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Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment
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Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: November 17, 2018

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Antibiotics as deep modulators of gut microbiota: between good and evil

Gianluca Ianiro1, Herbert Tilg2, Antonio Gasbarrini1

  • 1Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, "Agostino Gemelli" University Hospital, Catholic University of Rome, Italy.

Gut
|August 18, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotics impact the gut microbiota, potentially causing harm or offering therapeutic benefits for non-communicable disorders. Understanding these effects is crucial for new treatment strategies beyond infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The human gut microbiota plays a critical role in health and disease.
  • Antibiotics, while essential for treating infections, can disrupt the gut microbiota.
  • Emerging evidence links antibiotic-induced microbiota alterations to various non-communicable disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of antibiotics in the pathogenesis and treatment of non-communicable disorders.
  • To explore the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiota composition and function.
  • To discuss novel therapeutic applications of antibiotics targeting microbiota-related conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on antibiotics and gut microbiota.
  • Analysis of drug-related and host-related factors influencing microbiota alterations.
  • Examination of antibiotic effects on conditions like IBS, IBD, metabolic disorders, and liver disease.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotic abuse is associated with disorders like Clostridium difficile infection and metabolic issues.
  • Antibiotics can be beneficial for conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Some antibiotics exhibit a 'eubiotic' effect, promoting beneficial gut bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotics significantly influence the gut microbiota, impacting various non-communicable diseases.
  • Antibiotics offer potential therapeutic avenues for microbiota-related disorders beyond infectious diseases.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between antibiotics, microbiota, and host health.
Keywords:
ANTIBIOTICSINTESTINAL BACTERIAINTESTINAL MICROBIOLOGYOBESITY

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