The gut microbiota plays a vital role in maintaining human health by regulating immune responses,
metabolism, and protection against pathogens. It supports nutrient digestion, produces short-chain fatty
acids (SCFAs) and synthesizes essential vitamins such as biotin, folate, and vitamin K. The major
microbial phyla include Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Archaea.
The composition and diversity of the gut microbiome are influenced by factors such as age, diet,
medication use, lifestyle and gender. Disruption of this balance, referred to as dysbiosis, is linked to
various non-communicable diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer,
obesity, and autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Dysbiosis
contributes to immune dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances through altered SCFA
production and increased intestinal permeability. Therapeutic strategies including dietary interventions,
prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) are being explored to
restore microbial balance. Among these, FMT has shown notable success in treating recurrent
Clostridium difficile infections, highlighting the potential of microbiota-based therapies. Overall,
preservation of a healthy gut microbiome is essential for immune and metabolic homeostasis and may
serve as a promising approach for the prevention and management of chronic diseases.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Dysbiosis, Fecal microbiota transplantation, Probiotics
Publication date: 01/09/2026
https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/September/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10436.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.9.10436
