Gut microbiota–bile acid–skeletal muscle axis. Issue 3 (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mancin, Laura; Wu, Gary D.; Paoli, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Trends in microbiology. Volume 31:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: gut microbiota -- bile acid -- metabolism -- skeletal muscle -- next-generation sequencing; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Virulence (Microbiology) -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Virulence -- Periodicals; Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Infection -- Périodiques; Virulence (Microbiologie) -- Périodiques; Infection; Microbiology; Virulence (Microbiology); 579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-842X

Abstract

Abstract: The gut microbiota represents a 'metabolic organ' that can regulate human metabolism. Intact gut microbiota contributes to host homeostasis, whereas compositional perturbations, termed dysbiosis, are associated with a wide range of diseases. Recent evidence demonstrates that dysbiosis, and the accompanying loss of microbiota-derived metabolites, results in a substantial alteration of skeletal muscle metabolism. As an example, bile acids, produced in the liver and further metabolized by intestinal microbiota, are of considerable interest since they regulate several host metabolic pathways by activating nuclear receptors, including the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Indeed, alteration of gut microbiota may lead to skeletal muscle atrophy via a bile acid–FXR pathway. This Review aims to suggest a new pathway that connects different mechanisms, involving the gut–muscle axis, that are often seen as unrelated, and, starting from preclinical studies, we hypothesize new strategies aimed at optimizing skeletal muscle functionality. Highlights: The microbiota plays a central role in the host's health and development. A dysbiotic microbiota, which is defined as low microbial diversity and an unstable composition over time, is associated with an alteration of skeletal muscle metabolism and functionality. Bile acids, which are synthesized in the liver as primary bile acid, and transformed by the intestinal microbiota into a variety of metabolically active metabolites, act as ligands for the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and influence skeletal muscle physiology. Manipulation of the gut microbiota by probiotics may represent an emerging and promising strategy to prevent and/or treat a wide range of conditions such as age-associated sarcopenia. Targeting gut microbiota and FXR signaling by specific probiotics and diet components (i.e., protein and amino acids) may improve host microbiota function and skeletal muscle phenotype in elderly people. Monitoring and managing the intestinal microbiota may represent a next-generation medicine able to tackle or reduce the litany of chronic diseases and a pivotal component of personalized medicine.