Effects of combined D-fagomine and omega-3 PUFAs on gut microbiota subpopulations and diabetes risk factors in rats fed a high-fat diet

Sci Rep. 2019 Nov 12;9(1):16628. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-52678-5.

Abstract

Food contains bioactive compounds that may prevent changes in gut microbiota associated with Westernized diets. The aim of this study is to explore the possible additive effects of D-fagomine and ω-3 PUFAs (EPA/DHA 1:1) on gut microbiota and related risk factors during early stages in the development of fat-induced pre-diabetes. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were fed a standard diet, or a high-fat (HF) diet supplemented with D-fagomine, EPA/DHA 1:1, a combination of both, or neither, for 24 weeks. The variables measured were fasting glucose and glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, liver inflammation, fecal/cecal gut bacterial subgroups and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The animals supplemented with D-fagomine alone and in combination with ω-3 PUFAs accumulated less fat than those in the non-supplemented HF group and those given only ω-3 PUFAs. The combined supplements attenuated the high-fat-induced incipient insulin resistance (IR), and liver inflammation, while increasing the cecal content, the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio and the populations of Bifidobacteriales. The functional effects of the combination of D-fagomine and EPA/DHA 1:1 against gut dysbiosis and the very early metabolic alterations induced by a high-fat diet are mainly those of D-fagomine complemented by the anti-inflammatory action of ω-3 PUFAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Diet, High-Fat / adverse effects*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects*
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Imino Pyranoses / administration & dosage
  • Imino Pyranoses / therapeutic use*
  • Insulin / blood
  • Leptin / blood
  • Male
  • Prediabetic State / etiology*
  • Prediabetic State / microbiology
  • Prediabetic State / prevention & control
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Imino Pyranoses
  • Insulin
  • Leptin
  • fagomine