ABSTRACT

Worldwide, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia that characterize metabolic syndrome have increased considerably over the past two decades. Besides genetics and poor diet, several other risk factors may play a role in metabolic syndrome development. Gut microbiota has recently been proposed to exert a profound effect on host nutrition and energy metabolism impacting human physiology and pathology. In essence, gut microbiota has been identified as a potential risk factor for metabolic syndrome emergence; however, the underlying mechanisms of its pathogenesis remain poorly understood. This article is aimed at evaluating the current literature dealing with the connection among diet, gut microbiota and the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and its components, and suggesting future avenues of investigation. Gut microbiota along with metabolic syndrome components are introduced. Composition of gut microbiota, its methods of sampling and analysis, and effects of diet in normal states are also introduced. The link among diet, gut microbiota and pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and its individual components is thoroughly reviewed. In animals, the available evidence indicates the presence of relationships between gut microbiota composition and emergence of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. In humans, the evidence is highly controversial. However, no causal relationship is yet established. Controlled human research examining direct clinical and longitudinal effects of various dietary components or interventions on key microbial changes and their role in metabolic syndrome is needed. KEYWORDS: Gut microbiota, Cardiometabolic risks, Insulin resistance, Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Diabetes, Diet, Metabolic syndrome.​