The Gut Microbiota: A Clinically Impactful Factor in Patient Health and Disease

Abstract

The gut microbiota, often referred to as the body's virtual organ, is a complex ecosystem made up of trillions of microorganisms that interact with host physiology in a myriad of ways. This lifelong interaction begins in the early stages of life, and it is subject to alterations exerted by environmental factors, especially those that characterise modern societies such as ultra-processed foods and pharmaceutical interventions, amongst others. These alterations, in turn, carry with them implications for host health and disease. Due to this putative role in human health and the fact that study of the gut microbiota is now rapidly evolving, it is of paramount importance that all clinicians be aware of the most up-to-date literature in this field. Herein, we present a state-of-theart review which aims to outline the most relevant pre-clinical and clinical knowledge around the gut microbiota-host interaction. This review focuses primarily on the development and key functions of the gut microbiota with respect to host health and disease, but also addresses the basic concept of gut dysbiosis.

Functional Constipation and the Gut Microbiome in Children: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

“…The gut microbiome is composed of trillions of microorganisms and is considered the "body's virtual organ" given its importance in maintaining host homeostasis (23). Disruptions in the gut microbiome are often referred to as "dysbiosis" and have increasingly been associated with a number of disease states in children (24), including functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (25)(26)(27) and constipation (28)(29)(30).…”

Potential Elimination of Human Gut Resistome by Exploiting the Benefits of Functional Foods

“…In contrast to previous beliefs that newborns were free of bacteria, it is now a proven fact that bacteria are present in the endometrium, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, and meconium (Amenyogbe et al, 2017), and different environmental factors, such as the delivery mode (cesarean or vaginal), feeding style (breastfeeding or formula), gestational age, administration of probiotics or prebiotics, diet, exercise, geography, genetics, and air pollution are the most pivotal determinants for gut microbiota modifications that lead to the development of a mature and healthy gut (Bezirtzoglou and Stavropoulou, 2011;Koren et al, 2013;Tanaka and Nakayama, 2017;Thursby and Juge, 2017;Angelakis and Raoult, 2018;Avelar Rodriguez et al, 2018;Ficara et al, 2018;Leoni et al, 2019). It's quite controversial whether the human placenta includes microbes.…”

“…A mutually beneficial relationship is established between the gut microflora and human host. This is called "eubiosis, " and, among other things, it aids in regulating digestion, immune function, resistance against pathogens, and the maintenance of an intact alimentary track epithelium (Brestoff and Artis, 2013;Avelar Rodriguez et al, 2018). Any disruption of this balance leads to changes in composition and diversity, called "dysbiosis, " and this has a negative impact on host health.…”

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Children: A State-Of-The-Art Review

“…In contrast, although increasing evidence has suggested that the infant gut microbiota is acquired in utero , a technically comprehensive multimodal investigation recently failed to detect any placenta dwelling microorganisms (29). The gut microbiota maintains a life-long symbiotic relationship with the human host, providing a plethora of important functions; from vitamin and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production to immunoregulation and neuropeptide secretion [for review see (30)].…”

“…The composition and functionality of the gut microbiota is shaped and influenced by a multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as genetics, mode of delivery, gestational age, feeding type and diet, pharmaceuticals, and exercise (30). The composition of the gut microbiota exhibits variations related to the anatomical portion studied, which is mainly influenced by factors such as the luminal oxygen concentration and pH.…”