The molecular signaling of exercise and obesity in the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Abstract

Obesity is one of the major pandemics of the 21st century. Due to its multifactorial etiology, its treatment requires several actions, including dietary intervention and physical exercise. Excessive fat accumulation leads to several health problems involving alteration in the gut-microbiota-brain axis. This axis is characterized by multiple biological systems generating a network that allows bidirectional communication between intestinal bacteria and brain. This mutual communication maintains the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal, central nervous and microbial systems of animals. Moreover, this axis involves inflammatory, neural, and endocrine mechanisms, contributes to obesity pathogenesis. The axis also acts in appetite and satiety control and synthesizing hormones that participate in gastrointestinal functions. Exercise is a nonpharmacologic agent commonly used to prevent and treat obesity and other chronic degenerative diseases. Besides increasing energy expenditure, exercise induces the synthesis and liberation of several muscle-derived myokines and neuroendocrine peptides such as neuropeptide Y, peptide YY, ghrelin, and leptin, which act directly on the gut-microbiota-brain axis. Thus, exercise may serve as a rebalancing agent of the gut-microbiota-brain axis under the stimulus of chronic low-grade inflammation induced by obesity. So far, there is little evidence of modification of the gut-brain axis as a whole, and this narrative review aims to address the molecular pathways through which exercise may act in the context of disorders of the gut-brain axis due to obesity.

Effect of supplementation with probiotics or synbiotics on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

“…Obesity, as a common manifestation of MetS, is associated with a variety of metabolic diseases. Studies have found ( 34 , 35 ) that the body affects the gastrointestinal microorganisms and maintains homeostasis of weight through a variety of mechanisms mediated by bidirectional signaling of the gut-brain axis (GBA). Changes in the gut microbiota are strongly associated with obesity, Studies ( 36 ) have reported that probiotics can promote health by remodeling the gut microbiota.…”

Relationship of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 and Peptide YY with Catch-up Growth in Children Born Small for Gestational Age

“…A bidirectional relationship exists between obesity and gastrointestinal hormones ( 21 ). Patients with obesity and T2DM have lower PYY levels, and PYY secretion is decreased before blood glucose levels become abnormal in children with obesity ( 22 ).…”

The effect of exercise on the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with sleep insufficiency: a cross-sectional study

“…Both may lead to a decrease in the amount one exercises. However, increasing the amount of exercise is expected to reduce the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease ( 54 , 55 ). PA is effective and safe for improving sleep in both healthy and co-morbid populations with sleep disturbance by increasing daily activity levels using a variety of strategies, even low intensity, such as housekeeping, sit-to-stand repetitions, along with encouraging PA through web pages, videos, and self-goal setting apps ( 19 ).…”