Quercetin and leucine effects on the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and metabolic endotoxemia in HIGH-FAT-FED mice

Abstract

Given the problems related to obesity, pharmacological or nutritional supplementation intervention approaches have become increasingly attractive, in a population where a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits are prevalent. Much has been studied about the bioactive compounds of quercetin, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ability to improve lipid metabolism and reduce atherosclerotic lesion. As leucine studies have shown beneficial effects on peripheral glucose and lipid metabolism, it has been suggested its use to treat metabolic disorders. We believe that co-administration of leucine and quercetin presented benefits because of the additive and synergistic effect of the two compounds. But little is known about the microbiota modulatory effect of leucine and/or quercetin. The intestinal bacterial content is not completely known, but it is influenced by internal, and mainly by external factors, which modulate its composition and function. Studies indicate that the gut microbiota differs in lean and obese individuals, and in individuals with different food habits. There are evidences that the relationship between diet, inflammation, insulin resistance, partially is mediated by the composition of intestinal bacteria. Knowledge about the gut microbiota may result in different strategies to manipulate bacterial populations and promote health. Therefore this study can be of great scientific importance to elucidate the role of this amino acid and this flavonoid as potential therapeutic agents that can be used to modulate beneficially microbiota. The aim of this study is investigate the influence of quercetin and/or leucine on gut microbiota, intestinal permeability and metabolic endotoxaemia in high-fat-fed mice, which could elucidate the role of this amino acid and this flavonoid as potential therapeutic agents. (AU)