Dietary Cellulose Research Articles

The Level of Major Proteins and Minerals in the Blood Serum of Chickens Fed Diets with Pure Cellulose

The aim of the research was to determine the concentration of total protein and its fractions as well as the concentration of selected mineral components in the blood serum of male broiler chickens Cobb 500 fed diets with different cellulose content. Blood samples were collected for examination from the birds' pterygoid canal veins on their 42 day of age. There was no influence of cellulose preparation on the content of total protein and its fractions: albumins, alfa1-, alfa2-, beta-, gamma-globulins, albumin to globulin ratio, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride and iron concentrations in blood serum. The highest calcium concentration (P < 0.05) was detected in the blood serum of males fed a diet with the highest cellulose content (0.75-0.95%). Simultaneously, a tendency of increased calcium content was observed along with an increased amount of pure cellulose in diets. The lowest magnesium level (P < 0.05) was observed in the blood of birds fed diets with the lowest amount of cellulose (0.25-0.45%). The magnesium level in the blood of birds fed a diet with higher amounts of cellulose did not considerably differ from the control group. Results from the current study suggest that introduction of a limited amount of pure cellulose into the diet of broiler chickens does not affect total protein concentration and protein fractions but can influence the mineral content in the blood serum.

Hypolipidemic and Bifidogenic Potentials in the Dietary Fiber Prepared from Mikan (Japanese Mandarin Orange: Citrus unshiu) Albedo

The albedo is the white part of the citrus peel, which acts as a water reservoir for the juice sacs, seeds and leaves in times of drought. As the functionality of the albedo is unknown, we examined in this study the hypolipidemic and bifidogenic potentials of dietary fiber (DF) prepared from the Mikan (Japanese mandarin orange: Citrus unshiu) albedo. The albedo was obtained from Mikan harvested in Arida, Wakayama Prefecture, and total DF (TDF), water soluble DF (SDF) and water insoluble DF (IDF) were extracted. Albedo TDF contained arabinose (37.21%), galactose (16.05%), xylose (18.30%) and glucose (13.94%), but did not contain detectable amounts of galacturonic acid. Albedo SDF inhibited the enzymatic digestion of triolein by pancreatic lipase in vitro. The SDF, at a concentration of 80 mg per 6 mL of substrate solution, significantly inhibited the activity of this enzyme (>50%). As compared to a control group on a 5% cellulose diet, rats fed a diet containing 1% albedo TDF for 4 wk showed significantly decreased serum triacylglycerol concentrations, increased fecal lipid excretion, and no changes in hepatic lipid content (triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and phospholipid) or serum concentrations of total cholesterol or phospholipid. Consumption of albedo TDF also increased the number of bifidobacteria in the cecum. In this report, we have demonstrated that consumption of albedo TDF increased the levels bifidobacteria in the rat cecum, and decreased serum triacylglycerol concentrations due to the accelerated lipid excretion into the feces caused by the inhibition of pancreatic lipase.

Apple Pectin Affects the Efficacy of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Oral Sucrose Tolerance Test in Adult Mice

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a dietary polyphenol and a major tea catechin, is a known sucrase inhibitor. Since dietary pectin is known to modulate some of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, we investigated whether it could specifically affect the efficacy of EGCg on an oral sucrose tolerance test in mice. Male Crj:CD-1 (ICR) mice (seven weeks old) were randomly divided into two groups and fed a 5 % apple pectin (PE) or 5 % cellulose (CE) diet (control diet) for 28 days. After the experimental diet period, all mice were fasted overnight. A volume of 0.2 mL EGCg (20 mg/mL) was orally administered to all the mice by stainless steel feeding needle via injection syringe and a sucrose tolerance test was performed. The blood glucose levels were measured in blood collected from the tail vein using the OneTouch® Ultra® blood glucose monitoring system. Blood glucose levels at 30 minutes and 60 minutes after sucrose loading in the PE group were significantly higher than initial blood glucose levels. However, blood glucose levels at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes after sucrose loading in the CE group were not significantly higher than initial blood glucose levels. After laparotomy, plasma lipids were also measured. Plasma triglyceride concentrations were significantly greater in the PE group than in the CE (control) group. This demonstrates that dietary pectin can affect the efficacy of EGCg on the oral sucrose tolerance test in mice.

Influence of dietary starch and cellulose levels on the metabolic profile and apparent digestibility in penaeoid shrimp

Influence of dietary starch and cellulose levels on the metabolic profile and apparent digestibility in penaeoid shrimp

Influence of dietary starch and cellulose levels on the metabolic profile and apparent digestibility in penaeoid shrimp

The present study compared the effect of different starch/cellulose ratios (30/0, 20/10, 10/20, 0/30) on the metabolic response and apparent digestibility in two species of penaeoids: Artemesia longinaris and Pleoticus muelleri . Adult animals were used in order to obtain sufficient quantities of haemolymph and faecal material for analysis. No significant differences were found in levels of plasma metabolites in P. muelleri , but in A. longinaris , a significant increase was observed in glucose, total protein, and cholesterol in correlation with increased dietary starch. The apparent digestibility coefficients decreased from 83.7% to 51.2% ( A. longinaris ) and from 71.9% to 7.6% ( P. muelleri ) as the dietary starch levels increased. The ratio of amylase activity to protease activity (A/P ratio) declined in A. longinaris when the percentage of dietary starch increased. In contrast, the A/P ratio for P. muelleri increased with higher starch concentrations. These results demonstrated a close relationship between the feeding habits and digestive physiology of the two species studied; they also suggest a more herbivorous behavior for A. longinaris and more omnivorous habits for P. muelleri .

Dietary Guar Gum Reduces Lymph Flow and Diminishes Lipid Transport in Thoracic Duct‐Cannulated Rats

Guar gum has a well-recognized hypolipidemic effect. This effect is thought to be due to the physicochemical properties of guar gum, which may cause changes in adsorption of lipids or the viscosity of the intestinal contents. Guar gum is a non-specific absorption inhibitor of any type of lipid-soluble compound. Permanent lymph duct cannulation was performed on rats to investigate the effects of dietary guar gum on lymph flow and lipid transport. Rats fed a 5% guar gum diet were compared with those fed a 5% cellulose diet, and lymph was collected after feeding. The water-holding capacity (WHC), settling volume in water (SV), and viscosity of guar gum were compared with those of cellulose. Rats fed with the guar gum diet had significantly lower lymph flow and lymphatic lipid transport than did rats fed with the cellulose diet. The WHC, SV, and viscosity of guar gum were significantly higher than those of cellulose. We propose that dietary guar gum reduces lymph flow and thereby diminishes lipid transport by means of its physicochemical properties related to water behavior in the intestine.

Adaptation of healthy adult cats to select dietary fibers in vivo affects gas and short-chain fatty acid production from fiber fermentation in vitro

Nine young adult (1.73 ± 0.03 yr) male cats were used to determine the effects of microbial adaptation to select dietary fiber sources on changes in pH in vitro and on total and hydrogen gas, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), and branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) production. Cats were adapted to diets containing 4% cellulose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), or pectin for 30 d before fecal sampling. Each cat was used as a single donor, and fecal inoculum was reacted with each of the aforementioned fiber substrates. Adaptation to dietary FOS resulted in a greater change in pH when exposed to FOS than pectin (adaptation × substrate, P < 0.001). When exposed to the FOS substrate, adaptation to dietary FOS or pectin increased hydrogen gas production (adaptation × substrate, P = 0.021). Adaptation to dietary FOS increased acetate and total SCFA production when exposed to FOS substrate in vitro (adaptation × substrate, P = 0.001). When exposed to the FOS substrate, propionate production tended to increase with adaptation to dietary cellulose (adaptation × substrate, P = 0.060). The BCFA + valerate tended to decrease with adaptation to dietary FOS when exposed to FOS substrate in vitro (adaptation × substrate, P = 0.092). Fructooligosaccharides resulted in the greatest change in pH and production of total gas (P < 0.001), hydrogen gas (P < 0.001), acetate (P < 0.001), propionate (P < 0.001), butyrate (P < 0.001), total SCFA (P < 0.001), and total BCFA + valerate production (P < 0.001). Adaptation to the FOS or pectin diet increased production of hydrogen gas with FOS and pectin substrates. Adaptation to pectin increased (P = 0.033) total gas production with FOS and pectin substrates. Overall, adaptation to either FOS or pectin led to greater SCFA and gas production, but adaptation to FOS resulted in the greatest effect overall.

Reduction in DSS‐induced enhancement of colonic injury and NF‐κB activation in rats consuming a diet containing black sorghum bran

We have shown that sorghum bran diets containing bioactive compounds decrease colon carcinogenesis and the mechanisms involved may prove beneficial against chronic colon inflammation. To test this, rats (n=80) were provided diets containing 6% fiber from cellulose, or bran from black, sumac, or high tannin sorghum, which contain anthocyanins, condensed tannins, or both, respectively. Ten rats in each diet received 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) three times to stimulate inflammation. Feces were collected throughout the study, and on day 63 the colon was resected and distal segments were used to determine inflammation and injury scores. The colonic mucosa was scraped to measure NF‐κB activity. DSS elevated injury score and NF‐κB activity for all rats. Fecal moisture content and injury scores of DSS rats were higher in animals fed bran diets (9–13% and ~39%, respectively) compared to a cellulose diet (p&lt;0.05 for both), but were lower than rats fed a pectin diet. When the relationship between changes in injury and NF‐κB within each diet was assessed, a linear relationship (p=0.01, R2=0.98) was observed, with the black bran diet resulting in the lowest value. Consumption of black sorghum bran may reduce colonic injury and induction of NF‐κB activity caused during inflammation, which may contribute to the reduction in colon carcinogenesis observed previously. Funding: United Sorghum Checkoff Board Roo31A‐09.

Chemical and functional properties of the native banana ( Musaacuminata × balbisiana Colla cv. Awak) pseudo-stem and pseudo-stem tender core flours

This research was conducted to evaluate the differences in chemical composition and functional profiles of native banana pseudo-stem flour (NBPF) and boiled tender core of the banana pseudo-stem flour (TCBPF). Chemical analyses indicated that the proximate contents (moisture, fat, protein and ash), were significantly higher in TCBPF than in NBPF. The levels of total dietary fibre, insoluble dietary fibre, lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose were all higher in NBPF than TCBPF, while there was no significant difference in soluble dietary fibre. NBPF also had higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids than TCBPF. Both the antioxidant capacity and the free radical-scavenging capacity were higher in NBPF than in TCBPF. On the other hand, the TCBPF showed significantly higher swelling power, water holding capacity and solubility, although its oil holding capacity was lower than NBPF. We conclude that banana pseudo-stem flour is a potential functional food ingredient for products containing high dietary fibre.

Effects of New Dietary Fiber from Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) on Gut Function and Intestinal Microflora in Adult Mice

Much attention has been focused recently on functional foods. Ume, the Japanese name for the apricot of Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc., is an example of a Japanese traditional functional food. There are, however, few reports on the effects of fiber from this fruit on bowel function. With this objective, we prepared ume fiber to test the hypothesis that it can change gut function and intestinal flora in mice. Mice were fed an ume fiber (UF) or cellulose (CF) diet (control) for 40 days. The fecal weight, fecal lipids, plasma lipids and cecal composition of the microflora were analyzed. The amount of feces was significantly greater in the UF group than in the CF group (p < 0.01). The fecal lipids content (% DW) of the feces sampled on the final day of the experiment were significantly greater in the UF group than in the CF group (p < 0.01). Plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations tended to be lower in the UF compared to the CF group (p = 0.058). Occupation ratios of Bacteroides and Clostridium cluster IV were significantly greater in the cecal flora of the UF group. Our results suggest that ume fiber possesses the fecal lipid excretion effects and feces bulking effects.

Dietary Fibre Components of Four Common Nigerian Dioscorea Species

Four common Dioscorea species were analyzed for dietary fibre components viz, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin as well as Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) in the raw and cooked samples. The dietary fibre components in the raw and cooked samples in all the four yam species namely Disocorea bulbifera, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea cayenenis and Dioscorea rotundata were found to be low ranging from 1.20-2.59% for NDF, 1.06-2.22% for ADF, 0.10-0.27% for hemicellulose, 0.07-1.13% for cellulose and 0.08-0.27% for lignin. There was no significant change (p<0.05) in the content of dietary fibre components of the yam samples upon cooking. In spite of the low levels of fibre in the yam species analyzed, yams may constitute a significant source of fibre for many in Nigeria and the tropics generally since they are a common staple and are widely consumed on a daily basis.

Reduction of Dietary Energy Density Reduces Body Mass Regain Following Energy Restriction in Female Mice1,2

Restriction of energy intake induces a loss of body mass that is often regained when the restriction ends. We aimed to determine whether dietary energy density (independent of macronutrient composition) modulates postrestriction regain of body mass. Fifteen female mice consumed ad libitum a standard rodent diet (with 20% added cellulose). They were then subjected to a 20% energy restriction on this diet for 10 d. Following restriction, mice consumed ad libitum the same diet with either 0 or 40% added cellulose. The study utilized a crossover design so all mice consumed both diets. Body temperature, physical activity, and digestibility were all lower when consuming the 40% cellulose diet (P < 0.001). Mice regained less mass (9%) when consuming the 40% than the 0% cellulose diet, because net energy intake was reduced by 26% (P < 0.001), despite having a greater gross energy intake (P < 0.001) (29%). To test whether there might be a constraint on intake and digestibility of the 40% cellulose diet, 20 different female mice consumed this diet at room temperature and were then transferred to the cold (7±C) to determine whether they would increase intake of this diet in response to increased energy demands. It took up to 5 d after transfer for body mass, food intake, and digestibility to increase. This suggests a digestion constraint might have limited intake of the low-energy density diet immediately following restriction. Modulation of dietary energy density in the postrestriction phase may be a valuable strategy for maintaining mass loss achieved on energy-restricted diets.

The combination of mixed lactic acid bacteria and dietary fiber lowers serum cholesterol levels and fecal harmful enzyme activities in rats

Probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and prebiotics such as fiber are generally considered beneficial for health. These affect the microflora composition and fermentation metabolites and consequently contribute to local and systemic effects in humans. The beneficial effects of probiotics can be improved when combined with prebiotics. Here we investigated the effects of a mixed LAB supplement combined with dietary fiber on the population of LAB in the gut, as well as on serum cholesterol levels, fecal water content and microbial harmful enzyme activities. For animal studies, 0.2 mL of mixed LAB (Bifidobacterium longum SPM1205, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and SAFELAC isolated from Pediococcus pentosaceus) supplement (10(7) ∼ 10(8) colony forming units per day) was orally administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats every day for 2 weeks along with a diet containing 5% or 10% cellulose. The mixed LAB supplement combined with dietary cellulose significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL levels. This combination also significantly (p < 0.05) increased the population of LAB and the fecal water content and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced microbial harmful enzyme (β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase and tryptophanase) activities. These effects of LAB were particularly improved by its combination with 5% cellulose compared to the control (a diet without cellulose), and the 5% cellulose combination was more effective than the 10% cellulose combination. In conclusion, the incorporation of a fibrous diet such as cellulose with lactic acid bacteria improved the population of LAB, and daily consumption of this combination could reduce the serum cholesterol levels and activities of harmful enzymes such as β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, tryptophanase, urease in rats.

Galactoglucomannan oligosaccharide supplementation affects nutrient digestibility, fermentation end-product production, and large bowel microbiota of the dog1

A galactoglucomannan oligosaccharide (GGMO) obtained from fiberboard production was evaluated as a dietary supplement for dogs. The GGMO substrate contained increased concentrations of oligosaccharides containing mannose, xylose, and glucose, with the mannose component accounting for 35% of DM. Adult dogs assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design were fed 6 diets, each containing a different concentration of supplemental GGMO (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8%) that replaced dietary cellulose. Total tract DM and OM apparent digestibilities increased (P < 0.001) linearly, whereas total tract CP apparent digestibility decreased (P < 0.001) linearly as dietary GGMO substrate concentration increased. Fecal concentrations of acetate, propionate, and total short-chain fatty acids increased (P ≤ 0.001) linearly, whereas butyrate concentration decreased (P ≤ 0.001) linearly with increasing dietary concentrations of GGMO. Fecal pH decreased (P ≤ 0.001) linearly as dietary GGMO substrate concentration increased, whereas fecal score increased quadratically (P ≤ 0.001). Fecal phenol (P ≤ 0.05) and indole (P ≤ 0.01) concentrations decreased linearly with GGMO supplementation. Fecal biogenic amine concentrations were not different among treatments except for phenylethylamine, which decreased (P < 0.001) linearly as dietary GGMO substrate concentration increased. Fecal microbial concentrations of Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp., and Clostridium perfringens were not different among treatments. A quadratic increase (P ≤ 0.01) was noted for Bifidobacterium spp. as dietary GGMO substrate concentration increased. The data suggest positive nutritional properties of supplemental GGMO when incorporated in a good-quality dog food.

Comparative Effects of Cellulose and Soluble Fibers (Pectin, Konjac Glucomannan, Inulin) on Fecal Water Toxicity toward Caco-2 Cells, Fecal Bacteria Enzymes, Bile Acid, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cellulose and three soluble dietary fibers, pectin, konjac glucomannan (KGM), and inulin, on the cytotoxicity and DNA damage of fecal water-treated Caco-2 cells, a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, and to investigate the fecal components that potentially modulate the fecal toxicity, that is, bacterial enzymes, bile acids, and short-chain fatty acids. Six-week-old BALB/cJ mice were randomly allocated to consume an AIN-93 diet that contained no dietary fiber (fiber-free) or 5% (w/w) cellulose, pectin, KGM, and inulin for 3 weeks. Feces were collected during days 18-21. Fecal waters were co-incubated with Caco-2 cells to determine the cytotoxicity and DNA damage. In addition, the fecal bacterial enzymes, bile acids, and short-chain fatty acids were determined. Results indicated that all fiber diets similarly increased the survival rate (%) of fecal water-treated Caco-2 cells as compared with the fiber-free diet. The inhibition of fecal water-induced DNA damage in Caco-2 cells was greater for the pectin and inulin diets than for the cellulose and KGM diets. In contrast, cellulose exerted the greatest inhibitory effect on the fecal β-glucuronidase activity. Cellulose and all soluble dietary fibers reduced the secondary bile acid concentrations in the fecal water, but only soluble fibers increased the fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, as compared with no fiber. Therefore, this study suggests that all dietary fibers substantially reduced the fecal water toxicity, which is associated with decreased secondary bile acid levels by all fibers, reduced fecal β-glucuronidase activity by cellulose, and increased short-chain fatty acid levels by soluble dietary fibers.

Dietary cellulose, fructooligosaccharides, and pectin modify fecal protein catabolites and microbial populations in adult cats

Twelve young adult (1.7 +/- 0.1 yr) male cats were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to determine the effects of fiber type on nutrient digestibility, fermentative end products, and fecal microbial populations. Three diets containing 4% cellulose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), or pectin were evaluated. Feces were scored based on the 5-point system: 1 being hard, dry pellets, and 5 being watery liquid that can be poured. No differences were observed (P > 0.100) in intake of DM, OM, CP, or acid-hydrolyzed fat; DM or OM digestibility; or fecal pH, DM%, output on an as-is or DM basis, or concentrations of histamine or phenylalanine. Crude protein and fat digestibility decreased (P = 0.079 and 0.001, respectively) in response to supplementation with pectin compared with cellulose. Both FOS and pectin supplementation resulted in increased fecal scores (P < 0.001) and concentrations of ammonia (P = 0.003) and 4-methyl phenol (P = 0.003). Fecal indole concentrations increased (P = 0.049) when cats were supplemented with FOS. Fecal acetate (P = 0.030), propionate (P = 0.035), and total short-chain fatty acid (P = 0.016) concentrations increased in pectin-supplemented cats. Fecal butyrate (P = 0.010), isobutyrate (P = 0.011), isovalerate (P = 0.012), valerate (P = 0.026), and total branched-chain fatty acids + valerate (P = 0.008) concentrations increased with supplementation of FOS and pectin. Fecal cadaverine (P < 0.001) and tryptamine (P < 0.001) concentrations increased with supplementation of FOS and pectin. Fecal tyramine concentrations decreased (P = 0.039) in FOS-supplemented cats, whereas spermidine concentrations increased (P < 0.001) in pectin-supplemented cats. Whereas fecal concentrations of putrescine (P < 0.001) and total biogenic amines (P < 0.001) increased with FOS and pectin, the concentrations of these compounds were increased (P < 0.001) in cats supplemented with pectin. Fecal Bifidobacterium spp. concentrations increased (P = 0.006) and Escherichia coli concentrations decreased (P < 0.001) in FOS-supplemented cats. Fecal concentrations of Clostridium perfringens (P < 0.001), E. coli (P < 0.001), and Lactobacillus spp. (P = 0.030) also increased in pectin-supplemented cats. In addition to increasing populations of protein-fermenting microbiota, pectin increased production of fermentative end products associated with carbohydrate compared with protein fermentation. Pectin and FOS may be useful fiber sources in promoting intestinal health of the cat.

Nephrocalcinosis in Female Rats Fed Diets Containing Either Pectin or Cellulose

Problem statement: There is evidence that the type of fiber influences the development of nephrocalcinosis in rats, but the effect of pectin was unknown. Approach: The effects of dietary pectin and cellulose on kidney calcification were studied in female rats. The diets used contained either 0.4-0.6% phosphorus and either cellulose (10%, w/w) or pectin. The purified diets used were balanced for residual calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in the fiber preparations. Results: Increasing the phosphorus concentration of the diet from 0.4-0.6% caused massive nephrocalcinosis in rats fed the cellulose diets. Pectin (10%, w/w) versus cellulose in diets containing 0.4% phosphorus significantly increased calcium and phosphorus concentrations in kidney. When compared with cellulose, pectin did not influence the apparent absorption of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Urinary concentrations of calcium and magnesium were not affected by pectin feeding, but those of phosphorus were increased. When pectin was given with the diet containing 0.6% phosphorus, its nephrocalcinogenic action as compared with cellulose was not observed. Conclusion: Pectin instead of cellulose in diets containing 0.4% phosphorus induced nephrocalcinosis in female rats. The effect of pectin may be explained by an increase in urinary phosphorus concentration. The lack of nephrocalcinogenic action of pectin in a diet with 0.6% phosphorus indicates that the nephrocalcinosis-inducing effect of high phosphorus intake had overruled any effect of fiber type.

Nephrocalcinosis in Female Rats Fed Diets Containing Either Pectin, Galacturonic Acid or Glucose

Problem statement: In our earlier study, dietary pectin has been shown to promote nephrocalcinosis in rats when compared with the feeding of cellulose. It was not known whether this pectin effect relates to its structure or to its monosaccharide component, galacturonic acid. Approach: The effects of dietary pectin, galacturonic acid and glucose on kidney calcification were studied in female rats. The purified diets used had similar concentrations of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Results: It was confirmed that the feeding of pectin (10%, w/w) versus cellulose in diets containing 0.4% phosphorus results in significantly greater calcium and phosphorus concentrations in kidney. The new finding was that pectin had a nephrocalcinogenic effect when compared with either galacturonic acid or glucose. Conclusion: The stimulatory effect of pectin on the development of nephrocalcinosis is specific and is related to its structure rather than to its galacturonic acid component.

Dietary adaptation of healthy adult cats to cellulose, fructooligosaccharides, or pectin modifies gas and short‐chain fatty acid production in vitro

Nine young adult male cats were used in a 3 × 3 factorial design to determine the effects of microbial adaptation to fiber type on changes in pH, total and hydrogen gas, short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA), and branched‐chain fatty acid (BCFA) production. Cats were adapted to a diet containing 4% cellulose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), or pectin for 30 d prior to fecal sampling. Each cat was used as a single donor, and fecal inoculum was subjected to each of the aforementioned fiber substrates. Fructooligosaccharides produced the greatest changes in pH, total gas, hydrogen gas, acetate, propionate, butyrate, total SCFA, valerate, and total BCFA production (P&lt;0.001) regardless of adaptation to diet. Adaptation to the FOS or pectin diets increased production of total (P=0.043) and hydrogen (P=0.008) gas. Greater changes in pH (P&lt;0.001), acetate (P=0.001), and total SCFA (P=0.003) were observed for FOS and pectin substrates with adaptation to these respective substrates. Adaptation to the cellulose diet increased production of propionate (P=0.045) when exposed to the FOS or pectin substrates. Adaptation to the pectin diet increased production of valerate and total BCFA (P=0.039 and 0.022, respectively) when exposed to the cellulose or pectin substrates. Overall, adaptation to either FOS or pectin appear to increase SCFA and gas production.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Type-4 Resistant Starch in the Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Rats

We evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of type-4 resistant starch (RS) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) using a rat model. Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a cellulose diet or an RS diet (RSD) for 4 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin A levels, as well as the CD4(+) T cell population and the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells in the MLNs of rats, were significantly elevated by replacing cellulose with RS in the diet. The survival rate of concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated MLN lymphocytes and interleukin-4 secretion from the Con A-stimulated MLN lymphocytes were significantly increased in rats fed RSD. These results indicate that type-4 RS might ameliorate allergic inflammation in the MLNs of rats through an increased CD4(+) T cell population and enhanced differentiation of MLN lymphocytes into type-2 T cells.