Improvement of glucose metabolism disorder by wheat dietary fibre depended on the intake mode and regulated through TLRs/NF-κB/TNF pathway in db/db mice

To study the effect of wheat dietary fibre (WDF) on glucose metabolism disorder and its mechanisms, 6-week-old db/db mice were given WDF by adding to diet or oral-gavage. The results showed that WDF by oral-gavage instead of adding to the feed can significantly reduce blood glucose levels. The levels of insulin and HOMA-IR were both decreased in the serum of WDF-gavaged mice as well as several inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. WDF intake by gavage could better regulate the intestinal flora, thus inhibiting diabetes. The relative expressions of genes and proteins including TLR, P65, P50 and TNF-α were all significantly decreased by oral-gavaged WDF. Moreover, the ratio of phosphorylated p65 to total p65 was significantly decreased. In conclusion, ingestion of WDF by gavage can effectively improve glucose metabolism disorder in db/db mice by improving intestinal microbiota and regulating the TLRs/NF-κB/TNF pathway.