Gut microbiota dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel disease: Interaction with intestinal barriers and microbiota-targeted treatment options Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This review article explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly its interaction with intestinal barriers. It delves into how dysbiosis, defined as an imbalance in gut microbiota, contributes to the pathology of IBD by impairing intestinal barriers, including the chemical, mechanical, and immune layers. The study also covers microbiota-targeted therapies such as antibiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and their role in restoring the intestinal microecology in IBD patients.
Who was studied?
The study focuses on IBD patients, specifically examining how the gut microbiota composition and functionality differ between those with IBD (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and healthy individuals. IBD patients exhibit a significant reduction in gut microbiota diversity and an overgrowth of pathogenic species, such as Proteobacteria, while beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium and Roseburia are notably reduced. These microbiota alterations are associated with impaired intestinal barriers, contributing to the chronic inflammation seen in IBD.
Most important findings
The review highlights that dysbiosis in IBD is characterized by a reduction in beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and an increase in pro-inflammatory species like Proteobacteria. This microbial imbalance leads to impaired function of the intestinal barrier, which generally protects against harmful pathogens and regulates immune responses. The disruption of this barrier results in increased intestinal permeability, allowing bacteria and their byproducts to trigger an immune response, thus exacerbating inflammation. The review emphasizes the potential of microbiota-targeted treatments in addressing this dysbiosis. Probiotics, for instance, may help restore beneficial bacteria and improve gut health, while FMT shows promise in restoring a healthy microbiota and reducing inflammation. However, the use of antibiotics, while effective in reducing harmful bacterial populations, can sometimes worsen dysbiosis and further contribute to intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Key implications
This review underscores the importance of the gut microbiota in IBD management. The interaction between dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction highlights the need for microbiota-targeted treatments in clinical practice. While antibiotics can help manage infections, their long-term use can worsen dysbiosis. Probiotics and FMT, however, show promise in restoring gut homeostasis and improving IBD symptoms. The review also emphasizes the need for more research to optimize microbiota-targeted therapies and better understand the microbiota’s role in immune regulation and barrier function.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient to restore microbiome balance.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The exact cause of the disease remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Although there is no cure, ongoing advancements in medical research continue to improve management strategies and quality of life for those affected by Crohn's disease.