Inulin Group Research Articles

Effects of pre-treatment with inulin on the kidney in lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia in rats.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of inulin used as prebiotic on the kidney in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia model. Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: Control group, LPS (endotoxemia) group, Inulin + LPS group in which LPS (1.5 mg/kg, E. coli, Serotype 0111: B4) was treated after inulin (500 mg/kg) given by gavage for 21 days and Inulin group. The animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last LPS injection. Kidney samples were taken for biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) values were determined. In addition, kidney sections were stained for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukine-6 (IL-6) expression, and leukocyte infiltration. LPS caused oxidative stress and inflammation. Inulin administration could prevent oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, inulin decreased iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 expression. However, it did not change the distribution of leukocytes in kidney tissues. These results suggest to promising benefits of inulin as prebiotic in reducing the effects of endotoxemia. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the capacity of prebiotics in endotoxemia.

Effect of polysaccharide fractions from Fortunella margarita on the fecal microbiota of mice and SCFA production in vitro

Fortunella margarita polysaccharides (FMPS) are composed of 4 polysaccharide fragments, namely mannogalactoglucan, galactoglucan, glucan and arabinoglucan. This study investigated the in vitro fermentation of FMPS fractions and their effect on the fecal microbiota of mice and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. The results showed that the structure of the fecal microbiota was changed after FMPS fermentation. At the phylum level, the polysaccharide fractions reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes compared with the inulin group. At the genus level, the polysaccharide fractions increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, and decreased the abundance of Granulicatella, Proteus and Rummeliibacillus. Polysaccharide fractions could promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus), and decreased harmful bacteria (Granulicatella, Proteus, Rummeliibacillus and Serratia). Furthermore, there was a significant distinction in the genus level flora processed by different polysaccharide fractions, especially mannogalactoglucan. Polysaccharide fractions showed potential prebiotic effects, with mannogalactoglucan, in particular, promoting proliferation of SCFA-producing bacteria. SCFAs were regulated by monosaccharide composition, molecular weight of the FMPS fractions, and the composition of the fecal bacteria. Polysaccharide fractions could modulate metabolic function of the fecal microbiota, altering the levels of SCFAs. These results suggested that FMPS are important functional components in gut health, especially mannogalactoglucan.

Short-Chain Inulin Modulates the Cecal Microbiota Structure of Leptin Knockout Mice in High-Fat Diet.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of short-chain inulin on cecal microbiota of high-fat diet-fed leptin knockout mice and the different influences of cecal microbiota on wild-type and leptin knockout mice. A total of 18 specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6J wild-type mice and 18 C57BL/6J leptin knockout mice (OB/OB mice) were selected. Mice were divided into six groups according to their genotype: wild-type mice have three groups, including the normal diet group (CT), 60% high-fat diet group (CH), and 60% high fat with 10% short-chain inulin group (CHI); OB/OB mice were also divided into three groups, including the normal diet group (OT), 60% high-fat diet group (OH), and 60% high fat with 10% short-inulin group (OHI). The mice were fed for 8 weeks to analyze the diversity of cecal microbiota. The results show that compared with CH and OH, the variety of cecal microbiota was significantly reduced in CH and OH and further reduced in CHI and OHI. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are the biomarkers in genus level. Dietary short-chain inulin significantly enhanced Bifidobacterium in OHI compared with OH (p < 0.01) and significantly reduced in CHI and compared with CH (p < 0.01). Lactobacillus was significantly enhanced in CHI and OHI compared with CH and OH, respectively (p < 0.01). Blautia was significantly enhanced in CH and OH compared with other groups (p < 0.01). Both Escherichia-Shigella and Enterococcus were significantly reduced in CHI and OHI, compared with CH and OH, respectively (p < 0.05). Escherichia-Shigella was even lower than CT and OT in CHI and OHI. Functional prediction of microbial communities showed that the abundance of amino acid sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) in CH and OH, and OH was significantly higher than CH (p < 0.05). Among the leptin knockout groups, PICRUSt2 function prediction showed that the fatty acid metabolism pathway significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in OHI and OT compared with OH. In conclusion, short-chain inulin modulated the dysbiosis induced by high-fat diet, improved probiotics growth and inhibited conditioned pathogenic bacteria, and the influences were significantly different in wild-type and leptin knockout mice.

Inulin and isomalto-oligosaccharide alleviate constipation and improve reproductive performance by modulating motility-related hormones, short-chain fatty acids, and feces microflora in pregnant sows.

Constipation in gestating and lactating sows is common and the inclusion of dietary fiber may help to alleviate this problem. We investigated the effects of inulin (INU) and isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), two sources of soluble dietary fiber, on gastrointestinal motility-related hormones, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), fecal microflora, and reproductive performance in pregnant sows. On day 64 of gestation, 30 sows were randomly divided into three groups and fed as follows: a basal diet, a basal diet with 0.5% INU, and a basal diet with 0.5% IMO. We found that INU and IMO significantly modulated the levels of gastrointestinal motility-related hormones, as evidenced by an increase in substance P (P < 0.05), and a decrease in the vasoactive intestinal peptide concentrations (P < 0.05), indicating the capacity of INU and IMO to alleviate constipation. Furthermore, IMO enhanced the concentrations of acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids in the feces (P < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing showed that IMO and INU increased the fecal microflora α- and β-diversity (P < 0.05). Methanobrevibacter was more abundant (P < 0.05), whereas the richness of Turicibacter was lower in the INU and IMO groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, IMO significantly increased litter size (P < 0.05). Overall, our findings indicate that INU and IMO can relieve constipation, optimize intestinal flora, and promote reproductive performance in pregnant sows.

Effects of β-glucan and inulin consumption on postprandial appetite, energy intake and food consumption in healthy females: A randomized controlled trial.

To date, several researchers have investigated the association between dietary fibre consumption and satiety. However, there is no study that includes both inulin and β-glucan to compare energy intake (EI) and satiety ratings. The current study investigated the effects of two dietary fibres, β-glucan and inulin, on satiety and food intake. The study was carried out among 24 woman over 18 years of age. The dietary fibres β-glucan (6 g/day) or inulin (6 g/day) were consumed by participants for five weeks. On the first and fifth week visits, the participants consumed a standard breakfast followed by an ad libitum test meal. Appetite was assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS) before and after breakfast. EI was measured at the test meal using plate waste. Both dietary fibres significantly reduced the VAS scores of hunger, prospective food consumption and desire to eat, and increased satiety compared with the control group. However, the area under curve data for the VAS scores did not exhibit a significant difference. Significant reductions in EI and anthropometric values between the first and fifth week measures were observed in both dietary fibre groups. Statistically significant changes occurred in the body weight [-1.25 (1.27) kg], body mass index [-0.41 (0.42) kg/m2], waist circumference [-1.25 (1.04) cm] and waist/hip ratio [-0.01(0.01)] in the β-glucan group, whereas a statistically significant change occurred in body fat percentage in the inulin group [-2.16% (7.49)]. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the participants consuming β-glucan over the course of the five weeks had less EI, felt less hunger and had more satiety.

PSVI-3 Gestational Inulin Supplementation Stabilizes Glucose Metabolism and Improves Reproductive Performance of Sows

Abstract The beneficial effects of dietary fiber on sows performance have been widely studied, but it’s still unclear how fermentable fiber affects sows glucose metabolism and reproduction. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of late gestational inulin supplementation on sows pre-farrowing glucose metabolism and reproductive performance. A total of 106 sows were allotted randomly to 2 groups, receiving either a control diet with 4% wheat flour, or a diet with 4% inulin, from gestation day 85 to 110, both diets met nutrient requirements expressed by NRC. On day 111, sows blood glucose was tested before a common lactation diet meal, then subsequent glucose levels were measured at 1, 2 and 3 hour after meal. Sows were weighed on initial, entry and weaning days. The numbers of live-born and stillborn piglets as well as mortality were recorded. Inulin supplementation didn’t affect sows average daily intake during lactation, and also no significant difference was observed in weaning bodyweight and backfat thickness between two groups. However, the relative wean to entry BW loss was significantly lower in inulin fed sows than control (11.3% vs 13.5%) (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, postprandial glucose response was less steep in inulin group compared with control, especially glucose concentration at 1h after meal was 10.2% higher in the control group sows. Although the sows farrowing duration was similar in two groups, inulin significantly increased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) proportion of born alive from 90.1% to 93.0% and reduced (P=0.10) still born from 7.3% to 5.4%. Post-foster mortality and livability did not differ between treatments, litter birth weight and average birth weight were not different either. In conclusion, Sows fed 4% inulin diet at late gestation tended to have lower weight loss, slower rate of postprandial blood glucose response and higher born alive and lower stillborn.

Effects of Jerusalem Artichoke Extract and Inulin on Blood Glucose Levels and Insulin Secretion in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Mice

Background To determine the effects of Jerusalem Artichoke extract (JAE) and inulin on blood glucose levels and insulin secretion in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Methods Thirty four mice were divided into a normal control group and three experimental groups: diabetic control, JAE, and inulin. STZ (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to induce diabetes in the three experimental groups. The JAE and inulin groups were fed 10 g/kg JAE or fed 1 g/kg inulin, respectively, for 6 weeks. Fasting glucose was checked weekly. After 6 weeks, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed, and the insulin level was checked. Results Four mice from the JAE group (n = 9) died and autopsies revealed inflammation and ulceration of skin lesions on the chest areas. Fasting glucose levels were not decreased in the inulin or JAE group relative to diabetic control group. In the OGTT at 60 minutes and 120 minutes, the serum glucose levels were significantly higher in the inulin group (572.6 ± 52.0 mg/dL and 555.8 ± 72.9 mg/dL, respectively) than in diabetic control group (484.3 ± 81.6 mg/dL and 467.3 ± 111.1 mg/dL, respectively). Insulin levels were not increased in the inulin group relative to the diabetic control group. Conclusion These results indicate that JAE and inulin might not be useful therapeutic strategies for diabetes mellitus and indiscreet intake of Jerusalem Artichoke could exacerbate to diabetes. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Glucose; Helianthus; Insulin; Inulin

Diet supplemented either with dried chicory root or chicory inulin significantly influence kidney and liver mineral content and antioxidative capacity in growing pigs

According to the Regulation No. 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and European Union Council, the use of antibiotics as a dietary supplements has been prohibited. It seems that the administration of prebiotics, instead of antibiotics, into the pig's diet, may regulate the intestinal microbiota and has a long-term health-related impact on the host. Inulin-type fructans can stimulate mineral absorption from the gut. Additionally, it may regulate energy metabolism and activate enzymatic mechanisms preventing oxidative stress. The goal of the present study was to estimate the influence of dietary supplementation with dried chicory root or native chicory inulin on 1) liver histology; 2) liver and kidney lipid metabolism indices, activity of selected enzymes, concentration of macro- and micronutrients and heavy metals; 3) blood plasma, liver and kidney oxidative stress biomarkers and 4) blood plasma water–electrolyte homeostasis indices in growing pigs. The nutritional study was conducted on 24 piglets assigned to 3 dietary groups (n = 8): control (C) fed a basal diet and two experimental groups receiving basal diet supplemented with 2% of inulin (IN) either 4% of dried chicory root (CR). The animals were fed with a group-specific diets for 40 days and then subjected to euthanasia. Subsequently, blood, liver and kidney samples were harvested for further processing. In the control and experimental groups, no apparent morphological abnormalities in the liver tissues were seen. The percent of periodic acid Schiff positive glycogen liver cells was significantly lower in the CR group as compared to C and IN groups (P < 0.001). Chicory root supplementation improved blood plasma prooxidative-antioxidative balance – PAB (P < 0.001) and liver PAB (P < 0.01) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances – thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (P < 0.05). Feeding the CR diet increased calcium (P < 0.001) and potassium (P < 0.05) and decreased cadmium (P ≥ 0.05) content in the liver when compared to the C group. Administration of the CR and IN diets increased selenium (Se) and sodium concentrations, whereas decreased zinc content both in the liver (P < 0.01; P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively) and in the kidney (P < 0.01; P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) of pigs. Additionally, a higher concentration of lead (P < 0.05) was observed in the kidney of pigs fed the CR diet. In conclusion, both dietary supplements had a potential to significantly improve the Se status and oxidoreductive homeostasis in growing pigs.

Inulin Exerts Beneficial Effects on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Modulating gut Microbiome and Suppressing the Lipopolysaccharide-Toll-Like Receptor 4-Mψ-Nuclear Factor-κB-Nod-Like Receptor Protein 3 Pathway via gut-Liver Axis in Mice

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disease worldwide with chronic low-grade inflammation and alteration of gut microbiota. Inulin (INU) has been confirmed to exhibit benefit for metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects and mechanism of INU on NAFLD inflammation via gut-liver axis. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal diet group (ND); high-fat diet group (HFD); ND with INU group (ND-INU); HFD with INU group (HFD-INU). After 14 weeks of feeding, mice were sacrificed and associated indications were investigated. Results: Significant increases of body weight, liver weight, liver biochemical aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, total cholesterol and pro-inflammatory indicators (Lipopolysaccharide, interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6), as well as a reduction of plasma IL-10 were observed in HFD group, while INU treatment restored these abnormal indicators. The ratio of hepatic macrophages (Mψs) and Toll-like receptor 4+ Mψs were both reduced with INU intervention. Nuclear factor-κB, nod-like receptor protein 3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein and caspase-1 were decreased in HFD-INU group. Additionally, the results of 16S rRNA sequencing and analysis showed that INU administration modulated the composition of gut microbial community in NAFLD mice by up-regulating the abundances of Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium as well as down-regulating the abundances of Blautia and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. Short-chain fatty acids including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, were increased with INU treatment. Correlation analysis revealed close relationships among inflammatory indicators, metabolic indicators as well as gut microbiota/its metabolite short-chain fatty acids. Conclusion: INU prevents NAFLD via modulating gut microbiota and suppressing Lipopolysaccharide-Toll-like receptor 4-Mψ-Nuclear factor-κB-nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammatory pathway via the gut-liver axis.

Incorporation effect of inulin and microbial transglutaminase on the gel properties of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) surimi

Surimi-based products with elasticity and specific shapes have received considerable notice in recent years. To ascertain the effects of inulin, microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and the combination of inulin/MTGase on gel formation of silver carp surimi, the gel strength, textural properties, water-holding capacity (WHC), dynamic rheological measurements, Raman spectroscopy, light microscopy of gel structure and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of gels from different groups were analyzed. The results showed that addition of inulin, MTGase and MTGase + inulin improved gel strength (increased by 7.7%, 26.8% and 38.56% compared with control group), textural properties and WHC. Raman spectroscopy proven that MTGase + inulin promoted the conversion of α-helixes to β-sheets and β-turns compared with other experimental and control groups. Pure surimi gelation contained a loose and non-heterogeneous network via light microscopy. With the addition of MTGase and inulin, the microstructure of surimi gelation became more compact and homogeneous, particularly the MTGase + inulin groups. Moreover, The SDS-PAGE pattern further disclosed that the MTGase + inulin had a weakened myosin heavy chain band, indicating that inulin could enhance the cross-linking effects of MTGase on myosin heavy chains. These data demonstrated inulin incorporating with MTGase may be a new and effective strategy to improve the gel properties of fish surimi.

Effects of dietary fibres on gut microbial metabolites and liver lipid metabolism in growing pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with wheat bran fibre, inulin and their combination on growth performance, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in caecum and colon and liver lipid metabolism in growing pigs. A total of 48 Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire cross-bred growing pigs (73±2days of age; 24.37±2.86kg) were allocated to four groups randomly, each group consisting of six pens with two pigs each. The pigs were fed a control diet (CON), a diet containing 2% wheat bran fibre (WB), a diet containing 2% inulin (IN), and a diet containing both of 1% wheat bran fibre and 1% inulin (MIX), respectively. The trial lasted for 28days. The results showed that MIX fed pigs had a higher percentage of fat in the liver than those fed the CON (p<.05). IN, WB or MIX feeding decreased the concentrations of acetate and total SCFAs in colon compared with CON (p<.01). Feeding WB or IN also decreased the colonic butyrate concentrations compared with CON (p<.01). However, the serum level of valeric acid was elevated in the IN, WB and MIX group (p<.01). MIX fed pigs tended to have lower levels of propionate in serum than the WB fed pigs (p=.098). MIX feeding enhanced the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis-related genes in liver compared with CON (p<.05). Feeding IN decreased the expression of bile acids synthesis-related genes in liver and increased mRNA expression of SCFAs transporter SLC16A1 in colon compared with CON (p<.05). In this study, these data indicated that the combined supplementation of wheat bran fibre and inulin decreased the SCFAs concentrations in the colon, enhanced the genes FAS and HNF-4α mRNA expression in liver and induced liver lipid accumulation in growing pigs.

Inulin alleviates hypersaline-stress induced oxidative stress and dysbiosis of gut microbiota in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study explored the alleviation of salinity-induced stress by adding dietary prebiotic inulin in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Tilapias were administrated with four levels of inulin (0, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8%) at the salinity of 16 psu (practical salinity unit) for 8 weeks, and meanwhile the tilapia fed the basal diet in freshwater were served as a freshwater control. The final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate increased but feed conversion ratio decreased in the 16 psu group compared to the freshwater group. These trends became more evident in groups of 16 psu + 0.2% inulin and 16 psu + 0.4% inulin, and the best growth was obtained in the 16 psu + 0.4% inulin group. SOD activity was significantly elevated while CAT and GST activities were markedly reduced in 16 psu group compared to the freshwater group, but these parameters returned to the freshwater group level when tilapia were fed with 0.4% inulin. Amylase and protease activities were significantly increased in 16 psu group compared to the freshwater group, but reduced and returned to the level of freshwater group by adding 0.2% and 0.4% inulin to the diet. The composition, α-diversity, and β-diversity of gut microbiota were disturbed in 16 psu group, but returned to the freshwater group pattern in 16 psu + 0.8% inulin group. The results show that dietary inulin is an effective feed additive to alleviate the oxidative stress and gut microbiota dysbiosis at 16 psu. This study suggests that dietary manipulation using inulin is a promising strategy to improve fish healthy under saline stress, and the optimal level of inulin supplementation to the diet is 0.4% for Nile tilapia at 16 psu.

Evaluation of Protective Role of Prebiotic Galacto-Oligosaccharides Against Colon Cancer

In the present study role of treated galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) synthesized from lactose (GOS) was assessed against development of colon cancer. Research was carried out in two phases, production of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide and assessment of their protective role against colon cancer. Greatest percentage of enzyme activity was observed at 6.5 pH and 37oC. Transgalactosylation process was accepted at 37°C by the using of enzymes with three different concentrations. Male Sprague Dawley rats going to treated galactooligosaccharides groups and inulin group had significantly lowest aberrant crypt foci (ACF) counts per colon in contrast to controlled animals (G1 and G5). The animals body mass belonging to galacto-oligosaccharides (Group G2, G3 and G4) increased suggestively higher as associated to control group (G1). Present results were found to be defensive in contradiction of colon cancer. Though more research is needed at DNA level to explore the mutations at gene levels.

Supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella protothecoides, and Schizochytrium sp. increases propionate-producing bacteria in in vitro human gut fermentation.

Gut microbiota are major contributors to host metabolism and are considered as potential targets of novel therapeutics. Microalgae have a strong potential for use as prebiotics because they are a rich source of proteins, fatty acids, fiber, and minerals for nutritional supplementation in humans. Nevertheless, there has been insufficient research into the effect of microalgae on gut microbiota. To investigate the effects of three edible microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella protothecoides, and Schizochytrium sp.) on gut microbiota, simulated digestion and colonic fermentation were examined. Following in vitro digestion, the microalgae displayed different levels of bioaccessibility and the nutrient analysis revealed that unabsorbed nutrients during the digestion process could be used for colonic fermentation. Following colonic fermentation, the control, inulin, and microalgae groups displayed different metabolite tendencies when investigated with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis. In particular, microalgae supplementation increased the proportion of propionate in the colonic culture (control: 19.14%, Inulin: 18.38%, C. vulgaris: 25.80%, C. protothecoides: 25.46%, and Schizochytrium sp.: 25.56%). Microbial profiling analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing also disclosed that the relative abundance of Bacteroides (control: 1.91%, inulin: 2.61%, C. vulgaris: 14.77%, C. protothecoides: 11.17%, and Schizochytrium sp.: 5.51%) and Dialister (control: 0.08%, inulin: 2.06%, C. vulgaris: 6.79%, C. protothecoides: 4.45%, and Schizochytrium sp.: 4.48%), involved in propionate metabolism increased more than in the inulin group. Our findings suggest the potential use of microalgae as a functional food to increase propionate generation because propionate has been reported to be effective in weight loss and the inhibition of pathogen infection. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of lotus seed resistant starch on tolerance of mice fecal microbiota to bile salt

We investigated the effect of lotus seed resistant starch (LRS) on mice fecal microbiota tolerance to bile salt by culturing organisms compared to inulin (INU) glucose (GLU) and waxy corn starch (WAX). Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and diversity indices in LRS and INU groups were increased in the presence of 0.03% to 0.3% bile salt, while they were decreased in GLU, and OTUs were decreased in WAX. Specifically, LRS promoted proliferation of Lactobacillus, which potentially used bile acid, and inhibited growth of the potentially harmful bacteria Enterococcus and Staphylococcus. Moreover, Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with Salinicoccus and Granulicatella in GLU, LRS and INU groups at 1.5% bile salt. With LRS, amino acid metabolic pathways were increased while pathogens causing certain diseases were decreased. LRS increased the tolerance of mice fecal microbiota to bile salt by promoting the proliferation of bacteria utilizing bile acid and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

Bioregional Alterations in Gut Microbiome Contribute to the Plasma Metabolomic Changes in Pigs Fed with Inulin.

Inulin (INU) is a non-digestible carbohydrate, known for its beneficial properties in metabolic disorders. However, whether and how gut microbiota in its regulation contributes to host metabolism has yet to be investigated. We conduct this study to examine the possible associations between the gut microbiota and circulating gut microbiota–host co-metabolites induced by inulin interventions. Plasma and intestinal site samples were collected from the pigs that have consumed inulin diet for 60 days. High-throughput sequencing was adopted for microbial composition, and the GC-TOF-MS-based metabolomics were used to characterize featured plasma metabolites upon inulin intervention. Integrated multi-omics analyses were carried out to establish microbiota–host interaction. Inulin consumption decreased the total cholesterol (p = 0.04) and glucose (p = 0.03) level in serum. Greater β-diversity was observed in the cecum and colon of inulin-fed versus that of control-fed pigs (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the ileum. In the cecum, 18 genera were altered by inulin, followed by 17 in the colon and 6 in the ileum. Inulin increased propionate, and isobutyrate concentrations but decreased the ratio of acetate to propionate in the cecum, and increased total short fatty acids, valerate, and isobutyrate concentrations in the colon. Metabolomic analysis reveals that indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) was significantly higher, and the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), L-valine, L-isoleucine, and L-leucine are significantly lower in the inulin groups. Mantel test and integrative analysis revealed associations between plasma metabolites (e.g., IPA, BCAA, L-tryptophan) and inulin-responsive cecal microbial genera. These results indicate that the inulin has regional effects on the intestine microbiome in pigs, with the most pronounced effects occurring in the cecum. Moreover, cecum microbiota plays a pivotal role in the modulation of circulating host metabolites upon inulin intervention

Production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): effect of inulin on microbial composition and CLA concentration in a human intestinal model

AbstractConjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) show a number of putative health-promoting activities including anti-carcinogenic, anti-adipogenic, anti-diabetogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. CLAs are naturally produced by ruminal bacteria and several studies demonstrate that various lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are also able to produce CLAs in vitro from linoleic acid (LA). However, the ability of the human gut microbiota to produce CLA is less extensively studied. Our hypothesis is that the human gut microbiota is able to convert LA to CLA, and that the readily fermentable fiber inulin would positively modulate the growth of CLA-producing bacteria and, consequently increase the CLA content in the intestine.The capability of the faecal microbiota from five healthy donors to produce CLA was tested in anaerobic batch cultures for 48 hours at pH 5.5 and 6.5. Test treatments were linoleic acid (LA; 1 mg/mL) + bovine serum albumin (BSA; 0.2 mg/mL), and LA (1 mg/mL) + BSA (0.2 mg/mL) + inulin (1%, w/v) compared to a control BSA (0.2 mg/mL) fermentation. The microbial composition was analyzed 0, 24 and 48 hours after starting the fermentation by 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing (V3-V4 region). CLAs were quantified by Ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) and bi-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC).The inclusion of LA + BSA + inulin at pH 5.5 significantly increased the relative abundance of Collinsella aerofaciens (p &lt; 0.05), and tended to increase the relative abundance of bifidobacteria. LA + BSA + inulin at both pH 5.5 and 6.5 reduced the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Bilophila, Clostridia and Enterobacteriaceae (p &lt; 0.05). The concentration of CLA, in particular the isomer cis9,trans11 C18:2, was significantly higher in the LA + BSA + inulin group at pH 5.5 after 24 and 48 hours fermentation.The data show that the treatment LA + BSA + inulin at pH 5.5 induce substantial changes in microbiota composition, including bifidogenesis and CLA production in a human intestinal microbiota model. The changes of relative abundance detected are consistent with changes in gut bacteria previously linked to human health. Collinsella aerofaciens has been reported for reducing bloating, in particular in subjects suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, while Clostridia, Bilophila and Enterobacteriaceae causes human infections. In addition, the increase of bifidobacteria and LAB, which have previously been shown in vitro to produce CLA, may also be involved in CLA production under simulated cecal microbiome. These preclinical observations warrant confirmation in suitably designed animal and human mechanistic studies.

Dietary prebiotic inulin benefits on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune response and intestinal microbiota in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at low salinity

Dietary manipulation is a useful approach to improve production and health of farmed shrimp. However, no study has investigated the effect of prebiotic inulin on intestinal microbiota response and physiological status of shrimp at low salinity of 3 psu (practical salinity unit). The effects of dietary inulin additive at 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune response and intestinal microbiota of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at a low salinity of 3 psu were evaluated after an 8-week feeding trial. Shrimp fed the 0.2% and 0.4% inulin diet significantly increased final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate compared to those fed the control diet. Body ash content tended to increases with the increasing level of inulin. Intestinal amylase and hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in 0.4% inulin group were higher than in control group. The acid phosphatase (ACP) and phenol oxidase (PO) activities of hepatopancreas were significantly increased in 0.2% and 0.4% inulin group, respectively, compared to control group. Shrimp fed the 0.2% and 0.4% inulin diet reduced hepatopancreas oxidative stress by increasing the catalase (CAT) activity and decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to those fed the control diet. Shrimp fed 0.4% inulin changed intestinal microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes phylum and Bacillus genus. PICRUSt analysis show that the KEGG pathway involved in aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption was significantly increased in shrimp fed 0.4% inulin. The shrimp fed 0.4% inulin exhibited more negative interspecies interactions than those fed the control diet. This study suggests that inulin can serve as a potential feed additive that helps shrimp to cope with low salinity stress.

Inulin alleviates inflammation of alcoholic liver disease via SCFAs-inducing suppression of M1 and facilitation of M2 macrophages in mice

BackgroundAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) presents one of the leading causes of cirrhosis worldwide. We have demonstrated that inulin alleviates ALD in mice. However, the exact role of hepatic macrophages in effects of inulin on ALD remains largely unclear. MethodsIn vivo, mice were divided into 4 groups: pair-fed (PF) group (PF/CON), alcohol-fed (AF) group (AF/CON), PF with inulin (INU) group (PF/INU) and AF with INU group (AF/INU). Each group was fed modified Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet with or without alcohol. In vitro, RAW264.7 cell lines were polarized to M1 macrophage (Mψ) or M2 Mψ subsets with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-4 (IL-4) stimulation, respectively. The effects of propionate, butyrate and valeric on macrophage M1/M2 were investigated. ResultsThe contents of propionate, butyrate and valeric were significantly increased in AF/INU group compared with that in the AF/CON group. M1 Mψ, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in AF/INU group were significantly lower than those in AF/CON group. In contrast, M2 Mψ, arginase-1 (Arg-1), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were notably increased in AF/INU group. In vitro, sodium propionate, sodium butyrate and sodium valerate can suppress M1 Mψ and increase M2 Mψ polarization. ConclusionIn ALD, inulin ameliorates the inflammation via SCFAs-inducing suppression of M1 and facilitation of M2 Mψ, which may potentially contribute to the control of the disease.

Effect of Dietary Inulin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Simple SummaryDietary fiber has attracted considerable research interest worldwide. Inulin is a critical soluble dietary fiber. This study investigated the effects of dietary inulin supplementation on the growth performance and meat quality in pigs, which provided novel insights into the application of inulin for the livestock industry.Inulin is one of the commercially feasible dietary fibers that has been implicated in regulating the gut health and metabolism of animals. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary inulin supplementation on growth performance and meat quality in growing–finishing pigs. Thirty-six Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire White growing barrows (22.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments consisting of a basal control diet (CON) or basal diet supplemented with 0.5% inulin (INU). Results showed that inulin supplementation tended to increase the average daily gain (ADG) at the fattening stage (0.05 < p < 0.10). Inulin significantly increased the dressing percentage (p < 0.05) and tended to increase the loin-eye area. The serum concentrations of insulin and IGF-I were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the INU group than in the CON group. Moreover, inulin supplementation significantly elevated the expression level of myosin heavy chain II b (MyHC IIb) in the longissimus dorsi (p < 0.05). Inulin significantly upregulated the expression of mammalian rapamycin target protein (mTOR) but decreased (p < 0.05) the expression level of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligase MuRF-1. These results show the beneficial effect of inulin supplementation on the growth performance and carcass traits in growing–finishing pigs, and will also facilitate the application of inulin in swine production.