Rice bran protein oxidation induced by rancidity alters the gut microbiota and intestinal permeability in mice

Dietary protein is crucial for maintaining body growth and plays a significant role in shaping the gut microbiota. Rice bran (RB) rancidity can induce rice bran protein (RBP) oxidation and change the structural characteristics, which further impacts the functional properties and nutritional value of RBP. Therefore, the impact of rancidity-induced RBP oxidation on the gut microbiota and intestinal permeability was evaluated. Oxidized RBP significantly altered the α-diversity of the gut microbiota and impacted the microbial profile at phylum and genus levels, and moderately oxidized RBP caused increasing abundance of Akkermansia and reducing abundance of Desulfovibrio. Different oxidation extents of RBP induced different biomarkers, indicating that the composition of the gut microbiota presented an oxidation extent-dependent pattern. Oxidized RBP also significantly promoted the level of formic acid and reduced the level of isovaleric acid. Moreover, oxidized RBP significantly upregulated the expression of genes related to tight junction proteins. The phenomena indicated that oxidized RBP significantly changed the composition of the gut microbiota and improved the barrier function of the intestine, while showing fewer effects on the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The research provides a theoretical reference for understanding the effects of plant protein oxidation on intestinal health during food storage and processing.