Microbiota-gut-brain axis: relationships among the vagus nerve, gut microbiota, obesity, and diabetes

AIMS: The purpose of this review is to explore the interconnected pathways of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA), focusing on the roles of the vagus nerve and glucagon like peptide-1 in appetite control, and in the development of obesity and diabetes. METHODS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are metabolic disorders whose prevalence has significantly increased in recent decades and is expected to increase every year, to pandemic proportions. These two pathologies often coexist and have substantial public health implications. The term “diabesity” defines the pathophysiological connection between overweight and T2DM. The gut microbiota affects many aspects of the host. Beyond the regulation of intestinal functions and the activation of immune responses, the gut microbiota plays a role in central nervous system functions (i.e., mood, and psychiatric conditions associated with stress and memory) and is a central regulator of metabolism and appetite. RESULTS: The MGBA involves pathways such as the autonomic and enteric nervous systems, the hypothalamic– pituitary–adrenal axis, the immune system, enteroendocrine cells, and microbial metabolites. Notably, the vagus nerve plays an essential role in eating behavior by modulating appetite and learning nutritional preferences. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its enteroendocrine cell-mediated interaction with the gut microbiota, the vagus nerve may provide a potential pathway through which gut microorganisms influence host feeding behavior and metabolic control of physiological and pathological conditions.