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Microbial Endocrine Regulation

Meaning

Microbial Endocrine Regulation refers to the complex, bidirectional communication and influence exerted by the gut microbiota on the host’s endocrine system, a critical axis in human physiology. This regulatory mechanism involves the synthesis of microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which directly or indirectly modulate the function of host endocrine glands and hormone receptor sensitivity. The state of the gut microbiome significantly impacts systemic hormone levels, including estrogens, thyroid hormones, and stress hormones, thereby playing a fundamental role in metabolic and reproductive health.