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Updated: Jun 5, 2025
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
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The Microbiota and Evolution of Obesity.
Mario J A Saad1, Andrey Santos1
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, CEP 13083-887 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Endocrine Reviews
|December 14, 2024
Summary
The evolutionary origins of obesity may be linked to genes selected for pathogen defense, a concept called metaflammation. Gut microbiome genetics further complicates the obesity epidemic, requiring a multifaceted approach to understand its complex roots.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Human genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Obesity is a significant global health issue with complex origins.
- Existing hypotheses include thrifty/drifty genotypes and altered thermogenesis.
- The role of genetic and environmental factors is well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose the metaflammation hypothesis for the evolutionary origins of obesity.
- To explore the connection between immune defense genes and modern obesity.
- To integrate the influence of gut microbiota into obesity's genetic framework.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing hypotheses on obesity's evolutionary origins.
- Formulation of the metaflammation hypothesis.
- Consideration of host-microbiome genetic interactions.
Main Results:
- Intense selection for pathogen defense genes may have conferred evolutionary advantages.
- These selected genes might contribute to obesity via immune-energy storage system links.
- Obesity is more polygenic than previously thought when gut microbiota genetics are included.
Conclusions:
- The metaflammation hypothesis offers a new perspective on obesity's evolutionary roots.
- Understanding obesity requires examining human history, population genetics, and the gut microbiome.
- A multifaceted approach is crucial for uncovering the complex evolutionary origins of obesity.
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