Impact of bioactive lipids on gut microbiota

Different bacteria cohabit different sites of the human body, with special relevance on the mutualistic collaboration responsible for the maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract’s homeostasis. Diversification and composition of the microbiota are influenced by several factors, including diet. Several beneficial effects have been linked with microbiota modulation and its dysregulation have been associated with several pathologies. Lipids are essential elements in gut permeability, being important in the modulation of the gut microbiome. Bioactive lipids like endocannabinoids, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with microbiota modulation. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the modulation of gastric emptying, gastrointestinal motility, and inflammation. SCFAs are a source of energy to the colonic epithelium and maintain the integrity of the epithelial barrier. SCFAs also interact with the blood–brain barrier being able to modulate brain function. Omega-3 potentially restores the gut dysbiosis that is encountered in several pathologies. Thus, all these bioactive lipids have important functions in gut dysbiosis observed in pathologies like inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.