Stilbenes (Resveratrol and Pterostilbene) Alter Intestinal Functionality, Morphology and the Microbiome in-vivo (Gallus gallus)

Abstract

ObjectivesEvaluating the effect of Stilbenes (Resveratrol and pterostilbene) on brush border membrane (BBM) functionality, morphology, mineral status and the microbiome in-vivo (Gallus gallus). MethodsThe study employed the in-vivo intra-amniotic approach (Gallus gallus) to meet the objective. Six treatment groups viz. No Injection, 18 MΩ H2O, 5% Inulin, 5% Resveratrol, 5% Pterostilbene and Synergistic (4.75% resveratrol and 0.25% pterostilbene) were created with n∼10 for each group. Upon hatch, the blood, pectoral muscle, liver, cecum and duodenum samples were collected. Hemoglobin level, Fe and Zn content in the serum and liver, mRNA expression of liver and duodenum, duodenal morphological examination and the cecal microbiome were analyzed in the different groups. ResultsOur results demonstrated a significant increase in villus surface area, crypt depth and goblet cell diameter in the synergistic and pterostilbene group. These results were correlated to the increase in serum iron and zinc concentrations in these groups. In addition, the gene expression analysis revealed beneficial changes in mineral metabolism proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, the 16S rRNA sequencing showed a lower α-diversity in the synergistic group compared to the others. Although, favorable bacterial compositional changes were observed. Several key metabolic pathways were found to be enriched in the group administered with pterostilbene. ConclusionsThe study provides promising evidence for the consumption of dietary stilbenes both resveratrol and pterostilbene. The 5% pterostilbene and synergistic groups improved BBM functionality and as a result led to an increase in mineral serum concentrations (Fe and Zn). This is the first study to demonstrate an effect of stilbenes on mineral absorption. Further studies are required to confirm our findings. Funding SourcesN/A.