Intestinal bacteria drive obesity and metabolic disease in immune-altered mice
Monday, March 8, 2010 - 00:35
in Health & Medicine
Mice lacking a gene called TLR5 have an altered ability to recognize and control bacteria in their intestines, leading them to develop obesity and insulin resistance, which is often referred to as "pre-diabetes." The bacteria appear to influence appetite and metabolism rather than how well calories are absorbed. Obesity and insulin resistance can be transferred from TLR5-deficient mice via intestinal bacteria.