Maria Teresa Anfossi
Biography
Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pavia. Specialised in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy at the same university. Long hospital experience at the AUSL of Modena, working in the departments of Emergency Medicine, First Aid and Territorial Emergencies, she has worked in the field of Pain Therapy and Palliative Care during her hospital activity in AUSL Modena. She currently works as a freelance doctor specialising in Gastroenterology in Turin, Bologna and Vignola. An expert in integrative and systemic medicine, she deals with the analysis of the intestinal microbiota and its correlation with gastroenteric and systemic pathologies. Lecturer in many courses and training courses in both Emergency and Rescue Medicine and Systemic Gastroenterology; many dissemination activities in prevention and treatment.
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the completion of digestion, absorption of nutrients, regulation of the immune system and production of beneficial metabolites. Imbalance of the microbiota (dysbiosis) leads to overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, decreased beneficial specifications and damage to the epithelial barrier, causing local and systemic pro-inflammatory phenomena. The damaged barrier worsens said inflammation through activation of innate and adaptive immune cells; this is the trigger for major intestinal disorders such as IBS, IBD, Leaky Gut, SIBO, etc. It can induce alterations in gastroenteric motility and permeability also at the expense of other mucous barriers, through changes in the microcirculation (intra- and submucosal vascular plexuses) involving other epithelia (bronchial, BEE, placental, etc.). In these phenomena we identify the key to restoring eubiosis and consequently intestinal and systemic health, by analysing the metabolites most directly linked to the direct function of the intestinal wall and microbiota.
