Fructooligosaccharides Research Articles

The effects of two dietary synbiotics on growth performance, hematological parameters, and nonspecific immune responses in Japanese Eel.

Feed additives have attracted increased attention in aquaculture due to their ability to modulate fish gut microbiota, resulting in improved fish growth and immunity. This study assessed the effects of two synbiotics in Japanese Eel Anguilla japonica: Bacillus subtilis with mannooligosaccharides (MOS) and Enterococcus faecium with fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Six diets, including a control (CON) diet, oxytetracycline (OTC) diet, and four synbiotic diets (B. subtilis at 1 × 106 or 1 × 107 colony-forming units [CFU]/g with MOS at 5 g/kg [BS6MO and BS7MO; collectively, BSMOS diets] and E. faecium at 1 × 106 or 1 × 107 CFU/g with FOS at 5 g/kg [EF6FO and EF7FO; collectively, EFFOS diets]), were fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish (average weight ± SD = 6.00 ± 0.07 g) for 8 weeks. Fish fed the BSMOS diets showed significantly higher weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency compared to fish fed the CON and OTC diets, but the values were not significantly different from those of fish fed the EFFOS diets. Weight gain and SGR of fish that were given EFFOS diets were not significantly different from those of fish fed all other diets. Fish fed the OTC diet showed a higher mean aspartate aminotransferase level, although the difference was not statistically significant. The myeloperoxidase activity of fish fed the BS7MO diet was significantly higher than those of fish receiving all other diets, and the superoxide dismutase activity of fish fed the BS7MO diet was also significantly higher than that of fish fed the EF7FO diet. Overall, the BSMOS synbiotic diets were significantly more effective than the CON diet in enhancing fish survival against a Vibrio anguillarum challenge. Our findings suggest that synbiotics can be a preferable alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture.

Exploring the prebiotic characteristics of crude polysaccharides from coconut testa flour: A comparative analysis of local cultivar

Crude polysaccharides (CPs) of coconut testa flour (CTF) of five local cultivars; Commercial hybrid (COM), Gon Thembili (GT), Ran Thembili (RT), San Ramon (SR), and Tall × Tall (TT) were isolated in this study to examine to evaluate potential prebiotic properties and structural characteristics. The isolated CPs were subjected to FTIR analysis to identify functional groups of biomolecules. Digestibility tests were performed on CPs of different coconut cultivars using artificial human gastric juice. CPs were applied to Lactobacillus sp. and Escherichia coli to evaluate their proliferation in vitro. FTIR results showed that the occurrence of peaks between 1200 cm−1 – 1000 cm−1 was indicative of the presence of C–O side groups and C–O–C glycosidic bonds. CPs of all cultivars displayed strong resistance to hydrolysis (94–97 %) by human gastric juice when compared to inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The higher proliferation of Lactobacillus sp. was detected on all five CPs when compared to that of glucose. The SR cultivar (1.09) showed a higher prebiotic activity score compared to fructooligosaccharides (0.92) and inulin (0.81). These findings suggest that CPs isolated from CTF of local coconut cultivars possess potential prebiotic characteristics that can be used in the preparation of functional foods. Further studies on this aspect are granted to enable the effective use of CTF in promoting human gut health.

IMMOBILIZATION OF A MICROBIAL FRUCTOSYLTRANSFERASE ON BIOCHAR AND BIOCHAR FUNCTIONALIZED WITH GLUTARALDEHYDE AIMING AT FRUCTOOLIGOSSACHARIDES PRODUCTION

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a group of carbohydrates that have fructose units, with a glucose molecule at the end. These are structures that can be found in a wide variety of vegetables, being also produced chemically by the enzymatic transfructosylation reaction of sucrose. The present work aimed at the immobilization of the extracellular FTase enzyme from Aspergillus oryzae-IPT-301 on Eucalyptus biochar and Eucalyptus biochar functionalized with glutaraldehyde, for the enzymatic conversion of sucrose into FOS. Immobilization and reuse tests were carried out and immobilization yield and recovered activity calculated. The immobilization yield (IY) and recovered activity (RA) of the FTase immobilized on biochar were, 10.92% and 77.67%, respectively. The IY and RA of the FTase immobilized on the functionalized biochar were, 22.44% and 96.51%, respectively. The enzyme immobilized on functionalized biochar demonstrated transfructosylation activity for more cycles than the enzyme immobilized on biochar. The use of glutaraldehyde allowed 48% of initial enzymatic activity in the third cycle. Analyzes were conducted up to the sixth cycle, however, only 7% of initial enzymatic activity was achieved in the final cycle. These results suggest that functionalized biochar stands out as a support material for FTase immobilization aiming at FOS production catalyzed on heterogeneous biocatalysts.

Endurance exercise associated with a fructooligosaccharide diet modulates gut microbiota and increases colon absorptive area.

Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation can stimulate beneficial intestinal bacteria growth, but little is known about its influence on training performance. Therefore, this study analyzed FOS and exercise effects on gut microbiota and intestinal morphology of C57Bl/6 mice. Forty male mice were divided into four groups: standard diet-sedentary (SDS), standard diet-exercised (SDE), FOS supplemented (7.5% FOS)-sedentary (FDS), and FOS supplemented-exercised (FDE), n = 10 each group. Exercise training consisted of 60 min/day, 3 days/week, for 12 weeks. SDE and FDE groups had an increase in aerobic performance compared to the pretraining period and SDS and FDS groups (P< 0.01), respectively. Groups with FOS increased colonic crypts size (P< 0.05). The FDE group presented rich microbiota (α-diversity) compared to other groups. The FDE group also acquired a greater microbial abundance (β-diversity) than other groups. The FDE group had a decrease in the Ruminococcaceae (P< 0.002) and an increase in Roseburia (P< 0.003), Enterorhabdus (P< 0.004) and Anaerotruncus (P< 0.006). These findings suggest that aerobic exercise associated with FOS supplementation modulates gut microbiota and can increase colonic crypt size without improving endurance exercise performance.

Fructooligosaccharides Intake during Pregnancy Improves Metabolic Phenotype of Offspring in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Obesity and metabolic diseases are closely associated, and individuals who become obese are also prone to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Gut microbiota is mediated by diet and can influence host metabolism and the incidence of metabolic disorders. Recent studies have suggested that improving gut microbiota through a fructooligosaccharide (FOS)-supplemented diet may ameliorate obesity and other metabolic disorders. Although accumulating evidence supports the notion of the developmental origins of health and disease, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. ICR mice are fed AIN-93G formula-based cellulose -, FOS-, acetate-, or propionate-supplemented diets during pregnancy. Offspring are reared by conventional ICR foster mothers for 4 weeks; weaned mice are fed high fat diet for 12 weeks and housed individually. The FOS and propionate offspring contribute to suppressing obesity and improving glucose intolerance. Gut microbial compositions in FOS-fed mothers and their offspring are markedly changed. However, the beneficial effect of FOS diet on the offspring is abolished when antibiotics are administered to pregnant mice. The findings highlight the link between the maternal gut environment and the developmental origin of metabolic syndrome in offspring. These results open novel research avenues into preemptive therapies for metabolic disorders by targeting the maternal gut microbiota.

Impact of a varied combinatorial mixture of β-1, 3 glucan and fructooligosaccharides on growth performance, metabolism, intestinal morphometry, expression of antioxidant-related genes, immunity, and protection against Vibrio alginolyticus in Red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus)

Immunosaccharides such as β-glucans and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) strengthen the host’s immune responses. This study examined the influences of three levels of the β-1, 3 glucan-FOS combination on Red tilapia performance. Four diets were prepared: T0 as a control, while T0.5, T1, and T1.5 indicate the addition of β-1, 3 glucan-FOS mixture at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, respectively. Then, 240 red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus) (weight 6.1 ± 0.07gm) were allocated into four groups, and every group was fed tested diets for 56 days. After the feeding trial, growth parameters, erythrogram profile, liver and kidney function testes, glucose, histopathological analysis, and gene expressions for antioxidants, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) besides growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF1-related markers were assessed. Red tilapia fed T0.5, T1, and T1.5 exhibited consistent growth, survival rate, and homeostasis compared with the control group. Different supplement concentrations displayed varying levels of responses. The hepatorenal biomarkers (alanine transaminase (ALT = SGPT) and aspartate transaminase (AST = SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP = ALK), urea, and creatinine) and glucose showed a significant reduction in the supplemented groups compared with the control, especially in the T1 and T1.5 groups. The intestinal morphometric study revealed that fish group fed on T1 represented the best result, whereas group T1.5, followed by group T0.5, was moderately treated, compared to the control. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis displayed up-regulated expression of antioxidant and growth-correlated genes in the T1.5 groups. After 56 days, the β-1,3 glucan-FOS fed groups also exhibited an increase in survival rates compared to the control when challenged with a pathogenic Vibrio alginolyticus. Current findings suggest that inclusion of β-1,3 glucan-FOS in diets could enhance red tilapia biochemical parameters, growth, and protection against pathogenic V. alginolyticus infection.

Effects of film-forming components on the viability of probiotics and the application of synbiotic pectin film in preserving Da Xanh pomelo and Thai jackfruit fresh-cut.

Minimally processed products are highly convenient, and fresh-cut fruits coated with the synbiotic film have many advantages. This study investigated the film-forming components and preservation ability of Da Xanh pomelo and Thai jackfruit fresh-cut by synbiotic pectin film. The results showed that PA70 film combined with 1.5% FOS (fructooligosaccharides) had the highest number of viable cells of L. plantarum after 30days of storage at 5°C. The number of probiotic cells existing on fresh-cut products of Da Xanh pomelo and Thai jackfruit was always high (> 8 log CFU/g) and stable during 10days of storage. In addition, jackfruit and pomelo fresh-cut preserved with probiotic film also showed probiotic activity in simulated stomach and small intestine medium with the number of probiotic cells (> 6 log CFU/g) and survival cell ratio after 4h in small intestine medium reached 81.20 ± 0.92% (pomelo) and 82.16 ± 0.94% (Thai jackfruit).

Appetite sensation improvement by synbiotic supplementation in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

The potential link between dysbiosis, features of metabolic syndrome (MetS), inflammation, and sensation impairment has been recently recognized. However, in this context, there are few indications available regarding the effects of co-supplementation with Bacillus indicus, Bacillus coagulans, and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) prebiotics on patients with MetS. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on glycemic indices, inflammatory biomarkers, and appetite among adults with MetS. This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in the Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center outpatient clinic in Isfahan, Iran. Fifty-eight MetS patients were randomly assigned to receive either synbiotics (n = 29) or placebo (n = 29) supplementation twice per day for 8 weeks. Finally, 55 patients were recruited for analyses (28 in the intervention group and 27 in the placebo group). Random permuted blocks and a computer-generated random number table were used for treatment allocation. No adverse effects were reported during the study. There were no significant differences in glycemic indices and inflammatory markers within- and between groups (all p > .05). However, a significant increase in the sensation of fullness was documented in the synbiotic group. In conclusion, the eight-week treatment did not improve glycemic control and inflammatory markers. Nevertheless, it demonstrated potential efficacy in enhancing participants' appetite sensations, warranting further evaluation in longer intervention periods during future clinical trials.

Tailored chitosan integration in diatomaceous earth particles as a scaffold for fructosyltransferase immobilization in fructo-oligosaccharide production.

Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) belongs to the group of short inulin-type fructans and is one of the most important non-digestible bifid-oligosaccharides capable of biotransforming sucrose using fructosyltransferase (FTase). However, there are no immobilized FTase products that can be successfully used industrially. In this study, diatomite was subjected to extrusion, sintering and granulation to form diatomaceous earth particles that were further modified via chitosan aminomethylation for modification. FTase derived from Aspergillus oryzae was successfully immobilized on the modified support via covalent binding. The immobilized enzyme activity was 503 IU g-1 at an enzyme concentration of 0.6 mg mL-1, immobilization pH of 7.0 and contact time of 3 h. Additionally, the immobilization yield was 56.91%. Notably, the immobilized enzyme was more stable under acidic conditions. Moreover, the half-life of the immobilized enzyme was 20.80 and 10.96 times as long as that of the free enzyme at 45 and 60 °C, respectively. The results show good reusability, as evidenced by the 84.77% retention of original enzyme activity after eight cycles. Additionally, the column transit time of the substrate was 35.56 min when the immobilized enzyme was applied in a packed-bed reactor. Furthermore, a consistently high FOS production yield of 60.68% was achieved and maintained over the 15-day monitoring period. Our results suggest that immobilized FTase is a viable candidate for continuous FOS production on an industrial scale. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enzyme-assisted hydrolysis and microencapsulation for production of functional food with dietary fructooligosaccharides from Nam Dok Mai mango (Mangifera indica L.)

This research aimed to develop a mango juice microcapsule with high fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content using enzymatic hydrolysis with Novozym® 960 and Pectinex® Ultra SP-L. Enzymatic hydrolysis was done by varying factors which included enzyme concentration (0.1 and 0.2 mL Novozym® 960/100 mL sample and 0.5 and 1.0 mL Pectinex® Ultra SP-L/100 mL sample), incubation temperature (45–55 °C) and incubation time (60 and 120 min). Using 0.2 mL/100 mL sample of Novozym® 960 reduced sugar content by converting 80% of sucrose and increasing FOS levels by 20%. The optimal condition for spray drying increased-FOS mango juice microcapsules were established with 160 °C inlet temperature. Encapsulating agents were; resistant maltodextrin (RM), gum arabic (GA), and a combination of both at 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 v/v ratios. Microcapsule powders exhibited a light greenish-yellow hue and optimal conditions involved a 3:1 ratio of RM and GA (GRM), which exhibited the highest phenolic compounds, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity (p ≤ 0.05). Microcapsules stored in vacuum-sealed aluminum bags best maintained physicochemical and microbial quality over a 45-day period. Microencapsulated mango juice has potential to be used in the food industry, including its role in beverage production and as a component in functional foods.

Revolutionizing Renewable Resources: Cutting-Edge Trends and Future Prospects in the Valorization of Oligosaccharides

Lignocellulosic wastes, primarily from agricultural by-products, are a renewable resource increasingly used in the sustainable production of oligosaccharides, significantly contributing to the growing bioeconomy. This innovative utilization of biological resources aligns with the global shift towards sustainable development, focusing on creating products such as food, feed, and bioenergy from renewable sources. Oligosaccharides, specialized carbohydrates, are synthesized either chemically or more eco-friendly, biologically. Biological synthesis often involves enzymes or whole-cell systems to transform lignocellulosic wastes into these valuable sugars. As functional food supplements, oligosaccharides play a crucial role in human and animal health. They serve as prebiotics, indigestible components that promote the proliferation of beneficial gut microbiota, especially within the colon. This positive impact on gut flora is essential for boosting the immune system and regulating physiological functions. Important prebiotics, including galactooligosaccharides (GOS), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), and isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOS), are produced through methods involving enzymes or the use of whole cells, with agricultural waste as substrates. Recent advancements focus on refining these biological processes for oligosaccharide synthesis using lignocellulosic substrates, emphasizing the principles of a circular bioeconomy, which promotes resource reuse and recycling. This review highlights the potential and challenges in the biological synthesis of oligosaccharides from renewable resources. It underscores the need for innovation in process optimization and commercialization strategies to fully exploit lignocellulosic wastes. This approach not only contributes to sustainable product development, but also opens new avenues for the profitable and environmentally friendly utilization of agricultural residues, marking a significant step forward in the bio-based industry.

Development of a Plant-Based Beverage with Synbiotic Potential Using Anthocyanin-Rich Fruits

ABSTRACT The complex composition and high acidity of anthocyanin-rich fruit beverages are challenging factors for the viability of probiotics and the sensory properties of potential synbiotic beverages. The purpose of this study e was to determine a set of adequate conditions to obtain a plant-based beverage with synbiotic potential containing anthocyanins. A fruit beverage was formulated, and one of four potential prebiotic fibers was selected based on physicochemical changes and the assessment of prebiotic index and activity of the fibers toward two different potential probiotic starters. A conglomerate of probiotics (Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) were selected as an adequate probiotic/prebiotic combination. The product demonstrated preservation of anthocyanins content, synbiotic potential, microbiological safety, and good consumer acceptability, containing viable counts > 3 log higher than the minimum dose established to guarantee a probiotic effect during all shelf life (28 days).

Fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation enhances the growth of nursing dairy calves while stimulating the persistence of Bifidobacterium and hindgut microbiome's maturation

The colonization and development of the gut microbiome in dairy calves play a crucial role in their overall health and future productivity. Despite the widely proposed benefits of inulin-related products on the host, there is insufficient information about how supplementing fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) affects the colonization and development of the gut microbiome in calves. In a randomized intervention trial involving newborn male Holstein dairy calves, we investigated the effect of FOS on the calf hindgut microbiome, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), growth performance, and the incidence of diarrhea. The daily administration of FOS exhibited a time-dependent increase in the ADG and the concentration of SCFA. Concurrently, FOS delayed the natural decline of Bifidobacterium, promoting the maturation and stabilization of the hindgut microbiome. These findings not only contribute to a theoretical understanding of the judicious application of prebiotics but also hold significant practical implications for the design of early life dietary interventions in the rearing of dairy calves.

Effect of complex prebiotics on Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 fermented soymilk: Physicochemical, flavor characteristics, and metabolites

Fermented soymilk reduces its overall acceptability due to its unpleasant flavor, but synergistic fermentation of soymilk with prebiotics and probiotics may be an effective way to improve its flavor. In this study, soymilk was fermented by adding 3% complex prebiotics (fructose oligosaccharides (FOS): inulin: galactose oligosaccharides (GOS) = 2: 2: 1) in synergy with Lactobacillus gasseri JM1. The study found that by increasing the viscosity of soymilk (2528.80 ± 132.07 cP), which in turn increased its water holding capacity (52.07 ± 2.02%). Based on GC-MS, metabolomics, and multivariate statistical PCA analysis, 2,3-butanedione, 2,3-pentanedione, 2-butanone, and acetoin were found to be significant modifiers of soymilk flavor compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No odors such as 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, etc. were detected. In addition, relatively high levels of isoflavonoids such as genistein and daidzein have also been found. This study provides ideas and baseline data for research related to soymilk product innovation, flavor extension, and quality improvement.

A 21-day safety evaluation of biotechnologically produced 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) in neonatal farm piglets to support use in infant formulas

3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL) is one of the most abundant fucosylated oligosaccharides in human breast milk and is an approved infant formula ingredient world-wide. 3-FL functions as a prebiotic to promote early microbial colonization of the gut, increase pathogen resistance and modulate immune responses. To investigate safety and potential gut microbiota effects, 3-FL was fed for 21-days to farm piglets beginning on Postnatal Day (PND) 2. Fructooligosaccharide (FOS), an approved infant formula ingredient, was used as a reference control. Standard toxicological endpoints were evaluated, and the gut microbiota were assessed. Neither 3-FL (245.77 and 489.72 mg/kg/day for males and 246.57 and 494.18 mg/kg/day for females) nor FOS (489.44 and 496.33 mg/kg/day males and females, respectively) produced any adverse differences in growth, food intake or efficiency, clinical observations, or clinical or anatomic pathology changes. Differences in the gut microbiota after 3-FL consumption (versus control and FOS groups) included the absence of Bifidobacterium species from the piglets, enrichment of Prevotellamassilia timonensis, Blautia species, Mediterranea massiliensis, Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis, and Eubacterium coprostanoligens and lower relative abundance of Allisonella histaminiformans and Roseburia inulinivorans. This study further supports the safe use of 3-FL produced using biotechnology as a nutritional ingredient in foods.

The effect of in vitro simulated colonic pH gradients on microbial activity and metabolite production using common prebiotics as substrates

BackgroundThe interplay between gut microbiota (GM) and the metabolization of dietary components leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is affected by a range of factors including colonic pH and carbohydrate source. However, there is still only limited knowledge on how the GM activity and metabolite production in the gastrointestinal tract could be influenced by pH and the pH gradient increases along the colon.ResultsHere we investigate the effect of pH gradients corresponding to levels typically found in the colon on GM composition and metabolite production using substrates inulin, lactose, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) in an in vitro colon setup. We investigated 3 different pH regimes (low, 5.2 increasing to 6.4; medium, 5.6 increasing to 6.8 and high, 6.0 increasing to 7.2) for each fecal inoculum and found that colonic pH gradients significantly influenced in vitro simulated GM structure, but the influence of fecal donor and substrate was more pronounced. Low pH regimes strongly influenced GM with the decreased relative abundance of Bacteroides spp. and increased Bifidobacterium spp. Higher in vitro simulated colonic pH promoted the production of SCFAs in a donor- and substrate-dependent manner. The butyrate producer Butyricimonas was enriched at higher pH conditions, where also butyrate production was increased for inulin. The relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, Bacteroides, and Rikenellaceae also increased at higher colonic pH, which was accompanied by increased production of propionate with GOS and FOS as substrates.ConclusionsTogether, our results show that colonic substrates such as dietary fibres influence GM composition and metabolite production, not only by being selectively utilized by specific microbes, but also because of their SCFA production, which in turn also influences colonic pH and overall GM composition and activity. Our work provides details about the effect of the gradients of rising pH from the proximal to distal colon on fermenting dietary substrates in vitro and highlights the importance of considering pH in GM research.

Effective synthesis of high-content fructooligosaccharides in engineered Aspergillus niger

BackgroundAspergillus niger ATCC 20611 is an industrially important fructooligosaccharides (FOS) producer since it produces the β-fructofuranosidase with superior transglycosylation activity, which is responsible for the conversion of sucrose to FOS accompanied by the by-product (glucose) generation. This study aims to consume glucose to enhance the content of FOS by heterologously expressing glucose oxidase and peroxidase in engineered A. niger.ResultsGlucose oxidase was successfully expressed and co-localized with β-fructofuranosidase in mycelia. These mycelia were applied to synthesis of FOS, which possessed an increased purity of 60.63% from 52.07%. Furthermore, peroxidase was expressed in A. niger and reached 7.70 U/g, which could remove the potential inhibitor of glucose oxidase to facilitate the FOS synthesis. Finally, the glucose oxidase-expressing strain and the peroxidase-expressing strain were jointly used to synthesize FOS, which content achieved 71.00%.ConclusionsThis strategy allows for obtaining high-content FOS by the multiple enzymes expressed in the industrial fungus, avoiding additional purification processes used in the production of oligosaccharides. This study not only facilitated the high-purity FOS synthesis, but also demonstrated the potential of A. niger ATCC 20611 as an enzyme-producing cell factory.

Fructooligosaccharides Supplementation: A Good Choice for the Prevention and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

Background and objectives: Carbohydrates such as fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are associated with improved gastrointestinal health and the prevention of excess body fat. We evaluated the long-term effects of high amounts of FOS on metabolic parameters, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Methods: Sixty C57BL/6 mice received the following diets for four months: control (C), normolipid rich in fiber (F), normolipid supplemented with FOS (FOS), high fat (HL), high fat with high fiber (HLF) and high fat with FOS (HLFOS). We analyzed the animal weight; body composition; food intake; fasting blood glucose; serum and liver lipid profiles; liver and intestinal histologies; malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic retinol and α-tocopherol; and SCFAs in the feces. Results: Supplementation with FOS in a high-fat diet promoted less body weight gain and reduced liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue weights compared to HL and HF. FOS prevented NASH and decreased alanine aminotransferase and serum cholesterol levels in experimental animal models of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). There were statistical differences found in the dosages of the three main SCFAs in feces (acetic, isobutyric and isovaleric acids). Conclusions: Long-term supplementation with high doses of FOS was effective in reducing weight, adiposity, NAFLD and serum cholesterol in C57BL mice with obesity and MS induced by a high-fat diet.

Prebiotics modulate the microbiota–gut–brain axis and ameliorate anxiety and depression-like behavior in HFD-fed mice

Previous research has demonstrated that Prebiotics can influence the composition of the gut microbiota, consequently impacting mood regulation. This study aimed to assess the effects of Prebiotics, specifically Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) on neuroinflammation, depression, and anxiety-like behavior in a mouse model fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Initially, mice were divided into two groups: a control group on a standard diet (n = 15) and a group on an HFD for 18 weeks (n = 45). By the 13th week, the HFD group was further divided into experimental groups: Control (n = 15), HFD (n = 15), HFD receiving Prebiotics (n = 15), and HFD receiving Fluoxetine (n = 15). From the 13th week onward, the HFD + Prebiotics group received both the high-fat diet and a combination of FOS and GOS, while the HFD + Fluoxetine group received Fluoxetine in their drinking water. In the 18th week, all mice underwent tests to evaluate behavior, including the Tail Suspension Test (TST), Forced Swimming Test (FST), Sucrose Preference Test (SPT), and the Plus Maze Test (PMT), after which they were euthanized. Mice on the HFD exhibited increased body weight, abdominal size, blood glucose, triglyceride levels, cholesterol, insulin, HOMA index, and higher serum IL-1β. These obese mice also displayed an increased number of microglia and astrocytes, activation of the TLR4 pathway, and elevated levels of neuroinflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2. Moreover, obese mice showed increased activation of the IDO pathway and decreased levels of NMDA receptors. Additionally, markers of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, such as PSD, SAP 102, CREB-p, and BDNF, were lower. Treatment with FOS and GOS reversed symptoms of depression and anxiety in mice subjected to HD. This improvement in behavior resulted from a reduction in dysbiosis with an increase in acetate-producing bacteria (B. acidifaciens and B. dorei) and intestinal permeability, leading to a decrease in chronic peripheral and central inflammation. Furthermore, the modulation of the gut-brain axis by FOS and GOS promoted elevated acetate and GPR43 levels in the brain and a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, positively impacting signaling pathways of neuronal proliferation and survival in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

Fructooligosaccharides act on the gut-bone axis to improve bone independent of Tregs and alter osteocytes in young adult C57BL/6 female mice.

Targeting the gut-bone axis with probiotics and prebiotics is considered as a promising strategy to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Gut-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFA) mediate the effects of probiotics on bone via Tregs, but it is not known whether prebiotics act through a similar mechanism. We investigated how 2 different prebiotics, tart cherry (TC) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS), affect bone, and whether Tregs are required for this response. Eight-wk-old C57BL/6 female mice were fed with diets supplemented with 10% w/w TC, FOS, or a control diet (Con; AIN-93M) diet, and they received an isotype control or CD25 Ab to suppress Tregs. The FOS diet increased BMC, density, and trabecular bone volume in the vertebra (~40%) and proximal tibia (~30%) compared to the TC and control diets (Con), irrespective of CD25 treatment. Both prebiotics increased (P <.01) fecal SCFAs, but the response was greater with FOS. To determine how FOS affected bone cells, we examined genes involved in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and activity as well as genes expressed by osteocytes. The FOS increased the expression of regulators of osteoblast differentiation (bone morphogenetic protein 2 [Bmp2], Wnt family member 10b [Wnt10b] and Osterix [Osx]) and type 1 collagen). Osteoclasts regulators were unaltered. The FOS also increased the expression of genes associated with osteocytes, including (Phex), matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (Mepe), and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (Dmp-1). However, Sost, the gene that encodes for sclerostin was also increased by FOS as the number and density of osteocytes increased. These findings demonstrate that FOS has a greater effect on the bone mass and structure in young adult female mice than TC and that its influence on osteoblasts and osteocytes is not dependent on Tregs.