The intestinal microbiota, energy balance, and malnutrition: emphasis on the role of short-chain fatty acids.

The intestinal microbiota, energy balance, and malnutrition: emphasis on the role of short-chain fatty acids. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2017 May;12(3):215-226 Authors: Fluitman KS, De Clercq NC, Keijser BJF, Visser M, Nieuwdorp M, IJzerman RG Abstract INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition refers to both over- and undernutrition and results from a disruption in energy balance. It affects one in three people worldwide and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The intestinal microbiota represents a newly identified factor that might contribute to the development of malnutrition, as it harbors traits that complement the human metabolic and endocrine capabilities, thereby influencing energy balance. Areas covered: In the current review, we aim to give a comprehensive overview on the microbiota, its development and its possible influence on energy balance, with emphasis the role of short-chain fatty acids. We also consider microbial characteristics associated with obesity and undernutrition and evaluate microbial manipulating strategies. The PubMed database was searched using the terms: 'gastrointestinal microbiota', 'volatile fatty acids', 'malnutrition', 'undernutrition', 'obesity', 'insulin resistance', 'prebiotics', 'probiotics', 'antibiotics' and 'fecal microbiota transplantation'. Expert commentary: Microbiota make important contributions to the regulation of energy balance, whereas microbial disturbances might predispose to ...
Source: Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism - Category: Endocrinology Tags: Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab Source Type: research