L.I. Medved’s Research Center of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety, Ministry of Health, Ukraine (State Enterprise), Kyiv, Ukraine

ABSTRACT. Recent years have seen a marked increase in the interest surrounding the study of the intestinal microbiome. This is due to the recognition of the intestinal microbiome as a key factor determining human health and influencing the course of numerous diseases. Of particular interest are changes in the microbiota and its metabolites under the influence of environmental factors, in particular chemical agents such as pesticides.

Aim. To summarize current understanding of the impact of pesticides on the gut microbiome, its metabolites, and health status.

Materials and Methods. A thorough examination of contemporary publications in scientific online libraries PubMed, MedLine, Elsevier, and BioMed Central, Medscape concerning the gut microbiome was conducted. This analysis aimed to explore current concepts regarding the role of the microbiota in maintaining homeostatic mechanisms within the body. Furthermore, it sought to delineate potential pathways for the development of disorders that may emerge in the state of the gut microbiota and human health in response to long-term exposure to pesticides.

Research results. Modern research on the functional role of the intestinal microbiome and its metabolites in maintaining human health, as well as changes arising from long-term exposure to various classes of pesticides, is summarized and systematized Mechanisms of dysbiosis formation due to the action of pesticides, which cause disturbances in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the microbiota, its functional and metabolic activity, are presented. Changes in human health in response to the formation of dysbiosis in the intestinal microbial community and changes in the composition of its metabolites under the influence of pesticides are analysed.

Conclusions. The gut microbiome and its metabolites play an important role in human health by regulating metabolic homeostasis. Disruption of this balance can lead to the occurrence of many diseases. Different classes of pesticides have different effects on the gut microbiota and its metabolites, which emphasizes the need for a detailed assessment of the associated risks. A comprehensive safety assessment of pesticides should include studies of their effects on the gut microbial composition, functional activity of the microbiota and features of microbial metabolism. The mechanisms of short- and long-term effects of pesticides on the gut microbiota, its metabolites and changes in human health require further comprehensive study.

Keywords: pesticides, intestinal microbiome and its metabolites, dysbiosis.

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Received December, 4, 2025

Review dates February, 26, 2026; March, 28, 2026

Publication date June, 12, 2026