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Published on: July 31, 2019
Pterostilbene-induced changes in gut microbiota composition in relation to obesity
Usune Etxeberria1, Elizabeth Hijona2,3, Leixuri Aguirre4,5
1Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, and Centre for Nutrition Research University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
Pterostilbene supplementation altered gut bacteria in obese rats, increasing beneficial microbes like Akkermansia. This dietary intervention improved metabolic health and reduced obesity markers.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Obesity is linked to gut dysbiosis.
- Natural bioactive compounds offer potential interventions.
- Pterostilbene is a promising compound for metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pterostilbene's effects on gut microbiota composition.
- To determine if microbiota changes correlate with metabolic improvements in obese rats.
Main Methods:
- Obese Zucker rats were supplemented with pterostilbene (15 mg/kg/day) or a placebo for 6 weeks.
- Fecal samples were analyzed using Illumina Mi-Seq sequencing.
- Metabolic variables, including insulin sensitivity, were assessed.
Main Results:
- Pterostilbene supplementation reduced obesity and improved insulin sensitivity.
- Significant shifts in gut microbiota were observed, including decreased Firmicutes and increased Verrucomicrobia.
- Abundance of Akkermansia and Odoribacter genera increased, with Akkermansia muciniphila inversely correlating with body weight.
Conclusions:
- Pterostilbene promotes a healthier gut microbial profile.
- Antiobesity effects of pterostilbene may be mediated by an enrichment of mucin-degrading bacteria like Akkermansia and Odoribacter.
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