Gut Microbiota Regulates the Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Peripheral Serotonin Through Hypothalamic MicroRNA-204 in Order to Increase the Browning of White Adipose Tissue in Obesity.

Adam Kassan,Karima Ait-Aissa,Modar Kassan

doi:10.7759/cureus.21913

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and novel therapeutic strategies such as enhancement of thermogenic pathways in white adipose tissue (WAT) are gaining more attention. The gut/brain axis plays an essential role in promoting the browning of WAT. However, the mechanism by which this axis regulates WAT function is not fully understood. On the other hand, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the control of WAT browning has already been established. Therefore, understanding the communication pathways linking the gut/brain axis and miRNAs might establish a promising intervention for obesity.Our published data showed that microRNA-204 (miR-204), a microRNA that plays an important role in the control of the central nervous system (CNS) and the pathogenesis of obesity, is affected by gut dysbiosis. Therefore, miR-204 could be a key element that controls the browning of WAT by acting as a potential link between the gut microbiota and the brain. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about communication pathways between the brain, gut, and miR-204 and examined the literature to discuss potential research directions that might lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the browning of WAT in obesity.

Highlights

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disorders is increasing worldwide, and novel therapeutic strategies are needed
We summarized the current knowledge about communication pathways between the brain, gut, and miR-204 and examined the literature to discuss potential research directions that might lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in obesity
It has already been shown that miR-204 is expressed in the hypothalamus [31]. Based on this literature evidence, we can speculate that increased hypothalamic miR-204 targets and downregulates sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which in turn could lead to a decrease in the sympathetic nerve activity (SNA)

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disorders is increasing worldwide, and novel therapeutic strategies are needed. We speculated that miR-204 could be a key element connecting the gut microbiota to the brain in order to control the WAT thermogenesis during obesity. How to cite this article Kassan A, Ait-Aissa K, Kassan M (February 04, 2022) Gut Microbiota Regulates the Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Peripheral Serotonin Through Hypothalamic MicroRNA-204 in Order to Increase the Browning of White Adipose Tissue in Obesity. It has already been shown that miR-204 is expressed in the hypothalamus [31] Based on this literature evidence, we can speculate that increased hypothalamic miR-204 targets and downregulates SIRT1 and BDNF, which in turn could lead to a decrease in the SNA. Based on literature findings, that an increase in miR-204 in obesity could lead to downregulation of SIRT1 and BDNF and, to a decrease in the SNA. Recolonization of these mice or fecal transplant from obese mice reversed all these parameters (Figure 1) [11]

Conclusions

Disclosures