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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
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Obesity changes the human gut mycobiome
M Mar Rodríguez1, Daniel Pérez2, Felipe Javier Chaves2
1Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Institut d'Investigacio´ Biomèdica de Girona (IdIBGi), CIBEROBN (CB06/03/010) and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Girona, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|October 13, 2015
Summary
The gut mycobiome differs between obese and non-obese individuals, impacting metabolic health. Targeting fungal communities may offer new obesity treatments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Metabolomics
- Obesity Research
Background:
- The human gut harbors a complex microbiota, including fungi, influencing health and disease.
- Obesity is associated with altered microbial composition, but the role of the fungal mycobiome is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the gut mycobiome in obese versus non-obese individuals.
- To investigate the relationship between mycobiome composition and metabolic health markers.
Main Methods:
- Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS)-based sequencing was employed to profile fungal communities.
- Fungal genus abundance was correlated with body fatness and lipid profiles.
Main Results:
- Obese individuals exhibited a distinct gut fungal composition compared to non-obese subjects.
- Specific fungal profiles differentiated metabolically healthy from unhealthy obesity.
- The abundance of the Mucor genus was lower in obese individuals and increased after weight loss.
Conclusions:
- Gut mycobiome composition is linked to obesity and metabolic status.
- Alterations in the gut mycobiome are potentially reversible with weight loss.
- Targeting the gut mycobiome presents a novel therapeutic strategy for obesity.
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