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The Impact of Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites on Chronic Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Prebiotics and Probiotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2025 | Viewed by 806

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Division of Food Science, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: microbiota; microbiome; immune system; intestine; bioactive compounds; food; nutrition; inflammation; food allergy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Food Science, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: in vivo experiments; nutrition; oxidative stress; inflammation; obesity; liver disorders; gut-microbiota-derived metabolites; metabolic disorders; interaction between the gut and liver
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The gut microbiota and their metabolites play a crucial role in maintaining an individual’s overall health. Imbalances in the gut environment and composition of the microbiota have been linked to the onset and progression of various chronic diseases, including metabolic, autoimmune, and neurological disorders. Factors such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and age significantly contribute to these imbalances.

Recent research has increasingly highlighted the importance of gut microbiota in the context of chronic diseases. Maintaining a proper balance of microbial strains and preserving biodiversity in the gut are essential for preventing both local and systemic inflammation. Additionally, the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication network between the gut and the brain—underscores the connection between microbiota and mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, the gut microbiota can influence immune responses, either mitigating or exacerbating symptoms.

With this Special Issue, we invite contributions from various disciplines to enhance our understanding in this rapidly evolving field. Insights into the complex interplay between gut microbiota and chronic diseases could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches and preventive strategies. Submissions of original research articles and literature reviews concerning the complex interplay between gut microbiota and chronic diseases are encouraged.

Dr. Joanna Fotschki
Dr. Bartosz Fotschki
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • gut microbiota
  • dysbiosis
  • intestinal bacteria
  • chronic diseases
  • gut–brain axis
  • probiotics
  • prebiotics
  • psychobiotics
  • symbiotic
  • postbiotics
  • parabiotics
  • metabolic disorders
  • autoimmune disorders
  • immune response
  • dietary interventions

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

53 pages, 11890 KB  
Article
Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neurodevelopmental, Behavioral, and Gastrointestinal Interactions
by Zuzanna Lewandowska-Pietruszka, Magdalena Figlerowicz and Katarzyna Mazur-Melewska
Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2781; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172781 - 27 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and frequent gastrointestinal comorbidities. Emerging research suggests gut microbiota alterations contribute to ASD symptoms and gastrointestinal dysfunction, but detailed microbial profiles and clinical correlations remain underexplored. [...] Read more.
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and frequent gastrointestinal comorbidities. Emerging research suggests gut microbiota alterations contribute to ASD symptoms and gastrointestinal dysfunction, but detailed microbial profiles and clinical correlations remain underexplored. Methods: This study analyzed gut microbiota in 45 children aged 2–18 years diagnosed with ASD. Stool samples underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Clinical assessments included ASD diagnostic subtype, adaptive functioning using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, gastrointestinal symptoms as per the Rome IV criteria, dietary patterns, and demographic variables. Statistical analyses correlated microbiota profiles with clinical features. Results: Gut microbiota composition was significantly influenced by delivery mode, age, sex, and diet. Vaginally delivered children had higher beneficial SCFA-producing bacteria, whereas Cesarean section was linked to increased pathogenic Clostridiales. High-calorie and protein-rich diets correlated with shifts toward pro-inflammatory taxa. Microbial diversity and specific genera correlated with adaptive behavior domains (communication, socialization, motor skills) and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. Both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory bacteria variably impacted neurodevelopmental outcomes. Conclusions: Gut microbiota composition in children with ASD is shaped by multifactorial influences and connected to neurobehavioral and gastrointestinal phenotypes. The findings of this study support the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions to ameliorate ASD-associated symptoms and improve quality of life. Full article
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