Gut
Microbiome:
Influence and
treatment
Index
1) What is Microbiome?
2) Functions of gut microbiome in human
3) Diseases caused by it’s imbalance
4) Faecal microbiota Treatment
5) Previous results and success
6) Bibliography
Introduction
The microbiome is a vast and diverse community of
microorganisms that reside in and on the human body. It consists
of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that form
a complex ecosystem. These microorganisms play a crucial role in
maintaining our health and well-being.
One of the most extensively studied microbiomes is the gut
microbiome. It is located in the gastrointestinal tract and contains
a wide variety of bacterial species. These bacteria aid in the
digestion and absorption of nutrients, produce essential vitamins,
and contribute to the development and function of the immune
system. They also help in breaking down dietary fiber, which our
own cells cannot digest, and produce short-chain fatty acids that
have numerous health benefits.
The composition of the microbiome is influenced by various
factors, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and environment.
Disruptions in the balance of the microbiome, known as dysbiosis,
have been associated with various health conditions, such as
inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, allergies, and even mental
health disorders.
Functions of gut microbiome in human
The gut microbiome performs several important functions,
including:
1. Digestion and nutrient absorption: Certain microbes help break
down complex carbohydrates, fibers, and other components of
our diet that our bodies cannot digest on their own.
2. Immune system modulation [1]): The gut microbiome plays a vital
role in the development and functioning of the immune system. It
helps train the immune system to recognize and respond
appropriately to pathogens
3. Protection against pathogens: The gut microbiome helps protect
against harmful pathogens by competing for resources, producing
antimicrobial compounds, and promoting the integrity of the
intestinal lining.
4. Neurological function [2]: Emerging research suggests that the
gut microbiome has a bidirectional communication with the
central nervous system, known as the gut-brain axis. The microbes
in the gut can produce neurotransmitters and other signaling
molecules that can influence brain function, behavior, and even
mental health.
Disease caused by it’s imbalance
An imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, has
been associated with various diseases and health conditions.
1) Gastrointestinal Disorders: Dysbiosis has been linked to
conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease
and ulcerative colitis, and gastrointestinal infections.
2) Metabolic Disorders: Dysbiosis has been associated with
metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The gut microbiome
influences energy extraction from the diet
3) Mental Health Disorders: The gut microbiome has been
implicated in mental health conditions such as depression,
anxiety, and even neurodevelopmental disorders like autism
spectrum disorder. Dysbiosis may disrupt this
communication, potentially contributing to mental health
disturbances.
4) Allergies and Asthma: Dysbiosis in early life has been
associated with an increased risk of developing allergies and
asthma. The gut microbiome plays a role in immune system
maturation and regulation. The gut microbiota is involved in
the appearance of maternal IgA in milk due to its proximity
with peyer’s patches [3].
Fecal Microbiota Transfer
Fecal microbiota transfer (FMT), also known as fecal microbiota
transplantation or stool transplant, is a medical procedure that
involves transferring fecal matter from a healthy donor into the
gastrointestinal tract of a recipient. The goal of FMT is to restore a
healthy balance of gut bacteria and microbial diversity in the
recipient's gut.
FMT is primarily used as a treatment for recurrent Clostridium
difficile infection (CDI), a bacterial infection that causes severe
diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. CDI often occurs after
antibiotic treatment, which disrupts the natural gut microbiota
and allows C. difficile to overgrow.
A medical procedure that should only be performed by trained
healthcare professionals in appropriate clinical settings. It carries
potential risks, including the transmission of infections or the
introduction of unintended pathogens.
Previous results and success
1) This method is proven for curing the well known clostridium
difficile infection (CDI), which is recurring in many cases and
it happens due to recent antibiotic use (as antibiotics disrupt
the normal gut microbiota, allowing C. difficile to proliferate),
advanced age, prolonged hospitalization and previous
episodes of the disease.
This disease is dangerous due to its high recurrent rate
among the patients, about 60%. Due to very less success
rate, FMT is used to cure the CDI.
2) In recent cases it has also been use to treat moderate to
severe clinical depression patients. It was found effective in
those cases and linked the direct connection of gut micro
biome with the brain. To a surprise, those patients were also
suffering from chronic constipation.
Treatment
1) First a healthy fecal donor is donor is selected and
Bibilography
1)Thomas C.A. Hitch, Lindsay J. Hall
Microbiome-based interventions to modulate gut ecology and the
immune system
Mucosal Immunology (volume 15)
2) Rao, M., Gershon, M. The bowel and beyond: the enteric
nervous system in neurological disorders
3) Usami et al., 2021, Cell Reports 36, 109655(milk in colostrum)