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Related Concept Videos

Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

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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Gut-Brain Axis01:22

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The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such...
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Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

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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...
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Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

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The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
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Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

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Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Using Multi-fluorinated Bile Acids and In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Measure Bile Acid Transport
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Bile acids and the gut microbiome.

Jason M Ridlon1, Dae J Kang, Phillip B Hylemon

  • 1aDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University bMcGuire VA Medical Center cDivision of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.

Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|March 15, 2014
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Summary

The gut microbiome and host regulate bile acid levels, impacting health and disease. Microbial metabolism influences bile acid composition, affecting host physiology and potentially contributing to liver cancer.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Gastroenterology
  • Host-Microbiome Interactions
  • Metabolic Regulation

Background:

  • The bile acid-gut microbiome axis is a critical interface in host physiology.
  • Bile acids are increasingly recognized for their roles beyond digestion, influencing microbial communities and host metabolism.
  • Understanding this axis is crucial for comprehending health and disease states.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on the bile acid-gut microbiome axis.
  • To investigate microbial pathways involved in bile salt degradation.
  • To explore the impact of bile acid composition on the gut microbiome and host physiology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on bile acid metabolism and the gut microbiome.
  • Analysis of microbial pathways for bile salt transformation.
  • Examination of studies linking bile acid pool composition to host health and disease.

Main Results:

  • Bile acid pool size is significantly influenced by microbial metabolism in the intestines.
  • Bile acids act as regulators of the gut microbiome at high taxonomic levels.
  • Emerging evidence suggests bile acids function as hormones and may potentiate liver cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Host and microbiome collaboratively regulate the bile acid pool.
  • Microbial metabolism shifts bile acid pool towards a hydrophobic composition, impacting FXR signaling.
  • Altered bile acid hydrophilicity, reduced levels, and imbalances are linked to disease states like inflammation and bacterial overgrowth.