Bacteroides CECT 7771 and the Use Thereof in the Prevention and Treatment of Excess Weight, Obesity and Metabolic and Immunological Alterations

Abstract

The invention relates to a strain of Bacteroides uniformes with registration number CECT 7771, and to the cellular constituents, metabolites and / or secreted molecules thereof. The invention also relates to a composition (nutritional or pharmaceutical) comprising at least one of the previous products. The invention further relates to the use of a strain of Bacteroides uniforms, preferably CECT 7771, or of the cellular constituents, metabolites and / or secreted molecules of said strain, or of a composition comprising same, for the prevention and / or treatment of alterations such as excess weight, obesity, adipocyte hypertrophy, hepatic steatosis or fatty liver, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, dysfunction of the immune system, reduced defences against infections, and imbalance in the composition of the intestinal microbiota.

Description

FIELD OF THE ART[0001]The present invention falls within the field of pharmaceuticals and food. Specifically, the present invention relates to the Bacteroides uniformis CECT 7771 strain, to its cellular components, metabolites and secreted molecules, and to compositions which, comprising at least one of the foregoing products, can also comprise other microorganisms or other compounds with biological activity. Likewise, the present invention also relates to the use of a B. uniformis strain or to the use of the CECT 7771 strain in the prevention and / or treatment of alterations such as excess weight, obesity, hepatic steatosis or fatty liver, dyslipidemia and, in particular, hypercholesterolemia and / or hypertriglyceridemia; hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and diabetes, preferably[0002]Type 2 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes; metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, immune system dysfunction associated or not associated with these pathologies, preferably in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a strain of bacteria called B. uniformis CECT 7771 that improves the function of immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, in humans. When this strain is administered to normal-weight and obese subjects, it enhances their ability to respond to infectious agents, antigens, and allergens. The strain also increases the production of cytokines, which are important for stopping infections. The patent also describes the effects of the strain on inflammation, a process that can lead to chronic inflammation and related diseases such as diabetes. Overall, the strain has potential to improve immune function and protect against infections and inflammation.

Problems solved by technology

Obesity is produced as a consequence of a positive and prolonged imbalance between intake and energy expenditure, which entails excessive gain in weight and body fat.

However, the excessive accumulation of fatty acids in the adipose tissue associated with obesity reduces insulin sensitivity, which promotes the accumulation of free fatty acids in the form of triglycerides in other organs and tissues (liver, muscle, heart, etc.), and causes alterations in leptin production or sensitivity, and an increase in the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, which in turn entails a greater risk of developing associated diseases (metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc.).

However, in obese subjects, the peripheral concentrations of this adipokine are abnormally high and produce resistance thereto.

Obesity is also characterised by alterations in the functions of various immune system cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells, associated with reduced defences against pathogens and other antigens, and with a higher risk of infections and post-operative complications.

However, traditional treatments based on hypocaloric diets and increased physical activity are less effective at controlling obesity and, in general, lead to limited and temporary weight loss.

Neither has the use of pharmacological strategies been satisfactory, as they entail side effects.

Int J Obes., 33(7): 758-67); however, direct evidence of the possible effect of strains of the genus Bacteroides or of strains of the species Bacteroides uniformis administered orally in obesity has not been provided.

Additionally, this patent does not disclose the results of the effects of any species or strain of this genus on body weight.

Likewise, lipid-lowering drugs such as statins that inhibit endogenous cholesterol synthesis do not achieve the required effectiveness due to being monotherapies focused on a single mechanism of action.

Additionally, hypertrophic adipocytes produce an abnormally high concentration of inflammatory cytokines and chimiokines (TNF-α, MCP-1, resistin, etc.) that inhibit insulin signalling in the hepatocytes and give rise to insulin resistance and alter the corporal distribution of lipids.

For example, an increase in adipocyte size is also related to hepatic fatty acid intake, which gives rise to hepatic steatosis and its complications.

In turn, these changes are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes, among other pathologies.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterised by a relative deficit in insulin production and sensitivity in tissues and, thus, poor use of peripheral glucose.

Several drugs and other causes can, however, cause this type of diabetes.

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