[Effect of prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics on molecular markers of inflammation in obesity.]

Objective: Obesity is an inflammatory disease that is widely distributed in the world's population and is related to the leading causes of death. The use of prebiotics and probiotics can be an alternative treatment against obesity. Although there have been found physiological and biochemical effects of its use, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. The present review analyzed articles that suggested the activation of pathways related to the metabolism of the fatty acids, as well as the impact on anti-inflammatory mechanisms, as part of the mechanism of action of prebiotics and probiotics, to know therefore the possible pathways activated by the prebiotics and probiotics.

Methods: Exhaustive research was made on articles included in the period 2005-2021 related to the effect of prebiotics and probiotics in obesity, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic diseases. Identifying an effect on anti-inflammatory cytokines and PPAR modulation, with a consequent decrease in inflammation and fat degradation.

Results: A total of sixty-three articles were obtained, which were classified as basic information on molecular markers of obesity, the effect of prebiotics and probiotics in obesity, and articles related to anti-inflammatory effects and fatty acid metabolism observed in obesity and other inflammatory diseases.

Conclusions: The effect of prebiotics and probiotics in obesity can be linked to the anti-inflammatory mechanism produced, and this effect leads to an increase in the expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism.