Gut microflora as a target for energy and metabolic homeostasis

Abstract

Gut microflora may play an even more important role in maintaining human health than previously thought. The literature provides new evidence that the increased prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes cannot be attributed solely to changes in the human genome, nutritional habits, or reduction of physical activity in our daily lives. One must also consider this important new environmental factor, namely gut microbiota. Scientists may take into consideration a key question: could we manipulate the microbiotic environment to treat or prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes? This opens up a new area in nutrition research.

The effect of genetically modified Lactobacillus plantarum 590 on the gut health of sprague–dawley rats

“…Beneficial Bifidobacteria made the above four parts to become an interrelated whole (25). Our results were supported by previous published reports (4,25,32,34). The results of intestinal health were comparable with those from the traditional methods in the study.…”

“…In accordance with the mRNA analysis, compared with the control group, Lp-and Lp 590-fed improved the tight-junctions of rats (P \ 0.05), because the immunohistochemical staining of both proteins localized along the apical cellular border was greater with Lp and Lp 590 treatment compared with PBS treatment. Previous studies on the relationship between intestinal beneficial bacteria and permeability illustrated that Bifidobacteria can augment two proteins of ZO-1 and occludin and then promote gut permeability (34). The tendency also appeared in this study.…”

“…Gut health can be well-described by intestinal microbiota, their metabolites, gut permeability, and gut mucosal immunity (4,25,34). Beneficial Bifidobacteria made the above four parts to become an interrelated whole (25).…”

Translational research into gut microbiota: new horizons on obesity treatment: updated 2014

“…The imbalance between energy expenditure, caloric intake and energy storage, is known to contribute to the development of obesity (4). Recent studies have suggested that mechanisms not directly related to the human genome could be involved in the genesis of obesity, due to the fact that, when a determined population undergoes similar nutritional stress, not all individuals become hyperglycemic or present diet-related weight gain (5)(6)(7).…”

“…The intestinal flora genome has approximately 100 times more genes than the human genome (5,9). Normal intestinal flora presents different functions that contribute to the functioning of our organism, therefore this flora can be considered a microbial organ (10,11).…”