Microbiota Modulation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) comprises a vast range of metabolic dysfunctions, which can be associated to cardiovascular disease risk factors. MS is reaching pandemic levels worldwide and it currently affects around 25% in the adult population of developed countries. The definition states for the diagnosis of MS may be clear, but it is also relevant to interpret the patient data and realize whether similar criteria were used by different clinicians. The different criteria explain, at least in part, the controversies on the theme. Several studies are presently focusing on the microbiota changes according to the components of MS. It is widely accepted that the gut microbiota is a regulator of metabolic homeostasis, being the gut microbiome in MS described as dysbiotic and certain taxonomic groups associated to metabolic changes. Probiotics, and more recently synbiotics, arise as promising therapeutic alternatives that can mitigate some metabolic disturbances, namely by correcting the microbiome and bringing homeostasis to the gut. The most recent studies were revised and the promising results and perspectives revealed in this review.

The Role of Nutrition in Chronic Disease

“…The authors found that the intake of specific foods or food groups, such as whole grains, vegetables, and red meats, among others, was associated with changes in the abundance of specific genera and species of gut microbiota. Moreover, the review by Araujo, Borges-Canha, and Pimentel-Nunes [ 16 ] explored differences in the gut microbiome among individuals with metabolic syndrome (versus healthy adults) as well as the potential for probiotics and/or synbiotics to modulate the microbiome in an effort to mitigate some of the metabolic disturbances in some individuals with metabolic syndromes.…”

Mechanisms of microbiota modulation: Implications for health, disease, and therapeutic interventions

“…For instance, direct effects may be produced by environmental pollutants or dietary components on the growth and metabolism of microorganisms leading to changes in compositional traits and activity of microbiota. [4] 1. Immune System Modulation: The host immune system helps in the development of an active microbiota and also guides the composition and functions of different structures.…”

“…For instance, a newly introduced phototrophic microbial species in the eco-system of the microbiota through probiotics or phage therapy might lead to ecological changes that affect other community members. [4] 3. Host-Microbe Crosstalk: The messages circulating along various signaling pathways enable two-way communication between the host and its associated microbiota.…”

Gut Molecules in Cardiometabolic Diseases: The Mechanisms behind the Story

“…Gut microbiota regulates local and systemic functions, interfering with digestive, immune, and metabolic effects via the secretion of gut microbiota-derived components. The disturbances of gut microbiota composition, known as dysbiosis, can alter the release of microbial products that activate metabolic pathophysiological processes, defining a gut metabolism hypothesis: dysbiosis and microbial metabolites are involved in metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, through both a direct metabolic effect and the enhancement of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways [ 52 ]. Moreover, the interaction between the host genome, microbial metagenome, and diet correlates with cardiometabolic risk factors and influences the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.…”