Review
Gut Microbiota and Obesity: Focus on Hormone Regulation and Appetite Control
Chaiwoo Park1,*, Bei Li1,*, Yun Deng1,*, Linlin Shi2, Wanping Hu3, Guohua Lin4, Zhigui Zuo3,#, Zhi Liu1,#
1Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. 2National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. 3Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. 4Chang’e Innovation Biotech (Wuhan) Co., Ltd, Wuhan, China.
* These authors contributed equally. ✉ Correspondence Zhi Liu, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China. Contact number: +86 027 87001156, Email: [email protected]. Zhigui Zuo, Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. Contact number: +86 0577 55579472, Email: [email protected]. Received: October 24, 2020; Accepted: November 30, 2020; Published online: January 14, 2021. Cite this paper: Chaiwoo Park, Bei Li, Yun Deng, Linlin Shi, Wanping Hu, Guohua Lin, Zhigui Zuo, Zhi Liu. (2021) Gut microbiota and obesity: focus on hormone regulation and appetite control. Global Journal of Microbiology, 2(1):1-16. https://naturescholars.com/gjmic.020101. https://doi.org/10.46633/gjmic.020101. Copyright© 2021 by Scholars Publishing, LLC.
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has continued to rise worldwide over the past decade. Chronic and excessive intake of unhealthy diets can alter the gut microbiota composition. This altered gut microbiota affects gut hormone secretion through their metabolites. Microbiota-mediated gut hormone levels can affect the host appetite. Probiotic strains, which are known for their beneficial functions, are associated with the improvement of gut microbiota and body weight control. This review provides detailed mechanisms of microbiota-mediated gut hormone secretion which is closely related to food intake and fat accumulation. Results show that gut dysbiosis negatively influences the sensitivity of leptin and insulin in hypothalamic neurons as well as gut hormone secretion. It can cause excessive energy intake and storage. Probiotics intervention improves intestinal microflora balance and ameliorates appetite-regulating hormonal activities, thereby preventing excessive food intake and obesity. The therapeutic efficacy of probiotic strains on obesity through appetite control would provide new insights into the prevention and control of obesity.
Key words: Gut Microbiota; Obesity; Gut Hormone; Appetite; Dysbiosis; Probiotic Treatment.