Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Obesity-Linked Metabolic Diseases and Prebiotic Potential of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts

Abstract

Trillions of microorganisms inhabit the human body, strongly colonizing the gastro-intestinal tract and outnumbering our own cells. High-throughput sequencing techniques and new bioinformatic tools have enabled scientists to extend our knowledge on the relationship between the gut microbiota and host's physiology. Disruption of the ecological equilibrium in the gut (i.e., dysbiosis) has been associated with several pathological processes, including obesity and its related comorbidities, with diet being a strong determinant of gut microbial balance. In this review, we discuss the potential prebiotic effect of polyphenol-rich foods and extracts and how they can reshape the gut microbiota, emphasizing the novel role of the mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila in their metabolic benefits.

Significance of Microbiota in Obesity and Metabolic Diseases and the Modulatory Potential by Medicinal Plant and Food Ingredients

“…Collectively, these studies reveal that polyphenols act as prebiotic supplements that can positively modulate gut microbiota composition mainly through the enrichment of beneficial bacteria and the inhibition of pathogenic bacterial growth (Anhe et al, 2015b; Le Barz et al, 2015; Fändriks, 2017). …”

A metagenomic analysis of the modulatory effect of Cyclocarya paliurus flavonoids on the intestinal microbiome in a high‐fat diet‐induced obesity mouse model

“…Additionally, obese people usually exhibit a lower bacterial diversity and gene richness compared to healthy ones . Although the bacterial profile of the obesity is still not well‐known, it has been reported that obesity affects gut microbial ecology and dysbiosis of gut microbiota contributes to obesity . Thus, the goal of obesity prevention and treatment might be achieved by intentionally manipulating gut microbiota.…”

Duodenal endoluminal barrier sleeve alters gut microbiota of ZDF rats

“…Emerging evidence suggests that in conjunction with the long-known defects in hormonal and inflammatory states, obesity and T2D are also characterized by dysbiosis(2, 3). Once thought to be simple parasitic passengers, we are now aware of the complex regulatory role that gut microbiota play in our digestion, immune response, metabolism, and even mental status(4, 5).…”