A systematic review on the role of gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease: Spotlight on virome and plant metabolites.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, arise from various factors such as dietary, genetic, immunological, and microbiological influences. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development and treatment of IBD, though the exact mechanisms remain uncertain. Current research has yet to definitively establish the beneficial effects of the microbiome on IBD. Bacteria and viruses (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) are key components of the microbiome uniquely related to IBD. Numerous studies suggest that dysbiosis of the microbiota, including bacteria, viruses, and bacteriophages, contributes to IBD pathogenesis. Conversely, some research indicates that bacteria and bacteriophages may positively impact IBD outcomes. Additionally, plant metabolites play a crucial role in alleviating IBD due to their anti-inflammatory and microbiome-modulating properties. This systematic review discusses the role of the microbiome in IBD pathogenesis and evaluates the potential connection between plant metabolites and the microbiome in the context of IBD pathophysiology.