Diet and gut microbiota in human health

Abstract

There is growing concern and appreciation of the role of our dietary factors in modulating the composition and metabolic activity of the human gut microbiota (microbiome or microflora), which, in turn can impact host health. Beyond prevention and treatment of infections, microbes in the intestine are now known to influence cholesterol metabolism, blood glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, obesity and demonstrate anti-hypertensive and anti-carcinogenic properties, by way of regulating host metabolic pathways and gene expression. Furthermore, recent research advances have expanded our understanding on the importance of the gut microbiome, and its potential involvement in neurological disorders impacting behaviour and mood. Mechanistic insights provide both neurotransmission and immune modulation inflammation routes, through which these effects can be mediated. The expression and function of the key players in adiposity and insulin resistance, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), also called G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR41) and peptide YY (PYY) are regulated by microbes and their products. Diet may potentially induce gut bacteria de-regulation and disrupt the basic functions of gut microbiota resulting in low grade inflammation, consequently paving the way for chronic non -communicable diseases (NCDs). In the present review, role of gut microbiome in obesity and diet induced inflammation and their health effects are discussed. Some insight into maternal microbiome in relation to reproductive health and pregnancy outcome, which is an emerging area, is also attempted.