The Obesity-Epigenetics-Microbiome Axis: Strategies for Therapeutic Intervention

Area of Science:

• Metabolic disorders
• Epigenetics
• Gut microbiome

Background:

• Obesity (OB) prevalence is rising, contributing to metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
• Unbalanced energy metabolism in OB involves epigenetic changes driven by gut microbiome (GM) alterations.
• OB-induced epigenetic modifications in adipocytes can cause cellular memory, promoting weight regain and liver inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of epigenetic aberrations in obesity development.
• To discuss the association between gut microbiome alterations and obesity.
• To review interventions targeting GM and epigenome for obesity prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on epigenetics and gut microbiome in obesity.
• Analysis of environmental factors, particularly diet, in modulating GM and epigenetics.
• Examination of therapeutic strategies including prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary components.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic aberrations are key in obesity development.
• Gut microbiome alterations are significantly associated with obesity.
• Interplay between GM and epigenome is crucial in obesity pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Diet and environmental factors significantly impact GM and epigenetics in obesity.
• Interventions like prebiotics, probiotics, and specific diets show promise for obesity management.
• Modulating GM and epigenetics offers a potential therapeutic avenue for obesity.