Gut Microbiota Research

Gut micorbiota has been a large-scale research in recent years. It is shown that the gut microbiota coevolves with us (Ley et al, 2008). Over 100 trillion of gut microbiota are produce by the body which have an large impact on the immune system, human physiology, metabolism and nutrition (Ley et al, 2006). Disablility of the gut to harbour the community of microbial cells has been linked to gut diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompasing ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, obesity (Zhang et al, 2009) and malnutrition (Kau et al, 2011). It is also known as the hidden metabolic 'organ'. The gut produces a variety and complex microbial community which acts an important role in human health. It has been estimated that 1000 bacterial species and 100-fold genes can be found in human gut (Ley et al, 2006). The newborn's digestive tract was sterile, gut microbiota starts to colonised rapidly after birth and continue its evolution throughout life. Enterobacter, Enterococci, Bifidobacteria, Clostridia, Streptococci are the early colonizers. The composition of gut microbiota is unique in each individual, with a small phylogenetic overlap between people. Even in twins they share less than 50% of species phelotype (Turnbaugh et al, 2010). It is shown that there is a stable core microbial colonies in an individual even though it can be influences by aging, diet, environment and health status (Qin et al, 2010).

Gut microbiota plays an important role in human metabolism. The important sources of energy for human and microbial cells are carbohydrates. Most complex carbohydrates and plant polysaccharides, such as cellulose, xylans, resistance starch and inulin cannot be digested by the human enzymes. The gut micro...

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...romental and genetic may also be the cause of it. It is shown that patients with type 2 obesity have different composition of gut microbiota in compare to healthy control,but it still remains doubtful whether the alteration of gut microbiota is the cause of type 2 diabetes. Moving on, Larsen and colleagues did an awesome studies recently. They show that the compostition of Firmicutes were decreased while Bacteriodetes increased (Larsen et al, 2010).

In conclusion, gut microbiota plays an important role in human health and disease by affecting host metabolism and immune system. It aids in the human metabolism, physiology, immune system and nutrition. Gut microbiota evolves together with us. The alteration of composition of gut microbiota leads to many chronic GI diseases. By various method, we can know that which microflora is harmful and give benefits to human gut.