Gut Microbiota Disorders and Metabolic Syndrome: Tales of a Crosstalk Process

Abstract The microbiota in humans consists of trillions of microorganisms that are involved in the regulation of the gastrointestinal tract and immune and metabolic homeostasis. The gut microbiota (GM) has a prominent impact on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This process is reciprocal, constituting a crosstalk process between the GM and MetS. In this review, GM directly or indirectly inducing MetS via the host–microbial metabolic axis has been systematically reviewed. Additionally, the specifically altered GM in MetS are detailed in this review. Moreover, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as unique gut microbial metabolites, have a remarkable effect on MetS, and the role of SCFAs in MetS-related diseases is highlighted to supplement the gaps in this area. Finally, the existing therapeutics are outlined, and the superiority and shortcomings of different therapeutic approaches are discussed, in hopes that this review can contribute to the development of potential treatment strategies.