The metabolic activity of gut microbiota in obese children is increased compared with normal-weight children and exhibits more exhaustive substrate utilization.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The gut microbiota contribute otherwise impossible metabolic functions to the human host. Shifts in the relative proportions of gut microbial communities in adults have been correlated with intestinal disease and have been associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to elucidate differences in gut microbial compositions and metabolite concentrations of obese versus normal-weight children.

Materials and methods

Fecal samples were obtained from obese (n=15; mean body mass index (BMI) s.d. score=1.95) and normal-weight (n=15; BMI s.d. score=-0.14) Swiss children aged 8-14 years. Composition and diversity of gut microbiota were analyzed by qPCR and temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE).

Results

No significant quantitative differences in gut micr

SUBMITTER: Payne AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3302137 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature