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Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...

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Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

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The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...

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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Gut microbiota and obesity.

Emidio Scarpellini¹, Mariachiara Campanale, Diana Leone

¹Internal Medicine Department, Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.

Internal and Emergency Medicine

|September 25, 2010

Summary

The gut microbiome influences host metabolism and immunity. Modulating gut bacteria with therapies like probiotics shows promise for preventing and treating obesity and related metabolic diseases.

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An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

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Published on: July 31, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

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Published on: October 15, 2019

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Immunology
Microbiology

Background:

The intestinal ecosystem, comprising epithelium, immune system, and microbiota, maintains metabolic and immune homeostasis.
Obesity, a prevalent metabolic disorder, arises from disrupted energy balance.
Emerging evidence highlights the gut microbiota's role in regulating host metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the mechanisms by which gut microbiota influences host metabolism in health and disease.
To investigate the impact of microbial composition changes on nutrient absorption and energy utilization.
To review the therapeutic potential of microbiota-modulating agents in obesity and metabolic diseases.

Main Methods:

Analysis of animal studies detailing microbial regulation of host metabolism.
Review of current clinical practices using antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics.
Evaluation of preliminary results for obesity and metabolic disease prevention and therapy.

Main Results:

Qualitative and quantitative alterations in gut microflora affect nutrient absorption and energy distribution.
Microbiota modulation strategies are being explored for therapeutic applications.
Promising preliminary outcomes exist for using these strategies in managing obesity and metabolic disorders.

Conclusions:

The gut microbiota is a critical factor in host metabolic health.
Targeting the gut microbiota offers a potential therapeutic avenue for obesity and associated metabolic conditions.
Further research is warranted to optimize microbiota-based interventions.