Beneficial impacts of postbiotic components -- Crosstalk between gut and organs

With the advancement of high-resolution techniques and multi-omics strategy, health implications of probiotics are investigated more profoundly, with the focus shifting from live microbial functions to their non-viable, health-beneficial byproducts, referred to as postbiotic components. Emerging evidence suggests these compounds are promising for non-invasive strategies to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Nonetheless, the understanding of their in vivo effects and mechanisms of action still awaits deeper and holistic exploration. This review presents an up-to-date overview of research on the bioactivities of postbiotic components, elucidating how they orchestrate intestinal homeostasis and systemic health via multi-directional communications. It further highlights the downstream metabolic consequences of typical bioactives by fostering crosstalk between gut and the liver, cardiovascular, and neural system. Finally, it outlines current challenges and future directions of research. These intricate interactions underscore that the gut serves not only as a digestive organ but also a nexus influencing physiological and pathological processes through the body. Compounds derived by probiotics are key drivers of intestinal homeostasis and powerful regulators of the physiology of distant organs. With further clinical investigations, they hold promise for establishment of novel postbiotic-targeted therapies to address health challenges in the future.