Influence of a Biotechnologically Produced Oyster Mushroom () on the Gut Microbiota and Microbial Metabolites in Obese Zucker Rats.

Mushrooms are a rich source of dietary fiber. This study aimed to characterize the modulation of colonic microbiota in Zucker rats after supplementing their diet with a biotechnologically produced oyster mushroom (). Microbiota composition and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon and bile acids in the plasma of the rats were analyzed to assess the effects of supplementation on the microbiota in the colon and its interplay with the host in the event of hepatic steatosis. Microbiota profiles were distinctly modulated by supplementation between the obese control rats and the obese rats fed the 5% -supplemented diet. enhanced the growth of SCFAs-producing bacterial genera, including , , , and and decreased the relative abundance of the pathogenic genus -. This was also accompanied by distinct changes in the concentrations of bile acids in the plasma and concentrations of SCFAs in the colon, supporting the initial potentiality of as a prebiotic in cases of hepatic steatosis and liver inflammation.