Gut microbiota has been investigated extensively, as a driver of obesity as well as a therapeutic target. Studies of its mechanisms are predominantly microbiota-gut-brain axis or microbiota-gut-liver axis.

Objective To explore the effects of the quinoa diet on glycolipid metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in an obese mouse model. Methods Six-week-old C57BL/6J female mice have received a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity and subsequently were treated with a quinoa diet for 12 weeks. During this period, fasting blood glucose, body fat and insulin resistance were measured regularly. At the end of the experiment, mouse serum and liver tissue were collected. The differences in glucose and lipid metabolism were analyzed, and liver tissue pathological morphology, liver endoplasmic reticulum stress-related mRNA and protein levels, and serum oxidative stress levels were measured. Results Quinoa diet could significantly reduce the level of blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, improve glucose tolerance, as well as improve histological changes of liver tissues in obese mice (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). Besides, quinoa could improve oxidative stress indicators such as GSH, and MDA (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). Furthermore, quinoa can down-regulate mRNA expression of ER stress markers eIF2α, GRP78, and CHOP in the liver of obese mice (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). Conclusions Quinoa supplementation can improve glycolipid metabolism, regulate ER stress, and alleviate obesity in HFD-induced mice.