Identification of marker genes for lipid-lowering effect of a short-chain fructooligosaccharide by DNA microarray analysis

Administration of short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) is known to lower serum triglyceride levels in rats fed a high-fat diet, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify marker genes for lipid-lowering effect of scFOS administration. The changes in hepatic gene expressions in rats fed scFOS were investigated using DNA microarray and quantitative RT-PCR analysis. The DNA microarray showed that phytanoyl-CoA 2-hydroxylase 2 (Phyh2), lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) and tyrosine aminotransferase (Tat) were significantly affected by scFOS administration (p <.05). Since Lpl is involved in lipid metabolism, the up-regulation of Lpl in the liver can be a potential marker of the lipid-lowering effect of scFOS.