Energy -Sensing Metabolites in Caloric Restriction

General integrated goal of the coordinated project: To elucidate the role of succinate and other metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota such as Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), as energy sensing metabolites in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Specific objectives of Subproject 1 (SP1): 1a. - To investigate whether intermittent fasting (IF) is better than Continued Daily Caloric Restriction (DCR) in terms of metabolic improvement through the study of: 1) the dynamics of gastrointestinal hormones and energy sensing metabolites, 2) the intestinal microbiome, 3) variability on succinate and SCFAs, MCFAs and Biliary Acid after weight loss; Methodology: clinical study: randomized, cross-over design, study participants (n=15) will consume either lifestyle recommendations for a healthy Mediterranean diet under a continued caloric restriction diet (DCR) or will undertake an intermittent (IF) protocol. Clinical, anthropometrical and functional studies. Metabolomics for gut derived metabolites in plasma. Enteroendocrine gastrointestinal dynamics. Metagenomic analysis.