Host Gut Microbiota and Environment

The host gut microbiota and environment encompass the vast community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, along with the local physiological conditions such as pH and mucus layers. This complex ecosystem functions as a metabolic organ, contributing to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, the synthesis of vitamins (e.g., K and B12), and the maturation of the host immune system (NIH, 2023). It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the intestinal barrier and preventing the colonization of pathogenic organisms. Disruptions to this balance, termed dysbiosis, are implicated in a wide range of pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, and neuropsychiatric disorders (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2021). Therapeutic strategies targeting this system include the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation to restore healthy microbial diversity. Additionally, common drugs like metformin have been shown to exert part of their therapeutic effect by altering the gut microbial composition (Nature Medicine, 2017). The environment also influences drug metabolism and bioavailability, making it a critical factor in personalized medicine.

Other names

Gut microbiomeIntestinal floraGastrointestinal microbiotaCommensal microbiotaGut-lung axisGut-brain axis

Modulation of microbial composition and diversity, production of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and restoration of homeostatic balance (eubiosis) from a state of dysbiosis.