Clinical Evidence Linking the Gut Microbiome and Functional Dyspepsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research
• Metabolomics

Background:

• The gut microbiome is increasingly implicated in functional dyspepsia (FD).
• The exact relationship between gut microbiota and FD pathophysiology remains unclear.
• This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes the gut microbiome's role in FD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the gut microbiome's role in functional dyspepsia (FD).
• To analyze differences in gut microbiota between FD patients and healthy individuals.
• To assess the impact of interventions on the gut microbiome in FD.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science.
• 17 clinical studies (8 observational, 9 interventional) published up to September 2025 were included.
• Meta-analysis was used to synthesize data on gut microbiota and FD.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in gut microbiota diversity (α or β) were found between FD patients and healthy controls.
• Interventions led to significant shifts in microbial community structure.
• These microbial shifts correlated with increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and improved FD symptoms.

Conclusions:

• While baseline gut microbiota composition doesn't differ significantly in FD, interventions can induce substantial microbial changes.
• Modulating gut microbiota and its metabolites, like SCFAs, presents a potential therapeutic avenue for FD management.