Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, the incidence of which has rapidly increased worldwide, especially in developing and Western countries. Recent research has suggested that genetic factors, the environment, microbiota, and immune responses are involved in the pathogenesis; however, the underlying causes of IBD are unclear. Recently, gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially a decrease in the abundance and diversity of specific genera, has been suggested as a trigger for IBD-initiating events. Improving the gut microbiota and identifying the specific bacterial species in IBD are essential for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of IBD and autoimmune diseases. Here, we review the different aspects of the role played by gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBD and provide a theoretical basis for modulating gut microbiota through probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and microbial metabolites.

Keywords: fecal microbiota transplantation; gut microbiota; immunity; inflammation; inflammatory bowel disease; probiotics.

Figure 1

The gut microbiota is altered in IBD patients compared to healthy subjects. Up-arrows indicate an increase, down-arrows indicate a decrease, and horizon-arrows indicate no changes.

Figure 2

Improved intestinal environment alleviates IBD. Modulating gut microbiota, such as probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and gut microbial metabolites, can alleviate IBD symptoms by suppressing gastrointestinal inflammation.