THE ROLE OF THE GUT MICROBIOME IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES: CURRENT EVIDENCE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem consisting of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that interact continuously with the intestinal epithelium, immune system, and metabolic pathways of the host. Increasing evidence demonstrates that alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiome, commonly referred to as dysbiosis, are associated with the development and progression of numerous gastrointestinal diseases. These include inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Clostridioides difficile infection, colorectal cancer, and other disorders characterized by chronic inflammation, impaired epithelial barrier function, and abnormal immune responses. Microbial metabolites, including short - chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and tryptophan- derived compounds, represent important mediators of microbiome –host interactions. Recent advances in metagenomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics have improved understanding of disease-associated microbial signatures an d created opportunities for microbiome - based diagnostics and personalized therapy. The gut microbiome is therefore emerging as an important component of modern gastroenterology, with considerable potential for improving disease prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.