The role of aromatic microbial metabolites

Abstract

Significant increase in the concentrations of some aromatic metabolites (phenylcarboxylic acids - PhCAs) in blood of patients with sepsis was shown previously. Essential contribution of enhanced bacterial biodegradation of aromatic compounds to this process was proved. Metabolism integration of macroorganism and its microbiota, providing normal symbiosis and sanogenesis, is disturbed in disease, trauma, critical condition. The direction of the interaction could change in favor of prokaryotes by the principle "metabolites of bacteria against host health". Special interest to the aromatic microbial metabolites in the wide range of scientists was revealed by the literature analysis. But there is no clear understanding of their role in the human body. Publications on PhCAs are generally not interconnected by the theme. They are usually directed to solve applied tasks in different fields of biology and medicine. The aim of this work is to unite the existing information on the origin and biological effects of PhCAs in experiments in vitro / in vivo and some clinical findings about them. Summarizing the data of researches at cellular, sub-cellular and molecular levels presented in the review, it is logical to assume the participation of aromatic microbial metabolites in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure in sepsis. The study on the mechanisms of secondary renal failure and septic encephalopathy for the revelation of the aromatic microbial metabolites role is the most promising. The influence of microbial biodegradation products of aromatic substances on the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation, hypotension and septic shock is an important area for the future researches. The results of further investigations will be not only fundamental, but also will enrich medical practice with new diagnostic and treatment technologies.