Premium
A Mathematical Model for the Population Dynamics of Intestinal Microbiota: Obese Versus Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract
Author(s) -
Giron Felipe,
Pizano Alejandro,
Calvachi Paola,
Cordovez Juan Manuel
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.lb807
Subject(s) - firmicutes , gastrointestinal tract , population , biology , bacteroidetes , gut flora , physiology , ecology , immunology , medicine , bacteria , environmental health , genetics , biochemistry , 16s ribosomal rna
The term microbiota refers to a community of microorganisms that are located in a certain space that have a symbiotic relationship with the host cells, in this specific case the human gastrointestinal tract. This interaction provides support to the gastrointestinal tract in different functional aspects such as trophic functions, protection (immune system) and metabolism. Related to human nutrition, it has been evidenced that intestinal microbiota plays an important role in synthesis, metabolism, and other functions associated to the nutrients and micronutrients that can lead to healthy or obese patients. Objectives To understand and model the population dynamics of the intestinal microbiota using a mathematical model, and to use the model to compare lean versus obese subjects. Methods A mathematical model was design based on the gastrointestinal division in three compartments (1. Mouth to Stomach, 2. Small bowel and 3. Colon) and two major phyla of microorganisms (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) according to its anatomical, physiological characteristics and in terms of its relative abundance of microbiota. The model included the subject's diet and activity level as inputs. Parameters for the model were obtained from a literature review. The model was implemented in Matlab and the equations were solved to steady state. Population sizes of the two microorganisms, for lean and obese subjects, were recorded. Results The model predicted a Firmicutes to Bacteriodetes ratio close to 1:1 in lean subjects for all compartments. The ratio increased to 4:1 or higher in obese subjects. These results are in agreement with several reports obtained from the literature. In addition, the model showed an interesting shift in the ratio in compartment three for obese subjects: under some circumstances increased to 7:1. The ratio is extremely sensitive to diet and exercise. Conclusion The simple mathematical model was helpful in understanding the distribution and dynamics of intestinal microbiota. The model can be used to predict the population dynamics under different diets, giving the possibility to estimate the efficacy of surgical intervention. The model can also shed some light on how to prevent the progression from overweight to obese just by changing the diet.