Gut microbiota and its metabolites: Bridge of dietary nutrients and obesity-related diseases

While the incidence of obesity keeps increasing in both adults and children worldwide, obesity and its complications remain major threatens to human health. Over the past decades, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the importance of microorganisms and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of obesity and related diseases. There also is a significant body of evidence validating the efficacy of microbial based therapies for managing various diseases. In this review, we collected the key information pertinent to obesity-related bacteria, fermentation substrates and major metabolites generated by studies involving humans and/or mice. We then briefly described the possible molecular mechanisms by which microorganisms cause or inhibit obesity with a focus on microbial metabolites. Lastly, we summarized the advantages and disadvantages of the utilization of probiotics, plant extracts, and exercise in controlling obesity. We speculated that new targets and combined approaches (e.g. diet combined with exercise) could lead to more precise prevention and/or alleviation of obesity in future clinical research implications.

Automated summary

The incidence of obesity is increasing globally, posing major threats to human health. Accumulated evidence suggests the significance of microorganisms and their metabolites in the development of obesity and related diseases. Microbial-based therapies have shown efficacy in managing various diseases. This review collects key information on obesity-related bacteria, fermentation substrates, and major metabolites, and discusses the molecular mechanisms by which microorganisms cause or inhibit obesity, focusing on microbial metabolites. The advantages and disadvantages of using probiotics, plant extracts, and exercise to control obesity are summarized, and new targets and combined approaches are proposed for future clinical research.