2023-07-27 15:15:00
Scientists have determined that the gut microbiota produces a compound from dietary fiber that reduces the severity of a certain class of liver problems that, if left unchecked, can lead to serious disease.
The Microbiome, Nutrition and Health group of the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA), a center of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) in Spain, has carried out a review of the results of studies in which they have evaluated how the interaction between the intestinal microbiota of mice and inulin, a soluble dietary fiber generates a compound that helps alleviate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis.
Inulin is an indigestible carbohydrate that is naturally present in many vegetables, fruits and cereals, such as artichokes, asparagus, onions or leeks. Inulin is widely used as an ingredient in functional foods.
Dietary fibers are complex carbohydrates that serve as nutrients for our intestinal microbiota and support the symbiotic relationship that exists with the human organism. These fibers cannot be completely broken down by the digestive enzymes present in the intestine, and it is the bacteria that live there that ferment the fibers. This interaction produces metabolites that help regulate intestinal transit and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity.
A correct intestinal microbiota in humans is very beneficial for health. (Illustration: Amazings/NCYT)
Yolanda Sanz, Alejandra Flor and Marta Olivares, CSIC researchers at IATA, have carried out an exhaustive review of bibliographic data where they have analyzed how inulin, a soluble fiber that is fermented by the intestinal microbiota, could help prevent the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. NASH is a liver disease characterized by inflammation and fat accumulation (hepatic steatosis), frequently associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. In more advanced stages, this disease can lead to liver cirrhosis.
The researchers have evaluated the evidence of a study that compares the effect of a soluble fiber, inulin, and an insoluble fiber, cellulose, in mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The results show that inulin is more effective than cellulose in reducing fat accumulation and fibrosis, as well as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, characteristic symptoms of NASH.
Bacteria, small metabolite factories
The metabolites produced from bacteria during the fermentation process have a wide range of effects and uses in nature. The studies analyzed by Sanz, Flor and Olivares add to the growing evidence that metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria help to mitigate certain diet-related health problems.
In this case, the fermentation of inulin by the intestinal bacterium Parabacteroides distasonis led to the production of pentadeconoic acid, which helped reduce hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This finding complements recent studies that show that this bacterium could contribute to the reduction of weight gain, hyperglycemia, and fat accumulation in obese mice.
“Treatments with inulin, P. distasonis or pentadeconoic acid, the result of the interaction between dietary fiber and the bacteria, protect mice against NASH. These treatments could restore the function of the intestinal barrier”, affirm the researchers.
“In humans, however, these effects depend on more variables than those studied in mice, such as the ability of each individual’s microbiota to metabolize specific fibers or each person’s lifestyle,” they maintain. “Nevertheless, this study exemplifies the value of tracking nutrient flows between the microbiota and the host organism to design diets that modulate the gut microbiota, enhancing the desired microbial functions and thus help mitigate metabolic diseases with increasing prevalence in the human being. human”, they emphasize.
The review of study results is entitled “Tracking microbiota fiber breakdown to treat NASH”. And it has been published in the academic journal Nature Microbiology. (Source: CSIC)
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