Regulation of the intestinal microbiota: An emerging therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

The rapid development of metagenomics, metabolomics, and metatranscriptomics provides novel insights into the intestinal microbiota factors linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Multiple microorganisms play a role in intestinal health; these include bacteria, fungi, and viruses that exist in a dynamic balance to maintain mucosal homeostasis. Perturbations in the intestinal microbiota disrupt mucosal homeostasis and are closely related to IBD in humans and colitis in mice. Therefore, preventing or correcting the imbalance of microbiota may serve as a novel prevention or treatment strategy for IBD. We review the most recent evidence for direct or indirect interventions targeting intestinal microbiota for treatment of IBD in order to overcome the current limitations of IBD therapies and shed light on personalized treatment options.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease; Pro/Prebiotics; Fecal microbiota transplantation; Herbal medicines; Clinical application

Core tip: In this review, we explore therapies targeting intestinal microbiota, such as fecal bacteria transplantation, pro/prebiotics, and herbal medicinal products, that represent effective therapeutic options to control and slow the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We also discuss some challenges and controversies in relation to these emerging therapeutic strategies. This has direct inspiration for researchers to overcome the current limitations of IBD therapies and shed light on personalized treatment options.