The Role of Gut Microbiomes in Different Diseases

Review article

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal tract harbors trillions of microbial organisms collectively known as the gut microbiota. Next-generation sequencing techniques have revealed that the gut microbiota is composed of hundreds of bacterial species belonging predominantly to the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Under homeostatic conditions, the gut microbiota performs vital functions such as educating the immune system, defending against pathogen colonization, metabolizing nutrients, and producing neurotransmitters and vitamins. However, disruptions to the delicate balance of the gut microbiota composition, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to several diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated associations between dysbiosis and various systemic illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and liver conditions. Furthermore, certain gastrointestinal disorders themselves have been shown to alter the gut microbiota constituents. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the latest research investigating the potential role of gut microbial dysbiosis in the pathogenesis and progression of the aforementioned diseases. Understanding microbiota-disease relationships could lead to novel diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies.