Gut microbiota as a potential target of metabolic syndrome: the role of probiotics and prebiotics

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) comprises central obesity, increased plasma glucose levels, hyperlipidemia and hypertension, and its incidence is increasing due to changes in lifestyle and dietary structure in recent years. MS has been proven to be associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus, leading to morbidity and mortality. In this manuscript, we review recent studies concerning the role of the gut microbiota in MS modulation. Manipulation of the gut microbiota through the administration of prebiotics or probiotics may assist in weight loss and reduce plasma glucose and serum lipid levels, decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. To the best of our knowledge, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile salt hydrolase (BSH), metabolic endotoxemia and the endocannabinoid (eCB) system are essential in regulating the initiation and progression of MS through the normalization of adipogenesis and the regulation of insulin secretion, fat accumulation, energy homeostasis, and plasma cholesterol levels. Therefore, the gut microbiota may serve as a potential therapeutic target for MS. However, further studies are needed to enhance our understanding of manipulating the gut microbiota and the role of the gut microbiota in MS prevention and treatment.

Galactomannan from Trigonella foenum‐graecum L. seed: Prebiotic application and its fermentation by the probiotic Bacillus coagulans strain MTCC 5856

“…Over the recent years, the concept of functional food has evolved toward the development of dietary supplementation that may alter the gut microbial composition and activities. The scientific rationale behind this concept grows from the current understanding on gut microbiome that the human colon contains health‐promoting species (probiotics), pathogenic organisms, and benign (He & Shi, ). Further, gut microbiota in the colon plays a very significant nutritional role by involving major metabolic activities (He & Shi, ).…”

Would Adding Low Doses of Lithium Salts and/or Prebiotic Fibre Interventions to an Effective Exercise Protocol Further Enhance Retention of Cognitive Integrity? Potential for Preventing Loss of Cognition with Aging Using Combinations of Low Cost Regimens

“…The daily dose of prebiotic used ranges from 8 -16 grams/day, depending on the study, as does the ratio of oligofructose to inulin [48][49][50][51]. As humans do not metabolize these prebiotics, they are apparently metabolized by gut bacteria that are part of the microbiome [52][53][54]. As the microbiome of people with obesity are different from those without obesity, the metabolism of the prebiotics leads to a re-establishment of some aspects of the microbiome (with accompanying decline in gut leakiness contributing to lipopolysaccharide uptake which subsequently contributes to the inflammation of the metabolic syndrome), as well as the generation of low molecular weight fatty acids that can be absorbed into the host [52][53][54].…”

“…As humans do not metabolize these prebiotics, they are apparently metabolized by gut bacteria that are part of the microbiome [52][53][54]. As the microbiome of people with obesity are different from those without obesity, the metabolism of the prebiotics leads to a re-establishment of some aspects of the microbiome (with accompanying decline in gut leakiness contributing to lipopolysaccharide uptake which subsequently contributes to the inflammation of the metabolic syndrome), as well as the generation of low molecular weight fatty acids that can be absorbed into the host [52][53][54]. Such molecules have the potential to interact with multiple host systems, including the brain to impact function, as well as re-establish metabolic regulation.…”

Probiotics: Past, Present and Future Challenges

“…There are several reasons behind this health care interest, including foundation of many health promoting organizations, the wide range of health information available on the internet, and the increasing interest in the natural remedies. Probiotics consumption is one of the issues that gained increased interest and ongoing research [13].…”