Moodle at CCNM

The development of autoimmune disease is a complex process that varies between individuals. Yet research and clinical observations over the past 30 years have led to many general insights into autoimmunity. The identification of Th17 cells as well as the increased role of oxidative stress involved in pathogenesis has allowed researchers to explore the development and progression of autoimmune reactions. This talk highlights a deeper understanding of autoimmune mechanisms. It will help clinicians develop novel clinical approaches for treatment aimed at reducing autoimmune processes and balancing immunity and tolerance.

Why is autoimmunity is increasing in the United States and worldwide? The rate of increase suggests environmental mechanisms. While genetics clearly play a role in autoimmunity, current research suggests that infectious disease, diet, toxic chemicals, and gut dysbiosis may be more to blame. This seminar will examine the current mechanisms for autoimmune disease, environmental triggers, and controversies associated with autoimmune disease.

The immune system is designed to produce an inflammatory response to an infectious disease. However, we consistently find people “stuck” in inflammation after an infection (such as those with Post-COVID Syndrome) or without an infection at all. In this lecture, we will explore what happens with people who have chronic inflammation. We will also discuss how food and the microbiome can contribute to their inflammation or help them heal.

A healthy immune system should be responsive to infectious disease and tolerant to self. As we gain a better understanding of how the immune system goes awry during autoimmune disease, we have discovered new mechanisms of self-tissue destruction. This presentation provides an update on three aspects of the immune system, and their role in autoimmunity. IL-17 is involved in the elimination of extra-cellular bacteria and fungi. However, IL-17 is also found in autoimmune lesions, suggesting that it can be pathogenic or beneficial depending upon the context. Likewise, while TNFalpha helps keep tumors at bay, it can be highly destructive in autoimmunity. Finally, we will examine the breadth of auto-antibodies to determine which are ubiquitous and which are truly predictive of disease. We will discuss the immunological chemicals as well as the pharmaceuticals – biologics – used to block these chemicals.

The human microbiome is an exciting and rapidly evolving space in human health. The importance of its role in gastroenterology cannot be understated. By overviewing the evolution of our understanding of this complex organ like system we can see how it fits within the naturopathic treatment paradigm of wholistic health. I will overview the basic science, clinical research, testing and disease applications.

Nutrition effects nearly every aspect of neurology and immunology. The Brain-Gut, where the nervous system and immune system intersect, may be where nutrition has its largest impact. This intersection is where neuroinflammation resides, and is the root of neurological disease. This presentation discusses the immunological mechanisms involved in neuroinflammation. We outline nutritional strategies that address neuroinflammation. Sample cases from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and traumatic brain injury will illustrate the potential for food to prevent and treat symptoms of neurological disease.

Parkinson’s disease has long been considered a neurological disorder. Yet, people with Parkinson’s exhibit both motor and non-motor symptoms, only some of which are brain derived. As we learn more and more about Parkinson’s, the gastrointestinal influences on disease is becoming increasingly clear. Not only do people with Parkinson’s experience constipation, there’s evidence that Parkinson’s may originate in the gut. In this seminar, we examine the gut-brain axis in Parkinson’s. We discuss microbiome influences on Parkinson’s, gut contributions to neuroinflammation, and strategies to balance the gut-axis in Parkinson’s disease.

Over the past several decades, we have gained immense insight into the world of the human microbiome. The observations made using techniques like Fecal Microbiota Transplant and microbial sequencing are contributing to a new paradigm of what it means to be human. We now know we are not alone in our own bodies. We are a compilation of trillions of microbes and human cells working together as an ecosystem with the bulk of this ecosystem residing in our colon. This ecosystem and the repercussions of its health are now being investigated outside the local GI system. The colonic microbiome is communicating with our brain through neuroimmune, neuroendocrine, and direct sensory input. The bi-directional role this gut-brain axis has on health expands our understanding of what GI and mental health really means.