Pathophysiological responses from human gut microbiome

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a vast collection of symbiotic microorganisms-collectively termed as “gut microbiome”. This microbiota has important effect in immune system and other host activities. Recent studies have suggested that alterations of the normal gut microbiota are associated with various human diseases and psychological disorders. The underlying cause, once proven, may provide novel insights into the importance of gut flora in human health. In this review, we give an attempt to describe how the alteration in the microbial community causes the development of certain widespread pathophysiological disorders; focusing on inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, obesity and autism. Proper knowledge about the host-microbiota interaction and linkage could be essential for the development of future personalized strategies of therapeutics.

Keywords: Human gut microbiome; Inflammatory bowel disease; Colorectal cancer; Obesity; Autism

Core tip: This review is an endeavor to provide an account about the human gut microbiome, their diversity, and disease causing capability. Till date, so many diseases have been associated with the alteration of gut microbiota. In this review we talk about four of the major diseases/disorders, viz., inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, obesity and autism.