Fermented Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae alleviates high fat diet-induced obesity in association with regulation of intestinal permeability and microbiota in rats

Abstract

Accumulating evidence suggests the anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (RAM). Here, we evaluated the anti-obesity impact of unfermented (URAM) versus fermented RAM (FRAM) using both in vitro and in vivo models. Both URAM and FRAM exhibited marked anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic, and anti-obesity activities, and modulation of the gut microbial distribution. However, FRAM, compared to URAM, resulted in more efficient suppression of NO production and normalization of transepithelial electrical resistance in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 and HCT 116 cells, respectively. Compared to URAM, FRAM more effectively reduced the adipose tissue weight; ameliorated the serum triglyceride and aspartate transaminase levels; restored the serum HDL level and intestinal epithelial barrier function in the LPS control group. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia as well as Bacteriodetes/Firmicutes ratio in the gut of the LPS control group was significantly enhanced by both URAM and FRAM. However, FRAM, but not URAM, resulted in a significant increase in the distribution of Bacteriodetes and Lactobacillus in the gut of the HFD + LPS group. Our results suggest that FRAM with probiotics can exert a greater anti-obesity effect than URAM, which is probably mediated at least in part via regulation of the intestinal microbiota and gut permeability.

Daesiho-Tang Is an Effective Herbal Formulation in Attenuation of Obesity in Mice through Alteration of Gene Expression and Modulation of Intestinal Microbiota

“…Substantial evidence indicate that the gut microbiota play significant roles in diabetes and obesity by influencing energy extraction, inflammation, and neuroendocrine secretions [7, 36–43]; in agreement with our previous findings and other reports revealing that a modulation in the gut bacteria may be linked to obesity [20, 22, 23, 24, 44]. The human gut microbiota encompass more than 1000 phylotypes [43], and it has been estimated that 99% of them are represented by five phyla; Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria.…”

“…We previously reported on various anti-obesity herbal medicine formulations including Flos Lonicera [22], Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae [20], Bofutsushosan [23], and Rehmannia glutinosa [24]. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity property of DSHT using HFD-induced obese mice as a model.…”

“…qPCR reaction was performed in a total volume of 20μL, containing 10μL SYBR Green master mix, 1 μg of cDNA, and gene-specific primers (10 pmol for each, S2 Table) using a Light Cycler instrument (Roche, Indianapolis, ID, USA). A dedicated Light Cycler software (Roche Applied Science) was employed for quantification of relative gene expression as 2 -Δct using β-actin as a housekeeping gene ( Δ Ct = Ct target gene —Ct β-actin ) [20]. The results are expressed as normalized fold values relative to the control.…”

“…The primers for the bacterial 16S rRNA genes used in this study are shown in S2 Table. The annealing temperature, concentrations of DNA and primers were optimized as previously described [20]. Analyses of the data and determination of c t value were carried out using Light Cycler software (Roche Applied Science).…”

The effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on small intestinal barrier function and mucosal gene transcription; a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial

“…Up to now, no therapeutic agents have been developed that are able to successfully restore the intestinal mucosal barrier and thereby influence disease outcome16. Positive effects on intestinal barrier function have been attributed to probiotic bacteria17181920212223. However, further research is needed to prove these beneficial effects in humans and to gain further insight into the mechanisms through which live bacterial organisms improve the human gut barrier function2425.…”