The roles of the gut microbiome in the development and progression of sepsis and its therapeutic potential

Sepsis, which can lead to immune dysregulation and multiple organ dysfunction, causes approximately 11 million lives worldwide annually and is one of the most common causes of death in intensive care units. The gut microbiome, specifically referring to gut bacteria, is a crucial component of the human microbiota that contributes to systemic immune homeostasis. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance of the gut microbiota, can lead to impaired immune defense, compromised intestinal barrier integrity, and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Given the gut microbiome's immense genetic and metabolic diversity, it has shown promising potential in precision medicine and personalized treatment. This review primarily summarized the impacts of the gut microbiome on the development of sepsis. It described potential therapeutic approaches, providing a new perspective for future research aimed at reducing the risk of sepsis, decreasing mortality rates, and improving patient outcomes by modulating the gut microbiome.