Cited by 367Gut microbiota and healthOral microbiology and periodontitis researchInfant Nutrition and Health

Microbiota conservation and BMI signatures in adult monozygotic twins

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Tims, Sebastian, Derom, Catherine, Jonkers, Daisy M, Vlietinck, Robert, Saris, Wim H, Kleerebezem, Michiel, de Vos, Willem M, Zoetendal, Erwin G·2013·The ISME Journal

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiota acts like a virtual organ and is suggested to be of great importance in human energy balance and weight control. This study included 40 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs to investigate the influence of the human genotype on GI microbiota structure as well as microbial signatures for differences in body mass index (BMI). Phylogenetic microarraying based on 16S rRNA genes demonstrated that MZ twins have more similar microbiotas compared with unrelated subjects (P<0.001), which allowed the identification of 35 genus-like microbial groups that are more conserved between MZ twins. Half of the twin pairs were selected on discordance in terms of BMI, which revealed an inverse correlation between Clostridium cluster IV diversity and BMI. Furthermore, relatives of Eubacterium ventriosum and Roseburia intestinalis were positively correlated to BMI differences, and relatives of Oscillospira guillermondii were negatively correlated to BMI differences. Lower BMI was associated with a more abundant network of primary fiber degraders, while a network of butyrate producers was more prominent in subjects with higher BMI. Combined with higher butyrate and valerate contents in the fecal matter of higher BMI subjects, the difference in microbial networks suggests a shift in fermentation patterns at the end of the colon, which could affect human energy homeostasis.

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  • Studies in humans have generated conflicting results on gut microbiota and obesity due to high inter-individual heterogeneity in diet, age, and hormonal factors.

    “However, studies in humans have generated conflicting results due to high inter-individual heterogeneity in terms of diet, age, and hormonal factors, and the largely unexplored influence of gender.”

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Authors
Tims, S., Derom, C., Jonkers, D. M., Vlietinck, R., Saris, W. H., Kleerebezem, M., de Vos, W. M., & Zoetendal, E. G.
Affiliations
  • TiFN (NL)
  • KU Leuven (BE)
  • Maastricht University Medical Centre (NL)
  • Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and TI Food and Nutrition , Wageningen, The Netherlands
Corresponding author
Zoetendal, Erwin G
Venue
The ISME Journal
Published
2012-11-29
Volume
7
Issue
4
Pages
707-717
ISSN
  • 1751-7362 (ISSN-L)
  • 1751-7370
OpenAlex
W2158341557
Cited by
367
References
69
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 35 · 2022: 48 · 2021: 41 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 25 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 20 · 2016: 28 · 2015: 26 · 2014: 24 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 1
FWCI
7.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • The ISME Journal (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Socio-Environmental Systems Modeling (submittedVersion)
  • Lirias (KU Leuven) (submittedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • European Commission (201052)
  • Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique
  • Vlaamse regering
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
  • Health Sciences › Dentistry › Periodontics › Oral microbiology and periodontitis research
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Infant Nutrition and Health
Keywords
gut microbiota, monozygotic twins, body mass index, obesity, microbial conservation, Clostridium cluster IV, Eubacterium ventriosum, Roseburia intestinalis, fiber-degrading bacteria, butyrate-producing bacteria, microbial fermentation, energy homeostasis
MeSH terms
Adult, Dietary Fiber, DNA, Bacterial, Feces, Humans, Phylogeny, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S, Twins, Monozygotic, Body Mass Index, Gram-Positive Endospore-Forming Rods, Gastrointestinal Tract, Metagenome

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