Comparison Of The Gut Microbiota Composition Between Obese And Non-obese Young Children Using 16s Gene Sequening

PURPOSE: The gut microbiota regulates metabolic function and energy balance, and an altered microbial ecology contributes to the development of several metabolic diseases including obesity. To examine the association between obesity and the human gut microbiota composition in Japanese children, fecal concentrations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were analyzed in 42 young children. METHODS: The subjects were 42 young children (6 obese, 36 non-obese) aged 4.5-6.5 years. Obesity was determined upon an obesity index score ((real weight - standard weight) / standard weight×100) of more than +15%. To extract enterobacterial DNA, 0.2 g of feces was used to crush cells, centrifuge several times, and collect precipitates to prepare a DNA solution. Next, RNAase treatment was performed on the DNA solution to prepare a PCR solution. Submit the amplified DNA to the next-generation sequencer team of the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, and perform metagenomic analysis using the Illumina MiSeq(TM)II system by quantitative RT-PCR targeting bacterial 16S rRNA It was. The items to be detected were phylum classification, bifidobacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and F/B ratio. RESULTS: The fecal concentrations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in 42 young children were 31.9±9.4%, 58.6±10.5%, 7.0±4.8% and 1.7±1.4%. The obtained data indicate that obese children have a significantly higher level of Firmicutes (Effects size=1.08) and lower level of Bacteroidetes (Effects size=1.13) compared to non-obese children (p<0.05). The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was higher in obese children compared with non-obese subjects (p<0.05, Effects size=0.74). However, the gut microbiota diversity, bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria were not different between the obese and non-obese groups. CONCLUSIONS: Gut microbial properties differ between obese and non-obese subjects in Japan, suggesting that gut microbiota composition is related to obesity.