Abstract
Some functional food components may help maintain homeostasis by promoting balanced gut microbiota. Here, we explore the possible complementary effects of d-fagomine and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA 1:1) on putatively beneficial gut bacterial strains. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were supplemented with d-fagomine, ω-3 PUFAs, or both, for 23 weeks. Bacterial subgroups were evaluated in fecal DNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and short-chain fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. We found that the populations of the genus Prevotella remained stable over time in animals supplemented with d-fagomine, independently of ω-3 PUFA supplementation. Animals in these groups gained less weight than controls and rats given only ω-3 PUFAs. d-Fagomine supplementation together with ω-3 PUFAs maintained the relative populations of Bacteroides. ω-3 PUFAs alone or combined with d-fagomine reduced the amount of acetic acid and total short-chain fatty acids in feces. The plasma levels of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid derived metabolites, triglycerides and cholesterol were lower in both groups supplemented with ω-3 PUFAs. The d-fagomine and ω-3 PUFAs combination provided the functional benefits of each supplement. Notably, it helped stabilize populations of Prevotella in the rat intestinal tract while reducing weight gain and providing the anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits of ω-3 PUFAs.
Highlights
There is some evidence that dietary components such as soluble fiber, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may have functional effects that protect against metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases [1,2,3,4]
The functional effects of d-fagomine include a reduction of post-prandial blood glucose concentration, achieved through the inhibition of intestinal disaccharidases [14]; and reductions in high-fat-diet-induced weight gain, low-grade inflammation and impaired glucose tolerance, probably all achieved by counteracting adverse changes in gut microbiota [15,16]
Prior to the nutritional intervention, the animals were fed a standard diet (2014 Teklad Global 14% Protein Diet from Envigo) ad libitum with free access to water (Ribes, Barcelona, Spain) for two weeks. They were divided into 4 groups (n = 9 per group): the control (CTL) group fed only the standard diet; a group supplemented with d-fagomine (FG); a group supplemented with ω-3 PUFAs (EPA/DHA 1:1) (ω-3); and a group supplemented with both d-fagomine and ω-3 PUFAs (FG + ω-3). d-Fagomine (>98%) manufactured by Bioglane
Summary
There is some evidence that dietary components such as soluble fiber, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may have functional effects that protect against metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases [1,2,3,4]. Nutrients 2019, 11, 2606 effects are mediated by changes in gut microbiota [5]. The gut microbiota is relatively stable in healthy adults [9], short-term disturbances can rapidly change its composition [10,11] with unknown effects on the host organism. The functional effects of d-fagomine include a reduction of post-prandial blood glucose concentration, achieved through the inhibition of intestinal disaccharidases [14]; and reductions in high-fat-diet-induced weight gain, low-grade inflammation and impaired glucose tolerance, probably all achieved by counteracting adverse changes in gut microbiota [15,16]. D-fagomine promotes the diversity of gut microbiota by increasing populations of Bacteroidetes in healthy rats while mitigating the age-related reduction in the populations of putatively beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria [17]
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