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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish 28 citations

PubMed: 37895405 DOI: 10.3390/life13102023

The Gut-Organ Axis within the Human Body: Gut Dysbiosis and the Role of Prebiotics.

Life (Basel) 13(10)

Authors: Georgia Saxami, Evangelia N Kerezoudi, Christos Eliopoulos, Dimitrios Arapoglou, Adamantini Kyriacou

Affiliations

  • Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece.
  • School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
  • Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, L. Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lykovryssi, Greece.

Abstract

The human gut microbiota (GM) is a complex microbial ecosystem that colonises the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and is comprised of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The GM has a symbiotic relationship with its host that is fundamental for body homeostasis. The GM is not limited to the scope of the GIT, but there are bidirectional interactions between the GM and other organs, highlighting the concept of the "gut-organ axis". Any deviation from the normal composition of the GM, termed "microbial dysbiosis", is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Only a few studies have demonstrated a relationship between GM modifications and disease phenotypes, and it is still unknown whether an altered GM contributes to a disease or simply reflects its status. Restoration of the GM with probiotics and prebiotics has been postulated, but evidence for the effects of prebiotics is limited. Prebiotics are substrates that are "selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit". This study highlights the bidirectional relationship between the gut and vital human organs and demonstrates the relationship between GM dysbiosis and the emergence of certain representative diseases. Finally, this article focuses on the potential of prebiotics as a target therapy to manipulate the GM and presents the gaps in the literature and research.

MeSH

Dysbiosis, Prebiotics

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