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Published on: July 31, 2019
Effects of Weight Loss Interventions on Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites Linked to Cardiometabolic Health: A
Fernando Q Iorra1, Leonardo André Swarowsky Loebens2, Andrea Auler2
1Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences: Endocrinology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Background:
Gut microbiota-derived metabolites are emerging as potential mediators between obesity and cardiometabolic conditions. While weight loss interventions modify microbiota composition, their effects on systemic microbial metabolites remain unclear.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of weight loss interventions on circulating levels of key gut-derived metabolites in individuals with overweight or obesity, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods:
Searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library up to July 17, 2024. We included intervention studies in individuals with overweight/obesity undergoing weight loss strategies, with measurement of serum lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), secondary bile acids, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), or indole derivatives. Meta-analysis used the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a random-effects model, stratified by intervention type (non-surgical or surgical).
Results:
Sixty-seven studies were included. Non-surgical interventions were associated with reduced TMAO (n = 8 studies; SMD: -0.56; 95% CI -0.90 to -0.22; I2 = 74.7%), but not LPS (n = 10 studies; SMD: -0.11; 95% CI -0.58 to 0.35; I2 = 91.2%). Surgical interventions were associated with decreased LPS (n = 7 studies; SMD: -0.47; 95% CI -0.80 to -0.14; I2 = 78.8%), and increased TMAO (n = 8 studies; SMD: 0.49; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.90; I2 = 81.8%) and secondary bile acids (n = 13 studies; SMD: 0.48; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.66; I2 = 58.8%). Evidence on SCFAs and indole derivatives was limited.
Conclusion:
Weight loss strategies have distinct effects on gut microbiota-derived metabolites, underscoring the complexity of microbiota-host interactions and the potential for personalized approaches to obesity treatment.
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