Oligosaccharides from Gracilaria fisheri ameliorate gastrointestinal dysmotility and gut dysbiosis in colitis mice

Abstract

Oligosaccharides from red algae have demonstrated prebiotic activity. In this study, the prebiotic effects of Gracilaria fisheri oligosaccharides (GFO) on gastrointestinal (GI) motility in acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis mice were investigated through GI transit time, ex vivo propulsive motility, in vitro colonic smooth muscle contractility, composition of colonic microbiota, and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Treatment with GFO attenuated histological change and shortening of the colon, reduced body weight loss, and lowered the disease activity index. Notably, GFO prevented reductions in gut transit, propulsive motility, and smooth muscle contractility in colitis mice. GFO treatment also modulated Enterobacteria populations and SCFAs production in the GI tract. The results suggested that the prebiotic effect of GFO could prevent and attenuate colitis symptoms and GI dysmotility in AA-induced colitis, perhaps by reducing populations of harmful bacteria and increasing SCFAs production.