Les fonctions majeures du microbiote intestinal

Gut microbiota performs various functions which are essential for maintaining the host's health. In particular, intestinal micro-organisms possess a great metabolic potential. This microbial community is indeed able to convert a large variety of substrates (including sugars, proteins and lipids) leading to the production of a wide range of metabolites. Most of these metabolites have a beneficial effect on the host's health. In addition, comparisons between germfree and conventional animals revealed the influence of the gut microbiota on host physiology. In this context, it has been shown that intestinal microbiota is involved in the development and maturation of the immune system, the metabolism of the colonocytes, the intestinal angiogenesis or the development of adipose tissue.