Organic vegetable juice supplement modulates microbial community in continuous colon simulation system

In this study, we investigated the effects of organic vegetable juice supplementation on modulating the microbial community, and how its consumption ameliorates blood lipid profiles in diet-induced obese mice. Here, we analyzed the effect of organic vegetable juice on the microbial community and fatty acid synthesis via animal experiments using diet-induced obese mice and continuous colon simulation system. Organic vegetable juice supplement influenced intestinal bacterial composition from phylum to genus level, including decreased Proteobacteria in the ascending colon in the phylum. At the family level, Akkermansia which are associated with obesity, were significantly augmented in the transverse colon and descending colon compared to the control juice group. In addition, treatment with organic vegetable juice affected predicted lipid metabolism function genes related to lipid synthesis. Organic vegetable juice consumption did not have a significant effect on weight loss but helped reduce epididymis fat tissue and adipocytes. Additionally, blood lipid profiles, such as triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose, were improved in the organic vegetable juice-fed group. Expression levels of genes related to lipid synthesis, including SREBP-1, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and Fas, were significantly decreased. Analysis of antioxidant markers, including 8-OHdG and MDA, in the vegetable juice group, indicated that blood lipid profiles were improved by the antioxidant effect. These results suggest that organic vegetable juice supplementation may modulate gut microbial community and reduce the potential role of hyperlipidemia in diet-obese mice. Stool samples were collected from three healthy adults who had not taken antibiotics for 3 months. Fecal samples were diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at a 1:10 ratio in an anaerobic chamber. The stool slurry sample was inoculated into each vessel of continous colon simulation system at a final concentration of 2%.