Abstract
Abstract. Introduction. Obesity is one of the major problems in pediatrics worldwide. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in the development of various pathological conditions, including childhood obesity and its complications, has been increasingly discussed. We have presented the data characterizing changes in the gut microbiota in overweight patients and discussed their potential role in the development of this disease. Aim. To consider the key points of forming the intestinal microbiota in the neonatal period and the relationship of this process with the development of obesity in the subsequent years of the child’s life, the peculiarities of the microbiological landscape in obese patients, and the functional role of individual metabolites in its formation. Materials and Methods. A review of the scientific literature in the biomedical publication databases, such as PubMed, Medline, eLibrary, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Results and Discussion. Gut microbiota interact symbiotically with the human body, influencing metabolic activity and physiological characteristics. The microbiota formed at an early age are the basis of general health, but unfavorable influences on the processes of formation of the infant’s intestinal microbiota, such as non-physiological birth, artificial feeding, treatment with antibacterial drugs, can lead to the formation of pathological conditions. Metabolic processes in obese patients are particularly affected by qualitative changes in the intestinal microbiota and impaired synthesis of short-chain fatty acids. Excessive quantities of short-chain fatty acids produced by specific members of the gut microbiota represent an additional energy source and could lead to an energy imbalance, contributing to the development of obesity. Conclusions. Individual members of the gut microbiota can also be considered as predictors of obesity complications. Essential short-chain fatty acids are only a small part of the wide range of metabolites produced by gut bacteria, which also exert their influence on the metabolic and immune homeostasis of the human body.
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