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Review
. 2023 Sep;66(9):1976-1993.
doi: 10.1007/s11427-022-2359-4. Epub 2023 Jul 28.

Trace metal elements: a bridge between host and intestinal microorganisms

Yong Ma  1 , Yanquan Fei  1 , Sujuan Ding  1 , Hongmei Jiang  1 , Jun Fang  2 , Gang Liu  1
Affiliations
Review

Trace metal elements: a bridge between host and intestinal microorganisms

Yong Ma et al. Sci China Life Sci. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Trace metal elements, such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, are essential nutrients for biological processes. Although their intake demand is low, they play a crucial role in cell homeostasis as the cofactors of various enzymes. Symbiotic intestinal microorganisms compete with their host for the use of trace metal elements. Moreover, the metabolic processes of trace metal elements in the host and microorganisms affect the organism's health. Supplementation or the lack of trace metal elements in the host can change the intestinal microbial community structure and function. Functional changes in symbiotic microorganisms can affect the host's metabolism of trace metal elements. In this review, we discuss the absorption and transport processes of trace metal elements in the host and symbiotic microorganisms and the effects of dynamic changes in the levels of trace metal elements on the intestinal microbial community structure. We also highlight the participation of trace metal elements as enzyme cofactors in the host immune process. Our findings indicate that the host uses metal nutrition immunity or metal poisoning to resist pathogens and improve immunity.

Keywords: host immunity; intestinal microorganisms; metal metabolism; trace metal elements.

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