Study reveals how gut bacteria fragments affect fat cell function, potentially contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes

Research from Nottingham Trent University has revealed that fragments of bacteria leaking from the gut may be causing damage to fat cells, which could be a key factor in driving weight gain and increasing the risk of conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The study, recently published in BMC Medicine, focuses on endotoxins, toxic substances found in bacterial cell walls, which can enter the bloodstream when the gut barrier becomes “leaky.” These endotoxins were shown to directly affect fat cells, impairing their ability to function effectively.

In healthy individuals, endotoxins play a role in microbial processes that support overall health, but in people with obesity, the gut’s protective barrier becomes more fragile, allowing these toxins to enter the body. This can directly impact fat cell metabolism and how fat cells store and burn energy.

The research team examined 156 people, including 63 individuals classified as obese, to understand how endotoxins contribute to obesity and metabolic diseases. Blood and fat samples were taken to analyze the effects on two types of fat cells: white fat cells, which store energy, and brown-like fat cells, which are associated with burning energy. It was found that white fat cells from obese individuals were less likely to convert into energy-burning brown-like fat cells, compared to fat cells from lean participants.

Higher endotoxin levels in the blood of people with obesity were found to inhibit this conversion, further impairing fat cell function. However, bariatric surgery was shown to reduce endotoxin levels in the blood, leading to improvements in the metabolic health of the fat cells.

Professor Mark Christian, the study’s lead researcher, explained: “As we gain weight, our fat stores become less effective at countering the damage that gut microbe fragments cause to fat cells, which may contribute to the development of diabetes.” He stressed the importance of addressing endotoxin-induced damage to fat cells, especially in individuals with excess weight, to maintain healthy metabolic function.

The findings highlight the critical link between gut health and fat cells, suggesting that managing endotoxin levels is crucial for improving metabolic health, particularly for those struggling with obesity.