What are the unique metabolites of gut microbiota?

Metabolites specific to the gut microbiota mainly refer to those synthesized by intestinal microorganisms, which the host cannot synthesize directly or are significantly dependent on microbial participation in the host's metabolic pathways. These can be categorized as follows, with notable examples:

 

1. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

Mainly include:

1. Acetate

2. Propionate

3. Butyrate

Source: Produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fibers (such as resistant starch, fructooligosaccharides, etc.)

Function: Regulate energy metabolism, maintain intestinal barrier, modulate immunity, and influence the nervous system (gut-brain axis)

 

2. Aromatic Amino Acid Metabolites

1. Indole derivatives: such as Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Indolepropionic acid (IPA), Indolelactic acid (ILA)

2. Phenylpyruvic acid, p-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid, etc.

Source: Metabolized from aromatic amino acids like tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine by microorganisms

Function: Regulate neural signals, immune modulation, activate nuclear receptors such as AhR

 

3. Bile Acid Metabolites (Secondary Bile Acids)

1. Deoxycholic acid (DCA)

2. Lithocholic acid (LCA)

3. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)

Source: Dehydroxylation and deconjugation of primary bile acids (CA, CDCA) by gut microbiota

Function: Influence lipid metabolism, activate FXR and TGR5 signaling pathways

 

4. Amines and Ammonia

1. Putrescine

2. Spermidine

3. Histamine

4. Trimethylamine (TMA) → Oxidized to Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in the liver

Source: Microbial decomposition of proteins and amino acids under anaerobic conditions

Function: Regulate vascular function, participate in inflammatory responses, associated with cardiovascular diseases

 

5. Other Microbial Co-metabolites

1. Small molecule vitamins difficult for mammals to synthesize: such as Vitamin K2 (MK series), Biotin, etc.

2. Polyphenol metabolites: such as Urolithins, degradation products of proanthocyanidins

3. Secondary metabolites and antimicrobial peptides: such as Bacteriocins, phenolic acid derivatives, etc.

 

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