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Review
. 2023 Feb 8;10(3):49-62.
doi: 10.15698/mic2023.03.792. eCollection 2023 Mar 6.

The metabolites of lactic acid bacteria: classification, biosynthesis and modulation of gut microbiota

Huang Tang  1   2 , Wanqiu Huang  1   2 , Yu-Feng Yao  1   2   3   4   5
Affiliations
Review

The metabolites of lactic acid bacteria: classification, biosynthesis and modulation of gut microbiota

Huang Tang et al. Microb Cell. .

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are ubiquitous microorganisms that can colonize the intestine and participate in the physiological metabolism of the host. LAB can produce a variety of metabolites, including organic acids, bacteriocin, amino acids, exopolysaccharides and vitamins. These metabolites are the basis of LAB function and have a profound impact on host health. The intestine is colonized by a large number of gut microorganisms with high species diversity. Metabolites of LAB can keep the balance and stability of gut microbiota through aiding in the maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier, resisting to pathogens and regulating immune responses, which further influence the nutrition, metabolism and behavior of the host. In this review, we summarize the metabolites of LAB and their influence on the intestine. We also discuss the underlying regulatory mechanisms and emphasize the link between LAB and the human gut from the perspective of health promotion.

Keywords: gut microbiota; immune system; lactic acid bacteria; metabolites.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. FIGURE 1: Synthesis of amino acids, organic acids and vitamins in LAB.
Apart from extracellular polysaccharides and bacteriocin, the synthetic pathways of amino acids, organic acids and vitamins are similar in LAB.
Figure 2
Figure 2. FIGURE 2: Routes of communication in the gut-brain-axis (GBA).
The Gut microbiota is one of the key regulators of gut-brain function. Communication within the occurs through these three ways: the immune pathway, the neuroendocrine pathway (neurotransmitters), and the vagus pathway, involving microbial metabolites such as SCFAs. LAB maintain homeostasis and affect host behaviors via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. HPA, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, is central to homeostasis, stress responses, energy metabolism, and neuropsychiatric function.
Figure 3
Figure 3. FIGURE 3: The regulatory mechanism of the gut microbiota by LAB.
LAB inhibit invasion and colonization of pathogens through occupying adhesion sites and producing metabolites like organic acid, bacteriocin, and EPS. LAB also activate the host innate immune system and promote the secretion of cytokines and IgA, which strengthens the integrity of intestinal mucosa and protects the intestine against pathogens.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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