Abstract
In this study, the impact of lentil hull soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) on colitis and behavioral deficits in mice was assessed. Structural characterizations of SDFs confirmed that cellulase-modified soluble dietary fiber exhibited better physicochemical properties: more porous microstructure; similar polysaccharide structure; more stable particle size distribution; higher crystallinity; better adsorption capacity; and lower viscosity. Additionally, we explored its potential cognitive benefits via the gut-brain axis by behavioral tests, histopathology, 16S rRNA sequencing, gas chromatography and metabolomics analysis. The results showed that SDFs significantly improved inflammatory symptoms in colon and brain and cognitive behaviors. LSDF had better efficacy than HSDF. LSDF intervention decreased the harmful bacteria abundance (Bacteroides, Flexispira and Escherichia, etc.) and increased beneficial bacteria abundance (Aggregatibacter and Helicobacter, etc.). LSDF also affected brain metabolites through the sphingolipid metabolism. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between harmful bacteria with inflammatory factors (LPS, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, etc.) and sphingolipid metabolites, while beneficial bacteria were positively correlated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), IL-10, and cognitive behavior. This study highlights the value of SDFs in future diet-based therapeutic strategies targeting gut-brain interactions.