The endocannabinoid system links gut microbiota to adipogenesis

GG Muccioli, D Naslain, F Bäckhed… - Molecular systems …, 2010 - embopress.org
GG Muccioli, D Naslain, F Bäckhed, CS Reigstad, DM Lambert, NM Delzenne, PD Cani
Molecular systems biology, 2010embopress.org
Obesity is characterised by altered gut microbiota, low‐grade inflammation and increased
endocannabinoid (eCB) system tone; however, a clear connection between gut microbiota
and eCB signalling has yet to be confirmed. Here, we report that gut microbiota modulate the
intestinal eCB system tone, which in turn regulates gut permeability and plasma
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. The impact of the increased plasma LPS levels and eCB
system tone found in obesity on adipose tissue metabolism (eg differentiation and …
Obesity is characterised by altered gut microbiota, low‐grade inflammation and increased endocannabinoid (eCB) system tone; however, a clear connection between gut microbiota and eCB signalling has yet to be confirmed. Here, we report that gut microbiota modulate the intestinal eCB system tone, which in turn regulates gut permeability and plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. The impact of the increased plasma LPS levels and eCB system tone found in obesity on adipose tissue metabolism (e.g. differentiation and lipogenesis) remains unknown. By interfering with the eCB system using CB1 agonist and antagonist in lean and obese mouse models, we found that the eCB system controls gut permeability and adipogenesis. We also show that LPS acts as a master switch to control adipose tissue metabolism both in vivo and ex vivo by blocking cannabinoid‐driven adipogenesis. These data indicate that gut microbiota determine adipose tissue physiology through LPS‐eCB system regulatory loops and may have critical functions in adipose tissue plasticity during obesity.
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