Up until very recently, the ethics around gut
microbiomes was not a prominent thought in my mind. However, a recent article
brought my attention to the importance of properly developing a gut microbial
community in newborns and maintaining this microbe diversity through life (Ishaq
et al., 2019). Microbes play a very important role
in the digestive system where they help in the digestion of fiber and synthesis
of vitamins (Gorbach,
1996).
In addition, when the microbial diversity is attacked, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal
issues can become prominent (Gorbach,
1996).
From class knowledge, diarrhea can lead to dehydration which can affect other
physiological processes in the body including but not limited to blood volume
and filtration.
The article specifically looks at how individuals
living in areas of lesser income face many challenges in creating and
maintaining a successful gut microbial community (Ishaq
et al., 2019). As future healthcare workers and
members of society, many of us are looking at ways to help reduce disease in
our communities. I know the master’s courses have brought up food deserts and
increasing the availability of healthy food options, so I assume the undergraduate
courses have addressed this as well. One way to reduce the number of symptoms
related to reduced gut microbiome diversity is to work at improving access to
proper nutrition (Ishaq
et al., 2019).
I personally believe that increasing the access to
proper nutrition plays perfectly into analysis by the biomedical ethics
principles of justice, autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Ensuring
that everyone has adequate nutrition works towards a just environment where individuals
receive enough of a component that is necessary for survival. In areas
characterized by food deserts, individuals may not have the opportunity to make
an autonomous decision regarding food selection. Therefore, it is important for
members of society to make beneficent and non-maleficent decisions to help
ensure better nutrition for members of society. Minimizing the medical
conditions associated with reduced gut microbiome diversity, by increasing the
access to proper nutrition, should be an important goal of all individuals
looking to help decrease and prevent the spread of disease.
Gorbach, S. (1996). Microbiology of the
Gastrointestinal Tract—Medical Microbiology—NCBI Bookshelf. Retrieved November
28, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7670/
Ishaq, S., Rapp, M.,
Byerly, R., McClellan, L., O’Boyle, M., Nykanen, A., … Wolf, H. (2019, November
26). Framing the discussion of microorganisms as a facet of social equity in
human health. Retrieved November 28, 2019, from https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article? id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3000536
Austin,
ReplyDeleteThe research on the gut microbiome has really taken off! Most research has connected the microbiome to disease pathogenesis in numerous diseases such as IBD, cardiovascular disease, and obesity (Kinross et al., 2011). All of these diseases have shown to be devastating to those who suffer from them. It would be fantastic if simply treating the microbiome of these patients would be sufficient treatment. However, from genetics courses we know that our genome usually plays a role in the development of many diseases. For example, cardiovascular disease is shown to affect those with mutations in the gene that encodes for lipoprotein E, which assists in metabolism of lipids (Stephens & Humphries, 2003). Although, genetics plays a role in many diseases, science is not yet at the point where we can safely modify a genome (thanks a lot CRISPR). Therefore, based on the bioethical principle of beneficence we have the responsibility to do good in all ways that we can. This might mean speaking out against food deserts. It also might mean we dedicate more funds and research to further understanding the human genome so that people are no long pre-disposed to a certain medical condition. Regardless of the route taken, I feel good as a future medical professional knowing that either one would be benefiting our patients. However, based on the bioethical principle of justice, as you said, we must ensure that resources are distributed equally so that everyone can benefit.
Kinross, J. M., Darzi, A. W., & Nicholson, J. K. (2011). Gut microbiome-host interactions in health and disease. Genome Medicine, 3(3), 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/gm228
Stephens, J. W., & Humphries, S. E. (n.d.). The molecular genetics of cardiovascular disease: Clinical implications—Stephens—2003—Journal of Internal Medicine—Wiley Online Library. Retrieved November 29, 2019, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1365-2796.2003.01104.x