Gut microbiota modulation in the prevention and treatment of heat stroke

In recent years, heat stroke (HS) have been reported with increasing frequency, and this trend is hard to separate from broader environmental changes, including climate change, recurrent extreme heat events, and air pollution. When people are exposed to high-temperature environments for a prolonged period, especially during intense physical activity, the condition may progress to HS.

HS is an acute and potentially fatal disorder that can deteriorate rapidly if not treated in time. The intestine appears to be particularly vulnerable during HS.

HS can disrupt intestinal tight junctions and weaken the barrier function of the gut, leading to what is commonly described as a “leaky gut.” Once this barrier is compromised, microbial products such as lipopolysaccharides can enter the bloodstream. These molecules may then activate immune cells, promote excessive cytokine release, and eventually drive a systemic inflammatory response.

In severe cases, this inflammatory process can develop into systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Current evidence increasingly suggests that intestinal injury is not simply a secondary result of HS.