Changes In Short-chain Fatty Acids Research Articles

Bifidobacterium adolescentis Exerts Strain-Specific Effects on Constipation Induced by Loperamide in BALB/c Mice.

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints worldwide. This study was performed to determine whether Bifidobacterium adolescentis exerts inter-strain differences in alleviating constipation induced by loperamide in BALB/c mice and to analyze the main reasons for these differences. BALB/c mice underwent gavage with B. adolescentis (CCFM 626, 667, and 669) once per day for 17 days. The primary outcome measures included related constipation indicators, and the secondary outcome measures were the basic biological characteristics of the strains, the concentration changes of short-chain fatty acids in feces, and the changes in the fecal flora. B. adolescentis CCFM 669 and 667 relieved constipation symptoms by adhering to intestinal epithelial cells, growing quickly in vitro and increasing the concentrations of propionic and butyric acids. The effect of B. adolescentis on the gut microbiota in mice with constipation was investigated via 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis. The results revealed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased and the amount of Clostridium decreased in the B. adolescentis CCFM 669 and 667 treatment groups. In conclusion, B. adolescentis exhibits strain-specific effects in the alleviation of constipation, mostly due to the strains’ growth rates, adhesive capacity and effects on the gut microbiome and microenvironment.

Effect of probiotic supplementation on total lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and short chain fatty acids in 2-5-year-old children.

ABSTRACT​Background: Consumption of Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 or Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 by 2–5-year-old children was found to reduce risk for diarrhoea and fever during the rainy season. Objective: Can changes in faecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) or branched chain fatty acids (BCFAs) explain the observed positive influence of probiotics and their role on nutritional status and diarrhoea risk? Design: Faecal samples were analysed for SCFAs and BCFAs and correlated to Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus levels; both at the start and after nine months’ consumption of either of the two probiotic strains, or placebo. Results: No differences in SCFAs, BCFAs, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium levels were found between boys and girls. Severely underweight children were observed to have the highest Lactobacillus levels. Probiotic intervention was found to be associated with higher levels of selected SCFAs and BCFAs in subjects who had experienced diarrhoea. Treatment with either of the probiotics led to changes in SCFAs and BCFAs. SCFAs, acetate, propionate and butyrate, were found to correlate with each other. Likewise, BCFAs isobutyrate, 2-methylbutyrate and isovalerate correlated with each other. After the intervention, L. paracasei Lpc-37 correlated positively with total Bifidobacterium counts and isovalerate levels. B. lactis HN019 counts were found to correlate positively with total bacterial counts and negatively with propionate levels. Conclusions: ​Nutritional status was associated with higher levels of faecal lactobacilli; the meaning of this requires further investigation. The intervention with the two probiotics was observed to influence the levels of faecal SCFAs and BCFAs and there is a differential response in those who developed diarrhoea and those who did not. It is, however, not clear to what extent this is a mechanism that explains the earlier observed effect the strains had on diarrhoea risk.

Abstract # 1732 Exposure to a social stressor results in changes to microbial-produced short chain fatty acids and increased TNF-alpha production by colonic epithelial cells

There is increasing evidence that stressor exposure results in significant community-wide changes in the composition of the colonic microbiota. However, whether stressor exposure also changes the metabolic activities of the microbiota is not yet known. Microbes in the colon produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA), primarily butyric, acetic, and propionic acids. These SCFAs have multiple effects on host physiology, and have been proposed to play an important part in the pathogenesis of intestinal diseases. To determine whether stressor exposure would change the levels of microbial-produced SCFAs, mice were exposed to repeated social defeat for 2 h a day on 6 consecutive days. Colonic contents were then removed and levels of butyric, acetic, and propionic acids measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition, SCFA receptor expression was measured and cytokine mRNA was measured in colonic epithelial cells. Exposure to the SDR Stressor resulted in significant reductions in butyric and acetic acid levels in the colon. Interestingly, propionic acid levels were significantly increased in stressor-exposed mice. In addition, exposure to the stressor significantly increased TNF-alpha mRNA in colonic epithelial cells. These data indicate that levels of microbial-produced metabolites are significantly changed in the colon during stressor exposure. Because SCFAs strongly affect cytokine production by colonic epithelial cells, it is possible that stressor-induced changes in SCFAs exacerbate colonic inflammation. Supported by NIH Grant AT006552-01A1.

Short‐chain fructooligosaccharides from sucrose and maintenance of normal defecation: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Beghin-Meiji and Tereos Syral, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA Panel) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) from sucrose and maintenance of normal defecation. The food constituent that is the subject of the health claim is scFOS from sucrose. The Panel considers that scFOS from sucrose is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect proposed by the applicant is ‘maintaining normal intestinal transit regularity by increasing stool frequency’. The target population proposed by the applicant is the general population. Upon a request from EFSA, the applicant confirmed that the proposed claimed effect refers to maintenance of normal defecation. The Panel considers that maintenance of normal defecation is a beneficial physiological effect. The Panel considers that one human intervention study did not show an effect of scFOS from sucrose at a dose of 5.7 g/day for 4 weeks on defecation frequency, consistency of stools or dry faecal mass and that in two other human intervention studies 10 g/day of scFOS increased faecal bulk, whereas higher amounts (12.5 g/day) consumed for shorter period did not. Although a number of studies provided some evidence that scFOS are fermented in the colon and increase bacterial mass and faecal bulk, the information provided does not demonstrate that the changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) or bile acids induced by scFOS lead to significant changes in the frequency of stools. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of scFOS from sucrose and maintenance of normal defecation under proposed conditions of use.

Postprandial effects of polydextrose on satiety hormone responses and subjective feelings of appetite in obese participants.

BackgroundDietary fibers are associated with enhanced satiety. However, the mechanism of different dietary fibers contributing to satiety-related gastrointestinal (GI) peptide release, especially in an obese population, is still poorly understood. Polydextrose (PDX), a water-soluble glucose polymer, has demonstrated its ability to reduce energy intake at a subsequent meal, but its mechanism of action requires further research. Also, there is limited evidence on its capacity to regulate subjective feelings of appetite. This study examines the effects of PDX on postprandial secretion of satiety-related GI peptides, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactic acid, and subjective appetite ratings in obese participants.Methods18 non-diabetic, obese participants (42.0 y, 33.6 kg/m2) consumed a high-fat meal (4293 kJ, 36% from fat) with or without PDX (15 g) in an acute, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover trial. Postprandial plasma concentrations of satiety-related peptides, namely ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY), as well as SCFAs and lactic acid were assessed. GI peptide, SCFA and lactate concentrations were then modeled using a linear mixed-effects model.The subjective feelings of hunger, satisfaction, and desire to eat were evaluated using visual analogue scales (VAS), which were analyzed as incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) during the satiation and satiety periods.ResultsWe found that PDX supplementation increased plasma GLP-1 levels more than the placebo treatment (P = 0.02). In the whole group, GLP-1 concentrations found in participants older than 40 years old were significantly lower (P = 0.01) as compared to those aged 40 years or less. There were no statistically significant differences in postprandial ghrelin, CCK, or PYY responses. The lactic acid concentrations were significantly (P = 0.01) decreased in the PDX group, while no significant changes in SCFAs were found. PDX reduced iAUC for hunger by 40% (P = 0.03) and marginally increased satisfaction by 22.5% (P = 0.08) during the post-meal satiety period.ConclusionPolydextrose increased the postprandial secretion of the satiety hormone GLP-1 and reduced hunger after a high-fat meal. PDX also reduced the elevated postprandial lactic acid levels in plasma. Therefore, PDX may offer an additional means to regulate inter-meal satiety and improve postprandial metabolism in obese participants.

Some Biochemical and Physical Changes during Manufacturing of Grey Sufu, a Traditional Chinese Fermented Soybean Curd

Abstract In this study, grey sufu, a traditional Chinese fermented soybean curd, was prepared by ripening the salted pehtze in dressing mixture containing soy whey left over from making tofu. The biochemical and physical changes during grey sufu manufacturing were investigated. It was found that amino nitrogen, water-soluble protein, peptide and free amino acid content increased significantly during manufacturing. Meanwhile, hydrophobic amino acid proportion increased to 84.15% after ripening for 90 days. Examining the changes in short-chain fatty acids revealed that butyric acid, acetic acid and succinate increased, while lactic acid content experienced a significant decline. In addition, it was found that grey sufu was rich in butyric acid with the highest content of 25.44 mg/g dry matter, which was much higher than that of other foods known. It was suggested that high concentration of butyric acid might make grey sufu potentially helpful in controlling several diseases.

Effects of multispecies probiotic supplementation on intestinal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome

A multispecies probiotic has shown beneficial effects in irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, certain other probiotics have demonstrated advantageous effects, but the mechanisms behind this are poorly understood. To investigate the mode of action of a multispecies probiotic consisting of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lc705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS and Bifidobacterium breve Bb99 by monitoring its effects on intestinal microbiota and markers of microbial activity. A total of 55 irritable bowel syndrome patients participated in this placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Subjects received either multispecies probiotic or placebo supplementation daily during a 6-month period. The composition of intestinal microbiota was analysed with real-time polymerase chain reaction, short-chain fatty acids with gas chromatography and enzymes with spectrophotometer. Each supplemented probiotic strain was detected in faecal samples. Intestinal microbiota remained stable during the trial, except for Bifidobacterium spp., which increased in the placebo group and decreased in the probiotic group (P = 0.028). No changes in short-chain fatty acids occurred. A decrease in ss-glucuronidase activity was detected in 67% of the subjects in the probiotic group vs. 38% in the placebo group (P = 0.06). Factors other than the microbial groups and metabolites studied herein seem responsible for the alleviation of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms by the multispecies probiotic.

The effect of probiotic strains on the microbiota of the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME)

The aim of the present work was to study five potential probiotic strains ( Lactobacillus plantarum, two strains of L. paracasei subsp. paracasei, L. rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium sp.) comparatively in the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) in vitro model, and to evaluate this model as a tool in the screening and selection of probiotic bacteria. The impact of the strains on the composition of microbiota and its metabolic activities (production of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids) was studied. Changes in composition of the microbiota become apparent as a result of probiotic treatment. A marked, but temporary, increase was noted in the number of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. The profiles of D(−) and L(+) isomers of lactic acid detected in the SHIME after addition of probiotic strains corresponded well to those that are produced in pure culture conditions. The numbers of enterobacteriaceae decreased markedly and those of clostridia detectably during the intervention, while the enterococci tended to increase after the treatment. This pattern was similar in the reactors representing both the small and large intestine in the model. The changes in short-chain fatty acids were small, and no definite trend was observed.

The effect of FCE 22891, a new oral penem, on faecal flora anaerobes and their fermentation end products in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The influence of FCE 22891 on the faecal flora was investigated in 11 patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Colony counts of faecal (an)aerobes and concentrations of their short-chain fatty acids and organic acids were determined simultaneously in fresh faeces before, during and after administration of the drug, and compared to those of healthy human volunteers. The MIC of FCE 22891 for the 142 isolated anaerobes was determined, and compared to the biologically active concentration of the drug in faeces. The Bacteroides colony counts of the patients increased significantly by day 9 compared to day 3, but were significantly lower than those of the healthy controls before, during and after the study. Significant changes in short-chain fatty acids and organic acid concentrations occurred in faeces of the patients during and after treatment, and especially when compared to healthy controls. A strong increase in MICs during treatment was found in Clostridium species, other than Clostridium difficile. FCE 22891 had only a moderate effect on the composition of the anaerobic faecal flora, but bacterial fermentation was mainly disturbed before and early on in treatment, which could have been caused by the disease.

Influence of starches of low digestibility on the rat caecal microflora.

1. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on either a purified, fibre-free diet or a diet in which half the maize starch was replaced with uncooked amylomaize or potato starch (equivalent to 100 or 200 g amylase-resistant starch (ARS)/kg diet respectively). Changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), pH, ammonia and a number of bacterial variables in caecal contents were then assessed. 2. Both ARS supplements decreased caecal content pH by approximately 1-2 units, with an associated reduction in ammonia concentration. Potato starch significantly decreased the concentration of SCFA in the hindgut, while amylomaize supplementation increased propionic and butyric acids but decreased the occurrence of minor, branched-chain fatty acids. 3. Caecal bacterial biotransformation activities (beta-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21), beta-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31), reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid, apparent ammonia formation) were consistently decreased by both ARS sources. 4. The results demonstrate that amylase-resistant carbohydrate altered toxicologically important functions in the large-intestinal flora of the rat.