Metabolic Changes
Connections between microorganisms in a person’s gut and the onset of obesity among other metabolic conditions are getting clearer with advanced research work. However, owing to the complexity of the microbiome, the connections are just beginning to be appreciated. However, proportional research work involving mice suggests that there is an influence of gut microbiota on the metabolism of a host. Extensive gut microbiota modulation of host systemic metabolic pathways including SCFAs, tryptophan, and tyrosine metabolism has been shown by metabolomics studies. Metabolic regulation is one of the functions of the metabolites in the gut due to its nutrient-rich environment. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism has also been linked to the microbiome (Sanmiguel, Gupta, & Mayer, 2015).
Inflammation Induction
Obesity and related inflammation mark the onset of a state of insulin resistance. By secreting cytokines like IL-1β, MCP-1, TNF-α, and MIF and of cytokines IL-6, leads to the drawing of immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells into the adipose tissue (Scott, et al. 2015). Consequentially, a dysfunctional adipose tissue lipid metabolism results in an increased circulation of fatty acids. This leads to inflammatory signal cascades in the community of infiltrating cells. A feedback loop of cytokines serves to aggravate this pathological condition leading to more infiltration of immune cells and the production of cytokine thus affecting the insulin signaling pathway. A recent study has found the positive correlation between obesity in adults and C-reactive protein which is a key marker for inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines have been associated with increased adiposity. Therefore, therapeutic interventions such as the use of FMT offers some hope in mitigating against adipose tissue biology in relation to inflammation. It is important that an increased understanding of the mechanisms of the gut microbiota homeostasis will be made in order for the inflammation-related pathophysiology of obesity to be well understood. Through this, interventions can be made which is aimed at modulating gut microbiota in obese individuals (Sanmiguel, Gupta, & Mayer, 2015).
Reference
Sanmiguel, C., Gupta, A., & Mayer, E. (2015). Gut Microbiome and Obesity: A Plausible Explanation for Obesity. Curr Obes Rep, 4(2), 250-261. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13679-015-0152-0
