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The Role of Dysbiosis in Chronic Diseases
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The Role of Dysbiosis in Chronic Diseases

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 12336

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28248 Madrid, Spain
Interests: behavioral psychology; psychological testing; psychological assessment; public health; neurodegenerative disease; psychological health; pathological mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microbiota and its metabolites, the molecules produced in the gut during the breakdown of food, shape endocrine and neurological signals that directly impact both tissues and distant organs. The relationship between microbiota and health/disease has been extensively demonstrated in recent advancements in microbial profile analysis through techniques such as metagenomics, which enables the identification of different bacterial families and their DNA composition. The microbiota is involved in functions as heterogeneous as the modulation of energy balance (glucose metabolism, intake, energy expenditure, among others), as well as the regulation of the nervous system (NS) through the bidirectional communication of the microbiota–gut–brain axis.

Alterations in intestinal microbiota, known as intestinal dysbiosis, are recognized to be associated with the onset and progression of various chronic pathologies. When dysbiosis is present, communication between these systems is altered, and cell signaling is modified, facilitating a low-grade inflammatory state. In addition, synapses are disrupted, and the proliferation of neuronal growth factors is reduced, impacting cognitive functioning.

Therefore, the aim of this research topic is to study the impact of dysbiosis on people’s health, both as a pathological entity and as a risk factor in the appearance of other diseases. It addresses the molecular study of the main bacterial groups involved in the etiopathogenesis of chronic pathologies and their relationship with the severity of symptoms and the development of the disease.

In this Special Issue, we invite authors to submit their original research and review articles, contributing to a better understanding of the following topics:

  • Microorganisms in the modulation of the immune system.
  • Microbiota and the gut–brain axis.
  • Neurotransmitters and inflammatory processes.
  • Prebiotics, probiotics, and psychobiotics in chronic diseases.
  • Psychobiotics and nutrition.
  • Clinical applications using new interventions in chronic pathologies.

Prof. Dr. Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microbiota
  • dysbiosis
  • microbiota–gut–brain axis
  • microorganism
  • metabolites
  • clinical practices
  • prebiotics
  • probiotics

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

24 pages, 1162 KiB  
Review
The Role of Gut Microbiota in the Onset and Progression of Obesity and Associated Comorbidities
by Robert-Mihai Enache, Monica Profir, Oana Alexandra Roşu, Sanda Maria Creţoiu and Bogdan Severus Gaspar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12321; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212321 - 16 Nov 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3062
Abstract
Obesity, a global public health problem, is constantly increasing, so the concerns in preventing and combating it are increasingly focused on the intestinal microbiota. It was found that the microbiota is different in lean people compared to obese individuals, but the exact mechanisms [...] Read more.
Obesity, a global public health problem, is constantly increasing, so the concerns in preventing and combating it are increasingly focused on the intestinal microbiota. It was found that the microbiota is different in lean people compared to obese individuals, but the exact mechanisms by which energy homeostasis is influenced are still incompletely known. Numerous studies show the involvement of certain bacterial species in promoting obesity and associated diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc. Our aim is to summarize the main findings regarding the influence of several factors such as lifestyle changes, including diet and bariatric surgery, on the diversity of the gut microbiota in obese individuals. The second purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential effect of various microbiota modulation techniques on ameliorating obesity and its comorbidities. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed database, identifying articles published between 2019 and 2024. Most studies identified suggest that obesity is generally associated with alterations of the gut microbiome such as decreased microbial diversity, an increased Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and increased SCFAs levels. Our findings also indicate that gut microbiota modulation techniques could represent a novel strategy in treating obesity and related metabolic diseases. Although some mechanisms (e.g., inflammation or hormonal regulation) are already considered a powerful connection between gut microbiota and obesity development, further research is needed to enhance the knowledge on this particular topic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dysbiosis in Chronic Diseases)
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22 pages, 1385 KiB  
Review
Unravelling the Role of Gut and Oral Microbiota in the Pediatric Population with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
by Stefania Luppi, Luana Aldegheri, Eros Azzalini, Emanuele Pacetti, Giulia Barucca Sebastiani, Carolina Fabiani, Antonietta Robino and Manola Comar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910611 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2525
Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of pancreatic β cells, leading to hyperglycaemia and the need for lifelong insulin therapy. Although genetic predisposition and environmental factors are considered key contributors to T1DM, the exact [...] Read more.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of pancreatic β cells, leading to hyperglycaemia and the need for lifelong insulin therapy. Although genetic predisposition and environmental factors are considered key contributors to T1DM, the exact causes of the disease remain partially unclear. Recent evidence has focused on the relationship between the gut, the oral cavity, immune regulation, and systemic inflammation. In individuals with T1DM, changes in the gut and oral microbial composition are commonly observed, indicating that dysbiosis may contribute to immune dysregulation. Gut dysbiosis can influence the immune system through increased intestinal permeability, altered production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and interactions with the mucosal immune system, potentially triggering the autoimmune response. Similarly, oral dysbiosis may contribute to the development of systemic inflammation and thus influence the progression of T1DM. A comprehensive understanding of these relationships is essential for the identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring, as well as for the development of therapies aimed at restoring microbial balance. This review presents a synthesis of current research on the connection between T1DM and microbiome dysbiosis, with a focus on the gut and oral microbiomes in pediatric populations. It explores potential mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis contributes to the pathogenesis of T1DM and examines the potential of microbiome-based therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). This complex relationship highlights the need for longitudinal studies to monitor microbiome changes over time, investigate causal relationships between specific microbial species and T1DM, and develop personalised medicine approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dysbiosis in Chronic Diseases)
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26 pages, 2740 KiB  
Review
Dietary Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Cross-Talk: Molecular and Therapeutic Perspectives for Cardiometabolic Disease: A Narrative Review
by Raquel Cano, Valmore Bermúdez, Nestor Galban, Bermary Garrido, Raquel Santeliz, Maria Paula Gotera, Pablo Duran, Arturo Boscan, Ana-Karina Carbonell-Zabaleta, Samuel Durán-Agüero, Diana Rojas-Gómez, Jorge González-Casanova, Waldo Díaz-Vásquez, Maricarmen Chacín and Lissé Angarita Dávila
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 9118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25169118 - 22 Aug 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4107
Abstract
The intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and polyphenols has emerged as a captivating frontier in understanding and potentially harnessing the therapeutic potential of these bioactive compounds. Phenolic compounds, renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, are subject to intricate transformations [...] Read more.
The intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and polyphenols has emerged as a captivating frontier in understanding and potentially harnessing the therapeutic potential of these bioactive compounds. Phenolic compounds, renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, are subject to intricate transformations within the gut milieu, where the diverse microbial ecosystem exerts profound effects on their metabolism and bioavailability. Conversely, polyphenols exhibit a remarkable capacity to modulate the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, fostering a bidirectional relationship that extends beyond mere nutrient processing. This symbiotic interaction holds significant implications for human health, particularly in cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. Through a comprehensive exploration of molecular interactions, this narrative review elucidates the reciprocal dynamics between the gut microbiota and polyphenols, unveiling novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in cardiometabolic disorders. By unravelling the intricate cross-talk between these two entities, this review underscores the multifaceted roles of polyphenols in overall health and the pivotal role of gut microbiota modulation as a promising therapeutic strategy in mitigating the burden of cardiometabolic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dysbiosis in Chronic Diseases)
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16 pages, 1023 KiB  
Review
Implications of Butyrate Signaling Pathways on the Motor Symptomatology of Parkinson’s Disease and Neuroprotective Effects—Therapeutic Approaches: A Systematic Review
by Jorge Missiego-Beltrán, Eva María Olalla-Álvarez, Ana González-Brugera and Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168998 - 19 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1886
Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota alterations, specifically involving short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, may influence PD pathogenesis and symptomatology. This Systematic Review aims to synthesize current research [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota alterations, specifically involving short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, may influence PD pathogenesis and symptomatology. This Systematic Review aims to synthesize current research on the role of butyrate in modulating motor symptoms and its neuroprotective effects in PD, providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches. A systematic literature search was conducted in April 2024 across databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Wiley, and Web of Science, for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Keywords used were “neuroprotective effects AND butyrate AND (Parkinson disease OR motor symptoms)”. Four authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, applying inclusion criteria focused on studies investigating butyrate regulation and PD motor symptoms. A total of 1377 articles were identified, with 40 selected for full-text review and 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed on the study population, PD models, methodology, intervention details, and outcomes. Quality assessment using the SYRCLE RoB tool highlighted variability in study quality, with some biases noted in allocation concealment and blinding. Findings indicate that butyrate regulation has a significant impact on improving motor symptoms and offers neuroprotective benefits in PD models. The therapeutic modulation of gut microbiota to enhance butyrate levels presents a promising strategy for PD symptom management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dysbiosis in Chronic Diseases)
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