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Gut Microbiota: A Contributing Factor to Obesity
Steve M Harakeh1, Imran Khan2, Taha Kumosani3
1Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|September 15, 2016
Summary
Obesity is a global epidemic linked to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This review explores how gut microbiota (GM) and dysbiosis contribute to obesity, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Obesity is a growing global epidemic, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes.
- The human gut harbors trillions of microorganisms (gut microbiota, GM) that influence host physiology.
- Altered gut microbial composition (dysbiosis) is implicated in metabolic disorders, including obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of gut microbiota (GM) in the pathogenesis of obesity.
- To highlight the expanding research in obesity, driven by advances in nutrigenomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the gut microbiota and obesity.
- Analysis of host-microbiota interactions in metabolic disease.
- Exploration of emerging technologies for interpreting microbiota-obesity causal relationships.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota plays a significant role in host metabolism and energy balance.
- Dysbiosis, in conjunction with genetic and environmental factors, can contribute to obesity development.
- Advances in omics technologies are improving our understanding of microbiota's role in obesity.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota is a critical factor in obesity development and metabolic health.
- Further research is essential to elucidate the complex interactions between GM and obesity.
- Targeting the gut microbiota may offer novel therapeutic strategies for obesity and related diseases.
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