Implications of microbe-mediated crosstalk in the gut: Impact on metabolic diseases

Metabolic diseases continue to afflict most of the U.S. population. Advancements in gut microbiota research have led to the discovery of various functional roles of microorganisms that influence the development of obesity and co-morbidities including type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Many mechanisms behind these host-microbe interactions stem from processes involving the intestinal epithelium including lipid metabolism. Thus, the purpose of this review is to discuss gut microbe-mediated changes in intestinal physiology and lipid metabolism that contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Within each disease state, the causal role of bacteria in both driving disease development and protecting against metabolic disease will be discussed.