The microbial metabolite indole-3-propionic acid improves glucose metabolism in rats, but does not affect behaviour. (8th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abildgaard, Anders; Elfving, Betina; Hokland, Marianne; Wegener, Gregers; Lund, Sten
• Is Part Of: Archives of physiology and biochemistry. Volume 124:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 306
• Page End: 312
• Publication Date: 2018-08-08
• Subjects: Blood glucose -- insulin -- depression -- diabetes mellitus -- xenobiotics; Physiology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Biochemistry; Physiology; 571
• DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2017.1398262
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1381-3455

Abstract

Abstract: Context : We have previously shown that an antidepressant-like effect of probiotics in rats was associated with a higher plasma level of the microbial tryptophan metabolite indole-3-propionic acid (IPA). Objective : We therefore wanted to study the isolated effect of IPA on behaviour and glucose metabolism in rats. Methods : Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed control or IPA-enriched diet for six weeks ( n = 12 per group) and assessed in the elevated plus maze, open field and forced swim test. Blood glucose, metabolic hormones and the white blood cell (WBC) composition were analysed. Results : IPA (mean intake 27.3 mg/kg/day) significantly lowered fasting blood glucose level by 0.42 mM (95% CI 0.11–0.73). Similarly, fasting plasma insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index of insulin resistance were reduced, whereas plasma metabolic hormones, behaviour and WBC composition remained unaffected by IPA. Conclusions : Our findings highlight IPA as a promising candidate for treatment of metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance.