Selenium Biomarkers and Their Relationship to Cardiovascular Risk Parameters in Obese Women.

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 210 women divided into a case group (obese, n = 84) and a control group (eutrophic, n = 126). Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip and neck circumference were measured and the waist-hip ratio and conicity index were calculated. Selenium in plasma, erythrocytes and urine, erythrocyte GPx activity, lipid profile, Castelli I and II indices, and systolic and diastolic blood (DBP) pressure were evaluated. Mean dietary selenium intake (µg/kg/day) and plasma and erythrocyte concentrations were lower in the obese group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.001). while urinary selenium concentrations were higher (p < 0.001). There was a statistical difference between groups regarding cardiovascular risk parameters: waist circumference, neck circumference, waist-hip ratio, conicity index, triacylglycerols (TGC), and lipoproteins rich in triacylglycerols (VLDL-c) (p > 0.05). There was a negative correlation between plasma selenium concentrations and total cholesterol (TC), non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Urinary selenium correlated negatively with waist circumference and hip circumference and positively with neck circumference, TC, TGC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), non-HDL, and VLDL-c. There was a negative correlation between dietary selenium and waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, neck circumference, conicity index, non-HDL cholesterol, LDL-c, and Castelli indices I and II, as well as a positive correlation with HDL-c and diastolic blood pressure. Women with obesity present changes in their nutritional status related to selenium, as well as increased cardiovascular risk parameters. Thus, the positive role of selenium in protecting the risk of cardiovascular disease is likely.

Relationship Between Zinc, Selenium, and Magnesium Status and Markers of Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Obesity Phenotypes.

Our objective was to investigate the relationship between zinc, selenium, and magnesium status and markers of metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity phenotypes. This was a cross-sectional study with 140 women: metabolically healthy obese women (n = 35), metabolically unhealthy obese women (n = 28), and normal-weight women (n = 77). We have calculated the body mass index, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio and some adiposity indices. Additionally, we evaluated endocrine-metabolic parameters and estimated the dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. The mineral concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes, and urine were assessed. In obese patients, there was a significant decrease in dietary zinc, selenium, and magnesium intake per kilogram of body weight, as well as lower mineral concentrations in both plasma and erythrocytes. Additionally, these patients exhibited higher urinary mineral levels compared to the control group, regardless of whether they had healthy or unhealthy phenotypes. We observed a significant correlation between deficiencies in zinc, selenium, and magnesium and obesity-associated metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemias and redox status disturbances. This study highlights a connection between deficiencies in zinc, selenium, and magnesium and metabolic disorders linked to obesity, including dyslipidemias, alterations in redox status, and thyroid hormonal dysfunction.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELENIUM NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND MARKERS OF LOW-GRADE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION IN OBESE WOMEN.

Low-grade chronic inflammation is one of the main disorders that characterize adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and is an important element in the pathogenesis of several comorbidities. In this context, selenium is an essential micronutrient that exerts important anti-inflammatory functions, and the role of selenium in controlling inflammation associated with obesity is not well defined. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between markers of the nutritional status of selenium and low-grade chronic inflammation in obese women. This cross-sectional study included 81 women aged between 18 and 50 years, who were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI): the obesity group (n = 38) and normal weight group (n = 43). Selenium intake was assessed by 3-day diet records. The plasma, erythrocyte, and urinary selenium concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The analysis of serum cytokines interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was performed using flow cytometry. The results of this study revealed that the obese women had higher dietary intake of selenium than eutrophic women. However, obese participants showed decreased selenium concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, in parallel with increased concentrations of selenium in the urine. Regarding the inflammatory parameters, obese women exhibited higher concentrations of IL-6 and lower concentrations of the cytokines IL-8, IL-1ß, and TNFα than eutrophic women. In the binary logistic regression analysis, erythrocyte selenium was considered an independent predictor of the serum concentrations of cytokine IL-8 in obese women, reflecting the anti-inflammatory action of this micronutrient.

Relationship Between Markers of Chronic Inflammation and Copper Nutritional Status in Obese Women.

Adipose tissue dysfunction causes the development of metabolic complications, such as low-grade chronic inflammation, which may to alter copper homeostasis in obese individuals. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between markers of chronic inflammation and copper nutritional status in obese women. Cross-sectional study involved women aged 20-50 years, divided into two groups: case (BMI > 35 kg/m2) and control (18.5 > BMI > 24.9 kg/m2). Plasma and erythrocyte copper concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme in the erythrocytes was determined with an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-10, and IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined by using flow cytometer. Serum IL-6 concentrations were 105% higher in the case group compared to eutrophic women. Plasma copper concentrations were 20.5% higher, and erythrocyte copper concentrations were 23.5% lower in patients with obesity. In addition, erythrocyte SOD activity was 20% lower in obese participants when compared to eutrophic women. Our study identified significant negative correlation between the cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 and the SOD activity in the case group, suggesting a possible influence of chronic inflammation on copper distribution in obese individuals.

Iron, calcium and phosphorus mineral profile in chronic renal patients on hemodialysis

The main goal of this study was to verify the association between serum and dietary concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and iron, and to determinate whether patients with kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis had inadequacy in dietary intake. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Food consumption was determined by the 24-hour recall. The optical technology method was used to obtain hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations. Serum levels of iron, calcium and phosphorus were determined by dry chemistry. We observed insufficient consumption of energy, macronutrients and minerals. Energy intake of patients with longer hemodialysis was higher. The sample presented hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia (except in the group ≥8 years of hemodialysis), higher iron concentrations and lower hemoglobin and hematocrit values. The serum levels of minerals were not affected by dietary intake. There was a significant correlation between dietary phosphorus and calcium in patients undergoing hemodialysis for more than 8 years, those over 60 years old and, between calcium and phosphorus normal levels in patients over 60 years old. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and mineral serum levels were similar regardless of age and hemodialysis time. It was concluded that inadequacies of minerals reflected deregulation among metabolism and the pathophysiological changes inherent to Chronic Kidney Disease.

El objetivo principal de este estudio fue verificar la asociación entre las concentraciones séricas y dietéticas de calcio, fósforo y hierro, y determinar su ingesta dietética inadecuada en pacientes con enfermedad renal sometidos a hemodiálisis. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo transversal que evaluó a 40 pacientes en hemodiálisis. El consumo de alimentos se determinó mediante el recordatorio de 24 horas. Se utilizó el método de tecnología óptica para obtener concentraciones de hemoglobina y hematocrito. Los niveles séricos de hierro, calcio y fósforo se determinaron mediante química seca. El estudio mostró un consumo insuficiente de energía, macronutrientes y minerales. La ingesta energética de los pacientes con hemodiálisis más prolongada fue mayor. La muestra presentó hipocalcemia, hiperfosfatemia (excepto en el grupo ≥8 años de hemodiálisis), mayor concentración de hierro y menores valores de hemoglobina y hematocrito. Los niveles séricos de minerales no se vieron afectados por su ingesta dietética. Hubo una correlación significativa entre el fósforo dietético y el calcio en los pacientes en hemodiálisis durante más de 8 años y los mayores de 60 años y, también, entre los niveles normales de calcio y fósforo en los pacientes mayores de 60 años. Los niveles séricos de hemoglobina, hematocrito y minerales fueron similares independientemente de la edad y el tiempo de hemodiálisis. Se concluyó que las deficiencias de los minerales parecen reflejarse en la desregulación de su metabolismo y los cambios fisiopatológicos inherentes a la Enfermedad Renal Crónica.

Nutritional status of selenium in overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Selenium is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient and regulates important physiological processes, such as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, immune system actions, and adipocyte differentiation. Given these important functions, several studies have assessed the nutritional status of selenium to elucidate whether its homeostasis is impaired by excess adiposity, which in turn could contribute to the adipose tissue dysfunction and metabolic disorders. However, the results of these studies are quite controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess differences in the nutritional status of selenium in overweight/obese individuals. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library databases. Studies comparing overweight or obese individuals with eutrophic individuals and assessing at least one marker of selenium were included. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used to perform meta-analysis. The effect size was calculated using the raw mean difference or the standardized mean difference, with 95% confidence interval and a p-value of <0.05. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 index. Subgroup analyses were performed according to sex, body mass index (BMI), and selenium content in the soil. The protocol of this review was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42020185405). RESULTS: This systematic review included 73 articles, of which 65 articles were eligible for meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the overweight/obesity and eutrophy groups in terms of dietary intake and plasma/serum levels of selenium and selenoprotein P levels. The activity of plasma/serum glutathione peroxidase was decreased in the overweight/obese children and adolescents; however, the difference was no statistically significant when the enzyme activity was analyzed in erythrocytes and whole blood. In the adult age group, overweight/obese individuals had decreased activity of both glutathione peroxidase isoforms compared to those individuals with eutrophy. In particular, the activity of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase was significantly decreased in obese individuals and those living in regions with low-to-moderate selenium content in the soil. Regarding selenium excretion markers, overweight/obese individuals had lower levels of selenium in the urine and nails and a trend of higher levels of selenium in the hair than eutrophic individuals. CONCLUSIONS: In conditions of excess adiposity, the main alteration in the nutritional status of selenium is a decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity, particularly in adults with obesity. In addition, reduced levels of selenium in urine and nails can be found in overweight or obese individuals.

Association between calcium/magnesium ratio and insulin resistance in women with obesity and normal-weight women

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the calcium/magnesium (Ca/Mg) ratio and insulin resistance in women with obesity and normal-weight women. This was a cross-sectional study with 128 women (62 women with obesity and 66 normal-weight women). We measured dietary minerals intake and analyzed magnesium and calcium biomarkers. Ca/Mg ratio in diet, plasma and urine were calculated. We have evaluated glycemic parameters. Women with obesity had low dietary magnesium, reduced plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations, and elevated urinary magnesium excretion. Plasma calcium concentration was lower and urinary calcium excretion was higher in patients with obesity than in the normal-weight group. Dietary magnesium and calcium intake per kilogram of body weight per day was lower in obese women than in the control group. Ca/Mg ratio in plasma and urine were elevated in women with obesity. We found a significant correlation among magnesium biomarkers and calcium parameters. Ca/Mg ratio seems to be associated with insulin resistance in obese women.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre la relación Ca/Mg y la resistencia a la insulina en mujeres con obesidad y en mujeres con peso normal. El diseño del estudio fue transversal y participaron 128 mujeres (62 mujeres con obesidad y 66 mujeres con peso normal). Se analizó la ingesta de minerales en la dieta y se realizaron análisis de biomarcadores de magnesio y calcio. Se calculó la relación Ca/Mg en dieta, plasma y orina y se evaluaron los parámetros glicémicos. Las mujeres con obesidad tenían niveles bajos de magnesio en la dieta, concentraciones reducidas de magnesio en plasma y eritrocitos, y excreción urinaria de magnesio elevada. La concentración plasmática de calcio fue menor en pacientes con obesidad, y la excreción urinaria de calcio fue mayor que en el grupo de mujeres con peso normal. La ingesta dietética de magnesio y calcio por kilogramo de peso corporal por día fue menor en las mujeres con obesidad, que en el grupo control. La relación Ca/Mg en plasma y orina estaba elevada en mujeres con obesidad. Se encontró una correlación significativa entre los biomarcadores de magnesio y los parámetros de calcio. La relación Ca / Mg parece estar asociada con la resistencia a la insulina en mujeres con obesidad.

Magnesium parameters and their association with lipid metabolism markers in obese women

ABSTRACT Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether low magnesium concentration is related to increased cardiovascular risk in obese women. Methods: This case-control study included women, who were divided into two groups: case (BMI>35 kg/m2) and control group (18.5>BMI>24.9 kg/m2). Body weight, height, waist, neck and hip circumference were measured according to the methodology described by the Ministry of Health. The analyses of plasma, erythrocyte, and urinary magnesium concentrations were performed using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry method. The lipid fractions were analyzed according to the enzymatic colorimetric method using a Cobas Integra automatic biochemical analyzer. Results: Mean plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations were lower in the obese women compared to the control group (p<0.05). The urinary excretion of this mineral showed a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05), and the obese women excreted a higher amount of magnesium in the urine. With regard to the cardiovascular risk parameters, obese women demonstrated higher values compared to the control group (p<0.05). The study showed a negative correlation between erythrocyte magnesium and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that obese women exhibit changes in nutritional status with regard to magnesium, with reduced concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, and increased concentration in the urine. However, the results do not suggest a role of magnesium in protection against cardiovascular risk factors in the patients evaluated in this study.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si una concentración baja de magnesio está relacionada con un mayor riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres obesas. Métodos: Este estudio de casos y controles incluyó mujeres, que se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo de casos (IMC>35 kg/m2) y control (18,5>IMC>24,9 kg/m2). El peso corporal, la altura, la cintura, la circunferencia del cuello y la cadera se midieron según la metodología descrita por el Ministerio de Salud. Los análisis de las concentraciones de magnesio en plasma, eritrocitos y orina se realizaron utilizando el método de espectrometría de emisión óptica de plasma acoplado inductivamente. Las fracciones lipídicas se analizaron según el método colorimétrico enzimático utilizando un analizador bioquímico automático Cobas Integra. Resultados: Las concentraciones medias de magnesio en plasma y eritrocitos fueron menores en las mujeres obesas en comparación con el grupo de control (p<0.05). La excreción urinaria de este mineral mostró una diferencia significativa entre los dos grupos (p<0.05), y las mujeres obesas excretaron una mayor cantidad de magnesio en la orina. En cuanto a los parámetros de riesgo cardiovascular, las mujeres obesas mostraron valores más altos en comparación con el grupo control (p<0,05). El estudio mostró una correlación negativa entre el magnesio de los eritrocitos y la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica en el grupo de control (p<0,05). Conclusión: Estos resultados indican que las mujeres obesas presentan cambios en el estado nutricional con respecto al magnesio, con concentraciones reducidas en el plasma y eritrocitos, y concentración aumentada en la orina. Sin embargo, los resultados no sugieren un papel del magnesio en la protección contra los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en los pacientes evaluados en este estudio.

Selenium status and its relationship with thyroid hormones in obese women.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies have been conducted with the purpose of elucidating thyroid gland dysfunction in obesity, however the contributing factors for such dysfunction are not yet fully understood. Selenium is notable for its role in thyrocyte protection against oxidative damage and control of thyroid hormone synthesis. In addition, subjects with obesity may exhibit alterations in the selenium homeostasis. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the selenium status and its relationship with serum thyroid hormone levels in obese women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 69 euthyroid women, aged between 18 and 50 years, who were divided in two groups: an obese group (n = 35) and a control group with women of normal weight (n = 34). Selenium intake was assessed by three-day diet records and analyzed using NutWin software version 1.5. Plasma, erythrocyte, and urinary selenium levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Testing for thyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies was performed based on chemiluminescence. RESULTS: The median dietary selenium content was adequate according to the recommendations, with no statistical difference between groups. Obese women had reduced plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels compared to the control group, although selenium concentration in erythrocytes was adequate within the normal range for both groups. There was no significant difference between the urinary selenium concentrations in the subjects; however, the mineral clearance was higher in the obese group. Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels were higher in obese women with class II obesity when compared to the control group. There was a negative correlation between plasma selenium and serum fT4 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Obese women showed impairment in selenium homeostasis, however, this fact did not seem to adversely affect thyroid metabolism.

The Role of Zinc in Thyroid Hormones Metabolism.

Thyroid hormones play an important role in body homeostasis by facilitating metabolism of lipids and glucose, regulating metabolic adaptations, responding to changes in energy intake, and controlling thermogenesis. Proper metabolism and action of these hormones requires the participation of various nutrients. Among them is zinc, whose interaction with thyroid hormones is complex. It is known to regulate both the synthesis and mechanism of action of these hormones. In the present review, we aim to shed light on the regulatory effects of zinc on thyroid hormones. Scientific evidence shows that zinc plays a key role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, specifically by regulating deiodinases enzymes activity, thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) synthesis, as well as by modulating the structures of essential transcription factors involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Serum concentrations of zinc also appear to influence the levels of serum T3, T4 and TSH. In addition, studies have shown that Zinc transporters (ZnTs) are present in the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid, but their functions remain unknown. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the roles of zinc in regulation of thyroid hormones metabolism, and their importance in the treatment of several diseases associated with thyroid gland dysfunction.

Concentrações de cobre em mulheres obesas e sua relação com marcador da peroxidação lipídica / Copper concentrations in obese women and their relationship to lipid peroxidation marker

Introdução: Estudos atuais têm mostrado relação entre minerais antioxidantes e desordens bioquímicas envolvidas na patogênese da obesidade, em especial, a peroxidação lipídica. Nesse sentido, a literatura revela importância da atuação de elementos traços, a exemplo do cobre, na proteção contra a produção excessiva de radicais livres em indivíduos obesos. Objetivo: deste estudo foi avaliar as concentrações de cobre em mulheres obesas e sua relação com marcador da peroxidação lipídica. Metodologia: Estudo de natureza transversal, analítico e experimental envolveu 89 mulheres, com idade entre 20 e 50 anos, distribuídas em dois grupos: grupo controle (mulheres eutróficas, n=45) e grupo caso (obesas, n=44). As concentrações plasmáticas e eritrocitárias do cobre foram determinadas por espectrometria de absorção atômica. As concentrações plasmáticas das TBARS foram determinadas seguindo-se método descrito por Ohkawa, Ohishi e Yagi (1979), com adaptações. Resultados: A concentração das substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico foi significativamente maior no grupo caso em comparação com o grupo controle (p=0,001). O grupo caso apresentou concentrações inferiores de cobre plasmático e eritrocitário (p<0,05). Ambos os grupos apresentaram concentrações adequadas de cobre eritrocitário e plasmático. Não foi verificada correlação significativa entre o cobre plasmático e eritrocitário e parâmetros de adiposidade (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo indicam concentrações plasmáticas e eritrocitárias de cobre dentro da faixa de adequação, sendo que o grupo caso apresenta concentrações inferiores comparado ao grupo controle. O estudo não revelou correlação significativa entre o marcador de peroxidação lipídica e as concentrações de cobre plasmático e eritrocitário

Background: Current studies have shown a relationship between antioxidant minerals and biochemical disorders involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, especially lipid peroxidation. In this sense, the literature reveals importance of the performance of trace elements, such as copper, in the protection against the excessive production of free radicals in obese individuals. Objective: was to evaluate how the associations of obese women and their interface with lipid peroxidation. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical and experimental involved 89 women, aged between 20 and 50 years, divided into two groups: control group (eutrophic women, n = 45) and case group (obese, n = 44). As plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of copper and determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Plasma concentrations of TBARS were determined following the method described by Ohkawa, Ohishi and Yagi (1979), with adaptations. Results: The concentration of the reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid was significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group (p = 0,001). The case group had lower concentrations of plasma and erythrocyte copper (p <0,05). Both groups had adequate concentrations of erythrocyte and plasma copper. There was no significant correlation between plasma and erythrocyte copper and adiposity parameters (p> 0,05). Conclusion: From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the participants of the study have plasma and erythrocyte copper concentrations within the adequacy range, and the case group presents lower concentrations compared to the control group. In addition, no significant correlation was found between the lipid peroxidation marker and the plasma and erythrocyte copper concentrations

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The role of selenium in insulin resistance

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been growing interest in clarifying the pathogenesis of some chronic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolic alterations in these diseases are characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Studies have demonstrated the participation of minerals in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, more specifically their involvement in the synthesis and regulation of insulin. Selenium is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant micronutrient that is essential for the activity of selenoproteins. Two selenoproteins (glutathione peroxidase and selenoprotein P) are known to be involved in the insulin signaling pathway. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the role of selenium in insulin resistance mechanisms. Evidence shows that adequate concentrations of selenium play a key role in the secretion and action of insulin, but an excess of selenium in the body is associated with the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and the development of diabetes mellitus.

Efeito de prebióticos e probióticos na microbiota intestinal e nas alterações metabólicas de indivíduos obesos / Effect of prebiotics and probiotics on the gut microbiota and metabolic changes in obese individuals

Currently, the growing prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities is a major public health problem. The intestine is a complex organ that has been increasingly studied in obesity because of its ability to signal pathways involved in the pathophysiology of this disease. OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to clarify the main effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the intestinal microbiota and metabolic abnormalities of obese subjects. Data source: The survey of articles was conducted at PubMed database using the following keywords: 'obesity', 'gut microbiota', 'probiotic' and 'prebiotic' involving scientific works published between 2009 and 2014. Data synthesis: We found that the intestinal microbiota can be modulated by diet, and it acts on the control of food intake by interacting with receptors and enzymes that interfere in the metabolic changes arising from obesity and in the modulation of the inflammatory response. Animal research has shown positive results with the use of prebiotics and probiotics as adjuncts in the treatment of obesity; however, results with humans still present controversial data. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of the relationship between diet, microbiota and immune system shows that a better understanding of the role of microbiota in obesity leads to new perspectives in the development of therapies for this disease

A crescente prevalência da obesidade e suas comorbidades tem sido um dos principais problemas de saúde pública atualmente. O intestino é um órgão complexo, cada vez mais estudado na obesidade pela sua capacidade de sinalizar vias metabólicas envolvidas na fisiopatologia dessa doença. OBJETIVO: Esclarecer os principais efeitos de probióticos e prebióticos nas alterações metabólicas e da microbiota intestinal de indivíduos obesos. Fonte de dados: O levantamento dos artigos foi realizado na base de dados Pubmed, utilizando os descritores: obesity, gut microbiota, probiotic e prebiotic envolvendo publicações no período de 2009 a 2014. Síntese dos dados: Constatou-se que a microbiota intestinal pode ser modulada pela dieta e atuar no controle da ingestão alimentar interagindo com receptores e enzimas que interferem nas alterações metabólicas decorrentes da obesidade e na modulação da resposta inflamatória. Pesquisas com animais mostraram resultados positivos do uso de prebióticos e probióticos como coadjuvantes no tratamento da obesidade, contudo, os resultados com humanos ainda apresentam dados controversos. CONCLUSÕES: Evidências da relação entre dieta, microbiota e sistema imune demonstram que a melhor compreensão do papel da microbiota na obesidade leva a novas perspectivas no desenvolvimento de terapias para a obesidade