Gut microbiota in obese patients and after bariatric surgery

Abstract

In this review are discussed experimental and clinical data about the role of gut microbiota and its changes after bariatric surgery. To date, bariatric surgery represents the only treatment that enables substantial and sustained weight loss. The large intestinal microbiota plays an important role in normal bowel function and the maintenance of host health through the formation of short chain fatty acids, modulation of immune system reactivity, and development of colonization resistance. The intestinal microflora is a peculiar indicator of the condition of a microorganism reacting to age, physiological, dietary, and geographical factors from change of qualitative and quantitative structure. Studies have demonstrated that obesity and metabolic syndrome may be associated with profound microbiotal changes. This Review outlines the potential mechanisms by which the major changes in the digestive tract after bariatric surgery can affect the gut microbiota.

Keywords

• gut microbiota
• microbiome
• obesity
• bariatric surgery
• roux-en-y
• gastric banding