# The gut-lung axis in severe pneumonia-related lung injury: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how gut microbiota modulation can help treat severe pneumonia-related lung injury by reducing inflammation and improving immune responses.

## Contribution

The paper introduces novel therapeutic strategies targeting the gut-lung axis, including probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation.

## Key findings

- Modulating gut microbiota can enhance immune responses and reduce lung inflammation in severe pneumonia.
- Probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation show promise in altering metabolite profiles and immune function.
- Key pathways like TLR2 and TGR5 are highlighted as important in gut-lung axis interactions.

## Abstract

Severe pneumonia-related lung injury is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in research on the gut-lung axis have provided novel insights into its pathophysiology and revealed potential therapeutic targets. Within the conceptual framework of the microorganism-immunity-metabolism network, modulation of the gut microbiota has emerged as a promising strategy for intervention. Therapeutic approaches such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation aim to enhance microbial diversity and alter metabolite profiles, thereby optimizing immune responses and attenuating systemic and pulmonary inflammation. This review explores the mechanistic underpinnings of the gut-lung axis in the context of severe pneumonia-related lung injury, with a particular focus on microbiota-targeted interventions. Our goal is to provide a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of gut microbiota modulation in the prevention and treatment of severe pneumonia-related lung injury.

The gut-lung axis in severe pneumonia-related lung injury: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Severe pneumonia-related lung injury has high morbidity and mortality. Research on the gut-lung axis provides new therapeutic targets. Modulating the gut microbiota with probiotics, phage therapy, short-chain fatty acids, fecal microbiota transplantation, and traditional Chinese medicine may optimize immune responses and reduce inflammation. IL-10 (Interleukin-10), TLR2 (Toll-like Receptor 2), TGR5 (TGR5 Bile Acid Receptor), TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha), IL-1β (Interleukin-1 beta), TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and ZO-1 (Zonula Occludens-1 Protein).Illustration of the gut-lung axis and its role in reducing lung injury. It depicts the interaction between the gut microbiota and alveolar macrophages influenced by various elements like probiotics, bacteriophages, and vitamins. Key pathways include TLR2, TLR4, and TGR5, impacting immune responses and inflammation. Processes like autophagy, metabolic pathways, and immune regulation are highlighted to show the interconnectedness of gut and lung health.

The gut-lung axis in severe pneumonia-related lung injury: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Severe pneumonia-related lung injury has high morbidity and mortality. Research on the gut-lung axis provides new therapeutic targets. Modulating the gut microbiota with probiotics, phage therapy, short-chain fatty acids, fecal microbiota transplantation, and traditional Chinese medicine may optimize immune responses and reduce inflammation. IL-10 (Interleukin-10), TLR2 (Toll-like Receptor 2), TGR5 (TGR5 Bile Acid Receptor), TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha), IL-1β (Interleukin-1 beta), TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and ZO-1 (Zonula Occludens-1 Protein).