Host and microbes in a pickle

摘要

Metabolic disorders such as obesity are characterized by long-term, low-grade inflammation. Under certain conditions, the resident microorganisms of the gut might contribute to this inflammation, resulting in disease.rnIn recent decades, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome has skyrocketed worldwide, mainly owing to rapid lifestyle changes. This cluster of disorders includes abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, high blood levels of lipids, elevated blood pressure and non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease, which all significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors influences the development of metabolic syndrome. For instance, abnormal activation of the host's innate immune system, characterized by low-grade, chronic inflammation, and a role for the gut microbiota have both been implicated in the development of these disorders. In a paper published in Science, Vijay-Kumar et al. indicate that complex communication between the gut microbiota and the innate immune system is involved in metabolic homeostasis.