Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology section, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
Diabetes and endocrine and metabolic diseases Unit and the Centre for Applied Clinical Research (Ce.R.C.A.) Clinical Institute "Beato Matteo" (Hospital Group San Donato), 27029, Vigevano, Italy.
Endocrine. 2018 Sep;61(3):357-371. doi: 10.1007/s12020-018-1605-5. Epub 2018 May 2.
The microbiota is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms consisting of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi, living in different districts of the human body, such as the gastro-enteric tube, skin, mouth, respiratory system, and the vagina. Over 70% of the microbiota lives in the gastrointestinal tract in a mutually beneficial relationship with its host. The microbiota plays a major role in many metabolic functions, including modulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis, regulation of satiety, production of energy and vitamins. It exerts a role in the regulation of several biochemical and physiological mechanisms through the production of metabolites and substances. In addition, the microbiota has important anti-carcinogenetic and anti-inflammatory actions. There is growing evidence that any modification in the microbiota composition can lead to several diseases, including metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This is because alterations in the microbiota composition can cause insulin resistance, inflammation, vascular, and metabolic disorders. The causes of the microbiota alterations and the mechanisms by which microbiota modifications can act on the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases have been reported. Current and future preventive and therapeutic strategies to prevent these diseases by an adequate modulation of the microbiota have been also discussed.
微生物组是一个由细菌、病毒、原生动物和真菌组成的复杂微生物生态系统，生活在人体的不同部位，如胃肠道、皮肤、口腔、呼吸系统和阴道。超过 70%的微生物组生活在胃肠道中，与宿主处于互利关系。微生物组在许多代谢功能中发挥着重要作用，包括调节葡萄糖和脂质稳态、调节饱腹感、产生能量和维生素。它通过产生代谢物和物质来调节几种生化和生理机制。此外，微生物组具有重要的抗癌和抗炎作用。越来越多的证据表明，微生物组组成的任何改变都可能导致多种疾病，包括代谢疾病，如肥胖和糖尿病，以及心血管疾病。这是因为微生物组组成的改变会导致胰岛素抵抗、炎症、血管和代谢紊乱。已经报道了微生物组改变的原因以及微生物组修饰如何作用于代谢和心血管疾病发展的机制。还讨论了通过适当调节微生物组来预防这些疾病的当前和未来的预防和治疗策略。
