Host metabolic pathways via gut microbiota modulation

Host metabolic pathways via gut microbiota modulation refers to the systemic regulation of host energy balance, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism through the manipulation of the intestinal microbial community. The gut microbiota functions as a virtual endocrine organ, producing bioactive metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secondary bile acids, and amino acid derivatives that interact with host receptors like G-protein coupled receptors (GPR41/43) and nuclear receptors (FXR) (Fan & Pedersen, 2021). Dysregulation of this axis is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Cani, 2019). Therapeutic interventions targeting this system include prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and pharmacological agents like metformin, which exert part of their glucose-lowering effects by altering microbial composition (Wu et al., 2017). By enhancing the production of beneficial metabolites and maintaining gut barrier integrity, these therapies aim to reduce systemic inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity (Koh et al., 2016). However, the complexity and inter-individual variability of the microbiome present significant challenges for standardized drug development and clinical efficacy (Zmora et al., 2019).

Other names

Gut-microbiota-metabolism axisMicrobiota-host metabolic crosstalkGut-liver-metabolic axisMicrobiome-metabolic signaling

Modulation of microbial metabolite production (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, bile acids) and activation of host receptors (e.g., GPR41, GPR43, FXR, TGR5) to regulate systemic energy balance and insulin sensitivity.