The Link between Obesity, Microbiota Dysbiosis, and Neurodegenerative Pathogenesis

Diseases. 2021 Jun 23;9(3):45. doi: 10.3390/diseases9030045.

Abstract

Current research in medicine in several parts of the world has attempted to establish a link between the occurrence of neurodegenerative pathologies, microbiota dysbiosis, and the incidence of obesity. The body's response to different physicochemical factors has also been influenced by the proper assimilation of bioactive compounds contained in the food that is ingested. Oxidative stress is one of the major factors that directly affects the functioning of the human microbiota. The body's reaction to this imbalance is crucial to the progression of inflammatory processes, which are based on molecular mechanisms. Microbial dysbiosis can result in a possibly permanent alteration in the physiological response. This review aims to highlight recent contributions made to alleviating human dysbiosis in degenerative diseases, especially for neurodegenerative pathologies based on the rising prevalence of obesity. We discuss the significance of both microbiota modulation and possible alleviations of pathologies by a modulatory function. We argue that pre- and probiotics (including phenolic compounds stimulating the favorable strain from the microbiota) are an effective alternative that can support the microbiota pattern's modulation over time and the attenuation of indirect causes that determine dysbiosis. Molecular aspects are presented in support of the modulating role of the microbiota following the use of probiotics.

Keywords: dysbiosis; gut-brain axis; neurotransmitter; obesity.

Publication types

  • Review