THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOTA IN SHAPING HUMAN GUT HEALTH: ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Keywords:
environmental microbiota, gut health, microbial diversity, urbanization, human microbiome, ecological perspectives.Abstract
The human gut microbiota plays a central role in maintaining health by influencing immune regulation, metabolic functions, and susceptibility to diseases. Environmental microbiota—microbial communities present in soil, air, and water—play an important role in shaping the composition and functionality of the human gut microbiota. However, urbanization, industrialization, and modern lifestyles have significantly reduced human exposure to these environmental microbes, leading to a decline in microbial diversity and associated health risks. This paper explores the pathways through which environmental microbial communities interact with the human gut microbiota, analyzes the impact of urbanization on microbial diversity, and evaluates the related health effects. Key mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis with diseases such as autoimmune disorders, allergies, and metabolic syndromes are highlighted. In addition, potential interventions, including urban greening, traditional dietary practices, and engineered probiotics, that may compensate for microbial loss are discussed. Finally, knowledge gaps are identified, and directions for future research are proposed to deepen the understanding of microbial ecosystems and their role in human health.Downloads
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