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Intestinal microbiota and stress: how much do we know so far
Noorulain Hyder1, Muhammad Liaquat Raza2,3,4
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Environmental stress significantly impacts gut microbiota, potentially causing dysbiosis. This review explores stress-induced changes in gut microbes and their underlying mechanisms, highlighting the gut microbiome
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Stress Research
Background:
- Stress is a nonspecific systemic response affecting multiple physiological systems.
- Gut microbiota are crucial for human microecology and overall health.
- Stress can disrupt the gut microbiome, impacting the intestinal barrier, immune system, and motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in gut microbiota composition due to environmental stress.
- To explore the potential mechanisms underlying stress-induced gut dysbiosis.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review.
- It synthesizes existing research on the relationship between environmental stress and gut microbiota.
Main Results:
- Environmental stress can induce significant changes in the gut microbiota.
- These changes are linked to disruptions in intestinal mucosal barrier function, immune responses, and gastrointestinal motility.
Conclusions:
- Stress-induced gut dysbiosis is a significant concern for host health.
- Understanding the mechanisms involved is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome.
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