ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effects of the genetically modified(GM) rice enriched with resistant starch on large bowel health in rats. Method Forty-eight healthy male SD rats were randomly assigned into four groups based on body weight,and given with no-GM rice diet (No-GM), GM rice diet(GM), half-GM rice diet (Half-GM) and normal diet (ND), respectively. After fed for 5 w, 4 d feces samples were collected. At 6 w all rats were killed and the contents of cecum and colon were collected. Large bowel function was evaluated by determination of cecum and colon weight, their contents, pH value, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), etc. Results GM group had similar body weight with ND and significantly less than No-GM. Compared with No-GM and ND, fecal bulk and moisture, cecum and colon weight and the cecum contents of GM and Half-GM were higher dose-dependently. The contents of SCFA in cecum, colon and feces dropped gradually. SCFA level of cecum and colon was higher significantly in GM and Half-GM compared with No-GM and ND except butyric acid of colon in Half-GM. In all groups, there were differences of acetic and propionic acid level in feces but no difference of butyric acid. Cecum and fecal pH value of GM and Half-GM dropped much significantly compared with No-GM and ND. Conclusion The genetically modified rice enriched with resistant starch can improve the large bowel health of rat.