Abstract
Increased consumption of energy-rich foods is a key factor in overweight, obesity, and associated metabolic disorders. This would be, at least in part, related to microbiota disturbance. In rodent models of obesity, microbiota disruption has been associated with alteration of the intestinal barrier, endotoxemia, inflammation grade, and insulin sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD), fed at two energetic levels, on microbiota, intestinal barrier, and inflammatory and metabolic parameters in dogs. A HFD (33% fat as fed, 4,830 kcal/kg) was given to 24 healthy Beagle dogs at 100% (HF-100; n = 8) and at 150% (HF-150; n = 16) of their maintenance energy requirements for 8 weeks. Analysis of similarity revealed a significant difference in gut microbiota β-diversity following the diet compared to week 0 in both groups while α-diversity was lower only in the HF-150 group. Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was higher in the HF-150 group compared to the HF-100 group at weeks 2 and 8. A reduction in insulin sensitivity was observed over time in the HF150 group. Neither endotoxemia nor inflammation was observed in either group, did not find supporting data for the hypothesis that the microbiota is involved in the decline of insulin sensitivity through metabolic endotoxemia and low-grade inflammation. Colonic permeability was increased at week 4 in both groups and returned to initial levels at week 8, and was associated with modifications to the expression of genes involved in colonic barrier function. The increase in intestinal permeability may have been caused by the altered intestinal microbiota and increased expression of genes encoding tight junction proteins might indicate a compensatory mechanism to restore normal permeability. Although simultaneous changes to the microbiota, barrier permeability, inflammatory, and metabolic status have not been observed, such a causal link cannot be excluded in dogs overfed on a HFD. Further studies are necessary to better understand the link between HFD, intestinal microbiota and the host.
Highlights
Despite normal temporal variations, it has been shown that, in a given environment, the fecal microbiota can be considered stable, in dogs [1] as in other species [2, 3]
After 8 weeks of diet, body weight (BW) and BCS were significantly higher in HF-150 group compared to the HF-100 group
In HF-150 group, the mean BW increased by 17.4 ± 6.5 % over the 8-week intervention and this was associated with an increase of BCS (Figures 2A,B)
Summary
It has been shown that, in a given environment, the fecal microbiota can be considered stable, in dogs [1] as in other species [2, 3]. The intestinal microbiota can be shifted by both high-protein diets [4,5,6] and the variation in the protein to carbohydrate ratio [7, 8]. A HFD [12] as well as the variation in the fat-to-carbohydrate ratio change the intestinal microbiota [13]. We have previously shown that weight gain in overfed dogs was associated with decreased insulin sensitivity, low-grade inflammation, and altered lipid status [14, 15]. Weight loss in overweight dogs resulted in an improvement in insulin sensitivity, a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines [16] and an improvement in lipid profile [17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
