Beneficial modulation of the gut microbiota

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe human gut microbiota comprises approximately 100 trillion microbial cells and has a significant effect on many aspects of human physiology including metabolism, nutrient absorption and immune function. Disruption of this population has been implicated in many conditions and diseases, including examples such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer that are highlighted in this review. A logical extension of these observations suggests that the manipulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to prevent or treat these conditions. Thus, here we highlight a variety of options, including the use of changes in diet (including the use of prebiotics), antimicrobial-based intervention, probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation, and discuss their relative merits with respect to modulating the intestinal community in a beneficial way.

Modulation of the gut microbiota by prebiotic fibres and bacteriocins

“…These key functions are conserved among individuals and this set of genes is normally referred to as a core microbiome [1,31]. Various gut bacteria overlap functionally and they ensure that crucial functions are present in the gut (e.g.…”

“…Regarding antimicrobials, the inhibition spectrum (target specificity) is an important factor since antimicrobials with very broad spectra (such as antibiotics) may cause dysbiosis, perturbing the well-balanced gut microbiota [31]. Often the occurrence of dysbiosis depends on composition of the gut microbiota, the antimicrobial resistance genes within the gut community and the types of the antimicrobials applied during treatments [31,95].…”

“…Often the occurrence of dysbiosis depends on composition of the gut microbiota, the antimicrobial resistance genes within the gut community and the types of the antimicrobials applied during treatments [31,95]. The disturbed microbiota may lead to the overgrowth of pathogens, causing adverse effects on the host [31].…”

Advancing the use ofLactobacillus acidophilussurface layer protein A for the treatment of intestinal disorders in humans

“…[1][2][3] Moreover, it has consistently been noted that patients suffering from IBD have an altered or imbalanced gut microbiota, specifically reduced bacterial diversity, referred to as dysbiosis. 3 In fact, many studies indicate that dysfunctional immune responses are likely elicited by this imbalanced microflora.…”

Targeting colorectal cancer-associated bacteria: A new area of research for personalized treatments

“…Ideas on how to do so include antibiotics, modulation of the gut microbiota with a change of diet, probiotics, and fecal transplantation. [31][32][33] The ultimate goal is to decrease the amount of deleterious bacteria to the profit of beneficial bacteria. Indeed, it should be kept in mind that gut microbiota does not play a solely deleterious role in CCR but can be highly beneficial.…”