Goat Milk Improves Glucose Homeostasis via Enhancement of Hepatic and Skeletal Muscle AMP-activated Protein Kinase Activation and Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Streptozocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Previously we have demonstrated the metabolic benefits of goat milk consumption in high-fat diet-fed rats. However, the effects were only reported in one animal model and the involvement of gut microbiota was not investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of goat milk consumption on glucose homeostasis and gut microbiota in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats METHODS AND RESULTS: STZ-induced diabetic rats were fed with 3 dosages of goat milk: 2.5, 5, and 10 g/kg. Parameters related to glucose homeostasis, hepatic and skeletal muscle AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and gut microbiota were investigated. The dose of 10 g/kg exerted more metabolic benefits. Goat milk consumption improved fasting glucose levels, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and promoted hepatic and skeletal muscle AMPK activation in STZ-injected diabetic rats. Goat milk modulated gut microbiota, increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, and augmented levels of propionic and butyric acids CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the metabolic benefits of goat milk consumption in STZ-induced diabetic rats, which is consistent with the previous observations in high-fat diet-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, this study elucidated the modulation of gut microbiota by goat milk, which likely mediates the metabolic effects of goat milk. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.