Impact of Nutritional Intervention With Probiotics and Prebiotics on Obesity.

Obesity: The Epidemic of the 21st Century and a Public Health Concern. Obesity is one of the most severe and prevalent non-communicable diseases of the 21st century, representing a global public health problem that affects all age groups. In Spain, it is estimated that over 39% of adults (aged 25-60) are overweight and 20% are obese, with Andalusia being one of the regions with the highest rates, which continue to rise. Obesity is a multifactorial, recurrent, and progressive disease associated with significant physical and psychological complications, as well as considerable morbidity and mortality. It is a key risk factor for numerous chronic conditions, including metabolic syndrome (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia) and the associated elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, obesity can increase the risk of other diseases, including digestive, respiratory, and joint disorders, as well as various types of cancer (esophagus, colon, pancreas, prostate, and breast). Although the pathogenic mechanisms underlying obesity are not fully elucidated, it is understood that obesity is linked to a state of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. Dysregulated adipose tissue functionality in obese individuals leads to elevated free fatty acid levels and increased production of inflammatory cytokines, establishing a vicious cycle that promotes the hypertrophy and hyperplasia of adipocytes, hallmarks of obesity.

The excessive production of these mediators and their release into the bloodstream have a profound impact on other organs and systems, contributing to the metabolic (e.g., diabetes) and cardiovascular (e.g., endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis) alterations that almost invariably accompany obesity. Consequently, obesity is associated with reduced quality of life and has a significant negative socioeconomic impact. It is also a determinant of several "intermediate risk factors," leading to increased mortality and reduced life expectancy.

The treatment of obesity involves lifestyle and dietary changes, often supplemented by pharmacological therapy, including appetite suppressants and fat absorption inhibitors. However, these strategies may be insufficient, and for severe obesity (BMI >35) or morbid obesity (BMI >40), surgical intervention is often necessary. Bariatric surgery, despite its effectiveness in reducing metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities and improving survival and quality of life, involves significant complications due to patient characteristics and high costs. Moreover, over the last 30 years, there has been a marked increase in the prevalence of morbid obesity and, consequently, a greater demand for bariatric surgery.

While surgery reduces comorbidities and enhances patient outcomes, its effects on the gut microbiota remain suboptimal. As such, specific dietary interventions before and/or after surgery are needed to improve microbial gene richness and ensure long-term metabolic health.

The Gut Microbiome as a Modifiable Factor in Obesity. Numerous studies have highlighted the critical role of the gut microbiome in the development and maintenance of obesity and its associated conditions. Research shows that the microbiome composition in lean individuals differs significantly from that in obese individuals, a condition known as dysbiosis. Obese individuals exhibit an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, reduced microbial diversity, and enhanced energy extraction efficiency from food.

Dysbiosis is also associated with increased intestinal permeability, allowing bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to enter systemic circulation, which promotes endotoxemia and exacerbates inflammation. This altered microbial composition is linked to increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly propionate, which may contribute to lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis.

Severe dysbiosis is observed in morbidly obese patients, characterized by drastic reductions in microbial richness, intensified systemic inflammation, and metabolic disturbances. Although bariatric surgery improves weight, metabolic markers, and microbial diversity, it does not restore microbiota richness to levels observed in lean individuals. Therefore, dietary interventions targeting microbial restoration are critical for post-surgical recovery and long-term health.

Modulation of the Microbiome in Obesity: Probiotics and Prebiotics. The selective modulation of the gut microbiome using probiotics and prebiotics has emerged as a promising therapy for obesity. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, offer several advantages, including strengthening the intestinal barrier, immunomodulation, and restoring dysbiosis. Commonly used probiotics in obesity management include strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera.

Studies in both animal models and humans have demonstrated that specific strains can reduce body weight, fat accumulation, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers. However, the overall efficacy in humans has been modest, necessitating further research to identify optimal strains, dosages, and treatment durations.

Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 has shown immunomodulatory properties in experimental models of colitis and hypertension. Preliminary unpublished studies suggest that it can reduce weight gain and systemic inflammation in obesity models, likely by improving dysbiosis and intestinal barrier function.

Prebiotics, non-digestible dietary components that selectively stimulate beneficial gut bacteria, are also effective in obesity management. Phenolic compounds, such as oleuropein from olive leaves, have shown significant prebiotic potential, reducing fat deposition, improving lipid and glucose profiles, and mitigating inflammation and vascular dysfunction in animal studies.

The current project aims to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with L. fermentum CECT5716 or a standardized olive leaf extract, alone or in combination, on clinical outcomes in patients with moderate and morbid obesity. Specifically, it will assess their impact on dysbiosis, metabolic and cardiovascular health, and post-surgical recovery in morbidly obese patients. The intervention's effectiveness will be correlated with adherence to a Mediterranean diet. By integrating microbiomic and metabolomic analyses, the study seeks to establish a personalized treatment framework for obesity.

H1: L. fermentum CECT5716 and/or olive leaf extract supplementation reduces inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and cardiovascular complications in obesity.

H2: These interventions restore dysbiotic gut microbiota composition and function.

H3: Supplementation improves post-operative outcomes in morbidly obese patients.

H4: Combining probiotic and prebiotic interventions provides synergistic benefits, maximizing efficacy.

This project offers a comprehensive approach to addressing obesity through microbiome modulation, paving the way for innovative, personalized therapeutic strategies.