Oral Administration of an Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit Extract Induces Changes in Gut Microbiota Composition: Relationship with Its Anti-Obesity and Anti-Steatotic Effects in Rats Fed a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet

Diseases such as obesity and metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are often associated with changes in gut microbiota composition. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the potential preventive effects of an <i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i> var. <i>colorada</i> cactus pulp extract on obesity and hepatic steatosis, and changes in gut microbiota composition, in a murine model fed a high-fat high-fructose diet. The low-dose extract was the most effective in reducing hepatic TG (-12.5%) and the weight of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (-18.4% and 11.4%, respectively), while the high dose led to improved serum lipid profile (-74.2% in TG, -37.2% in total cholesterol, -50.5% in non-HDL cholesterol and +71.7% in HDL cholesterol). <i>Opuntia</i> extract supplementation did not prevent the dysbiosis in gut microbiota produced by the high-fat high-fructose diet. However, modifications in its composition, consistent with an increment in both <i>Adlercreutzia muris</i> and <i>Cutibacterium acnes</i>, and a reduction in <i>Massiliimalia timonensis</i>, were observed. It can be proposed that these changes may contribute to the extract effects against obesity and liver steatosis. Nevertheless, further research is required to establish a direct link between the anti-obesity and anti-steatotic effects and the functionality of the bacteria modified by the treatment.