Indian Journal of Animal Research
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 60
  • Issue: 4

Influence of High-soluble Fiber Diets on the Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Markers: A Comparative Study in Aged Mice

  • Author:
  • Salma M. Aljahdali1, Rokayya Sami2*, Nashi K. Alqahtani3, Buthaina M. Aljehany4, Abeer A. Aljehani4, Rowida Allily4, Lama Baitalmal4, Eman A. Abduljawad4, Suzan A. Abushal5, Roqayah H. Kadi6, Safa H. Qahl6, Magbolah S. Alzahrani7, Ola Abu Ali8, Ameerah Almaski9, Manal Almughamisi9, Reham M. Algheshairy10, Hend F. Alharbi10, Fahad Eid Albalawi11, Fatimah Amer12
  • Total Page Count: 10
  • Page Number: 689 to 698

1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.

2Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. 11099, Taif21944, Saudi Arabia.

3Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa31982, Saudi Arabia.

4Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

5Program of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Turabah University College, Taif University, P.O. 11099, Taif21944, Saudi Arabia.

6Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah21959, Saudi Arabia.

7Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, AL-Baha University, AL-Baha, Saudi Arabia.

8Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif21944, Saudi Arabia.

9Department of Clinical Nutrition, Taibah University, Universities Road, PO Box: 344, KSA, Medina, Saudi Arabia.

10Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food, Qassim University, Buraydah51452, Saudi Arabia.

11College of Medicine, Fahad Bin Sultan University, Tabuk47721, Saudi Arabia.

12Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha7044, Saudi Arabia.

*Corresponding Author: Rokayya Sami, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. 11099, Taif21944, Saudi Arabia. Email: rokayya.d@tu.edu.sa

Abstract

Chronic low-grade inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis are linked to aging, while the consumption of soluble fiber in the diet may help control both conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects on gut microbiota composition, systemic inflammatory biomarkers and intestinal barrier integrity markers-specifically, plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and serum amyloid A of a 10-week dietary intervention supplemented with 15% functional fibers (oats, carrots and sourdough) in an aged mouse model.

The groups included control and high-soluble fiber diets (HSFD), as well as oats, carrots and sourdough bread. Blood, fecal samples and muscle function tests were obtained after the intervention to evaluate the composition of the gut microbiota and inflammatory markers.

Dietary supplementation with functional fibers dramatically improved physical performance and body composition in aged mice compared to the control group. This was demonstrated by increased muscle mass, grip strength and motor coordination. At the same time, it improved metabolic health by lowering fasting blood sugar and improving lipid profiles. The sourdough group had the lowest levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (1.58, 8.62 and 11.85 pg/mL), respectively. All HSFD groups also showed decreased levels of endotoxemia markers, such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium (13.17%), Lactobacillus (10.16%) and Akkermansia (3.08%) were identified to be more abundant in the sourdough group than in the control group, according to a quantitative PCR investigation of the gut microbiota. In aged mice, HSFD, especially those composed of sourdough, oats and carrots effectively enhanced metabolic health, decreased inflammation and altered the composition of the gut microbiota.

Keywords

Aging, Dietary soluble fiber diet, Gut microbiota, Inflammation