Exploring Therapeutic Advances: A Comprehensive Review of Intestinal Microbiota Modulators

Abstract

The gut microbiota establishes a mutually beneficial relationship with the host starting from birth, impacting diverse metabolic and immunological processes. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance of microorganisms, is linked to numerous medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. This imbalance promotes the proliferation of toxin-producing bacteria, disrupts the host's equilibrium, and initiates inflammation. Genetic factors, dietary choices, and drug use can modify the gut microbiota. However, there is optimism. Several therapeutic approaches, such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, microbe-derived products, and microbial substrates, aim to alter the microbiome. This review thoroughly explores the therapeutic potential of these microbiota modulators, analysing recent studies to evaluate their efficacy and limitations. It underscores the promise of microbiota-based therapies for treating dysbiosis-related conditions. This article aims to ensure practitioners feel well-informed and up to date on the most influential methods in this evolving field by providing a comprehensive review of current research.

Keywords: dysbiosis; gut modulation; new microbiome-modifying; probiotics and prebiotics; therapeutic interventions.

Figure 1

Changes in the composition of gut bacteria throughout life. The mother’s microbiota changes during pregnancy and postpartum, potentially facilitating the transmission of certain strains. Childbirth methods and food intake influence dominant bacterial groups. Over time, solid food introduces a growing bacterial variety, reaching adult levels by age three. Scheme adapted from [7,8].

Figure 2

Illustration of the key concepts associated with probiotics, prebiotics, and related areas. Several emerging knowledge areas [22] intersect and connect with the established domains of probiotics and prebiotics [23].

Figure 3

Chronological overview of the advancements in probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics as outlined by the ISAPP. Legend: the FAO refers to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, whereas the WHO stands for the World Health Organisation. The red arrow represents the explosion of new terms (postbiotics, paraprobiótics etc.). The information was obtained from the website https://isappscience.org/ (accesed on 11 June 2024).