title: Role of the microbiome in energy regulation and metabolism.
abstract: Intestinal microbes regulate metabolic function and energy balance; an altered microbial ecology is believed to contribute to the development of several metabolic diseases. Relative species abundance and metabolic characteristics of the intestinal microbiota change substantially in those who are obese or have other metabolic disorders and in response to ingested nutrients or therapeutic agents. The mechanisms through which the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites affect host homeostasis are just beginning to be understood. We review the relationships between the intestinal microbiota and host metabolism, including energy intake, use, and expenditure, in relation to glucose and lipid metabolism. These associations, along with interactions among the intestinal microbiota, mucus layer, bile acids, and mucosal immune responses, reveal potential mechanisms by which the microbiota affect metabolism. We discuss how controlled studies involving direct perturbations of microbial communities in human and animal models are required to identify effective therapeutic targets in the microbiota.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden. Electronic address: m.nieuwdorp@amc.uva.nl.
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nieuwdorp
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Pim W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Gilijamse
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute and Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Nikhil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pai
authors.affiliation: Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute and Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address: lmkaplan@partners.org.
authors.forename: Lee M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Kaplan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D006706:Homeostasis; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D064307:Microbiota; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts
keywords: Bile Acids; Energy Expenditure; Gut Microbiota; Obesity