[Fungi in the gut - the gut mycobiome]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• The human intestinal tract hosts a diverse fungal population, known as the gut mycobiome, comprising yeasts and molds.
• The gut mycobiome can dynamically respond to alterations in the gut bacterial flora.
• While a fungal diet has limited impact, some fungi are permanent residents of the gut flora.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dual role of the gut mycobiome in human health.
• To investigate the beneficial and detrimental effects of gut fungi.
• To understand the implications of gut fungi in disease development and progression.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on gut fungi and their interactions.
• Analysis of fungal components and their biological activities.
• Examination of fungal roles in gut health and disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Some gut fungi, like Rhodotorula, offer benefits by producing beneficial compounds (fatty acids, carotenoids) and metabolizing toxins.
• Fungal surface mannans can bind and neutralize toxins and pathogenic bacteria, aiding in their elimination.
• Certain fungi exhibit probiotic properties and their components, such as glucans, can modulate the immune system.
• Conversely, some fungi can become pathogenic, damaging the gut lining, inducing inflammation, and exacerbating chronic conditions.
• Gut fungi are implicated in obesity development and can serve as a reservoir for systemic infections.

Conclusions:

• The gut mycobiome possesses a complex, dual role, contributing to both beneficial functions and pathogenic processes.
• Fungal dysbiosis can lead to gut inflammation, metabolic disorders like obesity, and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Further research into the gut mycobiome is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for various health conditions.