ARS | Publication request: Dietary Fiber, Microbiota and Obesity Related Metabolic Diseases

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 10, 2011
Publication Date: February 2, 2011
Citation: Yokoyama, W.H. 2011. Dietary Fiber, Microbiota and Obesity Related Metabolic Diseases. Meeting Abstract. Food Science & Technology Seminar Series, University of California, Davis, Feb 2, 2011.

Technical Abstract: The presentation summarizes our research over the past 7 years on viscous soluble dietary fibers in animal models of obesity and metabolic diseases. We found that in addition to the well known cholesterol and glucose lowering ability of soluble fibers, viscous dietary fibers also prevent most of the characteristics of metabolic syndrome. We used HPMC, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, as a model soluble dietary fiber because it is stable to digestive and fermentative enzymes, and is commercially available in a wide range of viscosity grades. We showed that insulin sensitivity is preserved, and plasma and liver lipids are also lowered by dietary HPMC supplementation. Hepatic gene expression of the cholesterol, bile acid, and fat metabolic pathways also support the physiological observations.