Effects of a galacto-oligosaccharide-rich diet on fecal microbiota and metabolite profiles in mice

Abstract

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotics that positively affect the host's gut microbiota, which is important for the health of the host. Most previous studies focused on specific flora components (e.g. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus); very few have investigated the relationship between flora and metabolites. Here, we used 16S rRNA analysis and metabolomics to analyze the effect of GOS on microbiota and metabolites. Results show that the abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Oscillibacter decreased significantly in GOS-fed mice. Twenty-one metabolites, including oleic acid, arachidic acid, and behenic acid, decreased significantly in the GOS-fed mice. Fatty acid synthesis and blood triglyceride content significantly decreased in the GOS-fed mice compared with those in the control mice, suggesting that GOS may improve lipid metabolism in mice. Additionally, after three weeks of a GOS-rich diet, the mouse microbiota was significantly enriched in Alloprevotella, Bacteroides, and Parasutterella. The blood glucose level of the GOS-fed group was significantly higher than that of the control group, whereas the abundance of Coprococcus and Odoribacter (butyrate-producing bacteria) was significantly decreased. The metabolism of butyrate, known to reduce plasma glucose levels, was significantly downregulated in the GOS-fed mice, an effect potentially detrimental to the glucose metabolism of the host. This dual-omics analysis provided important information on the changes in host-microbe-metabolite interactions resulting from GOS supplementation. Our results provide evidence that GOS may improve lipid metabolism, and that long-term GOS supplementation had a detrimental effect on the host's glucose metabolism, which could be important for optimizing methods of prebiotic supplementation and developing approaches to prevent diseases using prebiotic interventions.

Increasing levels of Parasutterella in the gut microbiome correlate with improving Low-Density Lipoprotein levels in healthy adults consuming resistant potato starch during a randomised trial

“…Using a diet-induced hamster model of hypercholesterolemia, Lin and colleagues demonstrated that DSW also led to signi cant reductions in triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol, although Bacteroidetes was the only bacterial population signi cantly correlated with serum cholesterol and LDL in response to the high cholesterol diet [19]. Increases in Parasutterella in response to GOS supplementation in mice were associated with signi cant reductions in triglycerides but not LDL levels [22]. Parasutterella levels were inversely correlated with fat consumption but not total energy intake in obese people [23].…”

Mechanisms of Action of Prebiotics and Their Effects on Gastro-Intestinal Disorders in Adults

“…It has also been shown that this mixture of GOS is able to increase the blood level of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and C-reactive protein and to improve Natural Killer (NK) cell activity [51]. Finally, an in vivo study showed that supplementation with GOS in mice also improved lipid metabolism, without a positive effect on glycemic metabolism and with a significant enrichment of Alloprevotella, Bacteroides, and Parasutterella in the mouse microbiota [52].…”

“…Can modulate immune function: ↑ Cytokine IL-10, interleukin 8 (IL-8) and C-reactive protein, improve Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, and ↓ IL-1β expression [51]. Improve lipid metabolism [52]. Enrich the mouse microbiota of Alloprevotella, Bacteroides, and Parasutterella [52].…”

“…Improve lipid metabolism [52]. Enrich the mouse microbiota of Alloprevotella, Bacteroides, and Parasutterella [52].…”

Seabuckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) Freeze-Dried Powder Protects against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity, Lipid Metabolism Disorders by Modulating the Gut Microbiota of Mice

“…Many pieces of literature have verified that gut microbiota alterations affected host metabolism, including nutrient digestion, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism [7,8], indicating that gut microbiota could be considered as a potential target for the prevention or treatment of obesity and related chronic diseases. In the phylum level, gut microbiota is mainly composed of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Saccharibacteria, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria [9]. Studies have shown that compared with healthy individuals, the proportion of Bacteroides decreased and the proportion of Firmicutes increased in obese people.…”