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Gut microbiome health and dysbiosis: A clinical primer
Author(s) -
Bidell Monique R.,
Hobbs Athena L. V.,
Lodise Thomas P.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/phar.2731
Subject(s) - microbiome , dysbiosis , gut microbiome , terminology , intestinal microbiome , disease , function (biology) , biology , medicine , bioinformatics , evolutionary biology , pathology , philosophy , linguistics
The gut microbiome has been referred to as the “forgotten organ.” Although much about the gut microbiome remains incompletely understood, data on its clinical importance is emerging at rapid speed. Many practicing clinicians may be unaware of the essential role that the microbiome plays in both health and disease. This review aims to improve clinical understanding of the gut microbiome by discussing key terminology and foundational concepts. The role of a healthy microbiome in normal host function is described, as well as the consequences of a disrupted microbiome (i.e., dysbiosis). Management strategies to restore the gut microbiome from a disrupted to a healthy state are also briefly discussed. Lastly, we review emerging areas for therapeutic potential and opportunity to bring determinants of microbiome health from the bench to bedside.