Double-side role of short chain fatty acids on host health via the gut-organ axes

Short chain fatty acids(SCFA)exist in dietary foods and are produced by the fermentation of gut microbiota,and are considered an important element for regulating host health.Through blood circulation,SCFA produced in the gut and obtained from foods have an impact on the intestinal health as well as vital organs of the host.It has been recognized that the gut is the“vital organ”in the host.As the gut microbial metabolites,SCFA could create an“axis”connecting the gut and to other organs.Therefore,the“gut-organ axes”have become a focus of research in recent years to analyze organism health.In this review,we summarized the sources,absorption properties,and the function of SCFA in both gut and other peripheral tissues(brain,kidney,liver,lung,bone and cardiovascular)in the way of“gut-organ axes”.Short chain fatty acids exert both beneficial and pathological role in gut and other organs in various ways,in which the beneficial effects are more pronounced.In addition,the beneficial effects are reflected in both preventive and therapeutic effects.More importantly,the mechanisms behinds the gut and other tissues provided insight into the function of SCFA,assisting in the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for maintaining the host health.

The interaction among gut microbes,the intestinal barrier and short chain fatty acids

The mammalian gut is inhabited by a massive and complicated microbial community, in which the hostachieves a stable symbiotic environment through the interdependence, coordination, reciprocal constraintsand participation in an immune response. The interaction between the host gut and themicrobiota is essential for maintaining and achieving the homeostasis of the organism. Consequently, guthomeostasis is pivotal in safeguarding the growth and development and potential productive performanceof the host. As metabolites of microorganisms, short chain fatty acids are not only the preferredenergy metabolic feedstock for host intestinal epithelial cells, but also exert vital effects on antioxidantsand the regulation of intestinal community homeostasis. Herein, we summarize the effects of intestinalmicroorganisms on the host gut and the mechanisms of action of short chain fatty acids on the fourintestinal barriers of the organism, which will shed light on the manipulation of the intestinal communityto achieve precise nutrition for specific individuals and provide a novel perspective for theprevention and treatment of diseases.

Gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids are potential mediators in gut inflammation

Gut inflammation is a challenging concern in humans and animals,which disturbs normal growth and leads to severe bowel diseases.Short chain fatty acids(SCFA)are the gut microbiota metabolites produced from fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates,and have been reported to modulate gut inflammation.SCFA have been implicated as the potential therapeutic bioactive molecules for gut inflammatory diseases,and could be an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters(AGP).In this review,the existing knowledge about the types of SCFA,the related gut microbes producing SCFA,the roles of SCFA in maintaining gut homeostasis,and how SCFA modulate gut inflammation is summarized.The therapeutic application of SCFA in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is also highlighted

Infusion of short chain fatty acids in the ileum improves the carcass traits,meat quality and lipid metabolism of growing pigs

Short chain fatty acids(SCFA)are the main products of indigestible carbohydrates undergoing bacterial fermentation in the hindgut,which are related to some physiological functions.This study was designed to investigate the effects of SCFA infusion by ileum on the carcass traits,meat quality and lipid meta-bolism of growing pigs.In a 28-day study,24 growing barrows fitted with a T-cannula in distal ileum were divided into 4 treatments:1)Control,2)antibiotics(AB),3)AB+300 mL of SCFA1 solution(ABS1),4)AB+300 mL of SCFA2 solution(ABS2).The concentrations of acetate,propionate and butyrate in SCFA1 solution were respectively 61.84,18.62 and 12.55 mmol/L,and in SCFA2 were respectively 40.08,15.41 and 9.78 mmol/L The results showed that the SCFA infusion increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of pigs(P<0.05).Meanwhile,the SCFA treatments increased longissimus dorsi area(P<0.05)and carcass weight(P=0.058),decreased the drip loss of longissimus dorsi(P=0.059),and reduced serum concentrations of triglyceride,total cholesterol and urea nitrogen(P<0.05).Besides,the SCFA administration inhibited the mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase(FAS)and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in longissimus dorsi(P<0.05),the mRNA expression of FAS in the liver(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression of hormone-sensitive lipase in abdominal fat(P<0.05).Short chain fatty acid infusion also enhanced the mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1αin the liver(P<0.05),the mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma and lipoprotein lipase in abdominal fat(P<0.05),and the mRNA expressions of free fatty acid receptor 2,glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 in the colon(P<0.05).These results suggested that SCFA administration in the ileum could improve the carcass traits and meat quality of growing pigs,which was possibly due to the fact that SCFA modulated lipid metabolism.

Effects of yeast cell wall on growth performance, immune responses and intestinal short chain fatty acid concentrations of broilers in an experimental necrotic enteritis model

Subclinical necrotic enteritis(NE) causes devastating economic losses in the broiler chicken industry,especially in birds raised free of in-feed antibiotics. Prebiotics are potential alternatives to in-feed antibiotics. Yeast cell wall extract(YCW) derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a prebiotic with known immune modulating effects. This study examined the effects of YCW and antibiotics(AB) during subclinical NE on broiler growth performance, intestinal lesions, humoral immune response and gut microflora metabolites. The study employed a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors were:NE challenge(yes or no) and feed additive(control, AB, or YCW). Each treatment was replicated in 8 floor pens with 15 birds per pen. Challenged birds had higher feed conversion ratio(FCR) than unchallenged birds on d 35(P < 0.05). Dietary inclusion of AB decreased FCR regardless of challenge(P < 0.05) on d 24 and 35. Inclusion of YCW reduced serum interleukin-1(IL-1) concentration in NE challenged birds(P < 0.01) and increased immunoglobulin(Ig) G(P < 0.05) and Ig M(P < 0.05) levels compared to other dietary treatments regardless of challenge. Yeast cell wall extract increased formic acid concentration in cecal contents during challenge and increased butyric acid concentration in unchallenged birds on d 16.This study indicates YCW suppressed inflammatory response, promoted generation of immunoglobulin and increased short chain fatty acid production suggesting potential benefits to bird health.

Production of short chain fatty acids and vitamin B_(12) during the in-vitro digestion and fermentation of probiotic chocolate

The prebiotic functions of chocolate to improve the function and health benefit of the chocolate when enriched with probiotics has not been fully investigated.This study investigated the role of chocolates enriched with probiotics in the production of SCFAs and vitamin B_(12) during the in-vitro colonic fermentation.Seven probiotic bacteria were encapsulated using a mixture of cocoa powder(10%),FOS(2%)and Na-alginate(1%)before added to chocolates.The results revealed that encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium animalis spp.lactis BB12 produced significantly higher amounts(1876.5±105.16 and 1348.51±77.37 mmol,respectively)of acetic acid after 48h of colonic fermentation.Chocolates with encapsulated BB12,La5,Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis and Streptococcus thermophilus yielded higher amounts of propionic,isobutyric,butyric and isovaleric acid.Probiotic-chocolates with 70%cocoa produced significantly more acetic,propionic,and butyric acids than that of 45%cocoa.However,Probiotic-chocolates with 45%cocoa produced greater amounts of vitamin B_(12) than 70%cocoa.These data demonstrate that probiotic-chocolate could be a functional snack with additional health benefits.

Processing Effect on the Physicochemical and Volatile Fatty Acid Profile of African Breadfruit (Treculia africana) Seed Oil

African breadfruit seeds were subjected to three processing methods—parboiling, cooking and toasting, and the raw was used as control. The purpose of this research was to extract the oil from the seed and to determine the effect of processing on the oil for physicochemical properties and volatile fatty acid profile. Physicochemical properties showed that the colour of the oil varied from golden yellow to brownish yellow with specific gravity varying between 0.802 g/cm3 and 0.813 g/cm3. Percentage yield of oil was 6.14% for raw extract, 6.62% for parboiled extract, 7.56% for toasted extract, and 5.01% for cooked extract. Acid, peroxide and saponification value for oil extracted from the raw seed varied with the processed samples value. The Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA), also known as Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) found inherent in varying concentration, were formic, acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, valeric, isocarproic, hexanoic and heptanoic acid. Overall results prove that heat results in increases in the VFA concentration of the processed oil.

D-Psicose intake exacerbates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice through alteration in the gut microbiota and dysfunction of mucosal barrier

D-Psicose,as a low-calorie rare sugar,has attracted a lot of attention in recent years for alternating to sucrose.The anti-obesity effect of D-psicose has been extensively confirmed in previous studies,however,the impact of D-psicose on colitis remains vague.Here,we firstly evaluated the effect of the D-psicose prophylactic intervention on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice.The pathological symptoms,inflammatory cytokines levels,gut microbiota composition,short chain fatty acids(SCFAs)production and colonic barrier integrity were comprehensively evaluated.The results confirmed that D-psicose intervention aggravated colitis,characterized by the exacerbation of colon shortening,increase of colonic inflammatory infiltration,and marked exaltation of disease activity indices and IL-6,IL-1βand TNF-αlevels.Further,the dysfunction of gut microbiota was identified in the psicose group.The abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group was significantly up-regulated while the abundance of probiotics Akkermansia and Lactobacillus were significantly down-regulated in the psicose group compared to the model group.Moreover,the production of SCFAs was suppressed in the psicose group,accompanied by a decrease in the level of mucin 2(Muc-2).Collectively,the underlying mechanism of the exacerbation of colitis by D-psicose intervention might be attributed to microbiota dysfunction accompanied by the reduction of SCFAs,which leads to the damage of the mucosal barrier and the intensifi cation of inflammatory invasion.

Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM1180 attenuates obesity induced by estrogen deficiency by activating estrogen receptor alpha in abdominal adipose tissue and regulating gut microbiota-derived metabolites

Lipid metabolism disorders commonly occur during menopause.Estrogen deficiency has been shown to lead to excessive energy intake and abnormal lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats,resulting in obesity.Probiotics exhibit anti-obesity properties,and their underlying mechanism has been widely reported.In this study,we demonstrated the metabolic benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM1180 in suppressing appetite,controlling body weight,correcting obesity-induced abnormalities,enhancing liver lipid metabolism,and protecting liver function in estrogen-deficient rats.The mechanisms associated with the anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemia effects of CCFM1180 on estrogen-deficient rats were clarified.The results showed that CCFM1180 dramatically reduced food intake by activating the expression of estrogen receptor alpha(ERα)and increasing the level of leptin in abdominal adipose tissue.These changes,combined with the increased butyrate concentration and recovered bile acid structure,helped enhance lipid metabolism.Additionally,CCFM1180 treatment was found to be safer than exogenous estrogen supplementation.Thus,L.plantarum CCFM1180 could be considered a new therapeutic strategy for preventing and alleviating menopausal lipid abnormalities.

Antihypertensive effects of whey protein hydrolysate involve reshaping the gut microbiome in spontaneously hypertension rats

Novel angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)inhibitory peptides were identified from whey protein hydrolysates(WPH)in vitro in our previous study and the antihypertensive abilities of WPH in vivo were further investigated in the current study.Results indicated that WPH significantly inhibited the development of high blood pressure and tissue injuries caused by hypertension.WPH inhibited ACE activity(20.81%,P<0.01),and reduced renin concentration(P<0.05),thereby reducing systolic blood pressure(SBP)(12.63%,P<0.05)in spontaneously hypertensive rats.The increased Akkermansia,Bacteroides,and Lactobacillus abundance promoted high short chain fatty acid content in feces after WPH intervention.These changes jointly contributed to low blood pressure.The heart weight and cardiomyocyte injuries(hypertrophy and degeneration)were alleviated by WPH.The proteomic results revealed that 19 protein expressions in the heart mainly associated with the wingless/integrated(Wnt)signaling pathway and Apelin signaling pathway were altered after WPH supplementation.Notably,WPH alleviated serum oxidative stress,indicated by the decreased malondialdehyde content(P<0.01),enhanced total antioxidant capacity(P<0.01)and superoxide dismutase activity(P<0.01).The current study suggests that WPH exhibit promising antihypertensive abilities in vivo and could be a potential alternative for antihypertensive dietary supplements.

Propionate and butyrate attenuate macrophage pyroptosis and osteoclastogenesis induced by CoCrMo alloy particles

Background:Wear particles-induced osteolysis is a major long-term complication after total joint arthroplasty.Up to now,there is no effective treatment for wear particles-induced osteolysis except for the revision surgery,which is a heavy psychological and economic burden to patients.A metabolite of gut microbiota,short chain fatty acids(SCFAs),has been reported to be beneficial for many chronic inflammatory diseases.This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of SCFAs on osteolysis.Methods:A model of inflammatory osteolysis was established by applying CoCrMo alloy particles to mouse calvarium.After two weeks of intervention,the anti-inflammatory effects of SCFAs on wear particle-induced osteolysis were evaluated by micro-CT analysis and immunohistochemistry staining.In vitro study,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)primed bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDMs)and Tohoku hospital pediatrics-1(THP-1)macrophages were stimulated with CoCrMo particles to activate inflammasome in the presence of acetate(C2),propionate(C3),and butyrate(C4).Western blotting,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and immunofluorescence were used to detect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.The effects of SCFAs on osteoclasts were evaluate by qRT-PCR,Western blotting,immunofluorescence,and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining.Additionally,histone deacetylase(HDAC)inhibitors,agonists of GPR41,GPR43,and GPR109A were applied to confirm the underlying mechanism of SCFAs on the inflammasome activation of macrophages and osteoclastogenesis.Results:C3 and C4 but not C2 could alleviate wear particles-induced osteolysis with fewer bone erosion pits(P<0.001),higher level of bone volume to tissue volume(BV/TV,P<0.001),bone mineral density(BMD,P<0.001),and a lower total porosity(P<0.001).C3 and C4 prevented CoCrMo alloy particles-induced ASC speck formation and nucleationinduced oligomerization,suppressing the cleavage of caspase-1(P<0.05)and IL-1β(P<0.05)stimulated by CoCrMo alloy particles.C3 and C4 also inhibited the generation of gasdermin D-N-terminal fragment(GSDMD-NT)to regulate pyroptosis.Besides,C3 and C4 have a negative impact on osteoclast differentiation(P<0.05)and its function(P<0.05),affecting the podosome arrangement and morphologically normal podosome belts formation.Conclusions:Our work showed that C3 and C4 are qualified candidates for the treatment of wear particle-induced osteolysis.

燕麦β-葡聚糖及其寡糖对肠道菌群结构和代谢的影响

燕麦β-葡聚糖(oatsβ-glucans,OGs)及其水解寡糖(oatsβ-glucan oligosaccharides,OGOs)被认为是具有潜在益生元特性的功能性物质。从燕麦麸皮中提取得到分子质量为1.34×10^5 Da的β-葡聚糖(OGs),并通过OGs酸水解得到聚合度范围为3~11的β-葡寡糖(OGOs)。分别以OGs和OGOs为培养基碳源,进行健康人和2型糖尿病人来源粪便菌群的体外厌氧发酵,研究OGs和OGOs对不同来源肠道菌群结构和代谢的影响。结果显示,健康人和2型糖尿病人粪便菌群均可以较好地利用OGs和OGOs,在经过48 h发酵后利用率均可以达到93%以上。以OGs和OGOs为碳源对健康人和2型糖尿病人粪便菌群发酵48 h后,发酵液pH均显著降低,乙酸和丙酸含量均显著增加。相比于OGOs,以OGs为碳源发酵粪便菌群48 h后,粪便菌群中产丁酸菌相对总细菌的含量显著提高(P<0.05),相应地,发酵液中丁酸含量显著增加(P<0.05);与OGs相比,以OGOs为碳源则显著增加了粪便菌群中乳酸杆菌和双歧杆菌的相对含量(P<0.05),并且明显增加了发酵液中乙酸和丙酸含量。研究结果显示,OGs和OGOs对肠道菌群的组成和代谢有不同的改善作用,OGs和OGOs可能可以有针对性地改善2型糖尿病人肠道菌群的结构和相关代谢。

Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 powder consumption on the gut microbiota and intestinal health of overweight adults

BACKGROUND Shifting on lifestyle,diet,and physical activity contributed on increasing number of obese people around the world.Multiple factors influence the development of obesity.Some research suggested that gut microbiota(GM)plays an important role in nutrient absorption and energy regulation of individuals,thus affecting their nutritional status.Report of Indonesia Basic Health Research showed that the prevalence of obesity in every province tended to increase.Although the root cause of obesity is excessive calorie intake compared with expenditure,the differences in gut microbial ecology between healthy and obese humans may affect energy homeostasis.GM affect body weight,especially obesity.Probiotics that are consumed while alive and able to colonize in the intestine are expected to increase the population of good bacteria,especially Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli,and suppress pathogens such as Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus.The strain of L.plantarum Dad-13 has been demonstrated to survive and colonize in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy Indonesian adults who consume fermented milk containing L.plantarum Dad-13.The consumption of probiotic L.plantarum Dad-13 powder decreased E.coli and non-E.coli coliform bacteria in school-aged children in Indonesia.L.plantarum is a dominant bacterium in the average Indonesian’s GM.For this reason,this bacterium is probably a more suitable probiotic for Indonesians.AIM To determine the effect of the consumption of indigenous probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 powder in overweight adults in Yogyakarta(Indonesia).METHODS Sixty overweight volunteers with a body mass index(BMI)equal to or greater than 25 consume indigenous probiotic powder L.plantarum Dad-13(2×109 CFU/gram/sachet)for 90 d.The study was a randomized,double-blind,placebocontrolled study.The volunteers filled in a diary on a daily basis,which consisted of questions on study product intake(only during ingestion period),other food intake,number of bowel movements,fecal quality(consistency and color),any medications received,and any symptom of discomfort,such as diarrhea,constipation,vomiting,gassing,sensation of illness,etc.Fecal samples and the subjects’diaries were collected on the morning of day 10+1,which was marked as the end of the baseline period and the start of the ingestion period.During the ingestion period(from day 11 to day 101),several parameters to measure and analyze the results included body weight and height(once a month),the lipid profile,GM analysis using MiSeq,short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)analysis using gas chromatography,and the measurement of fecal pH using a pH meter.RESULTS The consumption of indigenous probiotic powder L.plantarum Dad-13 caused the average body weight and BMI of the probiotic group to decrease from 84.54±17.64 kg to 83.14±14.71 kg and 33.10±6.15 kg/m2 to 32.57±5.01 kg/m2,respectively.No significant reduction of body weight and BMI in the placebo group was observed.An analysis of the microbiota showed that the number of Bacteroidetes,specifically Prevotella,increased significantly,while that of Firmicutes significantly decreased.No significant change in lipid profile in both groups was found.Also,no significant change in SCFAs(e.g.,butyrate,propionate,acetic acid)and pH level was found after the consumption of the probiotic.CONCLUSION No significant differences in pH before and after ingestion were observed in both the probiotic and placebo groups as well as in the lipid profile of both cholesterol and triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein(HDL),low-density lipoprotein(LDL),and the LDL/HDL ratio.In addition,no significant changes in the concentration of SCFAs(e.g.,acetic acid,propionate,and butyrate)were found after consumption.Interestingly,a significant decrease in body weight and BMI(P<0.05)was determined in the treatment group.An analysis of GM shows that L.plantarum Dad-13 caused the Firmicutes population to decrease and the Bacteroidetes population(especially Prevotella)to increase.

Can control of gut microbiota be a future therapeutic option for inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract encompassing two main clinical entities,Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Accumulated evidence indicates that an aberrant immune activation caused by the interplay of genetic susceptibility and environmental impact on the gut microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD.Rapid advances in next-generation sequencing technology have enabled a number of studies to identify the alteration of the gut microbiota,termed dysbiosis,in IBD.Moreover,the alteration in the metabolites derived from the gut microbiota in IBD has also been described in many studies.Therefore,microbiota-based interventions such as fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)have attracted attention as a novel therapeutic option in IBD.However,in clinical trials,the efficacy of FMT for IBD remains controversial.Additional basic and clinical studies are required to validate whether FMT can assume a complementary role in the treatment of IBD.The present review provides a synopsis on dysbiosis in IBD and on the association between the gut microbiota and the pathogenesis of IBD.In addition,we summarize the use of probiotics in IBD and the results of current clinical trials of FMT for IBD.

Mechanistic links between gut microbial community dynamics, microbial functions and metabolic health

Gut microbes comprise a high density, biologically active community that lies at the interface of an animal with its nutritional environment. Consequently their activity profoundly influences many aspects of the physiology and metabolism of the host animal. A range of microbial structural components and metabolites directly interact with host intestinal cells and tissues to influence nutrient uptake and epithelial health. Endocrine, neuronal and lymphoid cells in the gut also integrate signals from these microbial factors to influence systemic responses. Dysregulation of these host-microbe interactions is now recognised as a major risk factor in the development of metabolic dysfunction. This is a two-way process and understanding the factors that tip host-microbiome homeostasis over to dysbiosis requires greater appreciation of the host feedbacks that contribute to regulation of microbial community composition. To date, numerous studies have employed taxonomic profiling approaches to explore the links between microbial composition and host outcomes(especially obesity and its comorbidities), but inconsistent host-microbe associations have been reported. Available data indicates multiple factors have contributed to discrepancies between studies. These include the high level of functional redundancy in host-microbiome interactions combined with individual variation in microbiome composition; differences in study design, diet composition and host system between studies; and inherent limitations to the resolution of r RNA-based community profiling. Accounting for these factors allows for recognition of the common microbial and host factors driving community composition and development of dysbiosis on high fat diets. New therapeutic intervention options are now emerging.

Fructo-oligosaccharide intensifies visceral hypersensitivity and intestinal inflammation in a stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome mouse model

AIM To determine whether fructo-oligosaccharide(FOS) affects visceral sensitivity, inflammation, and production of intestinal short-chain fatty acids(SCFA) in an irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) mouse model.METHODS Mice were randomly assigned to daily oral gavage of saline solution with or without FOS(8 g/kg body weight) for 14 d. Mice were further assigned to receive either daily one-hour water avoidance stress(WAS) or sham-WAS for the first 10 d. After 2 wk, visceral sensitivity was measured by abdominal withdrawal reflex in response to colorectal distension and mucosal inflammation was evaluated. Gas chromatography, real-time reverse transcription PCR, and immunohistochemistry assays were used to quantify cecal concentrations of SCFA, intestinal cytokine expression, and number of intestinal mast cells per high-power field(HPF), respectively.RESULTS Mice subjected to WAS exhibited visceral hypersensitivity and low-grade inflammation. Among mice subjected to WAS, FOS increased visceral hypersensitivity and led to higher cecal concentrations of acetic acid(2.49 ± 0.63 mmol/L vs 1.49 ± 0.72 mmol/L, P < 0.05), propionic acid(0.48 ± 0.09 mmol/L vs 0.36 ± 0.05 mmol/L, P < 0.01), butyric acid(0.28 ± 0.09 mmol/L vs 0.19 ± 0.003 mmol/L, P < 0.05), as well as total SCFA(3.62 ± 0.87 mmol/L vs 2.27 ± 0.75 mmol/L, P < 0.01) compared to saline administration. FOS also increased ileal interleukin(IL)-23 mR NA(4.71 ± 4.16 vs 1.00 ± 0.99, P < 0.05) and colonic IL-1β mR NA(2.15 ± 1.68 vs 0.88 ± 0.53, P < 0.05) expressions as well as increased mean mast cell counts in the ileum(12.3 ± 2.6 per HPF vs 8.3 ± 3.6 per HPF, P < 0.05) and colon(6.3 ± 3.2 per HPF vs 3.4 ± 1.2 per HPF, P < 0.05) compared to saline administration in mice subjected to WAS. No difference in visceral sensitivity, intestinal inflammation, or cecal SCFA levels was detected with or without FOS administration in mice subjected to sham-WAS.CONCLUSION FOS administration intensifies visceral hypersensitivity and gut inflammation in stress-induced IBS mice, but not in the control mice, and is also associated with increased intestinal SCFA production.

Administration of Saccharomyces boulardii mafic-1701 improves feed conversion ratio,promotes antioxidant capacity,alleviates intestinal inflammation and modulates gut microbiota in weaned piglets

Background:Probiotics are used as a means to improve animal health and intestinal development.Saccharomyces boulardii is a well-known probiotic;however,few studies have examined the effects of S.boulardii on weaned piglet performance.Therefore,this 28-day study compared the effects of S.boulardii mafic-1701 and aureomycin in diets for weaned piglets on growth performance,antioxidant parameters,inflammation and intestinal microbiota.One hundred and eight piglets,weaned at 28 d of age(8.5±1.1 kg),were randomly divided into the three dietary treatment groups with six pens and six piglets per pen(half male and half female).The dietary treatment groups were as follows:1)basal diet(CON);2)basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg aureomycin(ANT);3)basal diet supplemented with 1×108 CFU/kg S.boulardii mafic-1701(SB).Results:Compared to CON group,SB group had higher feed efficiency(P<0.05)in the last 14 d and lower diarrhea rate(P<0.05)over the entire 28 d.Total superoxide dismutase in serum was markedly increased in SB group(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with CON group,SB group decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6(P<0.01)and Tumor necrosis factor-α(P<0.05)in jejunum.Supplementation of S.boulardii mafic-1701 increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG_009 and Turicibacter(P<0.05),whereas the abundance of unclassified_Clostridiaceae_4 was decreased(P<0.05).Furthermore,S.boulardii mafic-1701 administration increased cecal concentration of microbial metabolites,isobutyrate and valerate(P<0.05).Conclusions:The improvement in feed conversion ratio,reduction in diarrhea rate in weaned piglets provided diets supplemented with S.boulardii mafic-1701 may be associated with enhanced antioxidant activity,antiinflammatory responses and improved intestinal microbial ecology.

Interactions between gut microbiota and berberine,a necessary procedure to understand the mechanisms of berberine

Berberine(BBR),an isoquinoline alkaloid,has been found in many plants,such as Coptis chinensis Franch and Phellodendron chinense Schneid.Although BBR has a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects,its oral bioavailability is extremely low.In recent years,gut microbiota has emerged as a cynosure to understand the mechanisms of action of herbal compounds.Numerous studies have demonstrated that due to its low bioavailability,BBR can interact with the gut microbiota,thereby exhibiting altered pharmacological effects.However,no systematic and comprehensive review has summarized these interactions and their corresponding influences on pharmacological effects.Here,we describe the direct interactive relationships between BBR and gut microbiota,including regulation of gut microbiota composition and metabolism by BBR and metabolization of BBR by gut microbiota.In addition,the complex interactions between gut microbiota and BBR as well as the side effects and personalized use of BBR are discussed.Furthermore,we provide our viewpoint on future research directions regarding BBR and gut microbiota.This review not only helps to explain the mechanisms underlying BBR activity but also provides support for the rational use of BBR in clinical practice.

Role of metabolites derived from gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease

Over the past two decades,it is improved gut microbiota plays an important role in the health and disease pathogenesis.Metabolites,small molecules produced as intermediate or end products of microbial metabolism,is considered as one of the major interaction way for gut microbiota with the host.Bacterial metabolisms of dietary substrates,modification of host molecules or bacteria are the major source of metabolites.Signals from microbial metabolites affect immune maturation and homeostasis,host energy metabolism as well as mucosal integrity maintenance.Based on many researches,the composition and function of the microbiota can be changed,which is also seen in the metabolite profiles of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Additionally,some specific classes of metabolites also can trigger IBD.In this paper,definition of the key classes of microbialderived metabolites which are changed in IBD,description of the pathophysiological basis of association and identification of the precision therapeutic modulation in the future are the major contents.

Oral administration of Moringa oleifera leaf powder relieves oxidative stress,modulates mucosal immune response and cecal microbiota after exposure to heat stress in New Zealand White rabbits

Background:Heat stress(HS)disrupts the gut barrier allowing the uptake of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and leads to an inflammatory response and changes in gut microbiota composition.Moringa oleifera leaf powder(MOLP)has been proposed to combat HS,yet its alleviate role is currently under investigation.The current study investigated the effects of chronic HS and MOLP supplementation on changes in redox status and immune response of cecal mucosa along with alteration in cecal microbiota.Methods:A total of 21 young New Zealand White(NZW)rabbits(male)about 32 weeks old(mean body weight of 3318±171 g)reared on a commercial pelleted diet were employed;divided into three groups(n=7):control(CON,25°C),heat stress(HS,35°C for 7 h daily),and HS supplemented orally with MOLP(HSM,35°C)at 200 mg/kg body weight per day for 4 weeks.Results:The results demonstrated that MOLP supplementation increased organ index of cecal tissue compared with the HS group(P>0.05).Levels of malonaldehyde(MDA)and activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)as well as lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)were reduced in the cecal mucosa of the HSM group compared with the HS group.MOLP downregulated the contents of cecal mucosa LPS,several inflammatory markers(TNF-α/IL-1α/IL-1β),and myeloperoxidase(MPO)in the HSM group(P<0.05).Secretory immunoglobulin A(SIgA)was increased in the HSM group compared with the HS group(P<0.05).The transcriptome of cecal mucosa showed that MOLP reduced gene expression relative to several immune factors,including IL-10,IFNG,and RLA,whereas both HS and MOLP increased the gene expression of fat digestion and absorption pathway,including APOA1,FABP1,FABP2,MTTP,andLOC100344166,compared to the CON group(P<0.001).At the phylum level,the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was increased by HS,while Actinobacteria was significantly increased by HSM compared to other groups(P<0.05).At genus level,Papillibacter was higher in abundance in HSM groups compared to CON and HS groups(P<0.05).Higher butyrate concentrations were observed in the HSM group than HS and CON groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:In conclusion,HS in growing rabbits resulted in alteration of cecal microbiota at phyla level as well as increased oxidative stress and expression of mucosal inflammatory genes.Whereas,oral MOLP supplementation elevated the relative weight of cecum,affected their immunological and cecal micro-ecosystem function by improving antioxidant status and down-regulating mucosal tissue inflammatory response.