摘要
The gastrointestinal system of the human body is home for a large number and rich variety of microbes,including bacteria,viruses,fungi and protozoa,which are collectively known as the gut microbiota(the largest and most intricate“organ”within the body).Till now,the groundbreaking research has emerged elucidating the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in human health and disease.The normal gut microbiota,after long evolution with the host,has formed an interdependent and mutually limited homeostasis system,which can produce beneficial metabolites for preserving intestinal integrity and preventing the onset of leaky gut syndrome along with subsequent immune activation and inflammation.Although the number of gut microbial metabolites is not fully understood,several metabolites(e.g.,short-chain fatty acids and branched-chain amino acids)have been tested to determine positive or negative effects on the development of specific diseases,which may be a new direction for the prevention and treatment of diseases.
