“In chronic lung diseases and respiratory infections, alternations in the composition of the intestinal and airway microbiota are presented, commonly presenting as an outgrowth of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. A vital cross-talk between these two compartments has been noted in the setting of lung diseases. This gut–lung axis allows for the passage of endotoxins, microbial metabolites, cytokines and hormones into the bloodstream connecting the gut niche with that one of the lung. Increasing studies indicated that alterations in the gut microbial species and metabolites have been linked to changes in immune responses and inflammation as well as the disease development in the lungs.”
Read paper here.