title: The development of probiotic treatment in obesity: a review.
abstract: Recent studies suggested that manipulation of the composition of the microbial ecosystem in the gut might be a novel approach in the treatment of obesity. Such treatment might consist of altering the composition of the microbial communities of an obese individual by administration of beneficial microorganisms, commonly known as probiotics. Here, we intend to contribute to the developmental process of probiotic treatment of human obesity. The aim is to review the evidence regarding the potential effect of probiotic strains on reduction of weight and body fat. A literature study was conducted focusing on clinical trials that examined the effect of specific microorganisms on body weight control. Analysis of the eligible articles pointed out that Lactobacillus gasseri SBT 2055, Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103, and the combination of L. rhamnosus ATCC 53102 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 may reduce adiposity, body weight, and weight gain. This suggests that these microbial strains can be applied in the treatment of obesity. Furthermore, short chain fatty acid production and low grade inflammation were found as the underlying mechanisms of action that influence metabolism and affect body weight. These findings might contribute to the development of probiotic treatment of obesity. Further research should be directed to the most effective combination and dosage rate of probiotic microorganisms.
authors.affiliation: Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Mekkes
authors.affiliation: Erasmus School of Economics Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, the Netherlands Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 1315 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Weenen
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Brummer
authors.affiliation: Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 1315 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Claassen
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000382:microbiology; D050154:Adiposity; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000378:metabolism; D001835:Body Weight; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000378:metabolism; D064307:Microbiota; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile
keywords: clinical studies; mechanism of action; metabolism; microbial strain; microbiota; obesity