Bird’s Eye View of Gut Microbiota: Role In Health And Disease

The human gut hosts several trillion organisms, forming a complex ecosystem. In a state of health, the good microbes contribute to the defense mechanisms and protect the host. Alterations in gut microbiota can lead to metabolic or immune disorders. A symbiotic relationship exists between the host and the gut microbiota. This review defines and details gut microbiota and related terminologies, explores its mechanisms of action, and examines its association with several commonly encountered autoimmune and metabolic disorders, as well as several autoimmune and metabolic disorders. Additionally, it summarizes methods for modulating gut microbiota to treat, reverse, or prevent certain diseases. Emerging technologies for fingerprinting gut microbiota and their potential to introduce new therapeutic modalities are also discussed.