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Published on: February 28, 2018
Obesity alters gut microbial ecology
Ruth E Ley1, Fredrik Bäckhed, Peter Turnbaugh
1Center for Genomes Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA.
Summary
Genetically obese mice exhibit altered gut microbiota composition, with a significant reduction in Bacteroidetes and a rise in Firmicutes. These findings suggest microbial community structure may influence obesity and energy balance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Obesity Research
Background:
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host metabolism and energy balance.
- Understanding the relationship between gut microbial composition and obesity is essential for developing therapeutic strategies.
- Maternal inheritance influences gut microbial community structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of genetic obesity on the gut microbiota composition in mice.
- To compare the gut microbiota of genetically obese mice with their lean littermates and mothers.
- To explore potential links between gut microbiota alterations and obesity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 5,088 bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences from the cecal microbiota of mice.
- Comparison of microbial communities in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice, lean (ob/+) mice, wild-type siblings, and mothers.
- Dietary control: all mice fed the same polysaccharide-rich diet.
Main Results:
- Mouse and human gut microbiota share similarities at the division level, dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.
- Genetically obese (ob/ob) mice showed a 50% reduction in Bacteroidetes abundance and a proportional increase in Firmicutes compared to lean mice.
- Microbial community composition was found to be inherited from mothers.
Conclusions:
- Obesity significantly affects gut microbiota diversity in this mouse model.
- The observed alterations in microbial community structure suggest a potential role in regulating energy balance.
- Targeted manipulation of gut microbiota composition may offer a therapeutic avenue for managing obesity.
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