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Review
. 2025 Mar 27;87(4):2149-2162.
doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003099. eCollection 2025 Apr.

Influence of gut microbiota on the pediatric endocrine system and associated disorders

Krutik Shah  1 , Alina Sami Khan  2 , Digbijay Kunwar  3 , Sera Rachel Jacob  4 , Anum Akbar  5 , Ajeet Singh  6 , Mian Muhammad Hassan Ahmed  7
Affiliations
Review

Influence of gut microbiota on the pediatric endocrine system and associated disorders

Krutik Shah et al. Ann Med Surg (Lond). .

Abstract

The microbiota, a complex assembly of microorganisms residing in various body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in influencing various physiological processes in the human body. The dynamic nature of gut microbiota is especially pronounced in children and is influenced by factors like breastfeeding and antibiotic use. Dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in microbiota composition or function, is associated with several pediatric endocrine disorders, such as precocious puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. This review focuses on the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and the pediatric endocrine system. The aim of this narrative review is to critically examine the existing literature to elucidate the impact of gut microbiota on the pediatric endocrine system and associated disorders. Additionally, potential interventions, such as probiotics and current gaps in knowledge, will be discussed. Despite emerging treatments like probiotics, further research is needed to understand and validate their effectiveness in treating pediatric endocrine disorders associated with dysbiosis.

Keywords: dysbiosis; endocrine; gut microbiota; obesity; prebiotics; probiotics; synbiotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article. Nothing to declare.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Figure illustrates various internal and external factors that affect the composition and function of gut microbiota in children (created with biorender.com).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Overview of how gut microbiota influences various aspects of reproduction, cognitive, metabolic, and bone health (created with biorender.com).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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