Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2348

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition characterized by excessive adiposity, which results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of obesity. The human gut is home to trillions of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which influence host metabolism and immune function. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome composition are associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. The gut microbiota in obese individuals is often dysbiotic, with a reduction in microbial diversity and an increased ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. This imbalance has been linked to increased energy harvest from the diet, as certain microbial species are capable of fermenting undigested carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can promote fat storage. Additionally, gut microbiota may influence adiposity through the modulation of hormones such as ghrelin, leptin, and insulin, which regulate appetite and metabolism. Furthermore, dysbiosis in obesity is associated with systemic low-grade inflammation, which plays a central role in the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. This inflammatory state is thought to be mediated by gut-derived endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharides, which can translocate into the bloodstream, promoting inflammatory responses. Interventions targeting the gut microbiome, such as probiotic supplementation, prebiotic dietary fibres, and fecal microbiota transplantation, are under investigation as potential therapeutic strategies for obesity. While promising, these interventions require further validation in large-scale clinical trials. In conclusion, the gut microbiome plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of obesity, and understanding its intricate interactions with host metabolism may offer novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of this global health epidemic.