Microbial endocrinology represents a newly emerging interdisciplinary field that is formed by the intersection of the fields of neurobiology and microbiology. This book will introduce a new perspective to the current understanding not only of the factors that mediate the ability of microbes to cause disease, but also to the mechanisms that maintain normal homeostasis. The discovery that microbes can directly respond to neuroendocrine hormones, as evidenced by increased growth and production of virulence-associated factors, provides for a new framework with which to investigate how microorganisms interface not only with vertebrates, but also with invertebrates and even plants. The reader will learn that the neuroendocrine hormones that one most commonly associates with mammals are actually found throughout the plant, insect and microbial communities to an extent that will undoubtedly surprise many, and most importantly, how interactions between microbes and neuroendocrine hormones can influence the pathophysiology of infectious disease.

The field of microbial endocrinology is expressly devoted to understanding the mechanisms by which the microbiota (bacteria within the microbiome) interact with the host (“us”). This interaction is a two-way street and the driving force that governs these interactions are the neuroendocrine products of both the host and the microbiota. Chapters include neuroendocrine hormone-induced changes in gene expression and microbial endocrinology and probiotics. This is the first in a series of books dedicated to understanding how bi-directional communication between host and bacteria represents the cutting edge of translational medical research, and hopefully identifies new ways to understand the mechanisms that determine health and disease.​

Microbial endocrinology represents a newly emerging interdisciplinary field that is formed by the intersection of the fields of neurobiology and microbiology. This book will introduce a new perspective to the current understanding not only of the factors that mediate the ability of microbes to cause disease, but also to the mechanisms that maintain normal homeostasis. The discovery that microbes can directly respond to neuroendocrine hormones, as evidenced by increased growth and production of virulence-associated factors, provides for a new framework with which to investigate how microorganisms interface not only with vertebrates, but also with invertebrates and even plants. The reader will learn that the neuroendocrine hormones that one most commonly associates with mammals are actually found throughout the plant, insect and microbial communities to an extent that will undoubtedly surprise many, and most importantly, how interactions between microbes and neuroendocrine hormones can influence the pathophysiology of infectious disease.

This new edition highlights the numerous advances made in the field of microbial endocrinology over the last five years. Prominent among these new topics featured is the emergence of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and the role it plays in brain function. Specific focus is given to the role of microbial endocrinology in the evolutionary symbiosis between man and microbe as it relates to both health and disease. With new chapters on the microbiome and its relation to neurochemicals, this new edition brings this important volume up to date.

This book reviews recent knowledge of the role of gut microbiome in health and disease. It covers extensive topics for several diseases, including metabolic-related diseases, allergies, gastrointestinal diseases, psychiatric diseases, and cancer, while also discussing therapeutic approaches by microbiota modification. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Gut Microbiome-Related Diseases and Therapies deepens a reader’s theoretical expertise in gut microbiome. Graduate and postdoctoral students, medical doctors, and biomedical researchers will benefit from this book.

The Gut-Brain Axis: Dietary, Probiotic, and Prebiotic Interventions on the Microbiota, Second Edition presents the most advances on how the gut microbiome influences central nervous system and brain function introduced in the first edition. The book also describes how environmental influences which affect the microbiota, including, diet, exercise, and early-life, impact on the gut-brain axis. The second edition contains new chapters on metabolomics and the gut-brain-axis; dietary factors in the maintenance of a healthy brain ; the role of gut microbes in neurodegenerative disorders; the link between exercise and the gut-brain-axis; and infant Nutrition, the microbiome and neurodevelopment. In addition, the second edition presents coverage of mechanisms underlying neurological disease; approaches to investigate the role of the microbiome in brain and behavior, and 'next generation' probiotics and prebiotics. The Gut-Brain Axis: Dietary, Probiotic, and Prebiotic Interventions on the Microbiota, Second Edition continues to be the “go-to resource for further exploration of the microbiota. Includes new chapters focused on metabolomics and the gut-brain axis; dietary polyphenols to maintain healthier brain measures and cognitive function; the role of gut microbes in Parkinson’s Disease; the microbiota-gut-brain axis in psychosis; exploration of exercise and the gut-brain axis; and coverage of pediatric nutrition Updated chapters reflect on the most recent advances on the role of the microbiome and gut-brain axis in early-life, aging, cognition, metabolism, neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as on the enteric nervous system Addresses the role of diet and the gut-brain axis across several chapters with unique author insights and perspectives Examines common mechanisms and pathways by which the microbiota may influence brain and behavior Discusses strategies to explore the contribution of the microbiome to the gut-brain axis; methods to enhance therapeutic strategies targeted toward the microbiota; and presents a case study demonstrating a rational screening approach to increase translational success

In recent decades we have come to realize that the microbial world is hugely diverse, and can be found in the most extreme environments. Fungi, single-celled protists, bacteria, archaea, and the vast array of viruses and sub-viral particles far outnumber plants and animals. Microbes, we now know, play a critical role in ecosystems, in the chemistry of atmosphere and oceans, and within our bodies. The field of microbiology, armed with new techniques from molecular biology, is now one of the most vibrant in the life sciences. In this Very Short Introduction Nicholas P. Money explores not only the traditional methods of microscopy and laboratory culture but also the modern techniques of genetic detection and DNA sequencing, genomic analysis, and genetic manipulation. In turn he demonstrates how advances in microbiology have had a tremendous impact on the areas of medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.