INTRODUCTION
In recent decades, the survivorship of preterm infants has increased significantly thanks to the improved life-saving techniques and precise application of medication, but the concomitant challenge is that the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is gradually rising1. BPD is a severe medical challenge and a tremendous trial for frail preterm infants, in part because the short- and long-term respiratory and neurological complications associated with BPD severely affect the quality of life of preterm infants2. Furthermore, no unified consensus has so far been reached regarding the definition, pathology, pathogenesis and treatment options of BPD. Therefore, it has become imperative to understand this condition and dissect BPD from different angles. Recent evidence has demonstrated the critical contribution of the gut microbiota, as the most prominent component of the micro-ecological environment, in several respiratory diseases3. Notably, a growing body of research has examined BPD and gut microbiota dysbiosis associations. Despite this, few comprehensive reports have been published in this area. As such, this review’s significance is to highlight the bidirectional impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis and BPD and establish the possible mechanisms by which gut microbiota dysbiosis affects BPD.