Functions of Gut Microbiota Metabolites, Current Status and Future Perspectives

Gut microbiota, a collection of microorganisms that live within gastrointestinal tract, provides crucial signaling metabolites for the physiological of hosts. In healthy state, gut microbiota metabolites are helpful for maintaining the basic functions of hosts, whereas disturbed production of these metabolites can lead to numerous diseases such as metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Although there are many reviews about the specific mechanisms of gut microbiota metabolites on specific diseases, there is no comprehensive summarization of the functions of these metabolites. In this Opinion, we discuss the knowledge of gut microbiota metabolites including the types of gut microbiota metabolites and their ways acting on targets. In addition, we summarize their physiological and pathologic functions in health and diseases, such as shaping the composition of gut microbiota and acting as nutrition. This paper can be helpful for understanding the roles of gut microbiota metabolites and thus provide guidance for developing suitable therapeutic strategies to combat microbial-driven diseases and improve health.

Automated summary

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the physiological functions of hosts by providing signaling metabolites. However, disturbed production of these metabolites can lead to various diseases. This paper discusses the types and ways of action of gut microbiota metabolites, as well as their physiological and pathological functions, such as shaping the composition of the microbiota and acting as nutrition. Understanding the roles of gut microbiota metabolites can guide the development of therapeutic strategies for microbial-driven diseases.