Intestinal Microbiota and Microbial Metabolites Are Changed in a Pig Model Fed a High-Fat/Low-Fiber or a Low-Fat/High-Fiber Diet

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota and its metabolites appear to be an important factor for gastrointestinal function and health. However, research is still needed to further elaborate potential relationships between nutrition, gut microbiota and host’s health by means of a suitable animal model. The present study examined the effect of two different diets on microbial composition and activity by using the pig as a model for humans. Eight pigs were equally allotted to two treatments, either fed a low-fat/high-fiber (LF), or a high-fat/low-fiber (HF) diet for 7 weeks. Feces were sampled at day 7 of every experimental week. Diet effects on fecal microbiota were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR, DNA fingerprinting and metaproteomics. Furthermore, fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles and ammonia concentrations were determined. Gene copy numbers of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria (P<0.001) and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (P<0.05) were higher in the LF pigs, while Enterobacteriaceae were more abundant in the HF pigs (P<0.001). Higher numbers of proteins affiliated to Enterobacteriaceae were also present in the HF samples. Proteins for polysaccharide breakdown did almost exclusively originate from Prevotellaceae. Total and individual fecal SCFA concentrations were higher for pigs of the LF treatment (P<0.05), whereas fecal ammonia concentrations did not differ between treatments (P>0.05). Results provide evidence that beginning from the start of the experiment, the LF diet stimulated beneficial bacteria and SCFA production, especially butyrate (P<0.05), while the HF diet fostered those bacterial groups which have been associated with a negative impact on health conditions. These findings correspond to results in humans and might strengthen the hypothesis that the response of the porcine gut microbiota to a specific dietary modulation is in support of using the pig as suitable animal model for humans to assess diet-gut-microbiota interactions.Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003447.

Growth performance, carcass quality characteristics and colonic microbiota profiles in finishing pigs fed diets with different inclusion levels of rice distillers’ by‐product

“…Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most abundant in the colonic digesta which is in agreement with a metagenomic analysis in microbial diversity of swine gut (Burrough, Arruda, Patience, & Plummer, 2015;Heinritz et al, 2016;Jin, Ye, Jin-zhao, Zhi-jiang, & Huan, 2017). Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most abundant in the colonic digesta which is in agreement with a metagenomic analysis in microbial diversity of swine gut (Burrough, Arruda, Patience, & Plummer, 2015;Heinritz et al, 2016;Jin, Ye, Jin-zhao, Zhi-jiang, & Huan, 2017).…”

“…Moreover, a high proportion (95%) of produced OA was probably rapidly absorbed by the colonocytes and while the remaining (about 5%) was secreted through the feces (den Besten et al, 2013;Heinritz et al, 2016). Moreover, a high proportion (95%) of produced OA was probably rapidly absorbed by the colonocytes and while the remaining (about 5%) was secreted through the feces (den Besten et al, 2013;Heinritz et al, 2016).…”

“…Such substrates could have positive prebiotical effects on gut microbiota of pigs (Heinritz et al, 2016). To our knowledge, few studies report the effects of RDP and its maximum levels of inclusion in diet on growth performance in fattening pig, limiting its proper use by producers.…”

Nutritional approaches for managing obesity-associated metabolic diseases

“…Specifically, changes to the normally-occurring gut bacteria are associated with reduced metabolite and/or peptide production, impaired nutrient absorption, diminished SCFA production, and a proinflammatory state (Cani et al 2008; Ding, et al 2010; Heinritz, et al 2016; Ridaura, et al 2013; Samuel, et al 2008). Several studies have even indicated that HFD-induced dysbiosis promotes intestinal inflammation that precedes obesity and other metabolic diseases (Bleau C1 2015 ; Ding et al 2010).…”

Microbiome and metabolome data integration provides insight into health and disease

“…For instance, high fiber diets have been associated with the increases in both fecal 61,62 and circulating 63 levels of SCFAs. Another study of humans on a high protein diets saw an increase in levels of the carcinogenic N -nitroso compounds compared to a maintenance diet, thought to be driven by increased protein fermentation and decreased carbohydrate fermentation by colonic microbiota 62 .…”