Targeting type 2 diabetes and obesity: The role of gut microbiota produced Short chain fatty acid (SCFAs) in adiposity and inflammation

Abstract

Aim: To study the effect of modulating the gut microflora by oral administration of spectrum specific antibiotics targeting delivery to small intestine and colon in HSD induced obesity and insulin resistance. Methods: Rats were fed HSD with or without antibiotics for 60 days. The physiological and biochemical parameters, fecal microbiota composition, Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), Liver biochemistry, histopathology and gene expression of various G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and various adipokines were investigated. Results: Simultaneous administration of HSD and antibiotics has shown significant improvements in glucose tolerance and obesity associated parameters like hypercholesterolemia and hypertryglyceremia as compared to HSD. The qPCR study of fecal samples showed increased in gram positive bacteria and reduction in gram negative bacteria, which shows that restoration of commensal microflora in direction to improvement in obesity and insulin sensitivity. Treatment had reduce the effect of Lipopolysaccharide content, which further reduced immune receptors, GPCRs expression along with reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiota manipulation towards decreased inflammation and insulin resistance needs to be further explored for its therapeutic applications in order to treat the metabolic complications.