Metabolic Influences of Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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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.
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Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune disease is when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, often linked to imbalances in the microbiome, which can disrupt immune regulation and contribute to disease development.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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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 explores the metabolic influences of gut microbiota dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically examining how alterations in gut microbiota composition contribute to the progression of IBD. The authors investigate the role of microbial changes in metabolic pathways, highlighting how dysbiosis affects both immune response and metabolic functions in the colon.
Who was studied?
The review focuses on human patients diagnosed with IBD, particularly those with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The authors detail changes in the microbial composition of the gut in these patients compared to healthy individuals, highlighting key microbial species such as Escherichia coli, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes that are either depleted or enriched during the disease.
Most important findings
The review identifies several key findings in the relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and IBD. Notably, IBD patients exhibit reduced diversity in their gut microbiota, with a depletion of beneficial short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and an increase in proinflammatory microbes like adherent-invasive E. coli. These microbial shifts are linked to the disturbance of critical metabolic functions such as bile acid hydrolysis, SCFA production, and redox balance. The review also discusses the metabolic dysfunction of the host, including defective SCFA transport, impaired hydrogen sulfide detoxification, and disrupted immune signaling pathways, all of which contribute to chronic inflammation and disease progression.
Key implications
This review underscores the complex interaction between gut microbiota dysbiosis and host metabolism in IBD. The metabolic perturbations driven by microbial imbalances are critical to disease development, suggesting that targeting these microbial pathways could offer new therapeutic strategies. Approaches such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics, aimed at restoring microbiota balance, are highlighted as potential treatments. However, further research is needed to clarify the cause-effect relationship and to identify specific molecular mechanisms governing these interactions.
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.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient to restore microbiome balance.
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.