The gut microbiota-brain axis: Role of the gut microbial metabolites of dietary food in obesity

Abstract

Obesity, a social epidemic disease, threatens human health and affects economic stability worldwide. With the emergence of knowledge implicating the human gut microbiome, a complex relationship between the enteric nervous system, the gut microbiota and the central nervous system has become the focus of research attention. Which allows for the microbiota to influence the metabolism of an organism significantly. To date, data from animal and human studies provide a theoretical basis, that is food-derived natural compounds can work on anti-obesity via the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). Thus, we systematically summarize the role of the major metabolites in dietary metabolism and the potential for combating obesity and metabolism disorder. Simultaneously, the review examines the sufficient evidence surrounding the MGBA as a regulator of obesity. It will provide a new clue for developing the potential of gut-microbiota-targeted strategies and lay a good foundation for its operation for food intervention in anti-obesity.

Keywords: Gut microbial metabolites; Microbiota-gut-brain axis; Obesity.