Overview of the Relationship Between Microbiota and Obesity

The intricate and diverse microbial community in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays essential roles in metabolism, immune function, and providing protection. The metabolic contribution of GI bacteria is notably significant concerning weight regulation. Specifically, upon the arrival of food in the intestines, GI bacteria ferment non-digestible oligosaccharides and dietary fiber into short-chain fatty acids, which are subsequently absorbed and utilized as energy by the host. This process influences the host's satiety, appetite, and weight gain. A substantial body of research underscores the role of gut microbiota in enhancing energy extraction and promoting fat accumulation in the host organism.

Harnessing Microbial Insights for Anti-Obesity Therapy Development

As Protheragen delves deeper into the complex interplay between gut microbiota and obesity, these colonization investigations lay the groundwork for the formulation of anti-obesity interventions. Through the identification of pivotal microbial strains that affect lipid metabolism, our researchers are poised to create targeted strategies that exploit the therapeutic potential inherent in microbiota manipulation. This synthesis of microbiological insights with obesity treatment not only enriches our comprehension of the fundamental mechanisms driving obesity but also unveils new pathways for groundbreaking therapeutic modalities that possess the potential to revolutionize the paradigm of obesity management in the years ahead. The burgeoning field of obesity research thus far necessitates a multifaceted approach to therapy development. Within this evolving paradigm, our anti-obesity therapy development initiative encompasses a spectrum of cutting-edge therapeutic modalities:

Uncovering Microbial Secrets, Conquering Obesity Challenges

Protheragen implements the colonization of specific microbiota within murine hosts to observe the subsequent effects on metabolic processes, body weight, adipose distribution, and other physiological parameters. We conduct diverse microbiota transplantation experiments and microbiota supplementation trials. At Protheragen, we provide an extensive array of microbiota colonization to study the complex interplay between gut microbiota and obesity. Below is a detailed synopsis of our specialized offerings:

Our research team employs advanced methodologies to conduct deep research into how specific microbiota influence obesity. Obesity microbiota colonization studies are crucial for elucidating the gut microbiome's role in obesity and for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

• We use mice as animal models, all of which are born and maintained in a specific pathogen-free (SPF) environment. At the beginning of the experiment, dozens of male mice, 12 weeks old, are transferred to a non-SPF breeding facility and given a 2-week acclimation period. The laboratory conditions are maintained with moderate humidity and a temperature set within a comfortable range, complemented by a 12-hour light and dark cycle.
• Subsequently, we divide the mice into three groups: control group (ND), high-fat diet group (HFD), and high-fat diet with fecal transplant group (HFDS). The mice in the ND group receive a diet consisting of 10% of their caloric intake from fat, 22% from protein, and 4.4% from carbohydrates. The mice in the HFD group are fed a diet where 30% of their caloric intake comes from fat and 22% from protein. The HFDS receive the same high-fat diet as the HFD group, but with additional specific microbiota in the normal diet group added to their feed.
• The HFDS receives microbiota colonization treatments five times a week as part of the dietary intervention. Weekly monitoring of body weight is conducted, and every four weeks, mice are housed in metabolic cages for 24 hours to collect fecal samples for subsequent analysis.
• In the biochemical assessment phase, after 28 weeks of intervention, the mice are euthanized, and blood samples are collected for the measurement of serum glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels, with all tests performed using spectrophotometric methods. Several other key parameters are assessed in mice:
  • Our researchers regularly monitor the body weight of the mice, utilizing methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to precisely quantify body fat content.
  • Fasting insulin levels are measured and the HOMA-IR index is calculated to evaluate insulin resistance.
  • Leptin and adiponectin concentrations, secreted by fat cells, are determined to analyze the metabolic state and regulatory mechanisms.
  • Besides, we analyze triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to provide a comprehensive overview of lipid metabolism and potential dyslipidemia.

Fecal microbiota analysis: We utilize sequencing techniques to examine the composition of gut microbiota in fecal samples, thereby understanding the alterations in gut microbial communities and their correlation with obesity.

• Then we conduct microbiome analysis, and fecal samples are collected and stored at -80°C for later processing. DNA is extracted using the QIAamp DNA Stool Kit, and sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene is performed on the personal genome machine (PGM). Subsequently, we perform bioinformatics analysis that involves the classification of sequences using Mothur software and comparison with the SILVA bacterial 16S rRNA database.
• Statistical analysis is conducted by using the Student's t-test to evaluate differences in body weight and biochemical parameters. We analyze the changes over time using linear mixed-effects models to account for dietary and temporal effects. All p-values are adjusted using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure to control the false discovery rate (FDR).

By integrating dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation, biochemical analyses, and metagenomic sequencing, this study aims to uncover the role of the gut microbiome in obesity development, comparing the effects of a high-fat diet alone versus a high-fat diet with the addition of specific microbiota. This comprehensive approach provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and metabolic health.

Workflow

Preclinical Studies of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics at Protheragen

After gaining the foundational insights from our exploration of the obesity microbiome, we will embark on the preclinical study phase of anti-obesity therapeutics, a pivotal step in translating our research findings into practical applications.

• Obesity Models

  In this phase, we capitalize on the animal models we previously developed during our investigations into microbial colonization, which include a diverse array of species such as mice, rats, and rabbits, each offering unique physiological characteristics and contexts for application.

  In Vivo Obesity Models	Dog obesity model	Pig obesity model	Mouse obesity model
  	Rat obesity model	Monkey obesity model	Guinea Pig obesity model
  	Drosophila melanogaster obesity model	Nematode obesity model	Rabbit obesity model

  In Vitro Cell Models	3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Model	Primary Human Adipocyte Model	Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Model
  	Adipose-derived Stem Cell (ADSC) Model	Brown Adipose Cell Model	White Fat Cell Model
  	SGBS Cell Model	Hepatocyte (Liver Cell) Model	RAW 264.7 Cell Model
  	C2C12 Myoblast Model	GT1-7 Cell Model	INS-1 Cell Model

  To induce obesity, we implement carefully calibrated high-fat, high-sugar, or high-energy diets, closely mirroring the dietary patterns that contribute to obesity in humans. Additionally, through advanced gene editing techniques, we establish models characterized by specific genetic mutations relevant to obesity.

• Pharmacodynamic Study of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics
• Pharmacokinetic Study of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics
• Bioanalysis of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics
• Safety Assessment of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics

Publication Data

Applications

• By examining the colonization of diverse microbial communities on obesity, we can research highly individualized dietary and nutritional strategies that effectively manage weight and prevent obesity.
• A comprehensive analysis of the role specific microbiota colonization plays in obesity can lead to the development of novel anti-obesity therapeutic interventions, including microbiota-targeting pharmaceuticals or probiotic supplements.
• By researching the microbiota colonization in obesity, we can formulate preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of obesity and its complications, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Advantages

• Our research team has many years of knowledge in microbiology, metabolism, and bioinformatics, capable of designing and executing highly complex studies while providing comprehensive data analysis support.
• Our researchers integrate various research approaches, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, metabolic assessments, biochemical testing, and high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This multi-faceted analysis provides deep insights into the intricate relationship between the microbiota and obesity.
• We offer tailored research solutions to meet specific client needs, ranging from targeted microbiota colonization to comprehensive metabolic evaluations, ensuring alignment with diverse research objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gut microbiota profiling in obesity is available for Protheragen to conduct?

Absolutely, we provide a range of services for anti-obesity therapy development, which includes:

• Gut microbiota's influence on energy absorption
• Gut microbiota's influence on fat storage
• Gut microbiota's influence on gastrointestinal function
• Gut microbiota's influence on satiety
• Gut microbiota's influence on the gut-brain axis
• Gut microbiota's influence on gene expression related to obesity
• Gut microbiota's influence on circadian rhythm
• Gut microbiota's influence on gluconeogenesis

Aside from microbiota, what other factors are associated with obesity?

Protheragen's obesity microbiota colonization studies represent a groundbreaking and practical scientific service aimed at elucidating the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and obesity. Through rigorous investigation, this service seeks to uncover novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity. If you look forward to fostering collaboration with us to collectively advance the frontiers of obesity research and development, contact us!

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.