The gut constitutes a dynamic ecosystem influenced by various factors, including oxygen availability, redox potential, pH, nutrient composition, gut microbiota, gut motility, and antimicrobial peptides, etc. Understanding these parameters comprehensively, collectively referred to as the gut phenome, has emerged as a crucial element in investigating the human phenome and its effects on health and disease. Cardiometabolic diseases, encompassing conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders, have become widespread on a global scale. Recent studies have revealed the pivotal role of the gut phenome in cardiometabolic health. Dysbiosis, which denotes alterations in gut microbiota composition, has been linked to metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, gut-derived metabolites, influenced by the gut phenome, contribute to systemic metabolic regulation and cardiovascular well-being. Exploring the gut phenome in cardiometabolic diseases offers valuable insights into disease mechanisms, identifies potential biomarkers, and opens up avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiota and metabolic pathways.
Recent technological advancements have transformed the study of the gut phenome, enabling researchers to delve into this intricate landscape with unparalleled precision. High-throughput omics technologies, combined with non-invasive imaging technogies (such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography) and capsule endoscopes, enable the evaluation of gut phenotypic parameters in vivo, providing valuable insights into disease progression and response to therapeutic interventions.
We emphasize three key aspects. Firstly, employing longitudinal studies to investigate the dynamic changes in the gut phenome throughout different stages of disease progression is crucial for unraveling cause-effect relationships. Secondly, utilizing multi-omics integration and systems biology approaches is necessary to decipher the intricate interactions within the gut phenome and their impact on disease outcomes. Thirdly, the development of innovative therapeutics targeting the gut phenome, such as precision microbiome interventions and personalized dietary interventions, holds tremendous potential for disease management and prevention.
