Is eating behavior manipulated by the gastrointestinal microbiota? Evolutionary pressures and potential mechanisms. (8th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alcock, Joe; Maley, Carlo C.; Aktipis, C. Athena
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 36:Number 10(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 940
• Page End: 949
• Publication Date: 2014-08-08
• Subjects: Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="bies201400071-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>Microbes in the gastrointestinal tract are under selective pressure to manipulate host eating behavior to increase their fitness, sometimes at the expense of host fitness. Microbes may do this through two potential strategies: (i) generating cravings for foods that they specialize on or foods that suppress their competitors, or (ii) inducing dysphoria until we eat foods that enhance their fitness. We review several potential mechanisms for microbial control over eating behavior including microbial influence on reward and satiety pathways, production of toxins that alter mood, changes to receptors including taste receptors, and hijacking of the vagus nerve, the neural axis between the gut and the brain. We also review the evidence for alternative explanations for cravings and unhealthy eating behavior. Because microbiota are easily manipulatable by prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, fecal transplants, and dietary changes, altering our microbiota offers a tractable approach to otherwise intractable problems of obesity and unhealthy eating.</p> </sec> </abstract>