The Role of Dysbiosis in Chronic Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Microbiota and its metabolites, the molecules produced in the gut during the breakdown of food, shape endocrine and neurological signals that directly impact both tissues and distant organs. The relationship between microbiota and health/disease has been extensively demonstrated in recent advancements in microbial profile analysis through techniques such as metagenomics, which enables the identification of different bacterial families and their DNA composition. The microbiota is involved in functions as heterogeneous as the modulation of energy balance (glucose metabolism, intake, energy expenditure, among others), as well as the regulation of the nervous system (NS) through the bidirectional communication of the microbiota–gut–brain axis.

Alterations in intestinal microbiota, known as intestinal dysbiosis, are recognized to be associated with the onset and progression of various chronic pathologies. When dysbiosis is present, communication between these systems is altered, and cell signaling is modified, facilitating a low-grade inflammatory state. In addition, synapses are disrupted, and the proliferation of neuronal growth factors is reduced, impacting cognitive functioning.

Therefore, the aim of this research topic is to study the impact of dysbiosis on people’s health, both as a pathological entity and as a risk factor in the appearance of other diseases. It addresses the molecular study of the main bacterial groups involved in the etiopathogenesis of chronic pathologies and their relationship with the severity of symptoms and the development of the disease.

In this Special Issue, we invite authors to submit their original research and review articles, contributing to a better understanding of the following topics:

• Microorganisms in the modulation of the immune system.
• Microbiota and the gut–brain axis.
• Neurotransmitters and inflammatory processes.
• Prebiotics, probiotics, and psychobiotics in chronic diseases.
• Psychobiotics and nutrition.
• Clinical applications using new interventions in chronic pathologies.

Prof. Dr. Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco
Guest Editor

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• microbiota
• dysbiosis
• microbiota–gut–brain axis
• microorganism
• metabolites
• clinical practices
• prebiotics
• probiotics