Our gut microbiota: a long walk to homeostasis

Abstract

The microbiome of the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) consists of billions of bacteria, fungi and viruses, of which bacteria play the most important role in nutrition, immune development, production of vitamins and maintaining a well-balanced (homeostatic) microbial population. Many papers have been published on the microbiota in the human GIT, but little is known about the first group of bacteria that colonises an infant. The intestinal tract of an unborn is, despite general belief, not sterile, but contains bacteria that have been transferred from the mother. This opens a new research field and may change our understanding about the role bacteria play in early life, the selection of strains with probiotic properties and the treatment of diseases related to bacterial infections. Differences in bacterial populations isolated from meconia may provide answers to the prevention of certain forms of diabetes. More research is now focusing on the effect that a genetically diverse group, versus a much simpler microbial population, may have on the development of a homeostatic gut microbiome. The effect different bacterial species have on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and cascade of immune responses has been well researched, but we still fail in identifying the ideal group of intestinal bacteria and if we do, it will certainly not be possible to maintain homeostasis with so many challenges the gut faces. Changes in diet, antibiotics, food preservatives and stress are some of the factors we would like to control, but more than often fail to do so. The physiology and genetics of the GIT changes with age and so the microbiome. This review summarises factors involved in the regulation of a gut microbiome.