Metabolic activity of the colon microbiota in patients with obesity (pilot research)

Abstract

Introduction. The global economic and social burden of obesity requires a clear understanding of the causes and underlying factors contributing to its development which will allow to develop and implement effectively the potential therapeutic pathways to direct influence on the pathology. Recently, in the pathogenesis of obesity, great attention is paid to the state and diversity of the intestinal microbiota, its main interaction with men is performed through short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – biologically active substances being formed during the anaerobic fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates.Aim. To assess the metabolic activity of the colon microbiota, in terms of quantity and proportion of short-chain fatty acid levels in young obese patients taking into account the degree of obesity in comparison with healthy individuals.Materials and methods. 87 obese patients and 31 subjects with the normal body weight were included in the study. All study participants met the inclusion criteria and signed the informed consent. In addition to filling out a questionnaire specially designed for the goals and objectives of this study, anthropometric measurements were carried out and the level of SCFAs in feces was determined with the help of gas-liquid chromatography usingChromos GC-1000 equipment in the independent INVITRO laboratory.Results. Young obese patients have a higher concentration of SCFAs and SCFA isoforms in feces compared to healthy individuals, while it is statistically significantly higher in the group of patients with BMI more than 40 kg/m2. The proportion of acetate was statistically significantly higher in the normal weight group, while the proportion of propionate was higher in the obese group. No statistical differences were found regarding the proportion of butyrate. In addition, the associations of SCFAs with anthropometric parameters were identified.Conclusion. The results of the study confirm the possible role of SCFA in in pathogenesis of obesity.