Interconnection between gut microbial metabolites and mitochondrial ROS production: implications for cellular health

Trillions of microbes inhabit the human gut and engage in diverse biological processes by secreting different metabolites. These metabolites influence mitochondrial function and produce ROS. This gut-mitochondrial communication plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular homeostasis, energy production, and oxidative stress management, all required for optimal health. Short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, amines, and gaseous metabolites are major gut metabolites that aid in governing mitochondrial processes to facilitate effective energy production and avoid oxidative damage. In the case of damaged mitochondrial function, it can alter gut flora (dysbiosis), resulting in inflammation and assisting a number of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, IgA nephropathy, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. The gut-mitochondria axis is a multifaceted interaction that regulates a cell's energy homeostasis and provides novel therapeutic opportunities. Probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modifications, and metabolite therapies have the potential to restore gut-microbe balance, enhance mitochondrial function, and reduce oxidative stress. These measures have the potential for new treatments for many diseases by modulating the gut-mitochondria axis. This review surveys interactions among gut microbiota, mitochondrial ROS, and the gut-mitochondria axis, describing how such relationships affect health and disease.