Changes in intestinal microflora in obesity: cause or consequence?
Obesity and the associated metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, have become major public health issues worldwide. Obesity results from a positive energy balance and is associated with decreased microbial diversity in the human gut with lower levels of Bacteroidetes. However, whether changes in the gut microbiota are a cause or consequence in obesity remains to be definitively proven. Experiments using germ-free mice have begun to reveal some mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may affect the development of obesity.
Bäckhed
Fredrik
F
Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research/Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. Fredrik.Backhed@wlab.gu.se
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D051379:Mice; D009765:Obesity / Q000382:microbiology*