Metaproteomics Approach and Pathway Modulation in Obesity and Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Low-grade inflammatory diseases revealed metabolic perturbations that have been linked to various phenotypes, including gut microbiota dysbiosis. In the last decade, metaproteomics has been used to investigate protein composition profiles at specific steps and in specific healthy/pathologic conditions. We applied a rigorous protocol that relied on PRISMA guidelines and filtering criteria to obtain an exhaustive study selection that finally resulted in a group of 10 studies, based on metaproteomics and that aim at investigating obesity and diabetes. This batch of studies was used to discuss specific microbial and human metaproteome alterations and metabolic patterns in subjects affected by diabetes (T1D and T2D) and obesity. We provided the main up- and down-regulated protein patterns in the inspected pathologies. Despite the available results, the evident paucity of metaproteomic data is to be considered as a limiting factor in drawing objective considerations. To date, ad hoc prepared metaproteomic databases collecting pathologic data and related metadata, together with standardized analysis protocols, are required to increase our knowledge on these widespread pathologies.

Automated summary

Low-grade inflammatory diseases have been found to be associated with metabolic disturbances, such as gut microbiota dysbiosis. Metaproteomics has been used in the past decade to investigate protein composition in specific healthy and pathological conditions. This review applied a rigorous protocol to select 10 metaproteomics studies aiming at investigating obesity and diabetes, providing insights into microbial and human metaproteome alterations and metabolic patterns in individuals affected by diabetes and obesity. However, the lack of metaproteomic data limits objective considerations, and the establishment of specific databases and standardized analysis protocols is needed to further enhance our knowledge on these prevalent diseases.