The Gut-Lung Axis, Epigenetics and Respiratory Disease
Alex Seungyeon Byun1, Philip Chi Lip Kwok1, Hak-Kim Chan1
1School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition)
|April 29, 2026
Summary
The gut-lung axis connects the intestines and lungs, influencing respiratory health. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can restore gut microbial balance, potentially easing lung conditions and improving overall health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The human microbiome project revealed a complex ecosystem of microbes on human surfaces.
- Intestinal dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbes, is linked to various diseases, including inflammatory conditions and cancers.
- The gut-lung axis describes bidirectional communication between the intestines and lungs, impacting health at both sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in ameliorating respiratory symptoms associated with lung infections.
- To explore the gut-lung axis as a therapeutic target for respiratory and intestinal disorders.
- To discuss novel delivery strategies for probiotics to modulate lung microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the gut-lung axis and microbiome-modulating therapies.
- Analysis of studies investigating probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics for respiratory and intestinal health.
- Exploration of emerging delivery platforms for airway-targeted microbial interventions.
Main Results:
- The gut-lung axis plays a critical role in mediating respiratory and intestinal health.
- Oral probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can positively influence the gut microbiome, potentially impacting lung conditions.
- Direct airway administration of probiotics is a promising strategy for modulating lung microbiota.
Conclusions:
- Restoring gut microbial homeostasis via the gut-lung axis is crucial for managing inflammatory lung diseases.
- Targeted delivery of probiotics and related compounds offers a novel therapeutic approach for lung health.
- Further research into strain selection, viability, and delivery is needed for clinical application of these strategies.
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