Colonic Propionate, Appetite and Glucose Homeostasis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of increased propionate in the colon on appetite and glucose homeostasis
IRAS ID
148182
Contact name
Gary Frost
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Research summary
Increased intake of dietary fibre has been associated with reduced appetite and weight loss. In particular, evidence suggests that the fermentable component of dietary fibre is critical in mediating these satiating effects. The short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fibre in the colon have been shown to stimulate the release of appetite suppressing hormones peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Increasing colonic SCFA levels is therefore an attractive target for appetite modulation. To overcome the unpalatably high levels of fermentable dietary fibre needed to significantly increase colonic SCFA levels, we have developed a novel delivery system targeting the release of gram quantities of the SCFA propionate in the human colon. A propionate ester has been produced whereby propionate is chemically bound by an ester bond to inulin, a natural dietary fibre composed mainly of fructose. The majority of propionate bound to inulin should only be released when the inulin polymer is fermented by the colonic microbiota, thus providing targeted colonic delivery. Our previous studies (Effect of Fibre Products on Appetite and Weight; REC Reference: 08/H0707/99) have found that acute ingestion of propionate ester increases plasma PYY and GLP-1 concentrations and reduces food intake. Furthermore, long-term (24 weeks) ingestion of propionate ester significantly reduced body weight gain and the development of abdominal adipose tissue, major risk factors in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. The current protocol comprises two follow-on studies which have the following aims:
1. Confirm the appetite suppressing effects of propionate ester when incorporated into a food product.
2. Assess the effects of propionate ester on glucose and lipid metabolism.REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0645
Date of REC Opinion
19 May 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion