Biochemical effects of the water soluble fiber fraction of sugarcane bagasse (BSF) fermented in the colon was examined to evaluate its potential health promoting effects. A feeding experiment involving Fischer 344 rats, was conducted with 3 experimental diets containing, cellulose (CON), a commercial xylo-oligosaccharide (XYO) and BSF (BGS). Cumulative feed intake was significantly lower in XYO group while cecal weight was significantly higher. Acetic and propionic acid contents in the cecal content were significantly higher in the BGS and XYO, respectively. Total short chain fatty acid content was significantly higher in BGS and XYO resulting significantly lower cecal pH. Beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Akkermansia and Roseburia abundance was significantly higher in the XYO and BGS groups. Further, mucin and immunoglobulin-A contents were significantly higher in BGS group compared to CON group. Thus, BSF exhibited its ability to enhance the intestinal and systemic health upon fermentation in the colon.
Keywords: Gut microbiota; In vivo colonic fermentation; Mucin; Short chain fatty acids; Sugarcane bagasse; Xylo-oligosaccharides.
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