Abstract
Simple SummaryMicrobial-derived short-chain fatty acids can exert influence on intestinal development and intestinal barrier function. Usually, it is well known that short-chain fatty acid butyrate provides energy for the colonic cell turnover and maintains the integrity of the colonic epithelium. However, the effect of short-chain fatty acid propionate on intestinal development and jejunal barrier function is given less attention. In this study, we found that cecal infusion of propionate promoted development of the jejunum and colon, and selectively enhanced jejunal tight junction protein expression. These results suggest that propionate by microbial fermentation in the hindgut has an important role in intestinal development and gut health.Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by microbial fermentation facilitate the differentiation and proliferation of intestinal epithelium. However, the role of individual SCFAs, such as propionate, on intestinal development is still unclear. In the present study, sixteen barrows fitted with a cecal fistula were randomly divided into two groups for cecal infusion of either saline (control group) or sodium propionate (propionate group). After 28 days, the length and the relative weight of intestinal segments were calculated, the intestinal morphology was assessed, and the expression of tight junction protein was measured using qPCR and Western blotting. Compared to the saline group, the length of the colon was significantly increased in the propionate group (p < 0.05). The jejunal villi length and villi/crypt ratio in the propionate group were significantly higher than in the saline group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, propionate infusion significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of Claudin-4 and the expression of Claudin-1, Claudin-4, and Occludin protein in the jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings revealed that the short-chain fatty acid propionate in the hindgut contributed to intestinal development, and selectively enhanced jejunal tight junction protein expression.
Highlights
The mammalian gastrointestinal tract harbors trillions of microorganisms
We evaluated the effects of intra-cecal infusion of propionate on intestinal development and jejunal barrier function using a pig model with a cecal fistula
The relative weights of the stomach, ileum, cecum, and colon were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest that the cecal infusion of propionate promoted growth of the colon
Summary
The mammalian gastrointestinal tract harbors trillions of microorganisms. large amounts of small molecule metabolites are produced by intestinal microbiota, collectively termed the metabolome.Accumulating studies have demonstrated that intestinal microbial metabolites are linked to intestinalAnimals 2019, 9, 284; doi:10.3390/ani9060284 www.mdpi.com/journal/animalsAnimals 2019, 9, 284 development and health [1,2,3], especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The mammalian gastrointestinal tract harbors trillions of microorganisms. Large amounts of small molecule metabolites are produced by intestinal microbiota, collectively termed the metabolome. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that intestinal microbial metabolites are linked to intestinal. Animals 2019, 9, 284 development and health [1,2,3], especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Short-chain fatty acids are the major products from microbial fermentation of non-digestive nutrients in the large intestine, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFAs, known as energy substrates, are readily metabolized by intestinal epithelium and the liver. SCFAs serve as signaling molecules, playing key roles in the maintenance of intestinal barrier function. SCFAs have been used to protect against intestinal inflammation [4], such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [5]
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