Microbiota’s Role in Respiratory Disorders and Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Some unfavorable changes (dysbiosis) that occur in the human microbiota can modify its resident composition, with both local and systemic negative consequences. Therefore, this qualitative and quantitative variation can also modify the metabolome by further alternating the homeostasis of the organism, which can facilitate the birth or worsening of certain diseases or disorders in all systems, including the respiratory one, thanks to the various axes of communication with the intestine (gut, lung, etc.). Intestinal dysbiosis can be of various types depending on the cause, as it can be induced by internal factors, for example, local alterations of the intestinal microenvironment, and by external factors such as diet, lifestyle, potentially toxic substances (such as smoking, alcohol abuse, cannabinoids, methamphetamines, cocaine, pesticides, heavy metals, etc.), and more. Therefore, it has been noted that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of immunity and in the correct functioning of the respiratory tract. Considering this, it is also important to look for interactions between the microbiota’s gut/upper and lower airway axes. So far, the biomechanisms underlying these interactions are becoming a key springboard for medical research in treatment and prevention. Thus, studying in more depth the interactions that the human microbiota of the host has with the emergence or facilitation of these respiratory pathological conditions with these factors plays a crucial role in the prevention and management (such as respiratory rehabilitation) of them.

Sub-topics of this Special Issue (relative to the microbiota and/or metabolome):

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS);
• Asthma;
• Respiratory allergies;
• Autoimmune lung diseases;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• Pulmonary infections (by virus, bacteria, fungi, and parasitosis);
• Intoxications by xenobiotics and drugs;
• Gender medicine;
• Pulmonary rehabilitation.

We are soliciting articles on the dysbiosis consequences and the modulation of microbiota regarding the management of respiratory diseases and disorders also related to the connection with another microbiota’s axis. We are particularly interested in recent articles reporting on the relevance of biomolecular regulation mechanisms through various factors of host–microbiota interactions by inviting researchers to contribute original research papers and review articles that will help us understand these underlying molecular mechanisms for the development of potential discoveries and strategies for curing diseases from dysbiosis and the connections with the gut/lung axis and the other microbiota’s axis. 

We sincerely hope that you, or a senior member of your laboratory, will be able to contribute to this Special Issue.

Dr. Ioannis Alexandros Charitos
Dr. Mauro Carone
Guest Editors

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• microbiota
• microbiome
• metabolome
• transcriptome
• microbiota gut/lung axis
• microbiota gut/oral axis
• respiratory disorders
• respiratory diseases
• respiratory rehabilitation