Effects of millet whole grain supplementation on the lipid profile and gut bacteria in rats fed with high-fat diet

To evaluate the hypolipidemic effects of millet, we investigated the function of millet ethanol extract and whole grain millet on lipid metabolism by in vitro and in vivo models in this study. Results showed that millet ethanol extract significantly decreased lipid accumulation, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in cells. Millet supplementation dramatically decreased total cholesterol levels, altered lipid profiles, and down-regulated the expression of genes SREBP-1C, FAS, HMGCR that related to hepatic lipid metabolism in rat fed with high fat diet (HFD). In addition, we also examined the level of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the composition of gut microbiota in rats. SCFAs including acetate, propionate and butyrate were increased in millet supplemented HFD rat cecum. High dose millet supplementation decreased the population of Firmicutes and increased Actinobacteria. In conclusion, our findings suggested that millet may exhibit hypolipidemic effect by regulating lipid metabolism related genes expression or gut microbiota composition.