Gut Microbiota Axes and Human Health

A Special Issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607) belonging to the section "Gut Microbiota".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 October 2026 | Viewed by 3627

Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine II, Thuringia-Clinic Saalfeld, Teaching Hospital of the University of Jena, Saalfeld, Germany
Interests: gut microbiota; disorders of microbiota brain-gut axis; inflammatory bowel diseases; food intolerances; gut microbiota-liver axis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The microbiome of the human gut is a complex assemblage of microorganisms that are in a symbiotic relationship with one another and are implicated in health and several diseases. The gut microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea . Quantitative and qualitative change of gut microbiota (intestinal dysbiosis) is associated with several chronic diseases. There is strong evidence that gut microbiota and its metabolites communicate  with other organs and may be responsible for the development of diseases inside and outside the gut. In recent years, multiple axes between gut microbiota have been discovered, such as the gut-microbiota–brain axis, gut–liver axis, gut–joint axis, gut–skin axis, gut–heart axis, and gut–lung axis. By expanding our understanding of different gut–organ axes, we may develop comprehensive strategies to prevent or treat chronic diseases more effectively. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is focused on the role of different microbiota axes on our health and in the development of different chronic diseases. This Special Issue may be printed in book form if at least number of 10 articles is reached. Original articles or reviews are welcome. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Peter C. Konturek
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
  • chronic liver diseases
  • skin diseases
  • cancer immuntherapy
  • chronic diseaes
  • autoimmune diseases
  • gut metabolites
  • gut barrier disturbance
  • allergic diseases
  • post-COVID-19
  • chronic lung diseases

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Review

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28 pages, 1731 KB  
Review
The Gut–Bone Marrow Axis: Deciphering the Mechanistic Impact of Microbial Metabolites on Hematopoietic Homeostasis and Disorders
by Jiaqi Sun, Yun Ruan, Liming Mao and Lingli Jiang
Microorganisms 2026, 14(7), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14071446 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 720
Abstract
The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a dynamic endocrine-like microbial network that exerts systemic effects far beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging evidence supports the existence of a “gut-bone marrow axis” through which gut-derived signals orchestrate hematopoietic homeostasis. However, shifting from correlative observations [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a dynamic endocrine-like microbial network that exerts systemic effects far beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging evidence supports the existence of a “gut-bone marrow axis” through which gut-derived signals orchestrate hematopoietic homeostasis. However, shifting from correlative observations to causal mechanisms remains a major challenge in defining precise microbial impacts on hematopoietic outcomes. In this review, we systematically synthesize current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms by which microbial products—specifically short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids—translocate into the systemic circulation to modulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function, lineage commitment, and the bone marrow microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss how gut dysbiosis acts as a driver of hematopoietic dysfunction, contributing to the pathogenesis of anemia, bone marrow failure, and hematologic malignancies such as leukemia. Beyond mechanistic insights, this review critically evaluates the therapeutic promise of emerging microbiota-targeted interventions, including precision probiotics, prebiotics, and FMT, which hold the potential to modulate hematopoietic function and support recovery. Although preclinical evidence is accumulating, these approaches are underpinned by limited yet mechanistically informative clinical evidence. Thus, these emerging interventions require rigorous mechanistic validation and well-designed clinical trials. Herein, by integrating multi-systemic perspectives, we provide a comprehensive framework for future research and clinical strategies aimed at leveraging the microbiota to treat hematologic disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota Axes and Human Health)
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20 pages, 1304 KB  
Review
Oral–Gut Microbiome Axis in Crohn’s Disease: A Potential Role of Ectopic Colonization
by Ceren Ozkul, Emre Duman, Engin Kocak, Yalcin Tarkan Karakan, Can Cindoruk, Odul Egritas Gurkan, Mehmet Cindoruk and Tarkan Karakan
Microorganisms 2026, 14(4), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14040810 - 2 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1138
Abstract
Recently, an oral–gut communication axis has been proposed. Herein, we review clinical studies reporting differences in oral microbial communities in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), with a focus on Crohn’s Disease (CD), as well as evidence from experimental models. While available studies support evidence [...] Read more.
Recently, an oral–gut communication axis has been proposed. Herein, we review clinical studies reporting differences in oral microbial communities in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), with a focus on Crohn’s Disease (CD), as well as evidence from experimental models. While available studies support evidence for the direct transmission of oral-derived bacteria to gut, further work is needed to clarify whether such transmission results in stable colonization of intestinal niches and the establishment of a persistent host–microbe state that influences host physiology. To date, evidence from clinical and murine studies suggests three routes of the oral–gut axis, which in turn directly or indirectly exacerbate intestinal inflammation and contribute to IBD pathogenesis: (i) direct invasion of pathobionts through swallowing, (ii) migration of the oral pathogen activated pro-inflammatory immune cells, (iii) systemic inflammation triggered by oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. Although the role of oral microbiome in systemic diseases is becoming more apparent, sophisticated clinical and experimental studies are needed to elucidate the direct and indirect oral–gut communication mechanisms, including the contribution of oral microbial metabolites. Future directions may include evaluating the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the oral microbiome and metabolome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota Axes and Human Health)
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Other

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32 pages, 721 KB  
Systematic Review
Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review
by Beatriz Rodrigues, Isabel M. Miranda and Sofia Costa de Oliveira
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061301 - 9 Jun 2026
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1126
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition. Growing evidence suggests that the gut–brain axis may contribute to its pathophysiology. However, findings regarding gut microbiota alterations in ADHD remain inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the gut microbiota [...] Read more.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition. Growing evidence suggests that the gut–brain axis may contribute to its pathophysiology. However, findings regarding gut microbiota alterations in ADHD remain inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the gut microbiota composition and microbial diversity in individuals with ADHD. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted up to 31 December 2025 following PRISMA guidelines, yielding 562 studies. Twenty-three studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included. Most studies reported no significant differences in alpha-diversity in ADHD and control groups. More consistently, beta-diversity analysis reported significant differences in microbial composition between ADHD and control groups. ADHD was often associated with a reduced abundance of Alistipes and butyrate producers such as Faecalibacterium and increased abundance of Roseburia and Agathobacter. Some longitudinal studies suggested that distinct early-life microbial patterns may precede the ADHD diagnosis. ADHD appears to be associated with alterations in the gut microbiota, particularly in taxa involved in short-chain fatty acid production and immune regulation. However, findings remain inconsistent due to methodological heterogeneity and potential confounding factors. Future research should prioritize longitudinal multi-omics approaches to clarify causal mechanisms and refine microbiota-targeted interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota Axes and Human Health)
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