Abstract

THE ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT DISORDERS AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Mr. Sawandkar Shivshankar M.*, Dr. Kelgaonkar Prajakta N., Mr. Potdar Sukrut A., Mr. Awale Prathamesh K., Mr. Pawar Shivam J.

ABSTRACT

The human gastrointestinal tract contains a complex microbial ecosystem that contributes to nutrient metabolism, epithelial-barrier maintenance, immune regulation and gut–brain communication. Disruption of microbial composition or function, commonly termed dysbiosis, has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis, coeliac disease and colorectal cancer. This review summarizes the physiological functions of the gut microbiota, describes microbiota-related mechanisms implicated in major gastrointestinal disorders, and discusses microbiome-directed therapeutic strategies. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, dietary modification and faecal microbiota transplantation have shown potential, although their efficacy is strain-, disease- and patient-specific. Microbiota-based products have also introduced a more standardized approach to preventing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Important limitations include inter-individual variability, inconsistent study methods, incomplete understanding of causality, donor and product-safety concerns, and the absence of validated biomarkers for treatment selection. Continued integration of metagenomics, metabolomics and clinical phenotyping may support the development of safe and precise microbiome-based interventions.

Keywords: Gut microbiota; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal disorders; Probiotics; Prebiotics; Postbiotics; Faecal microbiota transplantation; Therapeutic implications.