Harnessing the beneficial properties of adipogenic microbes for improving human health

Abstract

Obesity is associated with numerous metabolic comorbidities. Weight loss is an effective measure for alleviating many of these metabolic abnormalities. However, considering the limited success of most medical weight-management approaches in producing a sustained weight loss, approaches that improve obesity-related metabolic abnormalities independent of weight loss would be extremely attractive and of practical benefit. Metabolically healthy obesity supports the notion that a better metabolic profile is possible despite obesity. Moreover, adequate expansion of adipose tissue appears to confer protection from obesity-induced metabolic comorbidities. To this end, the 10th Stock conference examined new approaches to improve metabolic comorbidities independent of weight loss. In particular, human adenovirus 36 (Ad36) and specific gut microbes were examined for their potential to influence lipid and glucose homeostasis in animals and humans. While these microbes possess some undesirable properties, research has identified attributes of adenovirus Ad36 and gut microbes that may be selectively harnessed to improve metabolic profile without the obligatory weight loss. Furthermore, identifying the host signalling pathways that these microbes recruit to improve the metabolic profile may offer new templates and targets, which may facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies for obesity-related metabolic conditions.

An adenovirus-derived protein: A novel candidate for anti-diabetic drug development

“…Microbes are a somewhat unconventional yet important source to develop therapeutic agents and strategies [3]. In animal models, Ad36 increases adiposity, but enhances glycemic control and reduces hepatic lipid accumulation, despite high fat diet and without recruiting the proximal insulin signaling [4–7].…”

Fatty liver disease and lifestyle in youngsters: diet, food intake frequency, exercise, sleep shortage and fashion

“…The changes in gut microbiota are also associated with obesity and liver diseases , and minor viral infections with human adipogenic adenoviruses are associated mildly or greatly with NAFLD , which is still suitable to be modified by nutritional intervention . Several anthropometric measures are closely associated with the occurrence of NAFLD, indicating central obesity as a possible culprit of liver steatosis .…”

Interactions between gut microbes and host cells control gut barrier and metabolism

“…1 Consequently, the gut microbiota is considered as a significant companion helping balance important vital functions for the host such as, for example, host defense and immunity, food digestion and nutrient bioavailability that participates in the maintenance of health. 2,3 THE GUT MICROBIOTA The gut microbiota consist of as many as 100 trillion microorganisms; therefore, the total number of microbial cells outnumber human cells by one order of magnitude, thus as previously suggested, we are not 100% human, but rather 50% human and 50% microbes 4 (Figure 1). This observation supports the surprising concept that the bacteria living inside our gut contribute to important biological and metabolic functions in humans.…”