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Graphical abstract Highlights • Virgin coconut oil has a unique lipid composition. • A higher activity of catalase were reported in groups that received coconut oil. • Accumulation of lipids were reported after consumption of coconut oil. • Clostridium histolyticum decreased in higher consumption of coconut oil. Abstract The recommended amount of intake of virgin coconut oil (VCO) for health benefits has not been defined. This study aims to evaluate the effects of partial dietary substitution of lipid source by VCO in the health of Wistar rats. The animals were divided as: G1, 100% of soybean oil; G2, 10.4% of VCO; G3, 50% of VCO; and G4, 95% of VCO. Weight and body measurements were not affected by substitution, as well as morphometry of adipocytes, food intake and hepatic expression of PPAR-α and CPT-1 genes. VCO consumption affected the serum lipid profile in a dose-dependent way, just like the tissue incorporation of saturated fatty acids, the inflammation in adipose tissue, and the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Since, it was not possible to establish the best dose of VCO to be consumed, the current recommendations for the consumption of satured fatty acids should be followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background & aims: The abundance of specific microbes might be associated with plasma lipopolysaccharide and insulin levels. The aims were to quantify the abundance of specific microbes and plasma LPS in females and assess their association with anthropometric, body composition and biochemical measurements. Methods: Seventeen lean (BMI 19–24.99 kg/m2) and fifteen obese females (BMI > 30 kg/m2) participated. Anthropometry, body composition, food intake and biochemical analyses were assessed. Bacterial groups in faeces were analysed by qPCR method. Results: Lactobacillus plantarum prevalence was higher (p = 0.005) and its counts tended to be higher in lean vs. obese group (p = 0.06). Bifidobacterium genus, Bifidobacterium longum, Clostridium coccoides and Clostridium leptum counts were higher in lean women (p < 0.05); prevalence and counts of Akkermansia muciniphila tended to be higher in lean group (p = 0.09, p = 0.06, respectively). Plasma LPS levels were similar between the study groups (p > 0.05). No association was found between LPS and bacterial levels or insulin. Bifidobacteria and C. coccoides counts were inversely associated with insulin and HOMA index. Conclusions: Abundance of specific microbes is distinct between obese and lean women, but is not associated with LPS level. Bifidobacterial and C. coccoides levels are associated with insulin sensitivity. These bacterial groups may be capable of modulating insulin action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) retained intestinal permeability and tight junctions. • FOS improved short-chain fatty acid production in 5-FU-induced mucositis. • FOS supplementation reduced bacterial translocation and inflammatory infiltration. • Total treatment with FOS was more effective in maintaining some parameters. The beneficial effects of prebiotic, such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), in intestinal inflammation have been demonstrated in several studies. Herein, we evaluate whether joint treatment with FOS, both before and during mucositis, had additional beneficial effects and investigated the mechanisms underlying in the action of FOS on the intestinal barrier. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: CTR (without mucositis + saline solution), FOS (without mucositis + 6 % FOS), MUC (mucositis + saline solution), PT (mucositis + 6 % FOS supplementation before disease induction), and TT (mucositis + 6 % FOS supplementation before and during disease induction). Mucositis was induced by intraperitoneal injection (300 mg/kg) of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). After 72 h, the animals were euthanized and intestinal permeability (IP), tight junction, bacterial translocation (BT), histology and morphometry, and immunoglobulin A secretory (sIgA), inflammatory infiltrate, and production of short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate and propionate) were evaluated. The MUC group showed an increase in the IP, BT, and inflammatory infiltrate but a decrease in the tight junction expression and butyrate and propionate levels (P < 0.05). In the PT and TT groups, FOS supplementation maintained the IP, tight junction expression, and propionate concentration within physiologic levels, increased butyrate levels, and reduced BT and inflammatory infiltrate (P < 0.05). Total treatment with FOS (TT group) was more effective in maintaining histological score, morphometric parameters, and sIgA production. Thus, total treatment (prophylactic and therapeutic supplementation) with FOS was more effective than pretreatment alone, in reducing 5-FU-induced damage to the intestinal barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]