Changes in Metabolic Regulation and the Microbiota Composition after Supplementation with Different Fatty Acids in db/db Mice.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of fatty acids on health vary and depend on the type, amount, and route of consumption. EPA and DHA have a defined role in health, unlike coconut oil. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the changes in metabolic regulation and the composition of the culture-dependent microbiota after supplementation with different fatty acids in db/db mice. Material and Methods. We were using 32 8-week-old db/db mice, supplemented for eight weeks with EPA/DHA derived from microalgae as well as coconut oil. The lipid, hormonal profiles, and composition of the culture-dependent microbiota and the phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing were determined for identification of the intestinal microbiota. RESULTS: Enriched diet with EPA/DHA reduced TNF-α, C-peptide, insulin resistance, resistin, and the plasma atherogenic index, but increased TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, and TG without changes in HDL-c. Coconut oil raised the HDL-c, GIP, and TNF-α, with TG, insulin resistance, adiponectin, and C-peptide reduced. CONCLUSION: The most abundant microbial populations were Firmicutes and the least Proteobacteria. EPA/DHA derived from microalgae contributes to improving the systemic inflammatory status, but depressed the diversity of the small intestine microbiota. Coconut oil only decreased the C-peptide, raising TNF-α, with an unfavorable hormonal and lipid profile.

Chronic Consumption of Sweeteners and Its Effect on Glycaemia, Cytokines, Hormones, and Lymphocytes of GALT in CD1 Mice.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of sweeteners has increased in recent years, being used to control body weight and blood glucose. However, they can cause increased appetite, modification of immune function, and secretion of hormones in the GALT. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of chronic sweetener consumption on glycaemia, cytokines, hormones, and GALT lymphocytes in CD1 mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 72 CD1 mice divided into 3 groups were used: (a) baseline, (b) middle, and (c) final. Groups (b) and (c) were divided into 4 subgroups: (i) Control, (ii) Sucrose, (iii) Sucralose, and (iv) Stevia. The following were determined: body weight, hormones (GIP, insulin, and leptin), lymphocytes CD3+T cells and CD19+B cells, IgA+ plasma cells, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and TNF-α). RESULTS: Sucralose reduces secretion of GIP and glycaemia but does not modify insulin concentration, increases body weight, and reduces food intake. Stevia increases the secretion of GIP, insulin, leptin, body weight, and glycaemia but keeps food consumption normal. Sucralose and Stevia showed a higher percentage of CD3+T cells, CD19+B cells, and IgA+ plasma cells in Peyer's patches, but only Stevia in lamina propria. CONCLUSION: Sweeteners modulate the hormonal response of cytokines and the proliferation of lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa.