Gut Microbiota Composition evaluation
The gut microbiota composition was evaluated by analyzing fecal samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This widely used method allows identification and characterization of bacterial populations in the gut. It assesses the diversity and relative abundance of different bacterial species and genera by examining the 16S rRNA gene, which is conserved in all bacteria. The luminal content of the cecum was collected, divided for microbiome and meta-metabolome analyses, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80 degrees C. Liver samples were also collected for metabolomics analyses.