Old Friends Hypothesis: The Concept of Human Superorganism Volume 1 - Issue 1

Divya R¹, Ashok V² and Rajajeyakumar M³*

• ¹Department of Physiology, Faculty of medical sciences and research, India
• ²Department of Biochemistry, Karpagam Faculty of medical sciences and research, Coimbatore, India
• ³Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Trichy, India

Received: March 08, 2019;   Published:March 28, 2019

Corresponding author: : Dr. Rajajeyakumar M, Assistant professor, Department of Physiology, SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Trichy, MGR Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

 

Abstract PDF

The Concept of ‘Superorganism

The 21st century witnessed the innovative research in the field of gut microbiota that led to the initiation of the concept called ‘superorganism’. The concept of superorganism states that the human being is a superorganism hauling billons of microorganisms that embraces fungus, virus, bacteria, protozoa, and archaea [1-3]. The total number of microorganisms are about 1014 which includes 300–3,000 diverse species of microbiota. It is about 10 times the total count of human cells. These microorganisms survive on the exterior of skin, nasal cavity, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and reproductive system of human beings. In general, the human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by more than a kilogram of such microorganisms. They are termed as gut microbiota. These microorganisms play a major role in maintenance of homeostasis in the human body [4].

Genetic Influence of Microbiota

There are about 5 million genes that encodes the commensal microbiota. This is about 200 times more than the number of human genes. Research shows that the microbiota genes has a positive influence on the growth and development of human beings. The human beings provide the living space and nutrition for the microbiota, and also controls their number and composition. Whereas the microbiota controls the function and maturation of their human host [5].

Embryonic Development

Maternal gut microbiota plays a major role in development, maturation and function of most mammalian systems. This control will later be handed over to their individual commensal microbiota after birth [6].

Immune System

Gut microbiota has a significant role in maturation of the immune system and has the effect only during a critical period, during which the colonization works [7,8].

Role of Gut Microbiota in Metabolism

The Gut microbiome plays a major role in the normal metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It helps in digestion of complex carbohydrates and denaturation of proteins. It is also involved in bile acid degradation. Absorption of nutrients requires the action of microbiome. Synthesis of various vitamins and bioactive complexes require the involvement of gut microbiota [8].

Respiratory Tract

The growth, development, maturation and functioning of the respiratory system is critically influenced by the gut microbiota. But the deviant microbiota leads to development of various types of respiratory tract disorders [9].

Neuroendocrine System

The action of gut microbiota has a more or less similar effect as that of immune system development. It has a significant role in maturation of neural and endocrine system within a critical period. Gut microbiota influences the maturation and functioning of the brain [4].

Skin

The primary defence mechanism or the biological barrier in the human body is formed by the skin microbiota. This also plays a major role in immunological function. Dysfunction of skin microbiota leads to skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema [10].

Reproductive System

Healthy vaginal microbiota is indispensable for normal health of females and it plays a key role in the growth and development of commensal microorganisms in offspring [4].

The “Old Friends” Hypothesis

Grounded on Strachan’s hygiene hypothesis, Graham Rook proposed the ‘early immune challenge hypothesis’ it elucidates the symbiotic affiliation amongst commensal microbiota and human beings. According to the hypothesis, the commensal microbiota has endured an evolution for millions of years to become amended and reliant on to the hunter-gatherer life. The microorganisms and helminths instigate in pollution-free water, soil, and food and are well-thought-out as “old friends,” of human beings. But the modernisation and lifestyle vagaries, has led to radical drop in interaction with these old friends, that has led to several aberrations in growth and development of human beings [11]. Nobel laureate Elie Metchnikoff recommended that the microbial colonies that resides in the human gastro intestinal tract has a prominent influence on the health of the individual. Metchnikoff detected that there is an upsurge in life expectancy of people in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe due to preeminent ingestion of fermented dairy products with high levels of lactic acid bacteria [12,13].

Conclusion

Assimilating adequate microbiota is essential for happy and healthy human life. The malfunctioning of microbiota leads to ailments of immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, cognition and behaviour of the individual. Research in animal studies has established that pro and pre-biotics intercessions have a most important role in cognition and behaviour by altering the inflammatory and endocrine functions in a positive way. It is clearly evident that growth, development and effective functioning of central nervous system are reliant on the edifice and diversity of the gut microbiota, affecting the mental status of the individual. Further research and thorough understanding of the exact fundamental mechanism behind the action of microbiota is required to develop a clear rationale.

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