The human-microbiome superorganism and its modulation to restore health

Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Nov;70(7):781-795. doi: 10.1080/09637486.2019.1580682. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

Abstract

Microbiome is the community of microorganism that co-live with a host. The human being is the result of the integration of its genome and the coexistence with millions of microorganisms throughout its evolutionary history. Human-microbiome association can be considered a step of integration in evolution, constituting a superorganism. Many emergent diseases are related to the loss of part of this microbiome and its restoration can be achieved by different strategies. Gut microbiome imbalance is particularly associated with numerous inflammatory, immune and nervous system-related diseases by a communication pathway called microbiome-brain axis. Modulation of microbiome by administering prebiotics, like arabinoxylans, and synbiotics is a plausible treatment for dysbiosis, the regulation of neurotransmitters and alleviation of neurological manifestations.

Keywords: Microbiome; microbiome–brain axis; neurodevelopmental disorders; prebiotics; probiotics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bifidobacterium / physiology
  • Brain / microbiology
  • Dysbiosis
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology
  • Health*
  • Host Microbial Interactions / immunology
  • Host Microbial Interactions / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Microbiota / immunology
  • Microbiota / physiology*
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / microbiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / prevention & control
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics
  • Synbiotics

Substances

  • Prebiotics