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Diet, Microbiota, Obesity, and NAFLD: A Dangerous Quartet
Mariana Verdelho Machado1,2, Helena Cortez-Pinto3,4
1Departamento de Gastrenterologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte (CHLN), 1649-035 Lisbon, Portugal. mverdelhomachado@gmail.com.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 5, 2016
Summary
The gut microbiota significantly impacts metabolism and is linked to obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Targeting gut dysbiosis may offer therapeutic benefits for these metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Metabolic disorders
- Gut-liver-adipose tissue axis
Background:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder linked to obesity and adiposopathy.
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in whole-body metabolism, nutrient extraction, and vitamin synthesis.
- Gut microbiota disturbances (dysbiosis) can negatively affect metabolism and immune responses, contributing to obesity and related conditions like NAFLD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the role of gut microbiota and dysbiosis in diet-induced obesity and NAFLD.
- To explore the potential of targeting the gut microbiota as a therapeutic strategy for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, summarizing existing scientific literature.
- The review focuses on evidence linking microbiota composition and function to metabolic health.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota composition and function are significantly altered in diet-induced obesity and NAFLD.
- Dysbiosis contributes to metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and liver disease progression.
- Evidence suggests that modulating the gut microbiota may ameliorate obesity and NAFLD.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota is a key player in the gut-liver-adipose tissue axis and metabolic health.
- Dysbiosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and NAFLD.
- Targeting the gut microbiota presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing these prevalent metabolic disorders.
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