The Local Defender and Functional Mediator: Gut Microbiome

Digestion. 2018;97(2):137-145. doi: 10.1159/000484687. Epub 2018 Jan 8.

Abstract

Background: The gut microbiome has been developing and making adaption all the time, which is consistent with their host from the initial colonization at birth or earlier. Emerging evidence is showing that dysbiosis is involved in various diseases associated with immune, metabolism, infection, nervous system, social behaviors, and psychopathology, etc., maybe via modulating gut barrier, microbiome-gut-brain axis, or some metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Summary: In the review, we will conclude the recent researches related to the influence of microbiome on local structure, function, regulation, metabolism of gut, and systematic modulation to the host, as well as some affective factors such as diet or antibiotics. Key Messages: It is a reasonable hypothesis that the balance of bioactive factors or cells and the opposites such as the regulatory T/helper T17 balance and interleukin (IL)-10/IL-17 balance plays a vital role in homeostasis of immunity system. Meanwhile, the link between gut microbiome and immune system via microbiota-derived metabolite SCFAs involved in multi-function of the host locally and systematically has been revealed. We hope to contribute to the microbiome-targeted treatment and prevention of some diseases.

Keywords: Gut barrier; Gut microbiome; Microbiome-gut-brain axis; Short-chain fatty acids.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Diet
  • Dysbiosis / chemically induced
  • Dysbiosis / immunology*
  • Dysbiosis / physiopathology*
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / immunology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity / physiology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / innervation
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Myenteric Plexus
  • Permeability
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile