Role of gut microbiota in gastrointestinal diseases via microbiota-gut-liver-brain axis and microbiota-centered therapies

Abstract

The human gut harbors trillions of microbes, crucial for maintaining gastrointestinal (GI) health. The gut-brain axis (GBA) refers to the two-way communication between the central and enteric nervous systems, with gut microbiota playing a crucial role. This microbiota creates a complex network that connects the enteric, hepatic, and central nervous systems, known as the microbiota-gut-liver-brain (MGLB) axis. As part of the GBA, the intestinal microbiome aggravates the pathogenesis and progression of metabolic disorders and GI diseases. This chapter will explore the impact of gut microbiota and microbiota-derived compounds on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, and also focus on the contribution of microbiota-based therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and personalized therapies as engineered bacteria and, phages in the treatment of digestive diseases. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..