Health impact of insect consumption through their interaction with gastrointestinal tract: exploring the role of intestinal taste receptors

Identifier:  TDX:4436

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX4436

Authors:  Segú Matamoros, Helena

Abstract:
The consumption of insects is gaining attention due to its perceived sustainability and health benefits. Insects provide a high nutritional value, including essential amino acids and micronutrients, while also containing bioactive compounds like peptides and antioxidants. These compounds show promise in reducing chronic disease risk, improving immune function, and promoting intestinal health. In this sense, the intestinal tract's health is vital for overall well-being, as it serves as the body's first barrier against food and pathogens. Additionally, the presence of taste receptors in the intestine, which are known to have physiological effects beyond their role in taste perception, highlights the potential for dietary choices to influence intestinal and overall health through these receptors. This thesis examines the impact of insect consumption on intestinal health and, systemic responses, in both healthy and induced inflammation conditions in rats. Furthermore, it investigates how insects may influence intestinal taste receptors and their health implications. The results demonstrate that the administration of insect to normal chow-feed Wistar rats have no adverse health effects. The supplementation with insects improves intestinal and metabolic alterations induced by LPS injection. Insect modulates umami and bitter taste receptor expression, and it has implications for metabolic and inflammatory responses. Moreover, consumption of insect as a unique source of protein resulted in a less pro-inflammatory profile compared to conventional protein sources and induced changes in metabolic status in healthy rats. Additionally, consumption of insect-based diet ameliorates inflammatory and metabolic disturbances, associated with an obesogenic status. In conclusion, chronic insect consumption demonstrates favorable effects on intestinal health and alleviates inflammatory and metabolic issues across both healthy and pathological conditions. Furthermore, the results emphasize the influence of dietary patterns and health status on intestinal taste receptor expression, suggesting their involvement in critical functions such as immunity and metabolism.