IDDF2019-ABS-0159 Oligofructose ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice

Background

Intestinal microflora exerts a crucial role in regulating fat metabolism and inflammation. Oligofructose is a water-soluble dietary fiber that cannot be directly digested and absorbed by the human body. It participates in regulating lipid metabolism and alleviating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-induced inflammation. However, the underlying mechanisms of oligofructose and intestinal microflora in regulating the progression of NAFLD remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 30 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal diet group (ND group), high-fat diet group (HFD group) and HFD+Oligofructose group (HFD+Oligo group), with 10 mice in each group. After 16-week feeding, blood samples from eyeballs, liver tissues and feces of mice were harvested. Levels of fasting plasma glucose and HOMA-IR of mice were examined. Serum levels of ALT and AST were detected for evaluating the liver damage. H&E and oil red staining were conducted to assess the level of hepatic steatosis and degree of injury. Distribution and classification of intestinal microflora in mice feces were examined through 16s rDNA test.

Results

Fasting Plasma Glucose, ALT and AST levels were markedly lower in mice of HFD group relative to those in HFD+Oligo group. H&E staining revealed that liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis were alleviated in mice of HFD+Oligo group compared with those of HFD group. The distribution of intestinal microflora in mice of HFD+Oligo group was much similar to that of ND group, and the microflora abundances were higher relative to those of HFD group. The distribution of intestinal microflora in mice of HFD+Oligo group was much similar to that of ND group, and the microflora abundances were higher relative to those of HFD group.

Conclusions

Oligofructose could regulate intestinal microflora to alleviate the progression of NAFLD.