Gut microbiota and myeloproliferative neoplasms

Abstract

The human gut microbiota refers to the collective assembly of microorganisms inhabiting and colonizing the gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, and eukarya.¹ This intricate microbial ecosystem exists in a symbiotic relationship with the host, with trillions of microorganisms playing key roles in maintaining human health.² Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes represent the predominant bacterial phyla that form the intestinal microbiome.² The gut microbiota has developed adaptive mechanisms to promote its survival within the gastrointestinal tract. Development of the intestinal microbiome has been depicted and seems to be influenced by a variety of factors, e.g., mode of delivery, diet during infancy and adulthood, illnesses, and antibiotic treatment causing variation in the composition of the microbiota.³ Before the age of three, children’s intestinal microbiome already resembles the gut microbiota of adult individuals in terms of functional capabilities, diversity, and composition.⁴ The gut microbiota offers numerous benefits to the host as its metabolic activity is responsible for the generation of short-chain fatty acids which are a source of energy for the host, and for the fermentation of carbohydrates leading to the synthesis of oxalates, reducing the risk of oxalate stones in the kidney.⁵ In addition, the microbiota promotes lipid metabolism, vitamin synthesis, polyphenol breakdown, drug metabolism, immunomodulation, which offers immune-protection, and maintains the structural integrity of the gastrointestinal tract.³ Therefore, the gut microbiota represents an intricate microbial ecosystem that plays a critical role in maintaining human health.

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