The Microbiome and Dysbiosis in Various Pathologies

Dear Colleagues,

The gut microbiome is composed of a vast community of microorganisms that reside in the digestive tract, specifically the large intestine. This microbial ecosystem contains bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that, together, influence various physiological processes. The gut microbiota is made up of six major phyla of bacteria: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, and Fusobacteria. Each individual will have a different microbiota composition depending on factors such as their age, diet, stress level, and frequency of antibiotic use, along with various environmental factors.

The intestinal flora plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health, as it is involved in processes such as the digestion and absorption of nutrients, numerous metabolic processes, the support of immune function, and maintaining mental health.

The diversity of the microbiome is indicated by the variety of microorganisms that it contains. In general, a high diversity of microbiota is an indicator of a healthy intestinal flora. A decrease in physiological diversity can be a manifestation of dysbiosis and is frequently associated with an increase in potentially pathogenic bacterial species and the appearance of associated pathologies, such as metabolic, cardiovascular, dermatological, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases; digestive, neurological and psychiatric disorders; recurrent infections; and cancer.

Currently, there are a number of laboratory tests and analyses that help in assessing the health of the intestinal flora, providing valuable information with regard to health status, and aiding the diagnosis and treatment of associated diseases.

This Special Issue will include original research articles, case reports, and review papers investigating biochemical, genetic, and epigenetic biomarkers related to the risk of developing dysbiosis, in order to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms behind it. We will consider in silico and experimental in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical studies with the potential to improve the management (prevention, diagnosis, and treatment) of dysbiosis.

Prof. Dr. Roxana Liana Lucaciu
Prof. Dr. Lucia Maria Procopciuc
Prof. Dr. Adriana Corina Hangan
Guest Editors

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• metabolic diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, etc.)
• cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, hypertension, etc.)
• dermatological diseases (acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea)
• autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, etc.)
• digestive disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, lactose intolerance and other food intolerances, gastritis, helicobacter pylori infections, etc.)
• neurological and psychiatric disorders (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, autism)
• recurrent infections and low immunity
• cancer (colorectal, gastric, esophageal, hepatic, pancreatic, breast, pulmonary, etc.)
• biochemical, genetic and epigenetic biomarkers
• computational analysis