The interplay between gut microbiota metabolites and host body: Implications in health and disease

The gut microbiota has co-evolved with its host and forms an essential component of the human body. It is acquired at birth and continues to develop alongside the host, preserving its diversity and stability throughout life. The gut microbiota converts ingested foods into various metabolites, primarily Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), secondary bile acids, vitamins, and amines. The gastrointestinal tract and other distant organs are targets of compounds synthesized by gut bacteria, which serve as connectors between host cells and the microbiome. Modification of the gut microbiota and its metabolites has been the subject of numerous studies aimed at enhancing host health and preventing illnesses. They influence multiple metabolic pathways and contribute to obesity and insulin resistance. Research revealed that distinct gut microbial profiles are linked with overweight, influencing energy harvest from the diet and fat storage. Numerous antimicrobial peptides produced by intestinal bacteria exhibit potent antibacterial and antifungal activity. The gut microbiota can also produce compounds that affect vascular function and blood pressure regulation, highlighting the importance of microbial diversity in cardiovascular health. Furthermore, the gut-lung axis has been proposed as a pathway through which gut microbiota may influence cardiovascular outcomes. The metabolites influence both genetic and epigenetic regulation, as well as the metabolic activity of immune cells, including those involved in immunosuppression and inflammation. In this study, we focus on the synthesis of various compounds by bacteria, their impacts on the gut bacteria and host cells, and the potential of these substances to treat a range of diseases.