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An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Is eating behavior manipulated by the gastrointestinal microbiota? Evolutionary pressures and potential mechanisms
Joe Alcock1, Carlo C Maley, C Athena Aktipis
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Abstract:
Microbes in the gastrointestinal tract are under selective pressure to manipulate host eating behavior to increase their fitness, sometimes at the expense of host fitness. Microbes may do this through two potential strategies: (i) generating cravings for foods that they specialize on or foods that suppress their competitors, or (ii) inducing dysphoria until we eat foods that enhance their fitness. We review several potential mechanisms for microbial control over eating behavior including microbial influence on reward and satiety pathways, production of toxins that alter mood, changes to receptors including taste receptors, and hijacking of the vagus nerve, the neural axis between the gut and the brain. We also review the evidence for alternative explanations for cravings and unhealthy eating behavior. Because microbiota are easily manipulatable by prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, fecal transplants, and dietary changes, altering our microbiota offers a tractable approach to otherwise intractable problems of obesity and unhealthy eating.
Insights
Gut microbes can influence eating behaviors by creating cravings or mood changes to benefit themselves, potentially harming host health. Modifying gut microbiota offers a new approach to managing obesity and unhealthy eating habits.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Gastrointestinal microbes can influence host physiology and behavior.
- Microbial manipulation of host eating behavior can occur at the expense of host fitness.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing public health issues like obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which gut microbes may influence host eating behavior.
- To explore the potential strategies microbes use to manipulate host appetite.
- To discuss the implications of microbial manipulation for host health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on gut microbiota and eating behavior.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms including neural, hormonal, and sensory pathways.
- Examination of evidence for microbial influence on reward and satiety pathways.
- Investigation of microbial toxins and their effects on mood and behavior.
Main Results:
- Microbes may induce cravings for specific foods or suppress competitors.
- Inducing dysphoria until specific food intake is another potential strategy.
- Mechanisms include influencing reward/satiety pathways, producing toxins, altering receptors, and hijacking the vagus nerve.
- Alternative explanations for cravings and unhealthy eating are also considered.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota play a significant role in regulating host eating behavior.
- Microbial manipulation of eating behavior presents a potential target for interventions.
- Altering the gut microbiota through prebiotics, probiotics, or dietary changes offers a tractable approach to obesity and unhealthy eating.
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