Gut microbes and host physiology: what happens when you host billions of guests?

The article considers the role played but gut microbiota in the physiology of the host. Topics discussed include physiological and pathophysiological processes in the host for which gut microbiata has been found to play a role, factors that bring change in the stability of gut microbiota and association of gut microbiota with obesity and diabetes. Also discussed is the potential role of metabolomics in understanding the end effect of microbiota on the physiological functions of the host.