Trace Metal Elements: a Bridge Between Host and Intestinal Microorganisms

Overview

Journal Sci China Life Sci

Specialties Biology
Science

Date 2023 Aug 1

PMID 37528296

Authors

Yong Ma

Yanquan Fei

Sujuan Ding

Hongmei Jiang

Jun Fang

Gang Liu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Trace metal elements, such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, are essential nutrients for biological processes. Although their intake demand is low, they play a crucial role in cell homeostasis as the cofactors of various enzymes. Symbiotic intestinal microorganisms compete with their host for the use of trace metal elements. Moreover, the metabolic processes of trace metal elements in the host and microorganisms affect the organism's health. Supplementation or the lack of trace metal elements in the host can change the intestinal microbial community structure and function. Functional changes in symbiotic microorganisms can affect the host's metabolism of trace metal elements. In this review, we discuss the absorption and transport processes of trace metal elements in the host and symbiotic microorganisms and the effects of dynamic changes in the levels of trace metal elements on the intestinal microbial community structure. We also highlight the participation of trace metal elements as enzyme cofactors in the host immune process. Our findings indicate that the host uses metal nutrition immunity or metal poisoning to resist pathogens and improve immunity.

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