Stearidonic-Enriched Soybean Oil Modulates Obesity, Glucose Metabolism, and Fatty Acid Profiles Independently of Akkermansia muciniphila

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2020 Sep;64(17):e2000162. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.202000162. Epub 2020 Jul 26.

Abstract

Scope: Previous studies have suggested that diets rich in omega-3 and low in omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can limit the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Transgenic soybeans yielding oils enriched for omega-3 PUFAs represent a new and readily-available option for incorporating omega-3 PUFAs into diets to provide health benefits.

Methods and results: Transgenic soybean oils, enriched for either stearidonic acid (SDA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are incorporated into diets to test their effects on limiting the development of MetS in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Supplementation with SDA- but not EPA-enriched oils improved features of MetS compared to feeding a control wild-type oil. Because previous studies have linked the gut microorganism Akkermansia muciniphila to the metabolic effects of feeding omega-3 PUFAs, the causal contribution of A. muciniphila to mediating the metabolic benefits provided by SDA-enriched diets is investigated. Although A. muciniphila is not required for SDA-induced metabolic improvements, this microorganism does modulate levels of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids in host adipose tissues.

Conclusion: Together, these findings support the utilization of SDA-enriched diets to modulate weight gain, glucose metabolism, and fatty acid profiles of liver and adipose tissue.

Keywords: Akkermansia muciniphila; metabolic syndrome; polyunsaturated fatty acids; soybean oil.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / drug effects
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Akkermansia / drug effects
  • Akkermansia / physiology
  • Animals
  • Diet, High-Fat / adverse effects
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / pharmacology
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology*
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / pharmacokinetics
  • Food, Fortified
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Obesity / diet therapy*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Obesity / microbiology
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Soybean Oil / chemistry
  • Soybean Oil / genetics
  • Soybean Oil / pharmacology*
  • Weight Gain / drug effects

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Soybean Oil
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Glucose
  • stearidonic acid

Supplementary concepts

  • Akkermansia muciniphila