Assessment of Gut Microbiota in Obese Male and Female Children Using 16S rRNA Gene Profiling

The relationship between gut microbiota and obesity has been investigated in numerous studies. However, inter-individual heterogeneity influenced by multiple factors may explain the inconsistent findings in human studies. Our primary aim was to identify the specific gut microbial composition that distinguishes obese male and female children from normal-weight children based on their body mass index (BMI) and to compare the results with previous analyses. Methods: Gut microbiome 16S rRNA sequences data from participants divided into three groups based on age (6–16 years), gender, and weight status: 13 obese female and 6 normal-weight female children, 13 obese male and 5 normal-weight male children, and a combined group of 13 obese male and 13 obese female children, has been analyzed using he EZBiocloud public data and analytics portal. Results: Gut microbiome composition of obese female and male children groups showed significant differences in terms of their alpha and beta diversity indices. Obese female children had significantly higher alpha diversity indices than male children with obesity. The increase in alpha diversity indices observed among female children with obesity indicates higher microbial diversity within their gut microbiota. Moreover, the analysis of beta diversity uncovered notable distinctions in the gut microbiota composition among subgroups of obese male and female children. We propose that bacterial microbiota, such as Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, could potentially function as health indicators in obese children of both sexes. These microbial genera might be useful in aiding obese children to manage weight problems and alleviating metabolic disorders associated with obesity. Conclusions: Gender plays a crucial role in the composition of the gut microbiota of obese children. This finding emphasizes the necessity of considering gender-specific factors in both obesity research and management. Furthermore, using prebiotic and probiotic supplements in childhood obesity treatments could act as useful adjuncts to regulate gut microbiota composition and improve metabolic health. This approach aims to modify relative microbial abundance.