The Role of Next-Generation Probiotics in Obesity and Obesity-Associated Disorders: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Obesity and obesity-associated disorders pose a major public health issue worldwide. Apart from conventional weight loss drugs, next-generation probiotics (NGPs) seem to be very promising as potential preventive and therapeutic agents against obesity. Candidate NGPs such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Anaerobutyricum hallii, Bacteroides uniformis, Bacteroides coprocola, Parabacteroides distasonis, Parabacteroides goldsteinii, Hafnia alvei, Odoribacter laneus and Christensenella minuta have shown promise in preclinical models of obesity and obesity-associated disorders. Proposed mechanisms include the modulation of gut flora and amelioration of intestinal dysbiosis, improvement of intestinal barrier function, reduction in chronic low-grade inflammation and modulation of gut peptide secretion. Akkermansia muciniphila and Hafnia alvei have already been administered in overweight/obese patients with encouraging results. However, safety issues and strict regulations should be constantly implemented and updated. In this review, we aim to explore (1) current knowledge regarding NGPs; (2) their utility in obesity and obesity-associated disorders; (3) their safety profile; and (4) their therapeutic potential in individuals with overweight/obesity. More large-scale, multicentric and longitudinal studies are mandatory to explore their preventive and therapeutic potential against obesity and its related disorders.

Effects of Designed Herbal Formula on Growth Performance, Blood Indices, Organ Traits, and Cecum Microbiology in Broilers

“…In addition, relevant studies have demonstrated that Bacteroides uniformis plays an important role in enhancing immunity levels [ 69 ]. Notably, there is also a correlation between Bacteroides uniformis and host body weight [ 70 ]. At the same time, we observed an increase in the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii with the DHF.…”

Next-Generation Probiotics as Novel Therapeutics for Improving Human Health: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

“…Supplementation with P. distasonis has been shown to modify the Actinomycetota , Bacillota , and Bacteroidota taxa in the gut microbiota of mice [ 127 ]. Additionally, P. distasonis has been associated with improvements in adiposity, glycemia, insulin resistance, and fatty liver indices [ 128 ]. The alleviation of obesity and metabolic dysfunctions by P. distasonis has been attributed to its production of succinate and secondary bile acids [ 129 ].…”

Next-generation probiotics: the upcoming biotherapeutics

“…d’Ettorre et al [ 83 ] reported reduced morbidity and mortality in a small group of hospitalized COVID-19 patients when standard therapy was supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic formulation. This indicates the potential of investigating probiotics and NGPs regarding their safety and effectiveness as adjuvant therapy [ 84 , 85 ].…”

“…The particular dose of each other NGP must also be ascertained. Also, the optimal formulation for each NGP has to be determined to enhance bacterial survival for the duration of storage and in the harsh conditions of the gut microenvironment [ 85 , 90 ]. Additionally, further studies on the concomitant administration of two or more NGPs to determine possible synergistic actions that may have beneficial additive effects.…”

“…For example, in the United States, regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the characterization of “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), should be applied. Nevertheless, as novel NGPs are evolving, the regulations should be regularly updated, and the safety of NGPs should be coordinated with the needs and the safety of individuals [ 47 , 85 ].…”