Hunter-gatherer diets and activity as a model for health promotion: Challenges, responses, and confirmations. Evol Anthropol 2023; 32:206-222. [PMID: 37417918 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Beginning in 1985, we and others presented estimates of hunter-gatherer (and ultimately ancestral) diet and physical activity, hoping to provide a model for health promotion. The Hunter-Gatherer Model was designed to offset the apparent mismatch between our genes and the current Western-type lifestyle, a mismatch that arguably affects prevalence of many chronic degenerative diseases. The effort has always been controversial and subject to both scientific and popular critiques. The present article (1) addresses eight such challenges, presenting for each how the model has been modified in response, or how the criticism can be rebutted; (2) reviews new epidemiological and experimental evidence (including especially randomized controlled clinical trials); and (3) shows how official recommendations put forth by governments and health authorities have converged toward the model. Such convergence suggests that evolutionary anthropology can make significant contributions to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin Konner
- Department of Anthropology, Program in Anthropology and Human Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - S Boyd Eaton
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine (Emeritus), Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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4
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Vaill M, Kawanishi K, Varki N, Gagneux P, Varki A. Comparative physiological anthropogeny: exploring molecular underpinnings of distinctly human phenotypes. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2171-2229. [PMID: 36603157 PMCID: PMC10151058 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00040.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogeny is a classic term encompassing transdisciplinary investigations of the origins of the human species. Comparative anthropogeny is a systematic comparison of humans and other living nonhuman hominids (so-called "great apes"), aiming to identify distinctly human features in health and disease, with the overall goal of explaining human origins. We begin with a historical perspective, briefly describing how the field progressed from the earliest evolutionary insights to the current emphasis on in-depth molecular and genomic investigations of "human-specific" biology and an increased appreciation for cultural impacts on human biology. While many such genetic differences between humans and other hominids have been revealed over the last two decades, this information remains insufficient to explain the most distinctive phenotypic traits distinguishing humans from other living hominids. Here we undertake a complementary approach of "comparative physiological anthropogeny," along the lines of the preclinical medical curriculum, i.e., beginning with anatomy and considering each physiological system and in each case considering genetic and molecular components that are relevant. What is ultimately needed is a systematic comparative approach at all levels from molecular to physiological to sociocultural, building networks of related information, drawing inferences, and generating testable hypotheses. The concluding section will touch on distinctive considerations in the study of human evolution, including the importance of gene-culture interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Vaill
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kunio Kawanishi
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nissi Varki
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pascal Gagneux
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ajit Varki
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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5
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Basic M, Dardevet D, Abuja PM, Bolsega S, Bornes S, Caesar R, Calabrese FM, Collino M, De Angelis M, Gérard P, Gueimonde M, Leulier F, Untersmayr E, Van Rymenant E, De Vos P, Savary-Auzeloux I. Approaches to discern if microbiome associations reflect causation in metabolic and immune disorders. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2107386. [PMID: 35939623 PMCID: PMC9361767 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2107386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of microorganisms residing within our gut and their roles in the host metabolism and immunity advanced greatly over the past 20 years. Currently, microbiome studies are shifting from association and correlation studies to studies demonstrating causality of identified microbiome signatures and identification of molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions. This transformation is crucial for the efficient translation into clinical application and development of targeted strategies to beneficially modulate the intestinal microbiota. As mechanistic studies are still quite challenging to perform in humans, the causal role of microbiota is frequently evaluated in animal models that need to be appropriately selected. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on approaches that can be applied in addressing causality of host-microbe interactions in five major animal model organisms (Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, zebrafish, rodents, and pigs). We particularly focused on discussing methods available for studying the causality ranging from the usage of gut microbiota transfer, diverse models of metabolic and immune perturbations involving nutritional and chemical factors, gene modifications and surgically induced models, metabolite profiling up to culture-based approached. Furthermore, we addressed the impact of the gut morphology, physiology as well as diet on the microbiota composition in various models and resulting species specificities. Finally, we conclude this review with the discussion on models that can be applied to study the causal role of the gut microbiota in the context of metabolic syndrome and host immunity. We hope this review will facilitate important considerations for appropriate animal model selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Basic
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dominique Dardevet
- Human Nutrition Unit, UMR1019, University Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Peter Michael Abuja
- Diagnostic & Research Centre of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Silvia Bolsega
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stéphanie Bornes
- University Clermont Auvergne, Inrae, VetAgro Sup, Umrf, Aurillac, France
| | - Robert Caesar
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Massimo Collino
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria De Angelis
- Department of Soil, Plant and Science, “Aldo Moro” University Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Philippe Gérard
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Miguel Gueimonde
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, IPLA-CSIC;Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - François Leulier
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, UMR5242 CNRS, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Eva Untersmayr
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Evelien Van Rymenant
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Ilvo), Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Paul De Vos
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Savary-Auzeloux
- Human Nutrition Unit, UMR1019, University Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Clermont-Ferrand, France,CONTACT Isabelle Savary-Auzeloux Human Nutrition Unit, UMR1019, University Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Quo Vadis Psychiatry? Why It Is Time to Endorse Evolutionary Theory. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:235-245. [PMID: 35349502 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, psychiatry and the neurosciences have made little progress in terms of preventing, diagnosing, classifying, or treating mental disorders. Here we argue that the dilemma of psychiatry and the neurosciences is, in part, based on fundamental misconceptions about the human mind, including misdirected nature-nurture debates, the lack of definitional concepts of "normalcy," distinguishing defense from defect, disregarding life history theory, evolutionarily uninformed genetic and epigenetic research, the "disconnection" of the brain from the rest of the body, and lack of attention to actual behavior in real-world interactions. All these conceptual difficulties could potentially benefit from an approach that uses evolutionary theory to improve the understanding of causal mechanisms, gene-environment interaction, individual differences in behavioral ecology, interaction between the gut (and other organs) and the brain, as well as cross-cultural and across-species comparison. To foster this development would require reform of the curricula of medical schools.
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7
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Furness JB. Comparative and Evolutionary Aspects of the Digestive System and Its Enteric Nervous System Control. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1383:165-177. [PMID: 36587156 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-05843-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
All life forms must gain nutrients from the environment and from single cell organisms to mammals a digestive system is present. Components of the digestive system that are recognized in mammals can be seen in the sea squirt that has had its current form for around 500my. Nevertheless, in mammals, the organ system that is most varied is the digestive system, its architecture being related to the dietary niche of each species. Forms include those of foregut or hindgut fermenters, single or multicompartment stomachs and short or capacious large intestines. Dietary niches include nectarivores, folivores, carnivores, etc. The human is exceptional in that, through food preparation (>80% of human consumption is prepared food in modern societies), humans can utilize a wider range of foods than other species. They are cucinivores, food preparers. In direct descendants of simple organisms, such as sponges, there is no ENS, but as the digestive tract becomes more complex, it requires integrated control of the movement and assimilation of its content. This is achieved by the nervous system, notably the enteric nervous system (ENS) and an array of gut hormones. An ENS is first observed in the phylum cnidaria, exemplified by hydra. But hydra has no collections of neurons that could in any way be regarded as a central nervous system. All animals more complex than hydra have an ENS, but not all have a CNS. In mammals, the ENS is extensive and is necessary for control of movement, enteric secretions and local blood flow, and regulation of the gut immune system. In animals with a CNS, the ENS and CNS have reciprocal connections. From hydra to human, an ENS is essential to life.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Furness
- Digestive Physiology and Nutrition Laboratories, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Bermejo-Pareja F, Ciudad-Cabañas MJ, Llamas-Velasco S, Tapias-Merino E, Hernández Gallego J, Hernández-Cabria M, Collado-Yurrita L, López-Arrieta JM. Is milk and dairy intake a preventive factor for elderly cognition (dementia and Alzheimer's)? A quality review of cohort surveys. Nutr Rev 2020; 79:743-757. [PMID: 33316068 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Milk and dairy (M&D) is a longstanding human food with widespread use. Many studies showed the preventive capacity of M&D in several human health disorders, but its utility in others is under discussion. Aging has been associated to elderly cognitive decline including dementia-Alzheimer syndrome (Dem-AD). The absence of a therapy to impede or postpone Dem-AD determines the need for its prevention, including nutritional factors. To evaluate the preventive capacity of M&D consumption in elderly Dem-AD we performed a systematic review in the main biomedical databases and information resources, but we present this study as a narrative review to discuss better the complexity of this subject. The elderly Dem-AD has a long pre-symptomatic period and the M&D intake has a widespread use. These determinants and the quality flaws of published studies impeach us to answer whether M&D consumption is preventive for Dem-AD. Moreover, two long Japanese cohorts suggest that M&D intake could prevent Dem-AD. Prospective cohorts beginning in midlife (or early life) could answer this question in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Bermejo-Pareja
- Research Unit, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid. Chair "Alzheimer disease", Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sara Llamas-Velasco
- Research Institute (Imas12), University Hospital "12 de Octubre," Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Tapias-Merino
- Research Institute (Imas12), University Hospital "12 de Octubre," Madrid, Spain
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Huebbe P, Rimbach G. Historical Reflection of Food Processing and the Role of Legumes as Part of a Healthy Balanced Diet. Foods 2020; 9:E1056. [PMID: 32759873 PMCID: PMC7466326 DOI: 10.3390/foods9081056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of food processing has changed over time. High-intensity industrially processed food often exhibits higher concentrations of added sugar, salt, higher energy, and lower micronutrient density than does similar food or meals prepared at home from raw or minimally processed food. Viewing the evolution of food processing from history, one could make out three major transitions related to human socioeconomic changes. The first transition was marked by the change from hunting and gathering to settled societies with agriculture and livestock farming. The second and third transitions were associated with the Industrial Revolution and with market liberalization, global trade and automation, respectively. The next major transition that will influence food processing and shape human nutrition may include the exploitation of sustainable and efficient protein and food sources that will ensure high-quality food production for the growing world population. Apart from novel food sources, traditional food such as legumes and pulses likewise exhibit great potential to contribute to a healthy balanced diet. The promotion of legumes should be intensified in public dietary guidelines because their consumption is rather low in high-income countries and increasingly displaced as a traditional staple by industrially processed food in low- to middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Huebbe
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany;
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Abstract
The lining of the gastrointestinal tract needs to be easily accessible to nutrients and, at the same time, defend against pathogens and chemical challenges. This lining is the largest and most vulnerable surface that faces the outside world. To manage the dual problems of effective nutrient conversion and defence, the gut lining has a sophisticated system for detection of individual chemical entities, pathogenic organisms and their products, and physico-chemical properties of its contents. Detection is through specific receptors that signal to the gut endocrine system, the nervous system, the immune system and local tissue defence systems. These effectors, in turn, modify digestive functions and contribute to tissue defence. Receptors for nutrients include taste receptors for sweet, bitter and savoury, free fatty acid receptors, peptide and phytochemical receptors, that are primarily located on enteroendocrine cells. Hormones released by enteroendocrine cells act locally, through the circulation and via the nervous system, to optimise digestion and mucosal health. Pathogen detection is both through antigen presentation to T-cells and through pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). Activation of PRRs triggers local tissue defence, for example, by causing release of antimicrobials from Paneth cells. Toxic chemicals, including plant toxins, are sensed and then avoided, expelled or metabolised. It continues to be a major challenge to develop a comprehensive understanding of the integrated responses of the gastrointestinal tract to its luminal contents.
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