Combined inulin and glucomannan modulate colonic cytokine balance and mucosal barrier function in a western diet-induced colonic inflammation mouse model

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BSTRACT

A rising worldwide health concern, inflammatory bowel disease is linked to western-style diets that damage intestinal barrier integrity, change gut microbiota, and increase colonic inflammation. In contrast, inulin and glucomannan enhance short-chain fatty acid production and preserve mucosal structure, suggesting a protective role against diet-induced colonic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate whether combined inulin and glucomannan supplementation prevents western diet-induced colonic inflammation by modulating intestinal barrier function and colonic inflammatory cytokine profiles. Over 8 weeks, elicited by a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet, colonic inflammation in mice as a model was utilized in a preventative experimental investigation. Mice received an HFHS diet with supplementation of inulin, glucomannan, or their combination. Colonic histopathology was evaluated, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-10 levels were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Statistical analyses included one-way analysis of variance with appropriate post hoc tests, covariate-adjusted analyses controlling for caloric intake, and correlation analyses between histological and inflammatory parameters. Fiber supplementation reduced HFHS-induced colonic inflammation severity, crypt shortening, and mucosal thinning without affecting caloric intake. While colonic inflammation severity linked favorably with IL-6 and inversely with IL-10 and mucosal integrity, combined inulin–glucomannan supplementation provided the lowest IL-6/IL-10 ratio along with uniquely elevated IL-10 expression, indicating better immunomodulatory effects. Soluble fiber supplementation prevents HFHS-induced colonic inflammation by preserving mucosal architecture and restoring inflammatory cytokine balance, with combined inulin and glucomannan providing additive immunoprotective benefits.