Gut microbial contributions to thermogenesis.

Abstract

The role of the gut microbiota in influencing physiological processes has become increasingly evident over the past several decades. One such process, thermogenesis, has become a topic of interest in recent years owing to the threat of climate change as well as the ongoing obesity epidemic. Here, we offer an overview of current knowledge regarding the contributions of the gut microbiota to thermogenesis in ecological and biomedical contexts. We first describe how the metabolic and behavioral changes associated with the gut microbiota can lead to changes in energy balance, allowing animals to adapt to environmental stressors. We then discuss how changes in the gut microbial community composition, such as through antibiotic use, can lead to dysfunctional thermoregulation and, ultimately, disease states. Finally, we consider how microbes can be exploited to improve energy balance and propose some future directions worthy of additional study.