A Novel Foodstuff Mixture Improves the Gut–Liver Axis in MASLD Mice and the Gut Microbiota in Overweight/Obese Patients

Abstract

Microbial community control is crucial for maintaining homeostasis of the gut–liver axis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here, we show that supplementation with a mixture of Mexican foodstuffs (MexMix)—Opuntia ficus indica (nopal), Theobroma cacao (cocoa) and Acheta domesticus (crickets)—enriches several beneficial taxa in MASLD mice and overweight/obese humans. Thus, MexMix induces an important prebiotic effect. In mice, a restoration of intestinal health was observed due to the increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and intestinal crypt depth, Ocln and Cldn1 expression, and decreased Il6 and Tnfa expression. MexMix significantly reduced steatosis in the mice’s liver and modified the expression of 1668 genes. By PCR, we corroborated a Tnfa and Pparg decrease, and a Cat and Sod increase. In addition, MexMix increased the hepatic NRF2 nuclear translocation and miRNA-34a, miRNA-103, and miRNA-33 decline. In overweight/obese humans, MexMix improved the body image satisfaction and reduced the fat intake. These findings indicate that this new food formulation has potential as a therapeutic approach to treat conditions associated with excessive consumption of fats and sugars.

Keywords

• <i>Opuntia ficus indica</i>
• <i>Theobroma cacao</i>
• <i>Acheta domesticus</i>
• MASLD
• Mexican diet
• obesity