An update on the therapeutic value of modulating gut microbes

It is becoming evident that modulation of gut microbes will be increasingly employed to promote overall health and to help treat disease, although optimal strategies for “precision” gut microbiota modulation remain incompletely understood. It is probable that a personalized approach will be needed, ncorporating strategies such as fecal microbiota transplant, administration of live biotherapeutics, dietary strategies, and prebiotics—although it is not inconceivable that an ideal “onesize- fits-all” approach could be identified. Through additional research and collaborative efforts, the true definition of dysbiosis in the gut microbiota as it relates to disease states can be better understood, as well as what constitutes an optimal gut microbiota to promote overall health, which could have broad impact for public health.

Reference: Wargo JA. Modulating gut microbes. Science. 2020; 369(6509):1302-3. doi: 10.1126/science.abc3965.

Wed, 21 October