Gut microbiome and Mediterranean diet in the context of obesity. Current knowledge, perspectives and potential therapeutic targets

Abstract

Mediterranean Diet has been recognized as one of the healthiest and sustainable dietary patterns worldwide, based on the food habits of people living in the Mediterranean region. It is focused on a plant-based cuisine combining local agricultural products and moderate intake of fish. As eating habits seem to exert a major impact on the composition of gut microbiota, numerous studies show that an adherence to the Mediterranean diet positively influences the microbiome ecosystem network. This has a profound effect on multiple host metabolic pathways and plays a major role in immune and metabolic homeostasis. Among metabolic disorders, obesity represents a major health issue where Mediterranean Dietary regime could possibly slowdown its spread. The aim of this review is to emphasize the interaction between diet and gut microbiota and the potential beneficial effects of Mediterranean diet on metabolic disorders like obesity, which is responsible for the development of many noncommunicable diseases.

Adherence to a Supplemented Mediterranean Diet Drives Changes in the Gut Microbiota of HIV-1-Infected Individuals

“…Several studies have reported that the gut microbiota production of SCFA can reduce several inflammatory and allergic diseases [47]. A higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes is linked to an increase in faecal SCFA levels as well as to higher concentration of microorganisms capable of degrading fibre [48]. Thus, the gut microbiota composition linked with higher MD adherence could be mediating the anti-inflammatory profile observed in these individuals.…”

The Role of Gut Microbiota and Its Produced Metabolites in Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Adipocyte Dysfunction, and Its Interventions

“…The beneficial effects of dietary fiber are possibly through higher SCFAs production, as SCFAs are synthesized through fermentation of indigestible fibers by the commensal GM [ 134 ]. As the MD has substantial larger amounts of fibers, studies have found higher amounts of SCFA production with this diet, and furthermore the diet has shown to decrease Firmicutes while increasing Bacteroidetes phyla, which is relevant because Bacteroidetes is associated with increased SCFAs production [ 195 ]. Whether GM composition is merely a biomarker of the diet consumed is becoming less likely, as the diet rather appears to play an active role in altering GM composition and mediate its cardiometabolic-associated diseases.…”

Assessing the Physiological Effects of Traditional Regional Diets Targeting the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Implementing Mediterranean, New Nordic, Japanese, Atlantic, Persian and Mexican Dietary Interventions

“…A plethora of meta-analyses have shown that adherence to the MedD reduces CV risk factors including hard endpoints [ 85 , 86 ]. Moreover, research also suggests that the MedD can be an effective remedy for precursors of CVD, including hypertension or obesity [ 87 , 88 , 89 ]. Nevertheless, great heterogeneity is observed with respect to the trials implementing MedD interventions, their design, fragility index, and intervention characteristics, as well as regarding what is considered as a MedD by definition [ 54 ].…”