Human gut microbiota in health and disease: Unveiling the relationship

Abstract

The human gut possesses millions of microbes that define a complex microbial community. The gut microbiota has been characterized as a vital organ forming its multidirectional connecting axis with other organs. This gut microbiota axis is responsible for host-microbe interactions and works by communicating with the neural, endocrinal, humoral, immunological, and metabolic pathways. The human gut microorganisms (mostly non-pathogenic) have symbiotic host relationships and are usually associated with the host’s immunity to defend against pathogenic invasion. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is therefore linked to various human diseases, such as anxiety, depression, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. The mechanism leading to the disease development has a crucial correlation with gut microbiota, metabolic products, and host immune response in humans. The understanding of mechanisms over gut microbiota exerts its positive or harmful impacts remains largely undefined. However, many recent clinical studies conducted worldwide are demonstrating the relation of specific microbial species and eubiosis in health and disease. A comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota interactions, its role in health and disease, and recent updates on the subject are the striking topics of the current review. We have also addressed the daunting challenges that must be brought under control to maintain health and treat diseases.

HMOs Exert Marked Bifidogenic Effects on Children’s Gut Microbiota Ex Vivo, Due to Age-Related Bifidobacterium Species Composition

“…The gut microbiota is considered to be a vital organ with critical functions in sustaining human health [ 1 ]. Bacterial metabolites can influence physiological functions, from maintaining intestinal barrier integrity or local immunity to impacting gut-brain communication, adaptive immunity or appetite [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

Microbial Biosurfactant as an Alternate to Chemical Surfactants for Application in Cosmetics Industries in Personal and Skin Care Products: A Critical Review

“…The stability of the microbial communities at the various areas throughout the human body and the maintenance of the proper balance of these communities are directly associated with the surface active agents produced by these microorganisms. It was recognized that the microbial communities in many parts of the body are interconnected, including the mouth and the genital tract, and even the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary system [ 110 ]. As a result, scientists [ 110 , 111 ] demonstrated that bacteria are able to travel through the digestive tract and exchange ecological habitats with the intestines.…”

Association of the gut microbiota with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction: A Mendelian randomization study

“…As the prevalence of CAD increases globally under the current control measures, efficient new strategies are necessary to target CAD and modifiable risk factors. The gastrointestinal tract is where nutrients the body requires are digested and absorbed and where the greatest number and diversity of microbiota are found; the gut microbiota (GM) is a key regulator of metabolism and exhibits relative stability and resilience over time ( Rinninella et al, 2019 ; Afzaal et al, 2022 ). Accumulating evidence has revealed that the GM and metabolites are involved in human metabolism, immunity and inflammation processes and are involved in the development and progression of CAD ( Kazemian et al, 2020 ; Novakovic et al, 2020 ; Xu et al, 2020 ).…”