Effect of Feruloylated Oligosaccharides from Corn Bran on Lipid Metabolism and Antioxidant Activity in Rats

Abstract

Our previous research found that feruloylated oligosaccharides (FOs) from corn bran modulated the gut microbiota in normal rats. This research aimed to investigate its effect on lipid metabolism and antioxidant activity in the plasma, liver, and heart. The results showed that, compared with the control, oral administration of 300 mg/kg FOs significantly decreased total cholesterol (by 19.8%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (by 29.8%) but did not significantly influence glucose, triacylglycerol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum; administration of the dosage to 600 mg/kg did not further change these parameters except for increasing total cholesterol. FOs administration at 300 mg/kg did not influence the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma, liver, but significantly decreased it and significantly increased glutathione (GSH) in the heart, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in plasma and liver. Interestingly, administration of FOs at 300 and 600 mg/kg decreased nitric oxide (NO) content in the heart but increased it in the plasma and liver. Whether or not the effect of FOs on NO content is beneficial or detrimental warrants further investigation.