Roles of intestinal bacteroides in human health and diseases

Abstract

Bacteroides, an abundant genus in the intestines of mammals, has been recently considered as the next generation probiotics (NGP) candidate due to its potential role in promoting host health. However, the role of Bacteroides in the development of intestinal dysfunctions such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer should not be overlooked. In the present study, we focused on nine most widely occurred and abundant Bacteroides species and discussed their roles in host immunity, glucose and lipid metabolism and the prevention or induction of diseases. Besides, we also discussed the current methods used in the safety evaluation of Bacteroides species and key opinions about the concerns of these strains for the future use.

Keywords:

• Bacteroides
• mechanism
• opportunistic pathogenic anaerobe
• probiotic candidate

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Program [No. 31820103010]; Projects of Innovation and Development Pillar Program for Key Industries in Southern Xinjiang of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps [2018DB002]; National First-Class Discipline Program of Food Science and Technology [JUFSTR20180102]; the BBSRC Newton Fund Joint Centre Award; and Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province.