Bile Acids and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Are Modulated after Onion and Apple Consumption in Obese Zucker Rats

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Nutritional science
• Cardiovascular disease research

Background:

• Gut microbiota influences cardiovascular disease (CVD) development and severity.
• Dietary fiber and polyphenols interact with intestinal microbiota.
• Microbial metabolites like SCFAs and BAs are key mediators.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the impact of onion and apple intake on gut microbial metabolites.
• Analyze changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs).
• Assess the effects on gut microbial composition in obese rats.

Main Methods:

• Obese Zucker rats were fed standard, onion-enriched, or apple-enriched diets for 8 weeks.
• Faecal samples analyzed for microbial community composition.
• SCFAs and BAs quantified using GC-MS and HPLC-MS.

Main Results:

• Onion and apple diets increased beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus).
• Enhanced levels of SCFAs (acetic, propionic, isobutyric, valeric acids) were observed.
• Decreased primary and secondary BAs, with increased taurine- and glycine-conjugated BAs.

Conclusions:

• Dietary onion and apple modulate gut microbiota composition and key metabolites.
• These dietary interventions positively influence SCFA and BA profiles.
• Further research is needed to understand the role of bioactive compounds in disease regulation.