Potential effects of sialic acid and 3′-Sialyllactose on intestinal health and anti-cardiovascular disease in mice fed with a high-fat diet

Abstract

This study investigated the beneficial effects of sialic acid (SA) and 3′-Sialyllactose (3′-SL) on the intestinal and cardiovascular health of mice fed with a high-fat diet. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered 0.9 % NaCl, SA, or 3′-SL by gavage throughout the experiment. After eight weeks, the ability of glucose regulation increased, the blood lipid decreased, the serum inflammatory factors decreased, and the SA content of low-density lipoprotein increased in the intervention groups. Transcriptome analysis of the small intestine and colon revealed gene expression patterns related to digestion, absorption, immunity, and the circadian rhythm. Metabonomic analysis of colon contents corroborated the findings of colonic transcriptomics.. The gut microbiome was characterised by an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in harmful bacteria, which correlated with the blood lipid concentration. This study highlights the potential effects of SA and 3′-SL on intestinal health and anti-cardiovascular disease.