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The Yin-Yang Concept of Pediatric Obesity and Gut Microbiota
Lorena Elena Meliț1, Cristina Oana Mărginean1, Maria Oana Săsăran2
1Department of Pediatrics I, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Gheorghe Marinescu Street No 38, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania.
Insights
Pediatric obesity is a growing global concern. Research is exploring the gut microbiome
Area of Science:
- Pediatric obesity
- Gut microbiome research
- Microbiome and metabolic health
Background:
- Pediatric obesity rates are alarmingly high worldwide.
- The gut microbiome's role in obesity is increasingly studied.
- Factors influencing infant gut microbiota include maternal health, delivery type, and diet.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of gut microbiota in pediatric obesity.
- To address the limited understanding of the infant gut microbiome in obese children.
- To explore potential intrauterine influences on the gut microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on gut microbiota and pediatric obesity.
- Analysis of factors shaping the infant gut microbiome.
- Examination of microbial community composition, including Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota, particularly the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, is linked to obesity risk.
- Inconsistencies exist in findings, especially within pediatric populations.
- Limited studies focus specifically on the pediatric age group.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome is a significant factor in pediatric obesity.
- Further research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms in children.
- Understanding the infant gut microbiome is crucial for addressing childhood obesity.
Abstract:
The era of pediatric obesity is no longer a myth. Unfortunately, pediatric obesity has reached alarming incidence levels worldwide and the factors that contribute to its development have been intensely studied in multiple recent and emerging studies. Gut microbiota was recently included in the wide spectrum of factors implicated in the determination of obesity, but its role in pediatric obese patients is far from being fully understood. In terms of the infant gut microbiome, multiple factors have been demonstrated to shape its content, including maternal diet and health, type of delivery, feeding patterns, weaning and dietary habits. Nevertheless, the role of the intrauterine environment, such as the placental microbial community, cannot be completely excluded. Most studies have identified Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as the most important players related to obesity risk in gut microbiota reflecting an increase of Firmicutes and a decrease in Bacteroidetes in the context of obesity; however, multiple inconsistencies between studies were recently reported, especially in pediatric populations, and there is a scarcity of studies performed in this age group.
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