Probiotics, prebiotics, energy balance, and obesity: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications.

Federica Molinaro, Elena Paschetta, Maurizio Cassader, Roberto Gambino, Giovanni Musso

Journal: Gastroenterology clinics of North America 2013;41(4):843-54

PMID: 23101690

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Obesity-related disorders derive from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Recent evidence supports the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and insulin resistance by increasing energy harvest from diet and by inducing chronic, low-grade inflammation. Several studies describe characteristic differences between composition and activity of gut microbiota of lean individuals and those with obesity. Despite this evidence, some pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be clarified. This article discusses mechanisms connecting gut microbiota to obesity and fat storage and the potential therapeutic role of probiotics and prebiotics.

Address: Department of Medical Sciences, Corso AM Dogliotti 14 10124, University of Turin, Italy.

DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2012.08.009

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MeSH Terms: Endotoxemia, Energy Metabolism, Gastrointestinal Tract, Humans, Obesity, Prebiotics, Probiotics