Body mass index and gastrointestinal inflammation: Bio-molecular pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Obesity is a global health issue linked to numerous gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
• Higher body mass index (BMI) correlates with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state ('metainflammation').
• Dietary patterns and fat quality in obesity can impact mucosal immunity and inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between BMI and GI inflammatory vulnerability.
• To elucidate the biomolecular pathophysiology linking higher BMI to GI inflammation.
• To explore mechanisms underlying obesity-related GI manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on BMI, inflammation, and GI disorders.
• Focus on biomolecular pathways and pathophysiological mechanisms.
• Analysis of how obesity affects immune responses and gut barrier function.

Main Results:

• Increased BMI is associated with functional GI symptoms like gastroesophageal reflux due to altered motility and pressure.
• Intestinal barrier dysfunction, dysbiosis, and microbial product translocation contribute to inflammation.
• Obesity-related immune-endocrine dysregulation, including cytokine profiles, exacerbates systemic and intestinal inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Higher BMI is a significant factor in GI inflammatory vulnerability.
• Mechanisms involve metabolic endotoxemia, inflammasome activation, and immune-endocrine imbalances.
• BMI, when combined with metabolic markers, aids in risk stratification for GI inflammatory conditions.