A new study shows that the HIV virus appears to have an easier time establishing itself in the gut than it does in the circulatory system.
Researchers from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have found that T-cells in the gut are particularly receptive to HIV and have six times the number of receptors compared with circulating blood cells.
One of the researchers, in an interview with Reuters Health, said that studies in monkeys have shown that regardless of HIV's port of entry into the body, viral cells flock to the gut.
This helps to explain why unprotected sex is so risky, since just a small tear in a mucosal surface could provide an easy entry for the virus.
Scientists are investigating whether a drug designed to block the T-cell receptors can be put into a lubricant or spermicide in order to prevent the spread or transmission of HIV.
AIDS August 2000.
I believe this study is useful to illustrate the incredible potential of the gut in healing. It is really the main central issue to physical healing. If your gut is not healthy it is very difficult to have overall optimal health.
Emotions also tend to enter into gut health as if your adrenal are not functioning properly due to stress they will not make an antibody called secretory IgA which is responsible for local immune function in the gut.
Additionally, most people are not aware that the vast majority of the body's serotonin (neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut. This is why some researchers call the gut the second brain. Fortunately the simplest way to improve your gut health is through dietary changes.
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