Impact of synbiotic‐induced alterations in gut microbiota on ANGPTL4, body composition and selected metabolic biomarkers in healthy overweight adults: a pilot study (637.15)

Abstract

Gut microbiota composition has emerged as a significant factor capable of regulating adiposity, host metabolism and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a synbiotic on the gut microbiota composition of healthy overweight subjects, and related changes in ANGPTL4, body composition and selected metabolic biomarkers. This was a 12‐week, parallel, double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled trial, with 57 healthy overweight adults. Analyses performed included fecal microbiota composition, body composition, fasting blood lipids, glucose, TNF‐α, adiponectin, ANGPTL4, and gene‐expression in colonocytes and PBMCs. Relative to placebo, the synbiotic‐intervention significantly increased Bifidobacterium and decreased Clostridium numbers. Additionally, the synbiotic group showed increases in Eubacterium and Propionibacterium. Synbiotic‐intervention promoted significant increases in ANGPTL4 gene expression in PBMCs, and plasma ANGPTL4. A significant positive correlation was seen between Bifidobacterium numbers and plasma ANGPTL4 levels in the synbiotic but not the placebo group. No significant changes were obtained in body composition, blood metabolic biomarkers or expression of any genes besides ANGPTL4. The synbiotic’s effects on gut microbiota and ANGPTL4 indicate its potential in reducing fat‐storage, which may become evident in a larger long‐term study.