Role of the gut microbiota in human health

Abstract

Introduction: The human gut microbiota has become the subject of extensive research in recent years and the knowledge of the species inhabiting the gut is growing rapidly. Microbiota plays an important role in human health and diseases. It takes part in obtaining and storing energy, as well as in metabolic functions. The aim of the study: The purpose of the study is to collect and review scientific publications about the impact of gut microbiota on human health. Material and method: The paper uses standard criteria as the research method. The articles used to create the reviews were published on the PubMed and Google Scholar platforms. Description of the state of knowledge: Numerous studies suggest that composition of intestinal microbiota has impact on the long-term functioning of the human organism. Depressive disorders appear to be associated with changes in the microbiota. In depressed patients, fewer bacteria of the type Bacteroidetes and higher level of Alistipes are found. A few studies have demonstrated a link between gut microbial signatures and hypertension. Studies have shown that T2DM patients may have an altered composition of gut microbiota, mainly a decreased Bacteroidetes/ Firmicutes ratio and decrease in some functional bacteria when compared to healthy people. Intestinal microorganisms are also a key element in the proper functioning of the immune system by influencing the maturation process of the immune system's cells. Summary: To sum up, numerous studies indicate that abnormal composition of the intestinal microflora is the cause of not only faster development of metabolic syndrome, but also other diseases. It influences the development of circulatory, nervous or immune system diseases. Its abnormal composition is influenced by many factors such as diet, lifestyle or antibiotic therapy.

Evolution of Intestinal Microbiota of Asphyxiated Neonates Within 1 Week and Its Relationship With Neural Development at 6 Months

“…It may also be related to the disease status of the neonates themselves, as studies have also found that the richness and diversity of intestinal flora increase under certain disease conditions ( 31 , 32 ). Studies have found that the nervous system may be affected by the stress response system ( 24 , 33 ). Since asphyxia is a stressful condition that makes the body's hormone and blood sugar levels to change significantly, we believe that asphyxia may increase the richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota.…”

“…Many studies have found that intestinal flora is likely involved in regulating the development of the nervous system ( 51 ). Microbiota may also have a certain influence on human mental activities and behaviors ( 65 ) and play a very important role in human health ( 33 ). In this study, LEfSe showed that the dominant bacteria in the study group were Lachnospiraceae and Clostridia on day 1, and Clostridia were the dominant bacteria on day 3.…”

Possible Side Effects of Polyphenols and Their Interactions with Medicines

“…Dysbiosis involves the loss of beneficial bacteria and/or an expansion of pathogenic microbes (pathobionts), which leads to an imbalance between the number of particular bacteria or to reduced microbial diversity. It has been shown that dysbiosis promotes inflammation and immunological dysregulation, and is associated with various diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), cardiovascular diseases, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) [ 261 , 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , 266 ]. Instability of the gut microbiome can be caused by many factors, including infection, exercise, sleep pattern, exposure to antibiotics, various co-morbidities, and—as proven above—by diet.…”