Konjac glucomannan and κ-carrageenan improve hepatic fatty acid metabolism and colonic microbiota in suckling piglet

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) and kappa-carrageenan are polysaccharides that have garnered attention for their potential health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the maternal supplementation of KGM and kappa-carrageenan (SF) during later gestation and lactation on the effect of hepatic lipid metabolism and colonic microflora in offspring. Regarding antioxidant and inflammatory factors in the suckling piglet liver, our results showed that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and interleukin (IL)-10 levels were significantly increased in the SF group (P < 0.05). In liver mitochondrial function, the mRNA levels of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), fission 1 (Fis1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha) were significantly up-regulated in the SF group compared to the control (Con) group (P < 0.05). The mRNA level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) was remarkably down-regulated in the SF group (P < 0.05). In the colonic microflora of suckling piglets, we found that the SF group increased the abundance of Megasphaera and reduced the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified. The occludin level was significantly increased in the SF group than in the Con group (P < 0.05). In summary, maternal supplementation with SF improves hepatic lipid metabolism and colonic microflora in suckling piglets.