Effect of Short-Term Dietary Intervention and Probiotic Mix Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota of Elderly Obese Women

Abstract

Accumulating literature is providing evidence that the gut microbiota is involved in metabolic disorders, but the question of how to effectively modulate it to restore homeostasis, especially in the elderly, is still under debate. In this study, we profiled the intestinal microbiota of 20 elderly obese women (EO) at the baseline (T0), after 15 days of hypocaloric Mediterranean diet administered as part of a nutritional-metabolic rehabilitation program for obesity (T1), and after a further 15 days of the same diet supplemented with a probiotic mix (T2). Fecal samples were characterized by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The EO microbiota showed the typical alterations found in obesity, namely, an increase in potential pro-inflammatory components (i.e., Collinsella) and a decrease in health-promoting, short-chain fatty acid producers (i.e., Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae members), with a tendency to reduced biodiversity. After 15 days of the rehabilitation program, weight decreased by (2.7 ± 1.5)% and the gut microbiota dysbiosis was partially reversed, with a decline of Collinsella and an increase in leanness-related taxa. During the next 15 days of diet and probiotics, weight dropped further by (1.2 ± 1.1)%, markers of oxidative stress improved, and Akkermansia, a mucin degrader with beneficial effects on host metabolism, increased significantly. These findings support the relevant role of a correct dietetic approach, even in the short term, to modulate the EO gut microbiota towards a metabolic health-related configuration, counteracting the increased risk of morbidity in these patients.

Characterization of the Duodenal Mucosal Microbiome in Obese Adult Subjects by 16S rRNA Sequencing

“…In addition, in a recent report on the gut microbiota of elderly obese women living in Italy, in agreement with our data, a tendency to decreased biodiversity in obese compared with control fecal microbiotas was observed as well as a reduced proportion of a number of health-promoting SCAFs producers belonging to Lachnospiraceae [36]. Further, the same authors found a negative correlation between baseline abundance of Lachnospiraceae and BMI and waist circumference, but, after two weeks of hypocaloric Mediterranean diet the obesity-associated dysbiotic signatures were reversed [36]. Lachnospiraceae family includes potentially pathogenic bacteria found in stool microbiome in diabetes and obesity affected patients and significantly correlated to obesity parameters (waist circumference, BMI), systolic pressure and consumption of carbohydrates [37,38].…”

Pork Meat Proteins Alter Gut Microbiota and Lipid Metabolism Genes in the Colon of Adaptive Immune‐Deficient Mice

“…[ 40,41,42 ] Gut microbiota can educate adaptive immunity and contribute to the maturation of immune system [ 43,44 ] ; however, the immune system can in turn shape the structure and functions of the gut microbiota. [ 45,46 ] Immune deficient (Rag1 −/− ) mice have higher levels of Akkermansia , a well‐known mucus degrader, [ 47 ] which was also observed in the present study. Under the condition of immunodeficiency, physiology responses, gut microbiota, and transcriptome profiles may contribute to a strong impact on colon health.…”

Association between Altered Blood Parameters and Gut Microbiota after Synbiotic Intake in Healthy, Elderly Korean Women

“…The average defecation frequency increased from 6.16 to 6.35 times per week. Further, the proportion of women with a BSFS 4 (sausage) form of feces increased from 43% to 68% and then returned to 30% at the washout timepoint ( Figure S1 ) [ 43 , 44 ]. The raw data of the fecal type of the subjects are shown in Table S5 .…”