Arun H S. Kumar
Editor in Chief, Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
DOI: 10.4103/jnsbm.JNSBM_11_19

Communities of microorganisms are often observed to be closely associated several host organisms. The collection of all such microorganisms of a host is broadly referred to as its microbiota. More recently, we are beginning to understand the mechanisms by which the microbiota of a host can influence its health and as well play a vital role in various disease processes. Such an influence of microbiota is not surprising, considering that the number of microorganisms in any host often outnumbers the number of functional cells of any kind within the host. Several studies have reported both indirect and direct influences of the microorganisms on the host physiology. Efforts in understanding the mechanisms of microbial and host interactions are not only of basic science research interests but also have clinical and commercial benefits. For instance, the feasibility to modify the host microbiota by pre/probiotic supplementation offers an easy and effective clinical intervention to manage a disease process in the host. Likewise, there is a potential for developing commercial products enriched with pro/prebiotics, which could form part of our healthy eating habits. In this issue, we have included a study, which evaluated the impact of probiotic supplementations on the health-related quality of life in type II diabetic patients. It was indeed interesting to note the improvement observed in the health-related quality of life and glycemic control achieved following pre- and probiotic supplementation even though for a short span of 3 months. Such a positive influence of altering host microbiota by pre/probiotic supplementation is an effective approach to health-care management and must be adapted to routine clinical practice, and the benefits (if any) should be widely reported. Read more…