Prebiotics may reduce serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and ghrelin in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Nutrition reviews Vol. 78; no. 3; pp. 235 - 248
• Main Authors: da Silva Borges, Dayanne, Fernandes, Ricardo, Thives Mello, Arthur, da Silva Fontoura, Ethiene, Soares dos Santos, Adair Roberto, Santos de Moraes Trindade, Erasmo Benicio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01-03-2020
• Subjects: prebiotics; ghrelin; C-reactive protein; synbiotics; obesity
• ISSN: 0029-6643; 1753-4887
• DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuz045

Abstract
Context
Biochemical markers correlate positively with the development and severity of obesity, depression, and anxiety, and can be modulated by changes in intestinal microbiota composition.
Objective
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of prebiotics or synbiotics on blood biomarkers of obesity, depression, and anxiety (including: ACTH [adrenocorticotropic hormone], cortisol, leptin, ghrelin, TSH [thyroid-stimulating hormone], PTH [parathyroid hormone], vitamin D, BDNF [brain-derived neurotrophic factor], and PCR [polymerase chain reaction]) in individuals with overweight or obesity.
Data Sources
MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched, along with the reference lists of included articles. Authors were contacted for unpublished data.
Study Selection
RCT in individuals with overweight or obesity, supplemented with prebiotics or synbiotics, assessing any of the outcomes of interest.
Data Extraction
Data were extracted independently by three researchers.
Results
Thirteen studies were identified up to March 7, 2018. Regarding outcomes, 1 study assessed leptin, 4 studies assessed ghrelin, and 10 studies assessed CRP (C-reactive protein). Meta-analysis showed reduction in serum concentrations of ghrelin (−37.17 pg/mL; 95%CI = −69.62, −4.73; P = 0.025) and CRP (SMD [standardized mean difference] = −0.31; 95%CI = −0.58, −0.04; P = 0.027) after supplementation of inulin-type fructans.
Conclusions
Prebiotics may help regulate blood concentrations of ghrelin and CRP in overweight or obese individuals.