Gut microbiota of adults with different metabolic phenotypes

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the gut microbiota of individuals with different metabolic phenotypes and to compare their characteristics.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 109 adults, classified according to metabolic status, by body mass index, and homeostasis model assessment. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics and blood pressure were evaluated. Level of physical activity was evaluated by means of a questionnaire, and dietary consumption was evaluated using a 3-d food record. Feces samples were collected from each participant, and gut microbiota profile was analyzed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The Kruskal-Wallis and χ² tests were used, according to the scale of measurement of the variables, on the statistical program SPSS version 25, with significance level of 5%.

Results: Significantly lower values of saturated fat intake and fasting glycemia were observed in metabolically healthy individuals who were overweight and obese compared with their unhealthy counterparts. Diversity and richness of bacterial communities were lower in individuals who were obese and in the unhealthy phenotype. The genus Eubacterium rectale and genera of the family Prevotellaceae were more abundant in the metabolically healthy obese and metabolically healthy overweight groups than in the metabolically healthy normal weight one, whereas Bifidobacterium was more abundant in the metabolically healthy normal weight group. The genera Coprococcus and Ruminococcus were more abundant in the metabolically healthy overweight group than in the metabolically unhealthy overweight one.

Conclusions: We observed distinct characteristics in the gut microbiota of different metabolic phenotypes. The intestines of individuals with unhealthy phenotypes hosted inflammation-associated microbiota, with lower butyrate production potential and reduced bacterial diversity.