The anti-obesity effect of fermented tremella/blueberry and its potential mechanisms in metabolically healthy obese rats

Abstract

Fermented fruits or vegetables has attracted much attention by researchers over the world due to the diverse health benefits and desirable flavor characteristics. In this work, a metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) model was established to investigate the effects of fermented tremella/blueberry (FTB) on the food intake, body weight and blood lipid profiles in MHO rats. The intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compositions were also determined. FTB demonstrated significant anti-obesity activity by reducing body weight and improving blood lipid profiles in MHO rats. FTB treatment also modulated the diversity of intestinal microbiota. The bacterial abundance related to obesity prevention (Allobaculum, Blautia, Parabacteroides and Prevotella) were increased while the abundances of pathogenic bacteria were reduced. The amounts of specific health promoting SCFAs were also increased. This study was the first to document the anti-obesity potential of FTB in MHO model, indicating its potential as a functional food for obesity prevention.

Keywords

• Fermented tremella/blueberry
• Metabolically healthy obesity
• Anti-obesity
• Lipid profiles
• Intestinal microbiota
• Short-chain fatty acids