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Aging-related decline in the liver and brain is accelerated by refined diet consumption
Recent studies have indicated that diets high in highly or ultra-processed foods may lead to various diseases. This research investigates the effects of a refined diet, both with and without fiber enrichment, on aging-related health decline in male C57BL/6J mice through two distinct experiments. In Experiment 1, mice were fed either a standard chow or a refined diet until reaching 86 weeks of age. Experiment 2 involved mice on a refined diet who exhibited signs of aging-related intestinal barrier dysfunction. These mice were then switched to a fiber-enriched refined diet, incorporating either 7.5% oat β-glucan or 7.5% cellulose, for a duration of 18 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed at the beginning and conclusion of the fiber intervention, while glucose tolerance was evaluated at the end of both experiments. Additionally, markers of senescence, liver damage, neuroinflammation, intestinal barrier integrity, and microbiota composition were analyzed. The findings revealed that mice consuming the refined diet exhibited elevated markers of senescence in plasma, signs of aging-related liver decline, impaired glucose metabolism, and cognitive decline when compared to those on a standard diet. These alterations were correlated with variations in intestinal microbiota composition and increased portal bacterial endotoxin levels. Notably, the introduction of fiber to the refined diet slowed the progression of cognitive decline associated with aging. Still, it did not mitigate declines in liver health, insulin sensitivity, or intestinal barrier function. In conclusion, while the addition of fiber to a refined diet may slow cognitive impairments associated with aging, it does not appear to mitigate the accelerated aging-related decline in other organs in mouse models.
Year: 2025
