Gut microbiota regulates food intake in a rodent model of binge-eating disorder

Objective Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consumption of large amounts of food within a short period of time, without compensatory behaviours. This disease is a major public health issue since it decreases patients quality of life and is associated with numerous comorbidities, encompassing anxiety, depression and complications associated with obesity. The pathophysiology of binge-eating disorder is complex and involves both endogenous, environmental and sociocultural factors. The gut microbiota has been proposed to be an important player in the onset or maintenance of eating disorders. Here, we aim to better delineate the potential role of the gut microbiota in binge-eating disorder. Method We used a model of binge-eating disorder where eight-weeks-old C57Bl/6 female mice had access during 2 hours, every 2 days over a 10-day period, to a highly palatable and high-calorie diet. Half of the animals received antibiotics to deplete their gut microbiota. Eating behaviour and other behavioural parameters were compared between groups. Results We observed an increase in food intake in mouse exposed to high-fat high-sucrose diet, as well as tachyphagia and craving for food during binge-eating episodes. We demonstrate the gut microbiota depletion further increases food intake, specifically during binge-eating episodes. Discussion These results show that the gut microbiota is involved in the control of food intake during episodes of binge-eating. This strengthens the potential role of the gut bacteria in binge-eating disorder and open the way for future therapeutic strategies aiming at targeting patients’ gut microbiota.