Impact Of gut microbiota-derived metabolites on chemical pathology markers

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining systemic health through the production of bioactive metabolites that influence metabolic, hepatic, and inflammatory pathways. While emerging studies have highlighted individual microbial metabolites in disease modulation, limited research has integrated these compounds with clinical biochemical markers in human subjects. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota-derived metabolites—specifically short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and indole derivatives—and chemical pathology markers indicative of liver function, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and systemic inflammation. An experimental research design was employed involving 120 adult participants aged 25–60 years, recruited from a tertiary hospital and surrounding communities in Delta State, Nigeria. Participants were stratified into two groups: individuals with metabolic disorders (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia) and matched healthy controls. Stool samples were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics (LC-MS and GC-MS) to assess microbiota composition and metabolite concentrations. Fasting blood samples were collected and tested for ALT, AST, ALP, lipid fractions, fasting glucose, HbA1c, CRP, and IL-6 using standard biochemical assays. The results revealed that individuals with metabolic disorders had significantly lower levels of SCFAs and indole-3-propionic acid, and elevated TMAO levels. These changes were strongly associated with increased LDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, and inflammatory markers. Multivariate analysis identified distinct microbial and metabolic profiles between the two cohorts. The findings suggest that gut-derived metabolites are closely linked to key biochemical indicators of metabolic and inflammatory health, reinforcing their potential use as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and personalised treatment. Overall, the study advances the understanding of gut microbiota-host interactions and supports the integration of microbiome-based diagnostics in clinical practice.