Stress-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction is exacerbated during diet-induced obesity

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Obesity and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are significant public health concerns.
• Increased IBS prevalence is noted in obese individuals, but mechanisms are unclear.
• Shared pathways include gut dysbiosis, hyperpermeability, and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between obesity and IBS using animal models.
• To explore the impact of stress on intestinal barrier function in diet-induced obesity.

Main Methods:

• Male C57Bl/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, followed by water avoidance stress (WAS).
• Evaluated intestinal permeability, plasma corticosterone, and effects of metformin and microbiota transplantation.
• Compared responses in HFD mice, ob/ob mice, and leptin-treated mice.

Main Results:

• HFD mice under WAS showed increased intestinal permeability and corticosterone compared to non-obese mice.
• Metformin partially restored colonic permeability in unstressed HFD mice but failed in stressed HFD mice.
• Leptin and microbiota transplantation did not replicate the stress-induced barrier dysfunction in HFD mice.

Conclusions:

• Stress significantly worsens intestinal barrier dysfunction in diet-induced obese mice.
• This effect appears independent of leptin, glycemic control, and gut microbiota composition.
• Further research is needed to confirm findings and explore dietary influences.