Decoding Blastocystis-Driven Mechanisms in Gut Microbiota and Host Metabolism

Blastocystis, a prevalent eukaryotic microorganism in the gut microbiota, has emerged as a potential link between healthy diets and improved cardiometabolic health. Despite its genetic diversity and varied host interactions, Blastocystis is consistently associated with healthier dietary patterns and reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Current evidence suggests that Blastocystis may influence host metabolism by modulating gut microbial composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, and immune cell differentiation. Moreover, its role in tryptophan metabolism provides intriguing insights into its potential impact on host signaling pathways. However, mechanistic evidence connecting Blastocystis to improved metabolic health remains limited. This perspective explores plausible pathways, including SCFAs-mediated signaling, tryptophan metabolism, and immune modulation, through which Blastocystis may exert its effects. A systematic research framework integrating axenic cultivation, in vitro co-culture systems, animal models, and multi-omics approaches is proposed to further elucidate these mechanisms and expand the understanding of Blastocystis in gut health and disease.