Aim: To evaluate the taxonomic profile of the gut microbiota using metagenomics and the association with diet-dependent childhood obesity.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of a subsample of 46 children was conducted. The children were classified as normal-weight, overweight, and obese according to their age and sex and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Dietary patterns were determined through principal component analysis. The profile of the human gut microbiota was determined by bioinformatic analysis using whole metagenome shotgun sequencing. The association of gut microbiota and z-BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference, and the possible modifying effect of diet were analyzed using multiple regression models.
Results: Children with an abundance of Holdemania spp. and high protein and complex carbohydrate consumption had a lower z-BMI (β -19.06, p = 0.011), waist circumference (β -171.92, p = 0.003), and hip circumference (β -157.57, p = 0.004). In contrast, observed a positive association between Coprococcus catus and the low intake of this dietary pattern with hip circumference (β 147.87, p = 0.025). Furthermore, the presence of Bilophila spp. and Paraprevotella xylaniphila with high saturated fat and simple carbohydrate consumption we observed a positive association between z-BMI (β 47.5, p = 0.002), hip circumference (β 44.54, p = 0.025), and waist circumference (β 44.34, p = 0.004).
Conclusion: We suggest that the synergism between diet and the profile of children's gut microbiota can be a factor that could be associated with the development of obesity and its complications in childhood.
Keywords: Diet; Gastrointestinal microbiome; Metagenomics; Pediatric obesity.
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