Oral Angiotensin-(1-7) Peptide Modulates Intestinal Microbiota Improving Metabolic Profile in Obese Mice

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Obesity is a significant health issue linked to Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) dysregulation and altered intestinal microbiota.
• The interplay between obesity, RAS, and gut bacteria is complex and warrants further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of an oral Angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] formulation on the intestinal microbiota of obese mice.
• To explore potential mechanisms linking ANG-(1-7) treatment to metabolic improvements and gut health.

Main Methods:

• Mice were divided into four groups: obese and non-obese, with and without ANG-(1-7) treatment for four weeks.
• Evaluated metabolic parameters (glucose, lipids), intestinal histology, gut microbiota composition (Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio), and gene expression (TLR4, B0AT1).

Main Results:

• ANG-(1-7) treatment significantly improved metabolic profiles, reducing glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL.
• Histological analysis revealed reduced intestinal villi height. Microbiota analysis showed an increased Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and reduced Enterobacter cloacae.
• Intestinal TLR4 expression decreased, while the neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1 increased, suggesting enhanced tryptophan uptake.

Conclusions:

• Oral ANG-(1-7) administration demonstrates a significant interaction with and modulation of the intestinal microbiota in obese mice.
• These findings highlight a potential therapeutic role for ANG-(1-7) in managing obesity-related metabolic dysfunction through gut microbiome manipulation.