Resveratrol-induced gut microbiota reduces obesity in high-fat diet-fed mice

Objective Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with putative anti-obesity effects; however, its mechanisms of action remain unclear due to its low bioavailability. Microbial functions in the physiology result from the microbiota-host coevolution has profoundly affected host metabolism. Here, we sought to determine how beneficial microbiome caused by RSV interventions affects antiobesity. Methods C57BL/6J mice were fed either standard diet (SD) or RSV (300 mg/kg/day) diet for 16 weeks. The composition of the gut microbiota was assessed by analyzing 16S rRNA gene sequences. Then, transplant the RSV-microbiota to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice (HFD-RSVT) to explore the function of microbiota. Body weight and food intake were monitored. Markers of lipid metabolism, inflammation, gut microbiota compostion, and intestinal barrier were determined. Results Mice treated with RSV shows a remarkable alteration in microbiota composition compared with that of SD-fed mice and is characterized by an enrichment of Bacteroides, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, Parabacteroides, and Ruminiclostridium_9, collectively referred to as RSV-microbiota. We further explored whether RSV-microbiota has anti-obesity functions. Transplantation of the RSV-microbiota to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice (HFD-RSVT) was sufficient to decrease their weight gain and increase their insulin sensitivity. Moreover, RSV-microbiota was able to modulate lipid metabolism, stimulate the development of beige adipocytes in WAT, reduce inflammation and improve intestinal barrier function. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that RSV-induced microbiota plays a key role in controlling obesity development and brings new insights to a potential therapy based on host-microbe interactions.