Dietary Fiber Supplementation Research Articles

Odd Chain Fatty Acids Are Not Robust Biomarkers for Dietary Intake of Fiber.

Prior investigation has suggested a positive association between increased colonic propionate production and circulating odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs; pentadecanoic acid [C15:0], heptadecanoic acid [C17:0]). As the major source of propionate in humans is the microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, OCFAs have been proposed as candidate biomarkers of dietary fiber. The objective of this study is to critically assess the plausibility, robustness, reliability, dose-response, time-response aspects of OCFAs as potential biomarkers of fermentable fibers in two independent studies using a validated analytical method. OCFAs are first assessed in a fiber supplementation study, where 21 participants received 10 gdietary fiber supplementation for 7 days. OCFAs are then assessed in a highly controlled inpatient setting, which 19 participants consumed a high fiber (45.1 g per day)andalow fiber diet (13.6 g per day)for4days. Collectively in both studies, dietary intakes of fiber as fiber supplementations or having consumed a high fiber diet do not increase circulating levels of OCFAs. The dose and temporal relations are not observed. Current study has generated new insight on the utility of OCFAs as fiber biomarkers and highlighted the importance of critical assessment of candidate biomarkers before application.

Therapeutic Potential of Butyrate for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.

Metagenomics studies have shown that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an altered gut microbiota. Whereas different microbiota patterns have been observed in independent human cohorts, reduction of butyrate-producing bacteria has consistently been found in individuals with T2D, as well as in those with prediabetes. Butyrate is produced in the large intestine by microbial fermentations, particularly of dietary fiber, and serves as primary fuel for colonocytes. It also acts as histone deacetylase inhibitor and ligand to G-protein coupled receptors, affecting cellular signaling in target cells, such as enteroendocrine cells. Therefore, butyrate has become an attractive drug target for T2D, and treatment strategies have been devised to increase its intestinal levels, for example by supplementation of butyrate-producing bacteria and dietary fiber, or through fecal microbiota transplant (FMT). In this review, we provide an overview of current literature indicating that these strategies have yielded encouraging results and short-term benefits in humans, but long-term improvements of glycemic control have not been reported so far. Further studies are required to find effective approaches to restore butyrate-producing bacteria and butyrate levels in the human gut, and to investigate their impact on glucose regulation in T2D.

Dietary Fiber and Lysolecithin Supplementation in Growing Ducks: Effect on Performance, Immune Response, Intestinal Morphology and Lipid Metabolism-Regulating Genes.

Simple SummarySearching for and introducing unconventional feeds in ducks’ diets has become a major concern. However, low-priced feed ingredients such as rice bran and seed hulls are generally low in energy with high dietary fiber content. Thus, this study focused on the effects of different dietary fiber levels (with or without lysolecithin) on the performance, immune response, expression of some lipid regulating genes, and intestinal morphology of ducks. From our results, increasing fiber level in the diet (with or without the addition of lysolecithin) altered duck performance and intestinal morphology, improved immunity, and lowered serum lipid profile with a modulatory effect on the expression of lipid metabolism-regulating genes.The impact of different dietary fiber (DF) levels (with or without lysolecithin supplementation) on growth performance, immune response, expression of some lipid regulating genes and intestinal morphology was assessed in 408 Pekin ducks for 2 months. Soybean hulls were added to the diet to provide four different levels of DF: 2.4 (control diet), 3.8, 5.3, and 6.7% for the first four groups, respectively, while groups 5 to 8 fed the same four levels of DF with lysolecithin addition. Increasing dietary DF non-significantly reduced (p > 0.05) the ducks’ body weight (BW). However, ducks fed on 3.8% DF showed higher BW and improved feed conversion ratio. Lysolecithin supplementation with different DF did not support growth performance. Increasing DF with or without lysolecithin had no effect on serum lipid profile (p > 0.05). However, serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) concentration was significantly increased with increasing fiber level in diet (p ˂ 0.05). Increasing DF with or without lysolecithin addition increased serum antioxidant activities and improved the immune response in terms of phagocytic and lysozyme activities. The DF level reduced the duodenal villi length and mucosal layer thickness while increased the villi width (p ˂ 0.05). Lysolecithin supplementation to diets ameliorated adverse effects on intestinal morphology. Moreover, DF level in ducks’ diet with or without lysolecithin significantly upregulated the expression of fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase (p ˂ 0.05). Thus, it could be concluded that ducks fed on soybean hulls containing a diet at the level of 4.5% and providing 3.8% fiber level with or without lysolecithin showed the best performance.

Molecular weight effects of low acyl gellan gum on antioxidant capacity and rheological properties.

The current study investigated the antioxidant capacity of enzymatically cleaved low acyl gellan gum (LA-GAGR) fragments, named midi-GAGR (MWv : 1.2 × 105 Da) and mini-GAGR (MWv : 2.5 × 104 Da). Three different methods-hydroxide assay, superoxide assay, and DPPH assay-were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the low acyl gellan gum fragments. Both mini-GAGR and midi-GAGR showed similar antioxidant capacities, 27.1% and 25.6%, respectively, for hydroxide radicals, whereas ascorbic acid showed 9.8%. For superoxide radicals, the fragments scavenged 41.7% (mini) and 35.6% (midi) of free radicals compared to 10.6% removal by ascorbic acid. Mini- and midi-GAGR displayed modest scavenging capabilities with DPPH radicals (8.5% and 6.6%, respectively) as compared to ascorbic acid (96.3%). Both midi- and mini-GAGR showed less gel-like behaviors than LA-GAGR. Midi-GAGR was observed to have a transition from liquid to gel at 63rad/s. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results in the manuscript are helpful when gellan gum and its derivatives are directly applied to food processing as a dietary fiber supplement or a stabilizer for functional beverages. The antioxidant capacity results can be used to promote the functionality of gellan gum as a food additive and for controlling cell adhesion and growth on gellan gum scaffolds. The rheology results will be useful for synthesis of scaffolds for bone tissue generation and facilitating clinical treatments when gellan gum is injected as an adsorbent or a filler for treating bone fractures. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are useful when controlling the therapeutic effects of drug delivery systems.

Hemicellulose-Derived Oligosaccharides: Emerging Prebiotics in Disease Alleviation.

The gut microbiota in the human body is an important component that plays a pivotal role in the ability of the host to prevent diseases and recover from these diseases. If the human microbiome changes for any reason, it affects the overall functioning of the host. Healthy and vigorous gut microbiota require dietary fiber supplementation. Recently, oligosaccharides have been found to play a significant role in the modulation of microbiota. Several such oligosaccharides, i.e., xylooligosaccharides (XOS), mannooligosaccharides (MOS), and arabino-xylooligosaccharides (AXOS), are derived from hemicellulosic macromolecules such as xylan, mannan, and arabino-xylan, respectively. These oligosaccharides serve as substrates for the probiotic production of health-promoting substances (short-chain fatty acids, branched chain amino acids etc.), which confer a variety of health benefits, including the prevention of some dreaded diseases. Among hemicellulose-derived oligosaccharides (HDOs), XOS have been largely explored, whereas, studies on MOS and AXOS are currently underway. HDOs, upon ingestion, help reduce morbidities by lowering populations of harmful or pathogenic bacteria. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are mainly utilized for the uptake of oligosaccharides in probiotics. Butyrate generated by the selective fermentation of oligosaccharides, along with other short-chain fatty acids, reduces gut inflammation. Overall, oligosaccharides derived from hemicelluloses show a similar potential as conventional prebiotics and can be supplemented as functional foods. This review summarizes the role of HDOs in the alleviation of autoimmune diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease), diabetes, urinary tract infection, cardiovascular diseases, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the modulation of the gut microbiota. The mechanism of oligosaccharide utilization and disease mitigation is also explained.

Decrease in abundance of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium in gut microbiota may be related to pre-eclampsia progression in women from East China.

BackgroundPre-eclampsia (PE) can result in severe damage to maternal and fetal health. It has been reported that gut microbiota (GM) had important roles in regulating the metabolic and inflammatory responses of the mother. However, investigations on GM in PE are rare.ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to investigate the changes of GM in PE and how to alter the GM composition in PE by dietary or dietary supplements.DesignWe analyzed the composition changes in GM as well as the relationship between bacteria of different genera and clinical indices by amplifying the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene in 12 PE patients and eight healthy pregnant women in East China.ResultsIn the PE group, the Observed Species Index was lower than that in the control group, indicating that the α-diversity of the microbiome in the PE group decreased. At phylum, family, and genus levels, the relative abundance of different bacteria in PE patients displayed substantial differences to those from healthy women. We noted a decreased abundance of bacteria of the phylum Actinobacteria (P = 0.042), decreased abundance of bacteria of the family Bifidobacteriaceae (P = 0.039), increased abundance of bacteria of the genus Blautia (P = 0.026) and Ruminococcus (P = 0.048), and decreased abundance of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium (P = 0.038). Among three enriched genera, bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium showed a negative correlation with the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and dyslipidemia, which involved glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the oxidative-phosphorylation pathway. The increased abundance of bacteria of the genera Blautia and Ruminococcus was positively correlated with obesity and dyslipidemia, which involved lipid metabolism, glycosyltransferases, biotin metabolism, and the oxidative-phosphorylation pathways. Moreover, women in the PE group ate more than women in the control group, so fetuses were more prone to overnutrition in the PE group.ConclusionThere is a potential for GM dysbiosis in PE patients, and they could be prone to suffer from metabolic syndrome. We speculate that alterations in the abundance of bacteria of certain genera (e.g. increased abundance of Blautia and Ruminococcus, and decreased abundance of Bifidobacterium) were associated with PE development to some degree. Our data could help to monitor the health of pregnant women and may be helpful for preventing and assisting treatment of PE by increasing dietary fiber or probiotics supplement.

Bowel, bladder, and sudomotor symptoms in ALS patients

ObjectivesTo describe prevalence rates of bowel, bladder, and sudomotor symptoms in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in relation to disease onset and progression. Treatment strategies and efficacies were also assessed. MethodsA pilot patient cohort revealed increased incidences of bowel/bladder and sudomotor symptoms. Questionnaires derived from formal bowel and bladder survey instruments were administered to a second cohort of patients during multidisciplinary ALS clinic visits. ResultsThe pilot cohort of 30 patients reported an increase in bowel symptoms from 17% prior to 70% after the diagnosis of ALS, and an increase in urinary symptoms from 24% to 76%. In the second cohort of 66 patients an increase in constipation from 33% prior to 64.7% after the diagnosis of ALS was reported. 25.4% of patients reported bowel urgency initially, which increased to 33.3% over time. Constipation was most commonly treated with docusate, dietary fiber supplementation, fluid/exercise, and polyethylene glycol. In the second cohort the prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms increased from 3.1% prior to 25.0% after the diagnosis of ALS. Urinary symptoms are most commonly treated with catheters and oxybutynin. A sudomotor survey found stinging eyes in 17.2% of patients, oily/greasy skin in 14.1% of patients, and flaking of the skin in 29.7% of patients. ConclusionsBowel and bladder symptoms are common in the ALS population and respond to treatment. Sudomotor symptoms are also common. Inquiring about these symptoms at clinic visits and initiating treatment can significantly improve the patients' quality of life.

Effect of Dietary Fiber Intake on the Prognosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

ObjectivesThe gut microbiota has been suggested to associate with the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and thus prebiotic effect of fiber could play an important role on pathophysiology of ALS. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary fiber intake on the disease progression rate (∆FS) and survival time among Korean ALS patients. MethodsA total of 272 Korean sporadic ALS patients diagnosed according to the revised EI Escorial criteria were recruited during 2011–2019, and were followed until the occurrence of events or the end of September 2020. The events were defined as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, tracheostomy, or death. Intake of dietary fibers was calculated based on 24-hour dietary recall, and divided into five major fiber-rich foods: vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts/seeds. ResultsThere were higher proportion of participants with lower than the mean value of ∆FS (0.75) in the highest tertile of total fiber and vegetable fiber intake than those in the lowest tertile. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that participants in the highest tertile for vegetable fiber intake had longer survival. Cox regression analysis showed that intake of vegetable fiber was negatively associated with risk for events after adjustment. Notably, vegetable fiber intake was negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the cerebrospinal fluid. ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study showed that vegetable fiber intake was negatively associated to the ∆FS and shorter survival time, suggesting that vegetable fiber intake could influence the prognosis of ALS. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm whether supplementation of dietary fiber improves the prognosis in ALS. Funding SourcesThis work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (MSIT).

The Effect of Dietary Fibre on Gut Microbiota, Lipid Profile, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Background: A disequilibrium of the gut microbial community has been closely associated with systemic inflammation and metabolic syndromes including type 2 diabetes. While low fibre and high fat diets may lead to dysbiosis of the gut microbiome as a result of the loss of useful microbes, it has been reported that a high fibre diet may prevent the fermentation of protein and may promote eubiosis of gut microbiota. Aim: This review aims to evaluate the effect of dietary fibre (DF) on gut microbiota, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The PRISMA framework was relied on to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches were carried out using electronic databases and reference list of articles. Results: Eleven studies were included in the systematic review, while ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. The findings revealed five distinct areas including the effects of DF on (a) gut microbiota (122 participants); (b) lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 79 participants) and lipopolysaccharides binding protein (LBP, 81 participants); (c) lipid profile; (d) inflammatory markers; and (e) body mass index (BMI, 319 participants). The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium increased by 0.73 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.89) in the DF group in contrast to the control (p < 0.05). With respect to LPS, the level was lower in the DF group than the control and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). The standardised mean difference for LPS was −0.45 (95% CI: −0.90, −0.01) although the difference between the two groups in relation to LBP was not significant (p = 0.08) and the mean difference was 0.92 (95% CI: −0.12, 1.95). While there was a decrease of −1.05 (95% CI: −2.07, −0.02) with respect to total cholesterol (356 participants) in the DF group as compared with the control (p < 0.05), both groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05) in the other lipid parameters. The difference between the groups was significant (p < 0.05) in relation to C-reactive protein, and the mean difference was 0.43 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.84). This could be due to the short duration of the included studies and differences in participants’ diets including the amount of dietary fibre supplements. However, the groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05) with respect to the other inflammatory markers. The meta-analysis of the BMI showed that the DF group decreased by −0.57 (95% CI: −1.02, −0.12) as compared with the control and this was significant (p < 0.01). Conclusion: DF significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) LPS, total cholesterol, and BMI as compared with the control. However, DF did not seem to have an effect that was significant on LBP, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, IL-6, TNF-α, adiponectin, and leptin. These findings have implications for public health in relation to the use of dietary fibre in nutritional interventions and as strategies for managing type 2 diabetes.

125 Effects of Dietary Fiber Supplementation in Late Gestation on Farrowing Characteristics and Sows and Litters Performance

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber supplementation in late gestation on farrowing characteristics and sow and piglet’s performance. On d 105 of gestation, a total of 420 sows were selected according to body condition score, caliper units and parity (0 to 6), and randomly assigned to one of two treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments included 1) Low fiber diet (LF) with 2.02% crude fiber; and 2) High fiber diet (HF) with 5.12% crude fiber. The LF diet was based on corn and soybean meal with 3.26 Mcal of ME/kg and 0.60% SID Lys. The HF diet was corn-soybean meal-based with 10% soy hulls, containing 3.13 Mcal/kg and 0.60% SID Lys. Sows in both treatments were fed 1.8 kg/d. Fecal score was daily evaluated until farrowing. Farrowing duration and birth weight of born alive and stillborn piglets were recorded. The farrowing was manually assisted when the birth interval was longer than 30 min. Data were analyzed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, and comparisons were performed with Student’s t-test at 5% of significance. Sows fed HF diet had fewer days with dry feces compared to those fed LF diet (P = 0.008). No evidence for treatment effects were observed on farrowing duration (P = 0.25) and farrowing assistance (P = 0.09). Sows fed HF diet had greater number of total piglets born (P = 0.01), but there was no evidence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) for treatment differences on the percentage of piglets born alive, stillborn piglets, or mummified fetuses. Piglets from sows fed LF diet had a greater birth weight than those from sows fed HF diet (P = 0.04). No evidence for differences were observed between treatments for pre-weaning mortality, number and weight of weaned pigs (P &amp;gt; 0.05). In conclusion, the HF diet did not show positive effects on farrowing duration, farrowing assistance, and sow and piglet performance.

Drastic Effects on the Microbiome of a Young Rower Engaged in High-Endurance Exercise After a Month Usage of a Dietary Fiber Supplement.

Food supplements are increasingly used worldwide. However, research on the efficacy of such supplements on athlete's well-being and optimal sports performance is very limited. This study performed in junior academic rowing explores the effects of nutritional supplements to aid to the high energy requirements at periods of intense exercise. Herein, the effects of prebiotic fibers on the intestinal microbiome composition of an 18-year-old athlete exercising at high loads during an 8-month period in a “real-life” setting were examined using next-generation sequencing analysis. Results demonstrated that although the alpha diversity of the subject's microbiome drastically decreased [from 2.11 precompetition to 1.67 (p < 0.05)] upon fiber consumption, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased significantly [from 3.11 to 4.55, as compared with population average (p < 0.05)]. Underlying these macrolevel microbial alterations were demonstrable shifts from acetate- to butyrate-producing bacteria, although with stable effects on the Veillonella species. To our knowledge, this a unique study that shows pronounced changes in the gut microbiome of the young athlete at the competition season and their favorable compensation by the dietary fiber intake. The data here expand the overall understanding of how the high energy needs in high-intensity sports like academic rowing could be supported by dietary fiber supplement consumption.

The effect of dietary fiber (oat bran) supplement on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension: A randomized controlled trial

Background and aimsInsufficient dietary fiber (DF) intake is associated with increased blood pressure (BP) and the mode of action is unclear. The intake of DF supplements by participants in previous interventional studies was still far below the amount recommended by the World Health Organization. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effect of supplementing relatively sufficient DF on BP and gut microbiota in patients with essential hypertension (HTN). Methods and resultsFifty participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the DF group (n = 25) and control group (n = 25). All the participants received education on regular dietary guidance for HTN. In addition to dietary guidance, one bag of oat bran (30 g/d) supplement (containing DF 8.9 g) was delivered to the DF group. The office BP (oBP), 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, and gut microbiota were measured at baseline and third month. After intervention, the office systolic blood pressure (oSBP; P < 0.001) and office diastolic blood pressure (oDBP; P < 0.028) in the DF group were lower than those in the control group. Similarly, the changes in 24hmaxSBP (P = 0.002), 24hmaxDBP (P = 0.001), 24haveSBP (P < 0.007), and 24haveDBP (P = 0.008) were greater in the DF group than in the control group. The use of antihypertensive drugs in the DF group was significantly reduced (P = 0.021). The β diversity, including Jaccard (P = 0.008) and Bray–Curtis distance (P = 0.004), showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between two groups by the third month. The changes of Bifidobacterium (P = 0.019) and Spirillum (P = 0.006) in the DF group were significant. ConclusionsIncreased DF (oat bran) supplement improved BP, reduced the amount of antihypertensive drugs, and modulated the gut microbiota. Trial registration numberChiCTR1900024055.

Choline Metabolites, Hydroxybutyrate and HDL after Dietary Fiber Supplementation in Overweight/Obese Hypertensive Women: A Metabolomic Study.

Metabolomics has been increasingly used to evaluate metabolic changes associated with morbidities. The objective of this study is to assess the metabolic profile before and after intervention with mixed dietary fiber in overweight and obese hypertensive women. This is an intervention study, and the sample consists of 14 women aged 28 to 58 years. An intervention with 12 g of mixed soluble and insoluble fiber is performed for a period of eight weeks. Serum metabolites are identified using a Bruker 1H NMR spectrometer at 400 MHz. Multivariate data analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA), is used to differentiate the two groups. After supplementation with dietary fiber, there is a significant increase in the peak intensity values of the metabolites HDL-C (0.0010*), choline (0.0012*) and hydroxybutyrate (0.0010*) as well as a decrease in systolic (0.0013*) and diastolic (0.0026*) blood pressure. The analysis of the metabolomic profile allows the identification of metabolites that have been associated in the literature with hypertension and excess weight (choline, hydroxybutyrate and amino acids) and with fiber intake (choline, hydroxybutyrate and amino acids) in addition to an increase in HDL-C. The increase in the detection of the described metabolites possibly occurs due to the presence of pathologies and the use of fiber in the intervention, which also contributes to elevated HDL-c and reduced blood pressure.

EXTRACTION OF PECTIN FROM VARIOUS BANANA FRUIT PEELS AND ITS FAT REDUCTION ACTIVITY

The pectin a hetero polysaccharide which is mainly accumulated in fruit peels and used as food gelling purposes. Pectin is also needed in medicines, stabilizer in confectionery and main source of dietary fiber. This pectin can be used as dietary fiber supplement which helps for constipation and impaired digestive issues. It reduces the cholesterol naturally anti- diabetic activity and weight reduction. The present study was focused on the potential benefits of the non-citrus fruit peel as a source of pectin. This research emphasized on the pectin which was extracted from three different fruits namely Yellow banana (Musa balbisiana); Green banana (Plantains); and Apple peel powder using three different pH (2.0, 2.2, 2,5) respectively. This study has been distributed as effect on yield of pectin at physical parameters and characterization of the fat reduction activity. The output of the work reflected that the fiber rich non citrus fruit peels are good source of pectin and showing benefits of jelly for industrial use and it’s commercially binder for pharmaceutics and also a source of weight reduction naturally.

Effects of dietary fiber supplementation in gestation diets on sow performance, physiology and milk composition for successive three parities

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber supplementation in gestation diets on sow performance, physiology and milk composition for three successive parities. Thirty gilts were assigned randomly to two groups, and fed a basal diet [CON group; 1.10 % soluble fiber (SF), 9.14 % insoluble fiber (ISF)] or a basal diet supplemented with 22.60 g/kg inulin and 181.60 g/kg cellulose [high-fiber (HF) group] during gestation period. The gestation diets provided to sows for three successive cycles averaged 2.28 kg/d from 1 to 112 d for the CON group; and corresponding values for the HF group were 2.75 kg. During lactation and empty, all sows were fed ad libitum a standard lactation diet. Sow body weight (BW) and backfat thickness, litter size and weight, parturition progress, placental weight and lactation feed intake were recorded. In parity 3, plasma samples were collected at gestation day 110 and parturition, and colostrum and milk samples were manually collected on lactation d 0 and 14, respectively. Results showed that averaged over three reproductive cycles, sows fed the HF diet farrowed more piglets born alive (P = 0.049) and litter weight (total born, P = 0.001; born alive, P = 0.001), increased placental weight (P < 0.001), lactation feed intake (P = 0.042), and average weaned pig BW (P = 0.014), and shortened parturition progress (P < 0.05); tended to have higher average pig BW total born (P = 0.092). Reproductive cycle had significant effects (P < 0.05) on sow BW, duration of parturition, placental weight, lactation feed intake, litter size and weight, and average pig BW. An interaction between fiber treatment and reproductive cycle was detected for placental weight. Sows fed the HF diet in parities 2 and 3 had greater placental weight than the other sows (P = 0.007). In addition, sows fed the HF diet had lower (P < 0.05) preprandial low-density lipoprotein and endotoxin concentrations, and greater (P < 0.05) plasma estrogen and lutropin concentrations on d 110 of gestation; had higher plasma oxytocin (P < 0.05) and epinephrine (P < 0.10) levels at farrowing compared with sows fed the CON diet. Colostrum and milk compositions were not influenced by the treatment. Above all, when the daily intake of the basal gestation diet was equalized for both treatments, dietary fiber supplementation to the gestation diet with an equal ISF/SF ratio over three reproductive cycles improved sow and litter performance.

Dietary fiber in a low-protein diet during gestation affects nitrogen excretion in primiparous gilts, with possible influences from the gut microbiota.

We investigated the effects of dietary fiber (DF) supplementation in normal or low crude protein (CP) diets on reproductive performance and nitrogen (N) utilization in primiparous gilts. In total, 77 Landrace × Yorkshire pregnant gilts were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The groups comprised 1) equal intake of normal CP (12.82% and 0.61% total lysine), 2) low CP (LP) (10.53% and 0.61% total lysine), and 3) with or 4) without DF supplementation (cellulose, inulin, and pectin in a 34:10:1 ratio). A low-protein diet during gestation significantly reduced daily weight gain from days 91 to 110 of pregnancy (-162.5 g/d, P = 0.004). From N balance trials conducted at days 35 to 38, 65 to 68, and 95 to 98 of pregnancy, DF addition increased fecal N excretion at days 65 to 68 (+24.1%) and 95 to 98 (+13.8%) of pregnancy (P < 0.05) but reduced urinary N excretion (P < 0.05), resulting in greater N retention at each gestational stage. DF increased fecal microbial protein levels and excretion during gestation. An LP diet also reduced urinary N excretion at different gestational stages. An in vitro fermentation trial on culture media with nonprotein N urea and ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) as the only N sources revealed that microbiota derived from feces of gestating gilts fed the high DF diet exhibited a greater capacity to convert nonprotein N to microbial protein. Microbial fecal diversity, as measured by 16S rRNA sequencing, revealed significant changes from DF but not CP diets. Gilts fed an LP diet had a higher number of stillbirths (+0.83 per litter, P = 0.046) and a lower piglet birth weight (1.52 vs. 1.37 kg, P = 0.006), regardless of DF levels. Collectively, DF supplementation to gestation diets shifted N excretion from urine to feces in the form of microbial protein, suggesting that the microbiota had a putative role in controlling N utilization from DF. Additionally, a low-protein diet during gestation negatively affected the litter performance of gilts.

Gut-derived acetate promotes B10 cells with antiinflammatory effects.

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a breakdown of immune tolerance partly due to environmental factors. The short-chain fatty acid acetate, derived mostly from gut microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, promotes antiinflammatory Tregs and protects mice from type 1 diabetes, colitis, and allergies. Here, we show that the effects of acetate extend to another important immune subset involved in tolerance, the IL-10–producing regulatory B cells (B10 cells). Acetate directly promoted B10 cell differentiation from mouse B1a cells both in vivo and in vitro. These effects were linked to metabolic changes through the increased production of acetyl-coenzyme A, which fueled the TCA cycle and promoted posttranslational lysine acetylation. Acetate also promoted B10 cells from human blood cells through similar mechanisms. Finally, we identified that dietary fiber supplementation in healthy individuals was associated with increased blood-derived B10 cells. Direct delivery of acetate or indirect delivery via diets or bacteria that produce acetate might be a promising approach to restore B10 cells in noncommunicable diseases.

Granulocytes and Cells of Granulocyte Origin-The Relevant Players in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancy and cause of cancer death worldwide, and it still remains a therapeutic challenge for western medicine. There is strong evidence that, in addition to genetic predispositions, environmental factors have also a substantial impact in CRC development. The risk of CRC is attributed, among others to dietary habits, alcohol consumption, whereas physical activity, food containing dietary fiber, dairy products, and calcium supplements have a protective effect. Despite progress in the available therapies, surgery remains a basic treatment option for CRC. Implementation of additional methods of treatment such as chemo- and/or targeted immunotherapy, improved survival rates, however, the results are still far from satisfactory. One of the reasons may be the lack of deeper understanding of the interactions between the tumor and different types of cells, including tumor infiltrating granulocytes. While the role of neutrophils is quite well explored in many cancers, role of eosinophils and basophils is often underestimated. As part of this review, we focused on the function of different granulocyte subsets in CRC, emphasizing the beneficial role of eosinophils and basophils, as well as dichotomic mode of neutrophils action. In addition, we addressed the current knowledge on cells of granulocyte origin, specifically granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (Gr-MDSCs) and their role in development and progression of CRC.

Using the Major Components (Cellulose, Hemicellulose, and Lignin) of Phyllostachys praecox Bamboo Shoot as Dietary Fiber.

Bamboo shoots are a renewable and abundant biomass containing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Although many studies have explored the applications of each of these components in the preparation of biochemicals and biopolymers, few studies have evaluated the utility of these components as a dietary fiber supplement. In this study, a powder consisting of the main components of bamboo shoots (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) was prepared from fresh Phyllostachys praecox shoots and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. To evaluate the potential utility of these components as a dietary fiber supplement, we conducted an experiment in which this powder was supplemented in the diet of mice for 7 weeks. The experiment included three diet groups (n = 10/group): a low-fat control diet (LFC), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with bamboo shoot powder (HFBSP). Compared with HFD mice, the body weights of LFC and HFBSP mice were lower, indicating that the addition of bamboo shoot powder could reduce the weight gain associated with the HFD. Bamboo shoot powder supplementation could also reduce the levels of triglycerides (TG), blood glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in HFD mice. The fat histology images indicated that obesity was alleviated in HFBSP mice, and the liver histology images indicated that the addition of bamboo shoot powder to the HFD could reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. The addition of bamboo shoot powder to the HFD might also improve the gut microbiota of mice. Thus, the major components of bamboo shoot powder (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) could be used as beneficial natural additives in the food industry.

The Role of Dietary Fiber Supplementation in Regulating Uremic Toxins in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The results of previously published meta-analyses showed that dietary fiber could reduce the levels of p-cresyl sulfate, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, these results were based on some trials with pre-post design and randomized controlled trials of low quality. Additionally, it has been suggested that the dosage and duration of fiber supplementation and patients' characteristics potentially influence the effect of dietary fiber in reducing uremic toxins, but it would appear that no research has provided reliable evidence. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method using random effects models and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was quantified by I2. Publication bias was evaluated by Egger's test. Ten randomized controlled trials involving 292 patients with CKD were identified. Dietary fiber supplementation can significantly reduce the levels of indoxyl sulfate (SMD=-0.55, 95% CI=-1.04, -0.07, P=.03), p-cresyl sulfate (SMD=-0.47, 95% CI=-0.82, -0.13, P<.01), blood urea nitrogen (SMD=-0.31, 95% CI=-0.58, -0.03, P=.03), and uric acid (SMD=-0.60, 95% CI=-1.02, -0.18, P<.01), but not on reducing creatinine (SMD=-0.31, 95% CI=-0.73, 0.11, P=.14). In subgroup analyses, the reduction of indoxyl sulfate was more obvious among patients on dialysis than patients not on dialysis (P for interaction=.03); the reduction of creatinine was more obvious among patients without diabetes than those with diabetes (P for interaction <.01). This meta-analysis indicates that dietary fiber supplementation can significantly reduce the levels of uremic toxins in patients with CKD, with evidence for a more obvious effect of patients on dialysis and without diabetes. These findings inform recommendations for using dietary fiber to reducing the uremic toxin among CKD patients in clinical practice.