Lingonberries alter the gut microbiota and prevent low-grade inflammation in high-fat diet fed mice

Abstract

BackgroundThe gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of obesity and obesity-associated impairments such as low-grade inflammation. Lingonberries have been shown to prevent diet-induced obesity and low-grade inflammation. However, it is not known whether the effect of lingonberry supplementation is related to modifications of the gut microbiota. The aim of the present study was to describe whether consumption of different batches of lingonberries alters the composition of the gut microbiota, which could be relevant for the protective effect against high fat (HF)-induced metabolic alterations.MethodsThree groups of C57BL/6J mice were fed HF diet with or without a supplement of 20% lingonberries from two different batches (Lingon1 and Lingon2) during 11 weeks. The composition and functionality of the cecal microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and PICRUSt. In addition, parameters related to obesity, insulin sensitivity, hepatic steatosis, inflammation and gut barrier function were examined.ResultsHF-induced obesity was only prevented by the Lingon1 diet, whereas both batches of lingonberries reduced plasma levels of markers of inflammation and endotoxemia (SAA and LBP) as well as modified the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota, compared to the HF control group. The relative abundance of Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium, genera associated with healthy gut mucosa and anti-inflammation, was found to increase in response to lingonberry intake.ConclusionsOur results show that supplementation with lingonberries to an HF diet prevents low-grade inflammation and is associated with significant changes of the microbiota composition. Notably, the anti-inflammatory properties of lingonberries seem to be independent of effects on body weight gain.

Wild blueberry proanthocyanidins shape distinct gut microbiota profile and influence glucose homeostasis and intestinal phenotypes in high-fat high-sucrose fed mice

“…The blooming of A. muciniphila by the oligomeric PACs-rich F2 fraction is particularly interesting since it was shown to drive colonic epithelial immunomodulatory response and to protect against metabolic disorders 17,[35][36][37] . Similar effects on A. muciniphila abundance were also triggered by an ellagitannin-rich extract from pomegranate 38 and camu-camu 39 , by a B-type proanthocyanins-rich grape extract 40 , by an A-type proanthocyanins-rich cranberry extract 17 , as well as by lingonberries 41 . In the present experiment, there was no association of this bacterium with body weight gain.…”

The Bioavailability, Transport, and Bioactivity of Dietary Flavonoids: A Review from a Historical Perspective

“…In an 11‐wk study with mice fed a high‐fat diet supplemented with or without a lingonberry extract, reduced weight gain, inflammation, and endotoxemia were observed. 16s rRNA‐sequencing identified a higher abundance of Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium , which are generally associated with promoting a healthy gut (Heyman‐Linden et al., ). Furthermore, in rodent studies where the maternal diets were enriched with trans ‐fatty acids, anthocyanin‐supplemented animals had restored expression of Lactobacillus spp.…”

Alterations in the plasma metabolite profile associated with improved hepatic function and glycemia in mice fed lingonberry supplemented high‐fat diets

“…Several studies suggest consumption of berries to be beneficial for health and to protect against disease . These effects are suggested to result from the impact of the berries on the gut microbiota, their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory properties .…”

“…In vivo studies of lingonberries have focused on diseases associated with high blood pressure , oxidative stress , obesity, and diabetes . However, differences in antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition has been detected in lingonberries from different geographical areas , potentially impacting the health effect of the berries.…”

“…It was found that lingonberries prevent HFD‐elicited body weight gain and body fat accumulation, as well as improve glucose homeostasis, liver function, and reduce plasma levels of inflammatory markers . Importantly, these anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammatory effects were reproduced in a later study . However, since batch‐to‐batch variation is commonly observed when investigating the effects of plant material, two different batches of lingonberries were studied simultaneously in a follow‐up study.…”