Impact of the gut microbiota on inflammation, obesity, and metabolic disease

The human gut harbors more than 100 trillion microbial cells, which have an essential role in human metabolic regulation via their symbiotic interactions with the host. Altered gut microbial ecosystems have been associated with increased metabolic and immune disorders in animals and humans. Molecular interactions linking the gut microbiota with host energy metabolism, lipid accumulation, and immunity have also been identified. However, the exact mechanisms that link specific variations in the composition of the gut microbiota with the development of obesity and metabolic diseases in humans remain obscure owing to the complex etiology of these pathologies. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the…

• EC
  European Commission

  Awards: 291840, 305312, HEALTH-F4-2012-305312
• MR
  Medical Research Council

  Awards: MR/M501797/1, MR/M501797/1
• FP
  Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia