Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
The Gut Microbiota: The Gateway to Improved Metabolism
Kristina B Martinez1, Joseph F Pierre1, Eugene B Chang2
1Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Abstract:
Obesity is an emerging global epidemic with profound challenges to world health care economies and societies. Traditional approaches to fighting obesity have not shown promise in promoting a decline in obesity prevalence. The gut microbiota is becoming widely appreciated for its role in regulating metabolism and thus represents a target for new therapies to combat obesity and associated comorbidities. This article provides an overview of altered microbial community structure in obesity, dietary impact on the gut microbiota, host-microbe interactions contributing to the disease, and improvements in microbial assemblage after bariatric surgery and with therapies targeting the gut microbiome.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Lipid Catabolism
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Amino Acid Catabolism
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

