Gut Microbiota and Metabolites Mediate Health Benefits of Oat and Oat Bran Consumption in IBD Mice

Nutrients. 2024 Dec 18;16(24):4365. doi: 10.3390/nu16244365.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, the environment, and gut microbiota. The incidence of IBD is increasing globally. Previous studies have shown that interactions between diet and gut microbiota influence the pathogenesis and treatment of IBD. Proper dietary nutrition including oat and oat bran regulates chronic inflammation, which is essential for individual health, and is one of the essential factors in reducing inflammation in the body and keeping the immune system functioning properly, which plays a role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. However, the mechanism of action of whether oat and oat bran will alleviate chronic inflammation by modulating intestinal flora and metabolites remains unknown.

Methods: Therefore, in this study, we have used a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) chronic colitis to analyze the composition of intestinal microbiota, short-chain fatty acid content, and the expression of the relevant genes.

Results: The results showed that diets supplemented with oat and oat bran improved intestinal barrier parameters, decreased the levels of inflammatory factors, modulated the composition of intestinal microbiota, and increased the content of short-chain fatty acids.

Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence that dietary interventions with oats or oat bran may have potential applications in clinical nutrition and dietary interventions for chronic IBD.

Keywords: bran; inflammatory bowel disease; microbiota; oats; whole grain.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avena*
  • Colitis / chemically induced
  • Colitis / diet therapy
  • Colitis / microbiology
  • Dextran Sulfate
  • Diet
  • Dietary Fiber* / pharmacology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile* / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / drug effects
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / diet therapy
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / microbiology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL

Substances

  • Dietary Fiber
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile
  • Dextran Sulfate