Crosstalk between adipose tissue and the microbiota-gut-brain axis in metabolic diseases

Abstract

Recently, the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) has emerged as a target for therapeutic innovation. Impairment of dynamic relationships within the MGBA promotes the pathological features of metabolic diseases. However, experimental data on the MGBA has limited clinical application. This review summarizes recent studies and proposes that exploring the interaction among peripheral organs and the MGBA could verify the dominant role of the latter in the onset of metabolic diseases and promote the clinical application of research outcomes. We first emphasize the molecular basis of metabolic diseases caused by MGBA disorders, which manifests as bidirectional relationship. We also summarize related therapeutic strategies, along with limitations in their clinical application. Adipose tissue (AT) is dynamic during metabolic activities and might interact with components in the MGBA. Therefore, it is interesting to explore the interplay among the MGBA and different kinds of AT, including thermogenic adipose tissue and white adipose tissue (WAT). In addition, we also evaluate the functional specificity of adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and the beige adipose tissue. Understanding the heterogeneity and molecular basis of the interaction between different kinds of AT and the MGBA could accelerate innovation in the diagnosis and therapy of metabolic diseases.

Acupuncture as multi-targeted therapy for the multifactorial disease obesity: a complex neuro-endocrine-immune interplay

“…Indeed, in addition to its well-described contribution to digestion of food, gut microbiota composition is thought to critically influence host health and disease in the context of the gut brain axis ( 106 , 107 ), where dysbiosis with concomitant increase in pathogens can lead to inflammation and disease ( 88 , 108 , 109 ). The regulatory system linking the CNS and enteric nervous system (ENS) to the peripheral intestinal functions is referred to as the “gut brain axis”.…”

“…In the context of metabolic diseases such as obesity, the gut brain axis integrates cerebral and gastrointestinal functions in a bidirectional manner, including gut motility, appetite, and body weight control ( 108 ). From the gut to the brain, the secretion of metabolites by the gut microbiota promotes the release of intestinal peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, such as PYY, GLP-1, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) ( 117 – 119 ).…”

“…From the gut to the brain, the secretion of metabolites by the gut microbiota promotes the release of intestinal peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, such as PYY, GLP-1, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) ( 117 – 119 ). In addition to contributing to regulating peripheral metabolic status ( 108 ), these metabolites are thought to influence the CNS via the ENS ( 120 ). Via the hypothalamic ARC, they can control the balance of appetite ( 108 , 119 , 121 , 122 ).…”

A Systematic Review on the Association between Obesity and Mood Disorders and the Role of Gut Microbiota

“…The trillions of microbes that live inside our gastrointestinal tract, known as gut microbes, are essential for regulating the adipose-brain axis. The homeostatic regulation of the adipose-brain axis by gut microbes establishes the gutadipose-brain (GAB) axis [24][25][26]. Thus, a healthy microbiota is essential to maintain inter-organ communication, leading to a healthy life.…”

From Gut Microbiota through Low-Grade Inflammation to Obesity: Key Players and Potential Targets

“…This suggests that the gut microbiota is a key regulator of body fat storage [ 8 , 9 ]. In addition, as recently reviewed [ 10 , 11 ], the gut microbiota might influence the endocrine signals to the hypothalamus (both orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones), thus influencing food intake. Overall, this might lead to an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure.…”