Figure 1.

Potential etiology of osteoporosis attributed to gut microbiota. Gut microbiota may be altered by various factors, including host genetics, diet, age, geography, host immune status, travel, and use of certain medications. Gut microbiota play important roles on the regulation of bone via nutrition absorbing, changing the permeability of intestinal mucosal barrier, immune system, gut–brain axis, and excrete products. ?, evidence for the effects of 5-HT and LPS on bone is unconfirmed as more studies are needed for validation. PH, potential of hydrogen; SCFA, short chain fatty acid.