Polysaccharides of Aspergillus cristatus attenuate obesity by regulating gut microbiota and gut microbiota-related metabolites

Golden-flower fungus,the only dominant microorganism determining the Fu-brick tea quality through fermentation and the important microbe in Liupao tea,is considered a potential probiotic fungus based on its anti-obesity effect.However,the classification of golden-flower fungi is still controversial;the anti-obesity effect of golden-flower fungus polysaccharides remains unknown.In this study,we identify a golden-flower strain as Aspergillus cristatus based on morphological characteristics and multigene phylogeny analysis,which resolves the controversy of classification.Moreover,we find A.cristatus polysaccharides(ACPS)attenuate obesity in rats.ACPS modulate gut bacterial composition.in which Akkermansia,Akkermansia muciniphila,Bacteroides,Romboutsia,Blautia,and Desulfovibrio are considered the core microbes regulated by ACPS.ACPS increase fecal total short-chain fatty acid content and serum,hepatic,and fecal total bile acid content.Furthermore,ACPS-induced gut microbiota alteration plays a causal role in the protection from obesity,according to a fecal transplantation experiment.Thus,ACPS ameliorate obesity by regulating gut microbiota and gut microbiota-related metabolites.

Anti-inflammatory properties of Fu brick tea water extract contribute to the improvement of diarrhea in mice

Fu brick tea,a special kind of dark tea fermented dominantly by Eurotium cristatum,is traditionally used for diarrhea therapy in China.However,limited reports are available on the anti-diarrhea of Fu brick tea water extract(FTE)and its potential mechanisms.In the present study,the treatment effects of FTE on the senna-induced diarrhea in mice were investigated.We found that FTE effectively improved diarrhea index and inhibited gut peristalsis.Additionally,histopathological examination revealed that FTE protected the integrity and reduced inflammatory infiltration of the ileum mucosal barrier.Furthermore,FTE significantly decreased the levels of the pro-inflammatory factor 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and increased the expression of sodium–hydrogen exchanger 3(NHE-3).The association among both intestinal damage and electrolyte balance and inflammation has been reported by many studies.Collectively,our study showed that FTE had anti-diarrhea activity,which may be associated with anti-inflammatory properties.