Fructooligosaccharides suppress high-fat diet-induced fat accumulation in C57BL/6J mice

Fructooligosaccharides Intake during Pregnancy Improves Metabolic Phenotype of Offspring in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

SCOPE

Obesity and metabolic diseases are closely associated, and individuals who become obese are also prone to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Gut microbiota is mediated by diet and can influence host metabolism and the incidence of metabolic disorders. Recent studies have suggested that improving gut microbiota through a fructooligosaccharide (FOS)-supplemented diet may ameliorate obesity and other metabolic disorders. Although accumulating evidence supports the notion of the developmental origins of health and disease, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ICR mice are fed AIN-93G formula-based cellulose -, FOS-, acetate-, or propionate-supplemented diets during pregnancy. Offspring are reared by conventional ICR foster mothers for 4 weeks; weaned mice are fed high fat diet for 12 weeks and housed individually. The FOS and propionate offspring contribute to suppressing obesity and improving glucose intolerance. Gut microbial compositions in FOS-fed mothers and their offspring are markedly changed. However, the beneficial effect of FOS diet on the offspring is abolished when antibiotics are administered to pregnant mice.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the link between the maternal gut environment and the developmental origin of metabolic syndrome in offspring. These results open novel research avenues into preemptive therapies for metabolic disorders by targeting the maternal gut microbiota.

Combating Obesity: Harnessing the Synergy of Postbiotics and Prebiotics for Enhanced Lipid Excretion and Microbiota Regulation

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that can be induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and predisposes to a variety of complications. In recent years, various bioactive substances, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, have been widely discussed because of their good anti-lipid and anti-inflammatory activities. In this paper, soybean protein isolate was used as a substrate to prepare the postbiotic. Compound prebiotics (galactose oligosaccharides, fructose oligosaccharides, and lactitol) preparation Aunulife Postbiotics and Prebiotics Composition (AYS) is the research object. Weight loss and bowel movements in mice induced by a high-fat diet were studied. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative analyses of small-molecule metabolites in AYS were performed to identify the functional molecules in AYS. After 12 weeks of feeding, the weight gain of mice that were fed with high-dose AYS (group H) and low-dose AYS (group L) from 4 to 12 weeks was 6.72 g and 5.25 g (p < 0.05), both of which were significantly lower than that of the high-fat diet (group DM, control group) group (7.73 g) (p < 0.05). Serum biochemical analysis showed that TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were significantly lower in mice from the H and L groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the fecal lipid content of mice in the L group reached 5.89%, which was significantly higher than that of the DM group at 4.02% (p < 0.05). The study showed that AYS changed the structure of the intestinal microbiota in mice on a high-fat diet, resulting in a decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Muribaculaceae and an increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Lactobacillus. The metabolomics study results of AYS showed that carboxylic acids and derivatives, and organonitrogen compounds accounted for 51.51% of the AYS metabolites, among which pantothenate, stachyose, betaine, and citrate had the effect of preventing obesity in mice. In conclusion, the administration of prebiotics and postbiotic-rich AYS reduces weight gain and increases fecal lipid defecation in obese mice, potentially by regulating the intestinal microbiota of mice on a high-fat diet.

A Novel Symbiotic Formulation Reduces Obesity and Concomitant Metabolic Syndrome in Rats by Raising the Relative Abundance of Blautia

Obesity is regarded as an abnormal or excessive buildup of fat that may be bad for health and is influenced by a combination of intestinal flora, genetic background, physical activity level and environment. Symbiotic supplementation may be a realistic and easy therapy for the reversal of obesity and associated metabolic problems. In this study, we chose two Bifidobacterium species, three Lactobacilli species and four prebiotics to make a new symbiotic formulation. High or low doses of the symbiotic were administered to rats, and biochemical indicators were recorded to assess the biological effects in a high-fat-diet-induced rat model. The underlying mechanisms were explored by integrating 16S rRNA sequencing with an extensively targeted metabolome. High-dose symbiotic supplementation was effective in reducing obesity and concomitant metabolic syndrome. The high-dose symbiotic also significantly increased the abundance of Blautia, which was negatively correlated with taurocholic acid and the main differential metabolites involved in amino acid and bile acid metabolism. While the low-dose symbiotic had some therapeutic effects, they were not as strong as those at the high dose, demonstrating that the effects were dose-dependent. Overall, our novel symbiotic combination improved plasma glucose and lipid levels, shrunk adipocyte size, restored liver function, increased the abundance of Blautia and adjusted bile acid and amino acid metabolism.

Comparable Benefits of Stingless Bee Honey and Caffeic Acid in Mitigating the Negative Effects of Metabolic Syndrome on the Brain

There is mounting evidence that metabolic syndrome (MetS) contributes to the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Honey, which has been used for generations, is high in antioxidants and has been demonstrated to benefit the brain and mental health by reducing oxidative stress and boosting cognitive outcomes. Honey from the stingless bees of Heterotrigona itama has been found to have higher phenolic content compared to other types of honeys. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of stingless bee honey (SBH) supplementation and to compare it with a pure form of antioxidant, caffeic acid (CA), on MetS parameters and inflammatory markers in the brains of MetS-induced rats. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were divided equally into groups of control, high-carbohydrate high-fructose (HCHF) diet (MetS), HCHF + SBH supplemented (1 g/kg) (SBH), and HCHF + CA supplemented (10 mg/kg) (CA) groups. The total duration for SBH and CA supplementation was eight weeks. The HCHF diet was found to promote hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, and to increase brain TNF-α levels. Supplementation with SBH and CA significantly reversed (p < 0.05) the hyperglycemic and hypertensive effects of the HCHF diet. Although both supplemented groups showed no significant changes to serum HDL or TG, SBH significantly reduced (p < 0.05) brain TNF-α levels and increased (p < 0.05) brain BDNF levels. Immunohistochemistry investigations of neurogenesis (EdU) and apoptosis (TUNEL) on the cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG) areas of the hippocampus showed no changes with SBH and CA supplementation compared to the control. These findings suggest that SBH and CA have the potential to mitigate HCHF-induced MetS effects and possess neuroprotective abilities.

The impact of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides on gut dysbiosis and inflammation in obesity and diabetes related kidney disease

Obesity is an extensive health problem worldwide that is frequently associated with diabetes. It is a risk factor for the development of several diseases including diabetic nephropathy. Recent studies have reported that gut dysbiosis aggravates the progression of obesity and diabetes by increasing the production of uremic toxins in conjunction with gut barrier dysfunction which then leads to increased passage of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into the blood circulatory system eventually causing systemic inflammation. Therefore, the modification of gut microbiota using a prebiotic supplement may assist in the restoration of gut barrier function and reduce any disturbance of the inflammatory response. In this review information has been compiled concerning the possible mechanisms involved in an increase in obesity, diabetes and kidney dysfunction via the exacerbation of the inflammatory response and its association with gut dysbiosis. In addition, the role of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a source of prebiotic widely available commercially, on the improvement of gut dysbiosis and attenuation of inflammation on obese and diabetic conditions has been reviewed. The evidence confirms that FOS supplementation could improve the pathological changes associated with obesity and diabetes related kidney disease, however, knowledge concerning the mechanisms involved is still limited and needs further elucidation.

Fructooligosaccharide ameliorates high-fat induced intrauterine inflammation and improves lipid profile in the hamster offspring

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) often results in intrauterine and feto-placental inflammation, and increases the risks of fetal programming of metabolic diseases. Intake of prebiotic is reported beneficial. However, its effects on HFD during pregnancy and lactation is not known. We evaluated the maternal intake of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and its impact on placental inflammation, offspring's adiposity, glucose, and lipid metabolism in their later life. Female Golden Syrian hamsters were fed with a control diet (CD, 26.4 % energy from fat) or HFD (60.7% energy from fat) in the presence or absence of FOS from preconception until lactation. All pups were switched over to CD after lactation and continued until the end. Placental inflammation was upregulated in HFD-fed dam, as measured by a high concentration of hsCRP in the serum and amniotic fluid. Neutrophil infiltration was significantly increased in the decidua through the chorionic layer of the placenta. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as COX2, NFκβ, IL-8, TGFβ mRNA was increased in the chorioamniotic membrane (P <.05). The HFD/CD hamsters had more adiposity, higher triglyceride, and low HDL at 12 months of age compared to CD/CD (P <.05). However, HFD+FOS/CD-fed hamsters prevented adverse effects such as placental inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, glucose, and lipid profiles in the offspring (P <.05). Anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects of FOS may reduce placental inflammation by lowering neutrophil infiltration and decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intake of FOS during pregnancy may be beneficial in maintaining lipid metabolism and preventing excess adiposity for mother and their offspring.

Causal Inference in Microbiome Medicine: Principles and Applications

Microorganisms that colonize the mammalian skin and cavity play critical roles in various physiological functions of the host. Numerous studies have revealed strong associations between the microbiota and multiple diseases. However, association does not mean causation. To clarify the mechanisms underlying microbiota-mediated diseases, research is moving from associative analyses to causation studies. In this article, we first introduce the principles of the computational methods for causal inference, and then discuss the applications of these methods in microbiome medicine. Furthermore, we examine the reliability of theoretically inferred causality by the interventionist framework. Finally, we show the potential of confirmed causality in microbiota-targeted therapy, especially in personalized dietary intervention. We conclude that a comprehensive understanding of the causal relationships between diets, microbiota, host targets, and diseases is critical to future microbiome medicine.

Dietary Fiber: An Opportunity for a Global Control of Hyperlipidemia

Dietary fiber has a long history in the intervention study of hyperlipidemia. In this review, current understandings of structures, sources, and natures of various kinds of dietary fibers (DFs) were analyzed first. Available evidences for the use of different varieties of DFs in the lipid-lowering action both in vitro and in vivo were subsequently classified, including both soluble ones, such as glucans, pectins, and gums, and insoluble ones, including arabinooxylans and chitosans, in order to draw a primary conclusion of their dose and molecular weight relationship with lipid-lowering effect. Their potential mechanisms, especially the related molecular mechanism of protective action in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia, were summarized at last. Five major mechanisms are believed to be responsible for the antihyperlipidemic benefits of DFs, including low levels of energy, bulking effect, viscosity, binding capacity, and fermentation thus ameliorating the symptoms of hyperlipidemia. From the molecular level, DFs could possibly affect the activities of HMG-CoA reductase, LDL receptors, CYP7A1, and MAPK signaling pathway as well as other lipid metabolism-related target genes. In summary, dietary fibers could be used as alternative supplements to exert certain lipid-lowering effects on humans. However, more clinical evidence is needed to strengthen this proposal and its fully underlying mechanism still requires more investigation.

Fructo-Oligosaccharides and Pectins Enhance Beneficial Effects of Raspberry Polyphenols in Rats with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

In recent years, nonalcoholic fatty liver disorders have become one of the most common liver pathologies; therefore, it is necessary to investigate the dietary compounds that may support the regulation of liver metabolism and related inflammatory processes. The present study examines the effect of raspberry polyphenolic extract (RE) combined with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) or pectins (PECs) on caecal microbial fermentation, liver lipid metabolism and inflammation in rats with fatty liver induced by an obesogenic diet. The combination of RE with FOSs or PECs reduced the production of short-chain fatty acids in the caecum. RE combined with FOSs exerted the most favourable effects on liver lipid metabolism by decreasing liver fat, cholesterol, triglyceride content and hepatic steatosis. RE and FOSs reduced lobular and portal inflammatory cell infiltration and IL-6 plasma levels. These effects might be related to a decrease in the hepatic expressions of PPARγ and ANGPTL4. In conclusion, PECs and FOSs enhanced the effects of RE against disorders related to nonalcoholic fatty liver; however, the most effective dietary treatment in the regulation of liver lipid metabolism and inflammation caused by an obesogenic diet was the combination of RE with FOSs.

Apigenin Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Lipid Accumulation by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and SREBP-1c/SREBP-2 Pathway in Palmitate-Induced HepG2 Cells and High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Insulin resistance (IR) is the common basis of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and its development is closely associated with lipid metabolism disorder. Flavonoids have definite chemical defense effects, including anti-inflammatory effects, anticancer effects, and antimutation effects. However, the function and mechanism of apigenin (AP, a kind of flavonoid) in IR are still unclear. In our study, intracellular fat accumulation model cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed model mice were established using palmitate (PA) and HFD. Mechanistically, we first demonstrated that AP could notably downregulate sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), fatty acid synthase, stearyl-CoA desaturase 1, and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase in PA-induced hyperlipidemic cells and mice. Functionally, we verified that AP could markedly reduce lipid accumulation in PA-induced hyperlipidemic cells and decrease the body weight, visceral fat weight, IR, and lipid accumulation in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Besides, we showed that PA could significantly downregulate endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins and inhibit ERS. Furthermore, we proved that AP could reduce blood lipids by inhibiting ERS in PA-induced hyperlipidemic cells. Meanwhile, 4-phenyl butyric acid (also called ERS alleviator), like AP, could significantly reduce blood lipids and alleviate IR in HFD-fed model mice. Therefore, we concluded that AP could substantially improve the disorder of lipid metabolism, and its mechanism might be related to the decrease of SREBP-1c, SREBP-2, and downstream genes, the inhibition of ERS, and the reduction of blood lipids and IR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Apigenin, a nontoxic and naturally sourced flavonoid, has antihyperlipidemic properties in mice and hepatocyte. This study highlights a new mechanism of apigenin and proposes that these hypolipidemic effects are associated with the mitigation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and insulin resistance in diet-induced obesity. This study might provide translational insight into the prevention and treatment of apigenin in hyperlipidemia-related diseases.

Polylactose Exhibits Prebiotic Activity and Reduces Adiposity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

BACKGROUND

Prebiotic dietary fibers change the intestinal microbiome favorably and provide a health benefit to the host.

OBJECTIVES

Polylactose is a novel fiber, synthesized by extrusion of lactose. We evaluated its prebiotic activity by determining its fermentability, effect on the microbiota, and effects on adiposity and liver lipids in a diet-induced obesity animal model.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (4-5 wk old) were fed normal-fat (NF, 25% fat energy) or high-fat (HF, 51% fat energy) diets containing different fibers (6% fiber of interest and 3% cellulose, by weight), including cellulose (NFC and HFC, negative and positive controls, respectively), polylactose (HFPL), lactose matched to residual lactose in the HFPL diet, and 2 established prebiotic fibers: polydextrose (HFPD) and fructooligosaccharide (HFFOS). After 10 wk of feeding, organs were harvested and cecal contents collected.

RESULTS

HFPL animals had greater cecum weight (3 times greater than HFC) and lower cecal pH (∼1 pH unit lower than HFC) than all other groups, suggesting that polylactose is more fermentable than other prebiotic fibers (HFPD, HFFOS; P < 0.05). HFPL animals also had increased taxonomic abundance of the probiotic species Bifidobacterium in the cecum relative to all other groups (P < 0.05). Epididymal fat pad weight was significantly decreased in the HFPL group (29% decrease compared with HFC) compared with all other HF groups (P < 0.05) and did not differ from the NFC group. Liver lipids and cholesterol were reduced in HFPL animals when compared with HFC animals (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Polylactose is a fermentable fiber that elicits a beneficial change in the gut microbiota as well as reducing adiposity in rats fed HF diets. These effects of polylactose were greater than those of 2 established prebiotics, fructooligosaccharide and polydextrose, suggesting that polylactose is a potent prebiotic.

The Beneficial Effects of Stingless Bee Honey from Heterotrigona itama against Metabolic Changes in Rats Fed with High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diet

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions including central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension that increases the risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Kelulut honey (KH) produced by stingless honey bees has stronger antioxidant properties compared to other honey types and may be a functional food against MetS. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of KH in preventing metabolic changes in rats with MetS induced by high-carbohydrate and high-fat (HCHF) diet. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control (C), HCHF diet-induced MetS (S), and MetS supplemented with KH (K) groups. The K group was given KH (1 g/kg/day) for eight weeks. Compared to the control, the S group had significant higher omental fat mass, serum triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressures, adipocyte area, and adipocyte perimeter (p < 0.05). KH supplementation significantly prevented these MetS-induced changes at week 16 (p < 0.05). Several compounds, including 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, coumaric and caffeic acids, had been detected via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis that might contribute to the reversal of these changes. The beneficial effects of KH against MetS-induced rats provide the basis for future KH research to investigate its potential use in humans and its molecular mechanisms in alleviating the disease.

A new engineered endo-inulinase with improved activity and thermostability: Application in the production of prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides from inulin

To construct a high-performance engineered endo-inulinase for fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) production from inulin, an inulin binding module (IBM) was fused into either N- or C-terminal of an endo-inulinase. After heterologous expression, purification and characterization, the C-terminal fusion one (Eninu-IBM) with better activity, thermostability and inulin binding ability was employed for high-temperature in situ inulin hydrolysis in a 10-L fermentor. During this process, Eninu-IBM was first efficiently produced by the yeast cells at 28 °C for 96 h, and subsequently 1600 g unsterilized inulin per liter fermentation liquor was directly supplemented into the bioreactor for FOS production at 60 °C for 2 h. Finally, high purity of FOS (91.4%) were obtained with FOS titer, yield and productivity of 717.3 g/L, 0.912 g_FOS/g_Inulin and 358.6 g/L/h, respectively. The in vitro prebiotic assay indicated that the final FOS products with main polymerization degrees of 3-5 were preferably fermented by beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Inclusion of Fructooligosaccharide and Resistant Maltodextrin in High Fat Diets Promotes Simultaneous Improvements on Body Fat Reduction and Fecal Parameters

This study investigated the effects of incorporating a mixture of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and resistant maltodextrin (RMD) at a ratio of 1:2 on body fat accumulation and fecal bacterial parameters in rats. Our results indicated that high dietary fat consumption might effectively (p < 0.05) increase body fat, but consequently inducing a significantly (p < 0.05) higher growth of C. perfringens and retarded growth (p < 0.05) of the Bifidobacterium spp. in the large intestine. As compared with the high fat control, an incorporation of the FOS and RMD mixture at a high dose (0.97 and 1.94 g/kg body weight, respectively) could result in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in feed efficiency (−16%), total visceral fat (−17.4%), non-visceral fat levels (−20.3%), and total body fat (−19.2%). Furthermore, feeding the FOS and RMD mixture at a high dose was capable to counter the above undesirable impacts by reducing the C. perfringens count (−14.8%) and increasing the total Bifidobacterium count (134.4%) and total fecal short chain fatty acids (195.4%). A supplementation of adequate amount of FOS and RMD might confer a concreted solution to the obesity and deteriorated fecal bacteria profiles due to high fat consumption.

Hypolipidemic and Antidiabetic Effects of Functional Rice Cookies in High-Fat Diet-Fed ICR Mice and db/db Mice

We have previously reported the lipid-lowering effects of a Korean rice cookie called dasik (RCD) in comparison with a western style cookie. In this study, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Chinese magnolia vine) fruit-supplemented RCD (SRCD) was added to a diet, and the hypolipidemic and antidiabetic effects of different diets were examined by using the ICR and db/db mouse models, respectively. ICR mice were fed the AIN-76 diet, or high-fat diet (HFD), or the RCD- or SRCD-supplemented HFD (10%, w/w) for 9 weeks (n = 7 per group). Compared with the RCD group, plasma and hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were decreased in the SRCD group. Hepatic expressions for fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis were downregulated, whereas those for beta-oxidation and cholesterol export were upregulated (P < .05). The antidiabetic effects of SRCD were tested in db/db mice for 10 weeks (n = 7 per group). Glucose tolerance was improved in the SRCD group through the regulation of gluconeogenic enzymes and biomarkers related to the insulin signaling pathway (P < .05). In addition, SRCD increased the expression levels of antioxidative enzymes, and decreased those of inflammatory cytokines (P < .05). Moreover, oxidative stress, leptin, and insulin levels were lower in the SRCD group than in the other groups (P < .05). In conclusion, the lipid-lowering and antidiabetic effects of SRCD were greater than those of RCD with respect to the suppression of lipid synthesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation and the improvement of glucose metabolism.

Prebiotics Supplementation Impact on the Reinforcing and Motivational Aspect of Feeding

Energy homeostasis is tightly regulated by the central nervous system which responds to nervous and circulating inputs to adapt food intake and energy expenditure. However, the rewarding and motivational aspect of food is tightly dependent of dopamine (DA) release in mesocorticolimbic (MCL) system and could be operant in uncontrolled caloric intake and obesity. Accumulating evidence indicate that manipulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis through prebiotic supplementation can have beneficial impact of the host appetite and body weight. However, the consequences of manipulating the implication of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the control motivational and hedonic/reinforcing aspects of food are still underexplored. In this study, we investigate whether and how dietary prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) could oppose, or revert, the change in hedonic and homeostatic control of feeding occurring after a 2-months exposure to high-fat high-sugar (HFHS) diet. The reinforcing and motivational components of food reward were assessed using a two-food choice paradigm and a food operant behavioral test in mice exposed to FOS either during or after HFHS exposure. We also performed mRNA expression analysis for key genes involved in limbic and hypothalamic control of feeding. We show in a preventive-like approach, FOS addition of HFHS diet had beneficial impact of hypothalamic neuropeptides, and decreased the operant performance for food but only after an overnight fast while it did not prevent the imbalance in mesolimbic markers for DA signaling induced by palatable diet exposure nor the spontaneous tropism for palatable food when given the choice. However, when FOS was added to control diet after chronic HFHS exposure, although it did not significantly alter body weight loss, it greatly decreased palatable food tropism and consumption and was associated with normalization of MCL markers for DA signaling. We conclude that the nature of the diet (regular chow or HFHS) as well as the timing at which prebiotic supplementation is introduced (preventive or curative) greatly influence the efficacy of the gut-microbiota-brain axis. This crosstalk selectively alters the hedonic or motivational drive to eat and triggers molecular changes in neural substrates involved in the homeostatic and non-homeostatic control of body weight.

Effects of ingredients of Korean brown rice cookies on attenuation of cholesterol level and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-fed mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Owing to health concerns related to the consumption of traditional snacks high in sugars and fats, much effort has been made to develop functional snacks with low calorie content. In this study, a new recipe for Korean rice cookie, dasik, was developed and its antioxidative, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanisms were elucidated. The effects were compared with those of traditional rice cake dasik (RCD), the lipid-lowering effect of which is greater than that of traditional western-style cookies.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Ginseng-added brown rice dasik (GBRD) was prepared with brown rice flour, fructooligosaccharide, red ginseng extract, and propolis. Mice were grouped (n = 7 per group) into those fed a normal AIN-76 diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with RCD or GBRD. Dasik in the HFD accounted for 7% of the total calories. The lipid, reactive oxygen species, and peroxynitrite levels, and degree of lipid peroxidation in the plasma or liver were determined. The expression levels of proteins involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation, and those of antioxidant enzymes were determined by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The plasma and hepatic total cholesterol concentrations in the GBRD group were significantly decreased via downregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (P < 0.05). The hepatic peroxynitrite level was significantly lower, whereas glutathione was higher, in the GBRD group than in the RCD group. Among the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly upregulated in the GBRD group (P < 0.05). In addition, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) expression in the GBRD group was significantly lower than that in the RCD group.

CONCLUSIONS

GBRD decreases the plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels by downregulating cholesterol synthesis. This new dasik recipe also improves the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory status in HFD-fed mice via CAT and GPx upregulation and NF-κB downregulation. These effects were significantly higher than those of RCD.

Soluble Fermentable Dietary Fibre (Pectin) Decreases Caloric Intake, Adiposity and Lipidaemia in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Consumption of a high fat diet promotes obesity and poor metabolic health, both of which may be improved by decreasing caloric intake. Satiety-inducing ingredients such as dietary fibre may be beneficial and this study investigates in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats the effects of high or low fat diet with or without soluble fermentable fibre (pectin). In two independently replicated experiments, young adult male DIO rats that had been reared on high fat diet (HF; 45% energy from fat) were given HF, low fat diet (LF; 10% energy from fat), HF with 10% w/w pectin (HF+P), or LF with 10% w/w pectin (LF+P) ad libitum for 4 weeks (n = 8/group/experiment). Food intake, body weight, body composition (by magnetic resonance imaging), plasma hormones, and plasma and liver lipid concentrations were measured. Caloric intake and body weight gain were greatest in HF, lower in LF and HF+P, and lowest in the LF+P group. Body fat mass increased in HF, was maintained in LF, but decreased significantly in LF+P and HF+P groups. Final plasma leptin, insulin, total cholesterol and triglycerides were lower, and plasma satiety hormone PYY concentrations were higher, in LF+P and HF+P than in LF and HF groups, respectively. Total fat and triglyceride concentrations in liver were greatest in HF, lower in LF and HF+P, and lowest in the LF+P group. Therefore, the inclusion of soluble fibre in a high fat (or low fat) diet promoted increased satiety and decreased caloric intake, weight gain, adiposity, lipidaemia, leptinaemia and insulinaemia. These data support the potential of fermentable dietary fibre for weight loss and improving metabolic health in obesity.

Fructooligosaccharides exert intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in the CD4+ CD62L+ T cell transfer model of colitis in C57BL/6J mice

PURPOSE

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are used as functional foods due to their prebiotic effects. Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity has been established in most, but not all, studies in animal models of colitis, using mainly chemically induced inflammation. Our goal was to test the effect of FOS (degree of polymerization 2-8) in the chronic, lymphocyte-driven CD4+ CD62L+ T cell transfer model of colitis.

METHODS

Colitis was induced by transfer of CD4+ CD62L+ T cells to C57BL/6J Rag1(-/-) mice. FOS (75 mg day(-1)) was administered by gavage as a post-treatment. Three groups were established: non-colitic (NC), colitic control (C, CD4+ CD62L+ transferred mice treated with vehicle) and colitic+FOS (C+FOS, similar but treated with FOS). Mice were killed after 13 days.

RESULTS

Treatment of mice with FOS ameliorated colitis, as evidenced by an increase in body weight, a lesser myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase activities, a lower secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by mesenteric lymph node cells ex vivo (IFN-γ, IL-17, and TNF-α), and a higher colonic expression of occludin (C+FOS vs. C, p < 0.05). Increased relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria was observed in FOS-treated mice (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

FOS exert intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in T lymphocyte-dependent colitis, suggesting it may be useful in the management of inflammatory bowel disease in appropriate conditions.

Effect of fructooligosaccharides fraction from Psacalium decompositum on inflammation and dyslipidemia in rats with fructose-induced obesity

Psacalium decompositum, commonly known as "Matarique," is a medicinal plant used in Mexico for diabetes mellitus empirical therapy. Previous studies have shown that the fructooligosaccharides (FOS) present in the roots of this plant exhibit a notable hypoglycemic effect in animal models; this effect might be associated with the attenuation of the inflammatory process and other metabolic disorders. In this study, we examined the effects of FOS fraction administration in a fructose-fed rat model for obesity. Phytochemical chromatographic studies (high performance thin layer chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance) were performed to verify isolation of FOS. 24 male Wistar rats were maintained for 12 weeks on a diet of 20% HFCS in drinking water and chow. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and liver transaminases levels were measured monthly, after administering FOS fraction intragastrically (150 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks), while the levels of inflammatory cytokines were only quantified at the end of the treatments. Rats treated with FOS fraction decreased body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, and significantly reduced IL-6, IFN-γ, MCP-1, IL-1β and VEGF levels (p < 0.05). These results suggest that P. decompositum has anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties that might be used as an alternative treatment for the control of obesity.

Tragopogon porrifolius improves serum lipid profile and increases short-term satiety in rats

Tragopogon porrifolius (white salsify) is an edible plant commonly used in folk medicine in Lebanon and neighbouring countries. This study investigates the effect of the aqueous extract of the aerial part of T. porrifolius on lipemia and appetite regulation using a rat model. Food intake, abdominal fat percentage, blood lipid profile, liver weight and liver enzymes were assessed following 4 weeks of extract intake via drinking water (50, 100, or 250 mg/kg body weight) in standard high-carbohydrate and high-fat dietary conditions. In a separate study, the short term effect of a preload of T. porrifolius extract on food intake was evaluated. Results showed that consumption of the plant extract for a period of four weeks resulted in a marked improvement of the lipid profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol). Body weight, food intake and intra-abdominal fat were also lower in animals given the plant extract (100 and 250 mg/kg). In addition, T. porrifolius extract preload produced a dose dependent decrease in food intake observed over 24h. The intake of T. porrifolius aqueous extract therefore improved lipemia and increased satiety in rats with no visible adverse effects.

Fructooligosaccharide augments benefits of quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside on insulin sensitivity and plasma total cholesterol with promotion of flavonoid absorption in sucrose-fed rats

PURPOSE

The aim was to investigate both individual and synergistic effects of quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside (Q3G) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on indices of metabolic syndrome and plasma total cholesterol level with potential mechanisms of action.

METHODS

Five groups of rats were fed a dextrin-based diet as the normal reference group, or sucrose-based (S) diets with 0.3% Q3G, 5% FOS, or 0.3% Q3G + 5% FOS (Q3G + FOS) for 48 days. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were conducted on days 0, 14, 28, and 45, and adipose tissue and aortic blood were collected on day 48. Effects of Q3G and FOS on portal GLP-1 secretion were separately examined using rats after ileal administration.

RESULTS

Abdominal fat weight reduced in FOS-fed groups. Blood glucose levels of the Q3G + FOS group at 60 min in OGTT and HOMA-IR (0.25 ± 0.03 vs 0.83 ± 0.12 on day 45) were clearly lower in the Q3G + FOS group than in S group throughout the experimental period. Muscle Akt phosphorylation was enhanced only in the Q3G group. The plasma quercetin was largely increased by FOS feeding on day 48 (18.37 ± 1.20 with FOS, 2.02 ± 0.30 without FOS). Plasma total cholesterol levels in the Q3G + FOS group (3.10 ± 0.12, P < 0.05 on day 45) were clearly suppressed compared to the S group (4.03 ± 0.18). GLP-1 secretion was enhanced in Q3G + FOS group than in Q3G or FOS group.

CONCLUSION

Q3G + FOS diet improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and total cholesterol level with increasing GLP-1 secretion and a higher level of blood quercetin. Q3G + FOS may reduce the risk of T2DM.