Effects of combined d-fagomine and omega-3 PUFAs on gut microbiota subpopulations and diabetes risk factors in rats fed a high-fat diet

Abstract

Food contains bioactive compounds that may prevent changes in gut microbiota associated with Westernized diets. The aim of this study is to explore the possible additive effects of d-fagomine and ω-3 PUFAs (EPA/DHA 1:1) on gut microbiota and related risk factors during early stages in the development of fat-induced pre-diabetes. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were fed a standard diet, or a high-fat (HF) diet supplemented with d-fagomine, EPA/DHA 1:1, a combination of both, or neither, for 24 weeks. The variables measured were fasting glucose and glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, liver inflammation, fecal/cecal gut bacterial subgroups and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The animals supplemented with d-fagomine alone and in combination with ω-3 PUFAs accumulated less fat than those in the non-supplemented HF group and those given only ω-3 PUFAs. The combined supplements attenuated the high-fat-induced incipient insulin resistance (IR), and liver inflammation, while increasing the cecal content, the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio and the populations of Bifidobacteriales. The functional effects of the combination of d-fagomine and EPA/DHA 1:1 against gut dysbiosis and the very early metabolic alterations induced by a high-fat diet are mainly those of d-fagomine complemented by the anti-inflammatory action of ω-3 PUFAs.

The Effects of the Combination of Buckwheat D-Fagomine and Fish Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Oxidative Stress and Related Risk Factors in Pre-Obese Rats

“…Because these parameters have been partially described and discussed in previous work [ 23 ], we include these data here as Supplementary Material (Figure S1 and Table S3) . All HF diet-fed groups presented a lower feed intake and higher energy intake than the STD group throughout the study.…”

“…We previously showed that the combined supplementation with FG and ω-3 PUFA attenuates the increase in perigonadal adipose tissue content and the onset of insulin resistance induced by an HF diet [ 23 ]. The combination of ω-3 PUFA with another bioactive nutrient may be a useful nutritional strategy for the prevention of obesity and insulin resistance by enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status [ 22 ].…”

“…Interestingly, the combination of FG and ω-3 PUFA decreased IL-6 compared to the STD group. Previous studies have shown that FG prevents the dysbiosis of gut microbiota induced by excessive fat consumption, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity [ 13 , 23 ]. Furthermore, ω-3 PUFA and its oxidized metabolites exert anti-inflammatory effects [ 22 , 50 , 51 , 52 ] by binding to G-protein-coupled receptor 120 and increasing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, inhibiting the nuclear transcription factor-kappa β pro-inflammatory signaling pathway [ 37 , 51 , 53 , 54 ].…”

“…We have recently shown that the combined supplementation of both FG and ω-3 PUFA attenuates the increase in visceral adipose tissue content and fasting glucose concentration, plasma hyperinsulinemia, plasma hyperleptinemia. as well as lobular inflammation in the liver induced by an HF diet [ 23 ]. Moreover, the combination of these two nutrients promotes the growth of beneficial populations of Lactobacilliales and Bifidobacteriales and the production of short-chain fatty acids in rats receiving the HF diet [ 23 ].…”

“…as well as lobular inflammation in the liver induced by an HF diet [ 23 ]. Moreover, the combination of these two nutrients promotes the growth of beneficial populations of Lactobacilliales and Bifidobacteriales and the production of short-chain fatty acids in rats receiving the HF diet [ 23 ].…”