Dietary Impact on Gut Microbiome and NCDs | Andrea Fričová
The Role of Diet in the Development of Non-Communicable Diseases: Focus on the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Andrea Fričová (1), Anna Zavaďáková (1), Monika Bludovská (1,2)
Supervisor: Dana Müllerová (1)
(1) Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles
University (2) Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen,
Charles University
State-of-the-Art: Current research increasingly highlights the gut microbiome as a key factor
in the development and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Diet is considered
the most influential and modifiable factor affecting microbiota composition. Western diets,
characterized by high levels of saturated fats, animal proteins, and processed foods, are linked
to gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation. In contrast, plant-based and Mediterranean diets
promote microbial diversity and the growth of beneficial bacteria, leading to anti-inflammatory
effects. Recent studies also emphasize the role of microbial metabolites such as SCFAs, LPS, and
TMAO in the pathogenesis of NCDs, positioning microbiome-targeted dietary interventions as a
promising strategy for prevention.
Objective: This article focuses on how various types of diet affect the composition of the gut
microbiome and how dietary changes are able to prevent or slow down the development of
non-communicable diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases,
and low-grade inflammation.
Material and Methods: A review of the topic was conducted in October 2023 employing the MEDLINE
database accessed via the free-to-use PubMed interface. Related studies were searched for
applying the keywords “gut microbiome”, “vegetarian”, “plant-based”, “vegan”, “Mediterranean
diet”, “Western diet”, “gluten-free”, “diabetes mellitus”, “idiopathic bowel diseases”, “cardiovascular
diseases”, “microbiota”, “obesity”, “protein”, “carbohydrates” and “fat”. Only publications
written in English and published between the year 2000 and the present were considered in the
review.
Results & Discussion: The findings confirm that diet significantly influences gut microbiota composition
and contributes to the development of NCDs. Western diets, rich in saturated fats, animal
proteins, and simple sugars, promote dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory metabolites such
as LPS and TMAO, which are linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In
contrast, plant-based and Mediterranean diets increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria
(e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) and reduce inflammation. The reviewed studies highlight
the importance of dietary interventions in preventing intestinal dysbiosis and reducing the incidence
of chronic NCDs.
Conclusion: A balanced diet plays a key role in maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis and
preventing chronic NCDs. Promoting fibre-rich and plant-based diets may reduce inflammation
and the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases through microbiome modulation.
Funding: The study was supported by Cooperatio No. 207032—Immunity and Infection.
Session Overview: Theoretical Disciplines
Study program: Doctoral study – Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology | Year of study: 2
ID: 1074
The role of PCK-2 in Pathophysiology of Diabetes | Tereza Šmrhová
Laser capture microdissection coupled capillary immunoassay to study the expression of PC K-2 on spacially-resolved islets of rat La ngerhans
Running title: The role of PCK-2 in Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Authors: Tereza Šmrhová (1), Shashank Pandey (2)
Supervisor: Magdaléna Chottová Dvořáková (1)
(1) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University (2) Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University
State-of-the-Art: PCK-2 is the sole isoform responsible for phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) synthesis in pancreatic β-cells, playing a critical role in gluconeogenesis. While PCK-1 has been extensively studied, the role of PCK-2 in β-cells remains less understood, particularly in the context of diabetes. Long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus may affect the expression of PCK-2 within the β-cells of the Langerhans islets,
potentially influencing insulin secretion and thus contributing to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Given the irregular distribution of Langerhans islets in pancreatic tissue, laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a method of choice to isolate small samples of these islets.
Objective: The aim of this research is to integrate LCM with capillary-based immunoassay (cap-IA) to quantify PCK-2 levels in microdissected Langerhans islets, providing insights into the relationship between diabetes and β-cell function at the proteomic level.
Material and Methods: Zucker diabetic fat (ZDF) rats were sacrificed by decapitation at week 34 of age and pancreas was dissected. Langerhans islets were isolated using LCM under histological supervision, ensuring selection of β-cell-rich regions. RNA was isolated, followed by reverse transcription and quantitative RT-PCR to assess PCK-2 expression. For protein analysis, Western blotting (traditional and capillary-based) was used, with β-actin serving as a loading control. PCK-2 expression levels were quantified and statistically analyzed to compare differences between diabetic and control groups.
Results & Discussion: In dissected Langerhans islets, a 63 kDa band was detected, confirming PCK-2 expression, which was further validated by RT-qPCR. In a diabetic rat model, Langerhans islets showed significantly higher PCK-2 expression compared to control rats.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrated notable increase in PCK-2 levels in diabetic Langerhans islets compared to healthy controls, highlighting its potential role in the pathophysiology of diabetes.
Funding: This study was supported by Charles University Research Fund [Progres Q39, SVV No. 260 539].
Study program: Doctoral study – Physiology and Pathological Physiology | Year of study: 4
ID: 1077