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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d2474075e66">Human gut microbiota (GM) includes a complex and
dynamic population of microorganisms
that are crucial for well-being and survival of the organism. It has been reported
as diverse and relatively stable with shared core microbiota, including Bacteroidetes
and Firmicutes as the major dominants. They are the key regulators of body homeostasis,
involving both intestinal and extra-intestinal effects by influencing many physiological
functions such as metabolism, maintenance of barrier homeostasis, inflammation and
hematopoiesis. Any alteration in GM community structures not only trigger gut disorders
but also influence other organs and cause associated diseases. In recent past, the
GM has been defined as a 'vital organ' with its involvement with other organs; thus,
establishing a link or a bi- or multidirectional communication axis between the organs
via neural, endocrine, immune, humoral and metabolic pathways. Alterations in GM have
been linked to several diseases known to humans; although the exact interaction mechanism
between the gut and the organs is yet to be defined. In this review, the bidirectional
relationship between the gut and the vital human organs was envisaged and discussed
under several headings. Furthermore, several disease symptoms were also revisited
to redefine the communication network between the gut microbes and the associated
organs.
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