Region of residence as the most important factor influencing the formation of the human intestinal microbiome (literature review)

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiome is known to significantly impact on human health and be involved in many metabolic processes. The composition of the intestinal microbiota is variable and depends on both endogenous and exogenous factors. Regional climatic and geographical factors influencing the composition of the intestinal microbiota have not been characterized for the population of the Russian Federation (RF). 39% of Russia’s area is in the taiga zone, 13% in the arctic desert, tundra, and forest-tundra zones, 6% in the mixed forest zone, 8% in the forest-steppe and deciduous forest zone, 5% in the steppe zone, 1% in the semi-desert zone, and 2% in the desert zone. Each climate zone is characterized by unique climatic conditions, so when assessing the composition of the intestinal microbiota of Russian residents, it is crucial to pay attention to the regional aspect as one of the key factors influencing on changes in the composition of the human microbiome. In addition to climatic and geographical factors, there are also cultural and socio-economic factors, which is confirmed by the results of many global population studies.

The aim of the study. Systematization of key exogenous factors shaping the gut microbiome: geographic features, urbanization level, climate conditions, and ethnic and national dietary patterns. Experts consider these factors when determining the relative norm for the composition of the human gut microbiota, diagnosing dysbiosis in both indigenous and non-native populations.

Material and Methods. This review is based on scientific studies published over the past ten years and presented in the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and eLIBRARY.RU databases.

Conclusion. The review reveals the influence of region of residence on the intestinal microbiota parameters of relatively healthy individuals living in various climatic zones and areas with different levels of urbanization, which can be used to determine the normal flora for residents.

Contribution:
Nekrasova A.I. – text editing, collection, analysis, processing of materials, systematization and generalization of literature data;
Kalashnikova I.G. – collection of material and processing of literature data, text editing;
Makarov V.V. – text editing, concept and design of the review and analytical research;
Zhernov Yu.V. – text editing, concept and design of the review and analytical study.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: October 2, 2025 / Revised: November 18, 2025 / Accepted: November 19, 2025 / Published: January 15, 2026

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