The importance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in human health and diseases

Dear Editor,

Human gut microbiota refers to the entire population of microorganisms that colonizes a particular location; and includes not just bacteria but also other microbes such as fungi, archaea, viruses and protozoan. In recent years, it has been proven that the role of microorganism’s community within the human gut is utmost of importance regarding the balance between health and disease [1,2]. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is functionally considered a significant microbiota since this species of microbiota is found in many animals and humans. Based on the Meta-analysis of the Human Intestinal Tract project reports, F. prausnitzii (that exists about 5% in faeces is considered one of the most numerous anaerobic bacteria in the human gut microbiota [3]. F. prausnitzii, is an acetate consumer that produces butyrate and bioactive anti-inflammatory molecules such as shikimic and salicylic acids [4].

In that context, the change rate of F. prausnitzii in the gastrointestinal tracts is connected to multiple complications and syndromes; however the cause or a consequence of them is not understood clearly [5]. The abundance of F. prausnitzii in faeces has been investigated in some diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, coeliac disease, self-limited colitis, atopic diseases, chronic idiopathic diarrhoea, acute appendicitis, neuroendocrine tumours of the mid gut, liver transplantation, colorectal cancer and other diseases [[6], [7], [8]]. What is outstanding is the much research that has been done in patients with a lower relative abundance compared with healthy control. According to Gopalakrishnan et al., the existence of F. prausnitzii could raise the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients [9].

Different researches showed that reduction of F. prausnitzii in the gut increases the decreased capacity of self-defence against inflammatory interactions. This protective system probably includes pro-inflammatory cytokines and is significant in the stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines secretion through active molecules [10]. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are significant end-products are involved in the fermentation process of the bacteria that exist in the human colon. The main fermentation that is formed in the colon refers to the SCFAs such as acetate, propionate and butyrate that are the main non-gaseous end products in the fermentation process, and F. prausnitzii, as an acetate consumer produces butyrate and bioactive anti-inflammatory molecules such as shikimic and salicylic acids [11]. Even, in recent years, a broader range of useful bacteria such as butyrate-producing indigenous types has been recognized, which are expected to be new probiotic strains. A wider range of helpful bacteria, including butyrate-producing indigenous types, have been distinguished in recent years and these useful bacteria seem to be new probiotic strains.

It should be mentioned that F. prausnitzii is recognized as an unparalleled bacterial sensor and actor in human health because of the particular conditions, and likely it is recognized as a gut key player that has an outstanding effect on the health and physiology of the host. The fact that gut factors adjust the presence of F. prausnitzii in the gut and the limit of their impact is a problematic issue. It seems, modulation of gut microbiota composition likely reduces the risk of different complications. Supplementary cures and treatments to standard therapy should be investigated, including different nutritional strategies or prebiotics or probiotics that favour F. prausnitzii population increase.

Transparency declaration

The authors declare no conflict of interest to disclose.