Protective role of wheat bran in high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction in Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: A high-fat diet (HFD) is associated with excessive energy intake that leads to weight gain, adiposity, dyslipidaemia, chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Wheat bran (WB), a fibre-rich by-product of wheat milling, improves satiety, regulates lipid absorption, modulates the gut microbiota and enhances antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it has protective effects against obesity and related metabolic disorders. Aim: : This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of WB incorporated into an HFD and evaluate its role in the modulation of body weight, biochemical parameters and overall metabolic outcomes. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three dietary groups and fed a standard chow diet (CD), HFD or HFD supplemented with WB (HFWB). Results: Rats fed the HFWB exhibited 40–60% less weight gain than those fed CD and HFD. Biochemical parameters, including the lipid profile and markers of metabolic health, significantly improved in the HFWB group compared to those in other groups. Moreover, abdominal fat accumulation was markedly reduced, and hepatic steatosis was ameliorated in HFWB-fed rats. Metabolic profiling showed that the HFD-induced oxidative stress and disrupted bile acid, folate and lipid metabolism. Contrastingly, WB supplementation partially restored the redox balance and reprogrammed amino acid and energy pathways. Conclusion: WB supplementation attenuates HFD-induced metabolic disturbances and improves body weight regulation, lipid profiles and overall health. These results demonstrate its potential role as a functional dietary intervention in the prevention and management of obesity-related metabolic disorders. © The Author(s) 2026