Effects of the combination of ω-3 PUFAs and proanthocyanidins on the gut microbiota of healthy rats

Abstract

ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduce risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and other pathologies that involve low-grade inflammation. They have recently been shown to exert complementary functional effects with proanthocyanidins. As the reduction of health-promoting gut bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria has been linked to a number of alterations in the host, the aim of this study was to determine whether PUFAs and proanthocyanidins also cooperate in maintaining well-balanced microbiota. To this end, rats were supplemented for 6months with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 1:1 (16.6g/kg feed); proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE, 0.8g/kg feed); or both. Plasma adiponectin, cholesterol, and urine nitrites were measured. Gut bacterial subgroups were evaluated in fecal DNA by qRT-PCR. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined in feces by gas chromatography. Body and adipose tissue weights were found to be higher in the animals given ω-3 PUFAs, while their energy intake was lower. Plasma cholesterol was lower in ω-3 PUFA supplemented groups, while adiponectin and urine nitrites were higher. ω-3 PUFAs reduced the population of Lactobacillales and L. acidophilus after 6months of supplementation. GSE significantly reduced L. plantarum and B. longum. The combination of ω-3 PUFAs and GSE maintained the health-promoting bacteria at levels similar to those of the control group. Acetic acid was increased by the ω-3 PUFA individual supplementation, while the combination with GSE kept this value similar to the control value. In conclusion, while individual supplementations with ω-3 PUFAs or GSE modify the populations of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and microbial products (SCFAs), their combination maintains the standard proportions of these bacterial subgroups and their function while also providing the cardiovascular benefits of ω-3 PUFAs.

Lonicera caerulea L. Polyphenols Alleviate Oxidative Stress‐Induced Intestinal Environment Imbalance and Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Liver Injury in HFD‐Fed Rats by Regulating the Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1 and MAPK Pathways

“…Recent studies have demonstrated that common prebiotics, such as Lactobacillus can reduce the levels of the systemic inflammation marker (TNF‐α), [ 70 ] Lactobacillaceae can participate in the microbial anti‐oxidation metabolic pathway, [ 71 ] and Lactobacillales can play an important role in maintaining the levels of the intestinal microbiome and SCFAs. [ 72 ] In this study, the correlation analysis indicated that Bacilli , Lactobacillales , Lactobacillaceae , and Lactobacillus can reduce LPS transportation and liver damage by restoring the intestinal barrier functions. However, Blautia , Rothia , Proteobacteria , and Actinobacteria increased LPS transportation and liver damage by decreasing the intestinal barrier functions.…”

Rethinking the Mechanism of the Health Benefits of Proanthocyanidins: Absorption, Metabolism, and Interaction with Gut Microbiota

“…A study by Ramos‐Romero et al. showed that GSE significantly reduces the population of Lactobacillus plantarum species (Firmicutes) and Bifidobacterium longum (Actinobacteria) in healthy rats (Ramos‐Romero et al., ); however, it significantly increases the total population of the genus Lactobacillus to which L. plantarum belongs to (Choy et al., ). Also, GSE was introduced to pig models in three different studies, and different results were obtained.…”

Modulation of the Liver Protein Carbonylome by the Combined Effect of Marine Omega-3 PUFAs and Grape Polyphenols Supplementation in Rats Fed an Obesogenic High Fat and High Sucrose Diet

“…A summary of the most relevant biochemical and biometric parameters of rats fed STD diets is shown in Table 2. These parameters have already been studied in the same cohort of animals and partially published [15,19,23]. The supplementation of STD with FOM, GSE or both showed no changes in weight increase but rendered more adiposity index, especially with GSE supplementation.…”

“…These parameters have already been studied in the same cohort of animals and partially published [15,22,23]. Rats fed the HFHS control diet developed a prediabetic state characterized by hyperinsulinemia and excess of visceral fat [13,19]. Results indicated that none of the supplementations influenced weight increase as well as adiposity and hepatosomatic indexes.…”