FEATURES OF METABOLIC COUPLING IN THE «SUPERORGANISM» SYSTEM (HOST – MICROBIOTA)

Abstract

Today, it is believed that the human body and the intestinal microbiota exist in a metabolic coupling based on the principle of mutualism. The main metabolic function of the intestinal microbiotic population is the hyperproduction of short-chain fatty acids, which perform an energy function for both microorganisms and human cells, regulate the quo- rum and participate in the response of immune cells of the macroorganism through specific signaling mechanisms. Also, a characteristic link in the metabolic coupling of the «superorganism» is the metabolic pathways of tryptophan and, respectively, indoles, kynurenines and serotonin. Indole acts as an interspecific signaling molecule and is respon- sible for both the bacterial quorum and, for example, regulates the differentiation of nerve tissue. Many metabolic path- ways of tryptophan conversion are amplified by the microbiotic community, but the formation of kynurenic acid, which is a signal molecule in energy metabolism, is characteristic only for the macroorganism. It should be noted the role of membrane bacterial vesicles in the interaction of the host and the microbiota as carriers of virulence factors and other modulators of the function of macroorganism cells. Despite a significant amount of research, the metabolic coupling of the «macroorganism – gut microbiota» system remains poorly understood. In this regard, the purpose of this review was to highlight some aspects of the metabolic interaction of the macroorganism and its microbiota.