The Impact of Microbiome on Gastrointestinal Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to enable rapid publication of contributions on all aspects of molecular pathology. Not only experimental studies but also translational research and clinical trials are acceptable; however, clinical trials or datasets alone are not accepted.

The gut microbiome is critically involved in the pathophysiology of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. Dysbiosis has been shown to play a pivotal role in various diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and gastrointestinal malignancies. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms by which the gut microbiome contributes to the development and progression of these diseases have not yet been fully elucidated. A candidate key mechanism is the interaction between the gut microbiome and mucosal immunity, in which impairment of the mucosal barrier function is closely implicated, acting both as a cause and a consequence of this interaction. In addition, several factors, including antibiotic use, psychological stress, and dietary habits, are known to affect not only the composition of the gut microbiome but also mucosal barrier integrity, thereby promoting activation of the mucosal immune system and low-grade gastrointestinal inflammation.

Against this background, this Special Issue seeks original research articles and comprehensive reviews that provide novel insights into the interplay between the gut microbiome and the gastrointestinal immune system in a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders, with particular emphasis on related factors such as antibiotics, psychological stress, and diet, as well as the resulting low-grade gastrointestinal inflammation.

Dr. Hirokazu Fukui
Guest Editor

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