Gut microbiota dysbiosis associated with glucose metabolism disorders and the metabolic syndrome in older adults

Obesity and associated metabolic disorders have become highly prevalent diseases worldwide, and the human gut microbiota, due to its influence on host energy metabolism, has been attributed an important role therein. This pilot study explores host-microbiota relationships in men and women affected by various types of glucose metabolism disorder. Among 20 individuals aged 58 to 71 years with either normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes mellitus the gut bacterial communities were compared based on barcoded 454 sequencing of 16S rRNA genes amplified from stool samples. We found that specific microbiota groups were relatively enriched or reduced in different metabolic states. Further, positive or negative associations with clinical manifestations of metabolic disease suggest that these organisms indicate and possibly contribute to metabolic impairment or health. For instance, a higher prevalence of Erysipelotrichaceae and Lachnospiraceae was found associated with metabolic disorders, and t...