The gut microbiota: cause and cure of gut diseases

Abstract

The gastrointestinal microbiota is emerging as a central factor in the pathogenesis of a range of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders. Epidemiological studies, and experimental studies in animals and humans, have highlighted a likely causative role of this microbial community in the modern global epidemics of inflammatory bowel disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver dis-ease, non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis, obesity and metabolic syndrome. ♦ New techniques for microbial culture and gene sequencing are enabling the identification of specific pathogens and protective organisms in these conditions. ♦ Factors that change the microbiota are being defined: dietary pattern, specific foods, food addit..