The Importance of the Gut Microbiota in Body Weight Control and Insulin Sensitivity
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-11-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
BACKGROUND: The relation between gut microbiota and obesity originates from animal studies,
showing that the change of gut microbiota can induce changes in both insulin resistance and
body composition. In addition, these studies have shown changes in gut permeability inducing
a pro-inflammatory state, changes in adipose tissue function and inflammation, effects on
energy harvesting and metabolism, skeletal muscle fatty acid partitioning and fat oxidation.
Human data is lacking, although several studies suggested that the composition of the gut
microbiota differs between lean and obese, and between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
OBJECTIVE: To provide insight in the physiological significance and underlying mechanisms
involved in the relation between gut microbiota, energy balance and insulin sensitivity in
overweight men with impaired glucose homeostasis.