Gut microbiota and associated plasma metabolites

The gut microbiota and associated plasma metabolites represent a complex symbiotic ecosystem consisting of trillions of microorganisms and the chemical compounds they produce, which enter the host's systemic circulation (Nicholson et al., 2012, Science). This axis acts as a critical mediator of host physiology, influencing energy homeostasis, immune maturation, and signaling via the gut-brain axis through metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and indole derivatives (Fan & Pedersen, 2021, Nature Reviews Microbiology). Dysbiosis and the accumulation of harmful metabolites, such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), are linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease (Tang et al., 2013, NEJM). While not a single molecular target, this system is modulated by various interventions including probiotics, prebiotics, and drugs like metformin, which alter microbial composition to achieve therapeutic effects (Wu et al., 2017, Nature Medicine). Current research focuses on identifying specific microbial enzymes or metabolites as precise targets for small-molecule drug discovery.

Other names

Gut microbiomeIntestinal microbiotaMicrobiota-metabolite axisHost-microbe metabolome

Modulation of microbial community structure and alteration of the metabolic output (e.g., increasing short-chain fatty acids or decreasing trimethylamine N-oxide) to restore host-microbe homeostasis.