Exploring the Effects of Water-Soluble Dietary Fiber on Intestinal Flora of Obese Mice Based on 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Metabolomics

Abstract

Background: Obesity represents a global health challenge, linked to a variety of chronic diseases. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of obesity, and water-soluble dietary fibers are thought to influence obesity by altering the gut microbial composition. This study investigates the effects of water-soluble dietary fiber on the gut microbiota of obese mice.

Methods: Employing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis, this research established an obese mouse model and administered a diet enriched with water-soluble dietary fiber. The composition changes in the gut microbiota were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques. Metabolomic analysis was utilized to assess the impact of water-soluble dietary fiber on metabolic pathways in mice.

Results: The results demonstrated that water-soluble dietary fiber supplementation significantly altered the gut microbiota composition in obese mice, notably increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Metabolomic analysis revealed that water-soluble dietary fiber affected the metabolic activities of the gut microbiota, especially in lipid metabolism and the production of short-chain fatty acids. These alterations were associated with the obesity status of the mice, suggesting that water-soluble dietary fiber may alleviate obesity by modulating the gut microbiota.

Conclusion: This study confirms that water-soluble dietary fiber can effectively regulate the gut microbiota composition in obese mice and positively influence their metabolic pathways. These findings provide scientific evidence for the potential application of water-soluble dietary fiber in obesity treatment and pave the way for future gut microbiota-mediated obesity intervention strategies.