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Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) releases a diverse array of chemical messengers that exert profound effects beyond local digestion and nutrient absorption. This review highlights two primary categories of gut-derived agents: (1) classical hormones secreted by enteroendocrine cells (e.g., gastrin, GLP-1, secretin) and (2) microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, serotonin, nitric oxide) produced by gut microbiota. These agents circulate in the blood to all systems, influencing organs such as the liver, brain, adipose tissue, immune system, cardiovascular system, muscles, and bones. Emerging evidence underscores their roles in regulating metabolism, immunity, neurobehavioral functions, and skeletal health, with dietary composition critically shaping their production and effects. While this field is rapidly evolving, this review reflects current knowledge to emphasize the integrative role of gut messengers in human physiology, offering insights into therapeutic opportunities for metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.
Authors: Elmuataz E. A. Mohammed, Mohamed F. Lutfi, Ramaze F. Elhakim, Nagwa El Amin, Manal Mohamed Hatem, Tarek Essa, Mohamed Hindawy
Affiliation: Department of Physiology / Biology and Immunology / Anatomy and Histology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, KSA
Vol. 1, Issue 1 · June 2026 · pp. 18–21