Evaluation of the effects of a diet enriched with Musa spp. AAA green fruits flour and inulin on obesity in mice

• Grant number: 25/11125-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - General Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Claudio Di Stasi
• Grantee: Gabriel Ruiz Fernandes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Obesity, classified as a non-communicable chronic disease, is caused by genetic factors, inadequate diet, sedentary lifestyle, and mental health alterations. Associated with low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and intestinal dysbiosis, it is characterized by the elevated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Prebiotic compounds, such as the resistant starch from green dwarf bananas (Musa sp. AAA) and inulin, show potential in modulating the intestinal microbiota, stimulating the production of SCFAs, which promote greater insulin sensitivity and satiety control. This study evaluates the isolated and combined effects of these compounds on obesity induced in mice. After inducing obesity through a high-calorie diet, C57BL/6 mice will be divided into five experimental groups (n=8): Blank (healthy with standard diet); Positive Control (obese with standard diet); Pair Feeding (obese with standard diet and 70% caloric restriction of average consumption); Banana (obese with standard diet supplemented with 15% green dwarf banana flour); and Banana + Inulin (obese with standard diet supplemented with 7.5% green dwarf banana flour and 7.5% inulin). During the 12 weeks of treatment, food consumption and water intake will be monitored every three days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical analyses will be performed to determine serum levels of obesity-related biochemical markers, as well as the quantification of SCFAs in feces. The intestinal microbiota will be evaluated through the presence of beneficial bacteria, and the expression of genes associated with inflammation and adipokine synthesis will be analyzed in visceral adipose tissue. Biological material collection will be performed after euthanizing the animals with ketamine/xylazine, followed by confirmation of death through cervical dislocation. (AU)