Interactions of probiotics and prebiotics with the gut microbiota.

The gut microbiota (GM) composition varies among individuals and is influenced by intrinsic (genetics, age) and extrinsic (environment, diet, lifestyle) factors. An imbalance or dysbiosis is directly associated with the development of several illnesses, due to the potential increase in intestinal permeability leading to a systemic inflammation triggered by higher levels of circulating lipopolysaccharides and changes in the immune response caused by an overgrowth of a specific genus or of pathogens. These mechanisms may increase symptoms in gastrointestinal disorders or reduce glucose tolerance in metabolic diseases. Diet also has a significant impact on GM, and functional foods, namely prebiotics and probiotics, are a novel approach to reestablish the indigenous microbiota. Prebiotics, like inulin and polyphenols, are selectively utilized by GM, releasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and other metabolites which may reduce the intestinal lumen pH, inhibit growth of pathogens, and enhance mineral and vitamin bioavailability. Probiotic microorganism may increase the microbial diversity of GM and improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier, leading to an improvement of baseline and pathologic inflammation. In this chapter, we will discuss the potential roles of prebiotics and probiotics in health and diseases throughout an individual's lifetime and proposed mechanisms of action.

Ballan R ，Battistini C ，Xavier-Santos D ，Saad SMI ... -  《-》

Understanding how pre- and probiotics affect the gut microbiome and metabolic health.

Bock PM ，Martins AF ，Schaan BD 《-》

Probiotics, prebiotics and amelioration of diseases.

Tsai YL ，Lin TL ，Chang CJ ，Wu TR ，Lai WF ，Lu CC ，Lai HC ... -  《-》

[Physiological patterns of intestinal microbiota. The role of dysbacteriosis in obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome].

Halmos T ，Suba I 《ORVOSI HETILAP》

Relationship between intestinal microbiota, diet and biological systems: an integrated view.

Ferreira RDS ，Mendonça LABM ，Ribeiro CFA ，Calças NC ，Guimarães RCA ，Nascimento VAD ，Gielow KCF ，Carvalho CME ，Castro AP ，Franco OL ... -  《-》