The Role of Gut Microbiota in Digestive Diseases: Exploring Pathogenesis to Clinical Applications
Prof. Lui Ng E-Mail
Scientific Officer, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
Research Keywords: Colorectal cancer, microbiota, non-coding RNA, biomarker, chemoresistance, metastasis
Prof. Manzhao Ouyang E-Mail
Deputy Chief of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chief Physician, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
The symbiotic relationship between the human host and the vast community of microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, collectively known as the gut microbiota, has garnered increasing attention in the field of gastroenterology. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, regulating immune responses, and influencing various physiological processes. Perturbations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a myriad of digestive diseases, encompassing inflammatory conditions, metabolic disorders, and gastrointestinal malignancies. This special issue delves into the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and digestive diseases, with a particular emphasis on exploring the utility of gut microbiota as biomarkers for disease diagnosis, unraveling the underlying mechanisms driving disease pathogenesis, and investigating the therapeutic potential of modulating the gut microbiota composition. The quest for identifying microbial signatures that serve as diagnostic biomarkers holds promise for early disease detection and prognostication, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches tailored to individual patient profiles. Moreover, elucidating the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and host immune system sheds light on the immunopathogenesis of digestive diseases, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for intervention. From probiotics and prebiotics to fecal microbiota transplantation and microbial-based therapies, the manipulation of the gut microbiota presents a burgeoning field of research with transformative implications for the management of digestive disorders. Through a comprehensive examination of the current research landscape, this special issue aims to provide a platform for disseminating cutting-edge findings and advancing our understanding of the multifaceted roles of the gut microbiota in digestive diseases. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of the gut microbiota, we envision a future where precision medicine strategies can be tailored to modulate the microbiome for improved clinical outcomes and enhanced patient care.
Keywords: Microbiota; Digestive diseases; Inflammatory bowel diseases; Irritable bowel syndrome; Colorectal cancer; Biomarkers; Pathogenesis; Probiotic