GASTROINTESTINAL MICROBIOTA DETERMINES FEEDING BEHAVIOUR AND INFLUENCES METABOLIC MARKERS IN WISTAR RATS GASTROINTESTINAL MICROBIOME MODULATES TASTE PREFERENCES

Background and objective:Understanding the mechanisms underlying the role of oro-gustatory and that of the microbiota on metabolism is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.This study aims to investigate how the intestinal microbiome influences feeding preferences in Wistar rats.

Methods: Spontaneous preference for testing solutions was investigated by means of the 2-bottle preference test: linoleic acid (fatty), glucose (sweet), a bitter solution (quinine), and monosodium glutamate (umami).We further assessed classical biochemical and hematological parameters like lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, hematology, and inflammatory markers, to explore systemic metabolic consequences of microbial perturbations.

Results and conclusions:Antibiotic treatment and germ-free conditions caused a marked depletion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes accompanied by a surge in Proteobacteria,which coincided with reduced preference for energy rich tastants,greater tolerance for bitterness,mild dyslipidemia, and elevated C reactive protein levels. These metabolic and inflammatory disturbances were reversed by probiotic or prebiotic supplementation, including S. boulardii and gum Arabic, which restored microbial diversity and normalized taste preferences, highlighting the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in regulating both metabolic balance and sensory behaviour..