MICROBIOTA E BARREIRA INTESTINAL: IMPLICAÇÕES PARA OBESIDADE.

The epidemic of obesity is considered an important public health problem in the Western society and is related to comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The intestinal microbiota may contribute to the development of obesity by increasing energy extraction from the dietary components, lipogenesis, intestinal permeability, and endotoxemia, especially mediated by lipopolysaccharides. Studies have demonstrated differences in composition of the intestinal microbiota between obese and lean individuals. Apparently, the increase in the proportion of Firmicutes in relation to Bacteroidetes seems to be present in obesity and can be changed during weight loss. The aim of this study was to review the mechanisms that relate microbiota and intestinal barrier to the development or worsening of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]