High-fat and high-fat plus cholesterol diets may differently affect sugar and fat metabolism through gut bacteria in mice

A high-fat and high-cholesterol diet significantly increased liver weight and fat infiltration in mice after 12 weeks.

• The high-fat diet (HFD) led to increased body weight and visceral fat accumulation, along with reduced oral glucose tolerance.
• The high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFHCD) resulted in higher liver triglycerides and total cholesterol compared to both the normal diet and the HFD.
• Serum cholesterol levels, including high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were elevated in mice on the HFHCD compared to those on the normal diet and HFD.
• The HFHCD significantly decreased the diversity of fecal bacteria more than the HFD did, indicating a notable change in gut microbiota.
• Distinct differences in the composition of fecal bacteria were observed between the three dietary groups.
• Cecal short-chain fatty acids were significantly lower in mice fed either the HFD or HFHCD after 12 weeks.

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