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Gut microbiota-generated metabolites: missing puzzles to hosts' health, diseases, and aging

  • Yan Zhang (Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University) ;
  • Shibo Wei (Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)) ;
  • Hang Zhang (Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University) ;
  • Yunju Jo (Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)) ;
  • Jong-Sun Kang (Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University) ;
  • Ki-Tae Ha (Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University) ;
  • Jongkil Joo (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Hospital) ;
  • Hyun Joo Lee (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Hospital) ;
  • Dongryeol Ryu (Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST))
  • Received : 2023.10.17
  • Accepted : 2024.03.20
  • Published : 2024.05.31
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Abstract

The gut microbiota, an intricate community of bacteria residing in the gastrointestinal system, assumes a pivotal role in various physiological processes. Beyond its function in food breakdown and nutrient absorption, gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on immune and metabolic modulation by producing diverse gut microbiota-generated metabolites (GMGMs). These small molecules hold potential to impact host health via multiple pathways, which exhibit remarkable diversity, and have gained increasing attention in recent studies. Here, we elucidate the intricate implications and significant impacts of four specific metabolites, Urolithin A (UA), equol, Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and imidazole propionate, in shaping human health. Meanwhile, we also look into the advanced research on GMGMs, which demonstrate promising curative effects and hold great potential for further clinical therapies. Notably, the emergence of positive outcomes from clinical trials involving GMGMs, typified by UA, emphasizes their promising prospects in the pursuit of improved health and longevity. Collectively, the multifaceted impacts of GMGMs present intriguing avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The present study was supported by a grant from the Biomedical Research Institute Grant (202302240001), Pusan National University Hospital.

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