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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

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...
Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
The Skin Microbiota01:27

The Skin Microbiota

The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...

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Analysis of Interactions between Endobiotics and Human Gut Microbiota Using In Vitro Bath Fermentation Systems
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Analysis of Interactions between Endobiotics and Human Gut Microbiota Using In Vitro Bath Fermentation Systems

Published on: August 23, 2019

Host responses to the human microbiome.

Fredrik Bäckhed1

  • 1Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research/Wallenberg Laboratory and Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, S-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden. Fredrik.Backhed@wlab.gu.se

Nutrition Reviews
|August 7, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The human gut microbiota, comprising trillions of bacteria, significantly impacts health and disease. Its composition is linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and obesity, highlighting its crucial role.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Human Physiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The human gut hosts a dense population of bacteria, known as the gut microbiota, which is comparable in size to the liver.
  • This complex microbial community possesses over 1,000 bacterial species and encodes significantly more genes than the human genome.
  • The gut microbiota has coevolved with humans, playing a vital role in host functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the profound influence of the gut microbiota on human health.
  • To highlight the association between gut microbial dysbiosis and common diseases.
  • To underscore the importance of considering the gut microbiota as a contributing factor in disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on gut microbiota composition and its effects.
  • Analysis of the functional capacity of the gut microbiota in relation to the human genome.
  • Correlation studies linking microbial alterations to specific disease states.

Main Results:

  • The gut microbiota significantly outnumbers human cells and possesses a vast genetic repertoire.
  • Gut microbes can modify dietary and endogenous molecules into bioactive signaling compounds.
  • Altered gut microbial composition is increasingly associated with inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiota functions as a critical 'organ' with substantial impact on host physiology.
  • Gut microbial dysbiosis is a significant contributing factor in the development of common diseases.
  • Further research into the gut microbiota is essential for understanding and treating various health conditions.