Ameliorating High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Mice by Simultaneous Oral Administration of a Xylanase and Wheat Bran

Enzymes can modulate the gut microbiota, whose integrity significantly impacts human health. Herein, CbXyn10C, a xylanase from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, was investigated for its health-promoting effect on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. CbXyn10C-catalyzed hydrolysate from wheat bran promoted proliferation of 10 gut probiotics among 13 tested in vitro. In obese mice, while feeding 5% wheat bran alone was ineffective, oral administration of CbXyn10C reduced body weight and lipid accumulation, improved glycolipid metabolic disorders, reduced systemic inflammation, and fortified intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, CbXyn10C with wheat bran alleviated HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and significantly increased the abundance of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibaculum. CbXyn10C with wheat bran greatly affected lipid metabolism, particularly steroid hormone biosynthesis and sphingolipids. Spearman analysis revealed close association between the gut microbes, their metabolites, and obesity-related indicators. In conclusion, oral co-administration of a xylanase with wheat bran represents a valuable strategy for alleviating HFD-induced obesity.