Analysis of changes in the composition of the bacterial intestinal microbiota in obese rats after transcranial direct current stimulation - a pilot study using a next-generation sequencing method 

Project manager: Dr. Katarzyna Talaga-Ćwiertnia
Implementation period: 2023-2024
Project type: Miniature 7

In recent years, on the basis of scientific research, the relationship between the composition of the gut microbiota and body energy balance and participation in the development of obesity has been demonstrated. To date, no studies have been performed considering the effects of transcranial direct current brain stimulation (tDCS) on the gut microbiota of obese individuals. The tDCS method is a non-invasive solution for modulating the activity of brain centers, including those responsible for body energy homeostasis. As such, it could be a potential tool to help treat obesity. The main objective of the project is to evaluate the composition of the intestinal microbiota of rats depending on the type of feed consumed and the type of DC stimulation of brain centers. The study material will be post-mortem biopsies of the small intestine, biopsies of the large intestine and feces of rats. The study will use next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Bacterial DNA will be isolated from the clinical materials. This will be followed by standardization of amplification conditions based on the hypervariable V3-V4 regions of the bacterial 16S RNA subunit by PCR. The next steps of the study will consist of genetic library preparation and sequencing. After sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and interpretation of the obtained results will be performed. The conducted study will contribute to the knowledge of the pathogenesis of obesity and will make it possible to assess the potential of the tDCS method in its treatment.