Researchers from the Nottingham Trent University have discovered that fragments of bacteria in the body from the gut can inflict damage to fat cells and contribute to weight gain. These fragments are known as endotoxins, and they can enter the bloodstream and impact how effectively fat cells operate. Such research can provide valuable insight as to how endotoxins may promote obesity and affiliated disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
As a toxic substance, endotoxins are found in bacterial cell walls and released as these walls deteriorate. In the body, microbes play a significant role in overall human health, where endotoxins have a part of their lifecycle. However, the gut barrier in obese individuals can be thin and sensitive, thus allowing endotoxins to penetrate the bloodstream and other parts of the body. This study published in BMC medicine aimed to understand how endotoxins contributed to obesity and type 2 diabetes with 156 participants, including 63 obese individuals. Blood and fat samples were taken from each participant, where the team analysed two kinds of fat cells – white fat cells that store energy, and brown-like fat cells connected with metabolic activity.
In patients with obesity, white fat cells were less likely to transform into brown-like fat cells contrary to lean individuals, where the researchers concluded that this was probably due to the higher levels of endotoxins observed in obese individuals’ blood. As bariatric surgery can help reverse the damage done by endotoxins to the body, the procedure could have a significant positive impact on metabolic health.
Lead researcher at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, Professor Mark Christian, states that “gut microbe fragments that enter the bloodstream reduce normal fat cell function and their metabolic activity, which is exacerbated with weight gain, contributing to increased diabetes risk.” He adds that ” it appears that as we gain weight, our fat stores are less able to limit the damage that gut microbe fragments may cause to fat cells.”
The research highlights the importance of the gut and fat as critical interlinked organs that influence metabolic health. Therefore, limiting the damage to fat cell metabolism caused by endotoxins is pivotal in maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing the risk of associated disorders like diabetes.
