The Concept of ‘Superorganism
The 21st century witnessed the innovative research in the field of
gut microbiota that led to the initiation of the concept called
‘superorganism’. The concept of superorganism states that the human
being is a superorganism hauling billons of microorganisms that embraces
fungus, virus, bacteria, protozoa, and archaea [1-3]. The total number
of microorganisms are about 1014 which includes 300–3,000 diverse
species of microbiota. It is about 10 times the total count of human
cells. These microorganisms survive on the exterior of skin, nasal
cavity, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and reproductive
system of human beings. In general, the human gastrointestinal tract is
inhabited by more than a kilogram of such microorganisms. They are
termed as gut microbiota. These microorganisms play a major role in
maintenance of homeostasis in the human body [4].
Genetic Influence of Microbiota
There are about 5 million genes that encodes the commensal
microbiota. This is about 200 times more than the number of human genes.
Research shows that the microbiota genes has a positive influence on
the growth and development of human beings. The human beings provide the
living space and nutrition for the microbiota, and also controls their
number and composition. Whereas the microbiota controls the function and
maturation of their human host [5].
Embryonic Development
Maternal gut microbiota plays a major role in development, maturation
and function of most mammalian systems. This control will later be
handed over to their individual commensal microbiota after birth [6].
Immune System
Gut microbiota has a significant role in maturation of the immune
system and has the effect only during a critical period, during which
the colonization works [7,8].
Role of Gut Microbiota in Metabolism
The Gut microbiome plays a major role in the normal metabolism of
carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It helps in digestion of complex
carbohydrates and denaturation of proteins. It is also involved in bile
acid degradation. Absorption of nutrients requires the action of
microbiome. Synthesis of various vitamins and bioactive complexes
require the involvement of gut microbiota [8].
Respiratory Tract
The growth, development, maturation and functioning of the
respiratory system is critically influenced by the gut microbiota. But
the deviant microbiota leads to development of various types of
respiratory tract disorders [9].
Neuroendocrine System
The action of gut microbiota has a more or less similar effect as
that of immune system development. It has a significant role in
maturation of neural and endocrine system within a critical period. Gut
microbiota influences the maturation and functioning of the brain [4].
Skin
The primary defence mechanism or the biological barrier in the human
body is formed by the skin microbiota. This also plays a major role in
immunological function. Dysfunction of skin microbiota leads to skin
disorders such as psoriasis and eczema
[10].
Reproductive System
Healthy vaginal microbiota is indispensable for normal health
of females and it plays a key role in the growth and development of
commensal microorganisms in offspring [4].
The “Old Friends” Hypothesis
Grounded on Strachan’s hygiene hypothesis, Graham Rook
proposed the ‘early immune challenge hypothesis’ it elucidates the
symbiotic affiliation amongst commensal microbiota and human
beings. According to the hypothesis, the commensal microbiota
has endured an evolution for millions of years to become amended
and reliant on to the hunter-gatherer life. The microorganisms
and helminths instigate in pollution-free water, soil, and food and
are well-thought-out as “old friends,” of human beings. But the
modernisation and lifestyle vagaries, has led to radical drop in
interaction with these old friends, that has led to several aberrations
in growth and development of human beings [11]. Nobel laureate
Elie Metchnikoff recommended that the microbial colonies that
resides in the human gastro intestinal tract has a prominent
influence on the health of the individual. Metchnikoff detected that
there is an upsurge in life expectancy of people in Bulgaria and
Eastern Europe due to preeminent ingestion of fermented dairy
products with high levels of lactic acid bacteria [12,13].
Conclusion
Assimilating adequate microbiota is essential for happy and
healthy human life. The malfunctioning of microbiota leads to
ailments of immune system, nervous system, endocrine system,
digestive system, cognition and behaviour of the individual.
Research in animal studies has established that pro and pre-biotics
intercessions have a most important role in cognition and behaviour
by altering the inflammatory and endocrine functions in a positive
way. It is clearly evident that growth, development and effective
functioning of central nervous system are reliant on the edifice and
diversity of the gut microbiota, affecting the mental status of the
individual. Further research and thorough understanding of the
exact fundamental mechanism behind the action of microbiota is
required to develop a clear rationale.
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