The Microbiota and the Gut-Brain Axis in Controlling Food Intake and Energy Homeostasis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Obesity is a global health crisis requiring effective preventive strategies.
• The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis.
• Dysfunctional gut-to-brain nutrient signaling contributes to obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on gut microbiota's role in regulating gut-to-brain communication.
• To evaluate how diet and feeding time modulate gut microbiota and its signaling.
• To identify knowledge gaps for microbiome-based obesity interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific evidence on gut microbiota, diet, and the gut-brain axis.
• Analysis of microbial metabolites and their signaling pathways.
• Evaluation of feeding patterns and dietary composition effects on microbiota.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota produces metabolites that influence gut-to-brain communication.
• Diet and feeding time significantly alter gut microbiota composition and function.
• Aberrant feeding can disrupt nutrient sensing and energy homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota offers novel targets for improving metabolic health and combating obesity.
• Understanding diet-microbiota-gut-brain interactions is key for developing interventions.
• Further research is needed for clinical application of microbiome-based strategies.