Concentrations Of Short-chain Fatty Acids Research Articles

Fibroblast growth factor 21 improves insulin sensitivity by modulating the bile acid-gut microbiota axis in type Ⅱ diabetic mice

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an important regulator of glycolipid metabolism. However, whether the gut microbiota is related to the anti-diabetic and obesity effects of FGF21 remains unclear. MethodsOur research used KO/KO db/db male mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced to simulate the construction of two type II diabetic mellitus (T2DM) models, and detected impaired glucose tolerance in the model by using the ipGTT and ITT assays, and collected feces from the model mice for sequencing of the intestinal flora and the content of short-chain fatty acids. H＆E staining was used to detect changes in intestinal tissue, the serum levels of LPS and GLP-1 were detected by ELISA. ResultsIn this study, we found that FGF21 significantly improved insulin sensitivity, attenuated intestinal lesions, and decreased serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in T2DM mice. Moreover, FGF21 reshaped the gut microbiota and altered their metabolic pathways in T2DM mice, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Fecal transplantation experiments further confirmed that feces from FGF21-treated diabetic mice demonstrated similar effects as FGF21 in terms of anti-diabetic activity and regulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis. Additionally, the antibiotic depletion of gut microbiota abolished the beneficial effects of FGF21, including increased GLP-1 secretion and fecal SCFA concentration. Additionally, the FGF21 effects of ameliorating intestinal damage and suppressing plasma LPS secretion were suppressed. All these findings suggest that FGF21 prevents intestinal lesions by modifying the gut microbiota composition. Furthermore, FGF21 affected bile acid synthesis by inhibiting CYP7A1, the key enzyme of bile acid synthesis. ConclussionTherefore, FGF21 enriched beneficial bacteria by preventing bile acid synthesis and stimulating the secretion of the intestinal hormone GLP-1 via the increased production of gut microbiota metabolites, thereby exerting its anti-diabetic effects.

PSXII-16 Effect of including sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers

Abstract In ruminant animals, the use of molasses has benefits related to improved voluntary intake and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the rumen, especially butyrate. Butyrate is closely related to gastrointestinal tract health, as it may contribute to the increase in the absorption area of the ruminal epithelium and improve the utilization of diet components, resulting in improved voluntary intake and immune response capacity in stressful situations, such as weaning. Hence, our objective was to assess the effect of sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers. Newly weaned Nellore × Red Angus heifers (n = 12) averaging 238 ± 5.1 kg body weight (BW), were used. All heifers were housed in individual pens with concrete floors, covered feeders, and drinkers. The basal diet was 50 % concentrate, and consisted of corn silage, sorghum silage, ground corn, soybean meal, urea, and a mineral premix. The diet was provided twice daily at 0700 and 1600 h, allowing up to 10% in orts (as fed). The following treatments were evaluated: control (no addition of powdered molasses) or addition of 50 g/kg of diet [dry matter (DM) basis] of powdered molasses. The experiment lasted for a total of 80 d, including a 14-d adaptation period. On d 68 and 76, rumen fluid samples were collected both before and 4 h after the morning feeding using an oral probe coupled to a vacuum pump. The initial fluid samples were discarded to prevent saliva contamination. The rumen fluid was filtered through four layers of cheesecloth, and then pH was measured. Subsequently, samples were taken and stored in an ultra-freezer (-80°C) for subsequent SCFA analysis. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4 (α = 0.05). Providing molasses increased ruminal pH compared with control heifers (P < 0.032). Adding molasses did not affect SCFA concentration (P > 0.90). Conversely, we detected an effect of molasses on SCFA molar proportion. The molar proportion of both acetate (P < 0.013) and butyrate (P < 0.012) were greater in heifers fed molasses than with controls. On the other hand, dietary molasses addition decreased (P < 0.001). the propionate molar proportion. This resulted in an increased (P < 0.002) acetate-to-propionate ratio in heifers fed diets containing molasses. In conclusion, providing sugar cane molasses enhances rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers.

PSIX-11 Effects of black soldier fly larvae on the serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of healthy adult cats

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) serve as an alternative protein source for pet food products. Even though BSFL are one of many insect species being added to dog foods and treats, knowledge of its effects in cats remains limited. Further investigations are imperative to delineate the effects of BSFL-based ingredients in cats. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of BSFL on serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of adult cats. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC prior to experimentation. Adult cats [n = 25; 17 females, 8 males; 6.28 ± 0.27 yr of age; 4.50 ± 0.18 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a completely randomized design. The study was composed of a 21-d baseline phase and a 70-d experimental phase. During the baseline phase, all cats were fed a control diet based on chicken meal (35% of diet). After baseline, cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets: control diet (n = 12) or BSFL-containing diet (20% whole BSFL meal and 24% chicken meal; n = 13). At baseline, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist. Breath samples were analyzed for volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), salivary pH was measured, and blood samples were collected for serum chemistry and hematology at baseline and after 35 d and 70 d on treatment. At baseline and after 70 d on treatment, fecal samples were scored and collected for pH, dry matter, and metabolite measurement. Gingivitis, plaque, and calculus scores were performed by a veterinary dentist after 70 d on treatment. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Diet, time, and diet*time interaction effects were tested, with P < 0.05 being considered significant. Over time, VSC increased (P < 0.0001) in all cats, but was unaffected by diet. Diet*time interactions were observed for fecal pH, fecal scores, and blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Blood cholesterol concentrations increased (P < 0.05) over time in cats fed the control diet, but remained stable in cats fed the BSFL diet. The opposite effect was observed with blood triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations increased (P < 0.05) in cats fed the BSFL diet over time, but were stable in cats fed the control diet. Cats consuming BSFL had reduced (P < 0.05) fecal pH, dry matter content, and protein catabolite concentrations, but increased (P < 0.05) fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and fecal scores. Overall, 20% BSFL dietary inclusion had comparable effects as chicken meal, suggesting that it will serve as a suitable replacement in cat foods.

307 Use of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as an alternative and functional ingredient in canine nutrition

Abstract Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) is an alternative, sustainable, and nutrient-rich ingredient for pet foods. However, limited information is available on optimal inclusion levels and its functional properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of incremental levels of BSFLM (15% or 30%) as a partial or full substitute for chicken by-product meal (CM) in extruded diets. Three complete and balanced diets were formulated and extruded: Control, 15% BSFLM, and 30% BSFLM. The effects of the diets on nutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites and microbiota, and serum oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in adult dogs were examined. A complete randomized design was used with adult Beagles (n = 10/treatment). The experimental period lasted 70 d, consisting of a 14-d adaptation to the control diet followed by 56-d test period. Data were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed 9.4 with P ≤ 0.05 significance. All diets were well-accepted by the dogs; food intake and fecal output were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat did not differ among treatments, whereas ATTD of organic matter (81.2%) and total dietary fiber (18.9%) was less (P < 0.05) for dogs fed 30% BSFLM in contrast with the Control group (83.2% and 30.3%, respectively). Fecal concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids and total phenols were less (P < 0.05) for dogs fed 30% BSFLM relative to dogs fed Control. No treatment effect was observed for serum biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Fecal microbial diversity differed between Control and 30% BSFLM groups. Overall, extruded diets containing 15% or 30% were well-digested by dogs as demonstrated by similar ATTD coefficients compared with Control. Intrinsic presence of chitin in BSFLM, and other insect-derived ingredients, can behave like insoluble dietary fiber in a food matrix, which would explain the decreased ATTD for organic matter and total dietary fiber, as well as less fecal concentration of total short-chain fatty acids. The inclusion of 30% BSFLM may have decreased protein hindgut fermentation due to less fecal concentration of total phenols. Altogether, the inclusion of 15% BSFLM resulted in similar physiological responses in comparison with dogs fed the Control diet. Greater inclusion levels of BSFLM may impact ATTD, however, it also has the potential to modulate fecal metabolites and microbiota, without negatively affecting fecal microbial richness.

516 Effects of increasing hybrid rye silage as a replacement for barley silage for growing beef heifers

Abstract The objective of these studies was to evaluate effects of increasing hybrid rye silage (HRS; harvested at boot stage in Study 1 and soft-dough in Study 2) inclusion as a replacement for barley silage (BS; harvested at soft-dough stage) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, and growth performance of growing beef cattle. In Study 1, ruminally cannulated Hereford × Simmental heifers (n = 8) with an initial body weight (BW) of 519 ± 25.8 kg were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28-d periods including 21 d of dietary adaptation and 7 d of data and sample collection to assess DMI and ruminal fermentation. Treatments included a control diet (DM basis) that contained 59.62% BS, 38.60% barley grain, and 1.78% of a vitamin and mineral supplement. Hybrid rye silage replaced 33, 67, and 100% of the BS on a DM basis. In Study 2, steers (n = 384; BW = 343 ± 20.2 kg) were stratified by BW and allocated to 32 pens in a randomized complete block design over 2 yr (4 pens/treatment/yr) to evaluate DMI, growth, and gain:feed (G:F). Steers were fed similar diets as Study 1 for 84 d in both years. In Study 1, increasing HRS linearly (P < 0.01) decreased DMI from 12.0 to 9.2 kg/d, and linearly increased (P = 0.02) water intake from 18.6 to 22.5 L/d. Increasing HRS linearly increased mean (P < 0.01) and minimum ruminal pH (P < 0.01). There was no effect of HRS inclusion on total short-chain fatty acid concentration (P = 0.46) in ruminal fluid, but the molar proportion of acetate linearly (P < 0.01) increased while propionate and butyrate linearly decreased (P < 0.01, and < 0.01, respectively) with increasing HRS inclusion. Moreover, increasing HRS inclusion linearly increased the molar proportions of isobutyrate and valerate (P = 0.06, and < 0.01, respectively) while caproate decreased linearly (P = 0.02). The ammonia-N concentration linearly increased with increasing HRS inclusion. In Study 2, DMI was 9.23, 9.10, 8.82, 8.08 kg/d (quadratic, P = 0.02) for diets containing 0, 33, 67, and 100% HRS, respectively. Likewise, ADG decreased (1.45, 1.36, 1.30, 1.08 kg/d; quadratic P < 0.01) as HRS inclusion increased and G:F ratio decreased linearly (P < 0.01) from 0.158 with 0% HRS to 0.134 g/kg when diets contained 100% HRS. Final BW was 462, 456, 450, and 432 kg when HRS was included at 0, 33, 67, and 100% of the silage, respectively (quadratic, P = 0.04). In conclusion, replacing BS with increasing proportions of HRS reduced DMI resulting in greater ruminal pH, altered molar proportions of individual SCFA, and reduced growth performance and G:F during the growing phase.

Effects of Dietary Guanidinoacetic Acid on the Performance, Rumen Fermentation, Metabolism, and Meat of Confined Steers.

With the increase in population, it is increasingly necessary to produce food more efficiently. This has expanded the market for additives, which are products that directly (nutritional effect) or indirectly (effect on animal health) favor productivity. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is a natural precursor of creatine. It acts as an energy reserve in skeletal muscle. In addition to being a compound with more significant bioavailability, it is more thermally stable and less expensive than creatine. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether adding GAA to the cattle diet would alter the meat's composition and fatty acid profile. We used 24 Holstein cattle males (409 ± 5.6 kg), approximately 15 months old, and separated them into four homogeneous groups, one being the control group and three groups with various dosages of GAA in the diets (3.3; 6.6, and 9.9 g/animal/day), for an experimental period of 60 days. Blood, rumen fluid, and animal weighing were performed at three points (days 1, 30, and 60), and daily feed consumption was measured. Steers fed with GAA (9.9 g/d) showed a 16.9% increase in average daily gain (ADG) compared to the control group. These same animals (T-9.9 group) fed with GAA showed a 20% increase in fed efficiency compared to the control group. Lower leukocyte, lymphocyte, and granulocyte counts and lower cholesterol levels were observed in animals that consumed 6.6 g and 9.9 g/d GAA compared to the control group. Animals from the T-6.6 and T-9.9 groups showed 30% and 27.6% reduced bacterial activity in the rumen compared to the control group, respectively. Steers from the T-6.6 and T-9.9 groups fed with GAA showed a 20% and 37% increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control group, respectively. A higher concentration of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids in the ruminal fluid of cattle T-9.9 group was observed at day 60. The two highest doses of GAA showed lower fat levels in the meat, just as the cattle that received 9.9 g/d showed higher levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acids. Complementary data results draw attention to the dose of 9.9 g/d GAA in cattle diets, as anti-inflammatory action can be seen and combined with a higher concentration of SCFAs, consequently increases weight gain. We concluded that consuming this GAA increases the concentration of some unsaturated fatty acids (omegas) in the meat, which adds quality to the product for the consumer.

The optimization and validation of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method to analyze the concentration of acetate, propionate and butyrate in human plasma or serum

Fermentation-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)44SCFA: short-chain fatty acids. are potential mediators of the health benefits associated with dietary fiber intake. SCFA affect physiological processes locally in the gut and on distant organs via the systemic circulation. Since SCFA are used as energy source for colonocytes and substrate for the liver metabolism, their concentrations in the systemic circulation are low. Therefore, quantification of systemic SCFA requires sensitive analytical techniques. This article covers the optimization and validation of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method to measure systemic SCFA concentrations following derivatization with 2,4-difluoroaniline (DFA)55DFA: 2,4-difluoroaniline. and extraction in ethyl acetate. Sample preparation was optimized by varying the amount of DFA, coupling agent 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, ethyl acetate and sodium bicarbonate, which is used to quench derivatization. In addition, evaporation of the samples using a vacuum concentrator resulted in less contamination, notably of acetate, compared to drying with N2 gas. The method showed excellent linearity with coefficient of variation (R2) > 0.99 and a good precision (relative standard deviation < 20 %) and accuracy. Finally, systemic concentrations of SCFA in human plasma samples could successfully be determined.

Inclusion of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench) with protease and NSP-ase increases jejunal histomorphology and barrier function gene expression in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sorghum with or without protease and NSP-ase on performance, jejunal histomorphology, caecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and gene expression of barrier function in the broiler chickens. A total of 240 males New Lohmann strain MB 202 broiler chicks (1-day-old) were randomly placed into 12 treatments with 4 replications, 5 birds per replicate for 35 d. The diets were a factorial combination of 3 levels of sorghum (0, 10, and 20%), 2 concentrations of protease (with and without protease), and 2 concentrations of NSP-ase (with and without NSP-ase). Results showed that villus height (VH) was improved (P < 0.05) and villus to crypt ratio (VH:CD) tended (P = 0.05) to increase with inclusion of sorghum. Inclusion of sorghum upregulated (P < 0.05) expression of the gene anti-inflammatory IL-13, and downregulated (P < 0.05) gene of toll receptor (TLR) (TLR-3 and TLR-4), pro-inflammatory (IL-18, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and tight junction zona occluding-1 (ZO-1). The result further indicated a decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentration of SCFA. The birds fed diets with protease had lower (P < 0.05) expression of gene TLR-4 and TLR-3, pro-inflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory IL-10. Inclusion of sorghum markedly (P < 0.05) interacted with protease, increasing the total of SCFA, acetate, and VH in the broiler. The bird offered diets with NSP-ase had higher (P < 0.05) expression genes of pro-inflammatory IL-18 and TNF-α. Inclusion of sorghum and NSP-ase significantly (P < 0.05) interacted, upregulating gene of tight junction ZO-1 and anti-inflammatory IL-13 but downregulating gene TLR-3, and pro-inflammatory IL-6, while the SCFA production was decreased. Inclusion of sorghum in the diet with or without enzymes did not affect broiler performance (P > 0.05). In conclusion, a diet with sorghum improved jejunal histomorphology without negatively affecting growth performance. Additionally, supplementation with enzymes enhanced intestinal immune responses by up-regulating anti-inflammatory, and downregulating pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Novel Perspective on Molecular and Cellular Adaptations of the Mammary Gland-Regulating Milk Constituents and Immunity of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cows.

Climate change with increasing ambient temperatures negatively influences the biology of dairy cows and their milk production in the mammary gland (MG). This study aimed to elucidate the MG proteome, differences in milk composition, and ruminal short-chain fatty acid concentrations of dairy cows experiencing 7 days of heat stress [HS, 28 °C, temperature humidity index (THI) = 76], pair-feeding (PF), or ad libitum feeding (CON) at thermoneutrality (16 °C, THI = 60). Ruminal acetate, acetate/propionate ratio, and milk urea concentrations were greater, whereas milk protein and lactose were lower in HS than in control cows. Proteome analysis revealed an induced bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, leukocyte transendothelial migration, reduction of the pyruvate and carbon metabolism, and platelet activation in the MG of HS compared to CON or PF cows. These results highlight adaptive metabolic and immune responses to mitigate the negative effects of ambient heat in the MG.

The effects of dietary cation-anion difference and dietary buffer for lactating dairy cattle under mild heat stress with night cooling

The objective of this study was to investigate the interactive effect of dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and dietary buffer supply on DMI, ruminal fermentation, milk and milk component yields, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) permeability in lactating dairy cattle exposed to mild heat stress. Sixteen lactating Holstein cows, including 8 ruminally cannulated primiparous (80 ± 19.2 DIM) and 8 non-cannulated multiparous (136 ± 38.8 DIM) cows, were housed in a tie-stall barn programmed to maintain a temperature-humidity index (THI) between 68 and 72 from 0600 h to 1600 h followed by natural night cooling. The experimental design was a replicated 4 × 4 Latin rectangle (21-d periods) with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Diets contained a low DCAD (LD; 17.5 mEq/100g of DM) or high DCAD (HD; 39.6 mEq/100g of DM) adjusted using NH4Cl and Na-acetate, with low (LB; 0% CaMg(CO3)2) or high buffer (HB; 1% CaMg(CO3)2). In addition to measurement of feed intake, ruminal fermentation, and milk and milk component yields, a ruminal dose of Cr-EDTA and an equimolar abomasal dose of Co-EDTA were used to evaluate total and post-ruminal gastrointestinal tract permeability, respectively. Treatments had no effect on DMI, ruminal short-chain fatty acid concentrations, or ruminal pH. Feeding HD improved blood acid-base balance, increased urine volume by 4 ± 1.5 kg/d, and increased milk fat by 0.14 ± 0.044 percentage units and milk fat yield by 36.5 ± 16.71 g/d. HB reduced milk fat percentage by 0.11 ± 0.044 percentage units and had no effect on milk fat yield. The HB treatments reduced urinary excretion of Co by 27% and tended to reduce urinary Cr excretion by 10%. Across all treatments, 72% of the Cr recovery was represented by Co suggesting that much of the permeability responses were post-ruminal during mild heat stress. In conclusion, increasing DCAD through greater Na supply during mild heat stress improved blood acid-base balance and may increase milk fat yield. Dietary inclusion of CaMg(CO3)2 improved post-ruminal GIT barrier function despite a lack of low ruminal pH. As there appeared to be a limited interactive effect between DCAD and buffer, increased DCAD and provision of buffer seem to independently influence physiological and performance responses in lactating dairy cows exposed to mild heat with night cooling.

Changes in short-chain fatty acids affect brain development in mice with early life antibiotic-induced dysbacteriosis.

Early enteral nutrition and the gut microbiota profoundly influence neonatal brain development, with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from the microbiota playing a pivotal role. Understanding the relationship between dysbiosis, SCFAs, and brain development is crucial. In this study, we investigated the impact of antibiotics on the concentration of SCFAs in neonatal feces. Additionally, we developed a model of gut dysbiosis in neonatal mice to examine the potential relationship between this imbalance, SCFAs production, and brain function development. We measured the SCFAs content in the feces of two groups of neonates, categorized based on whether antibiotics were used, and conducted the Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) test on all neonates. Then we evaluated fecal SCFAs levels in neonates and neonatal mice post-antibiotic treatment using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Morris water maze (MWM) tests assessed behavioral performance, and western blot analysis examined brain tissue-related proteins-neuron-specific enolase (NSE), ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (IBA1), and myelin basic proteins (MBP). The use of antibiotics did not affect the NBNA scores of the two groups of neonates, but it did reduce the SCFAs content in their feces. Antibiotic administration induced gut dysbiosis in mice, resulting in decreased IBA1 and MBP expression. Interventions to restore gut microbiota ameliorated these effects. Mice with dysbiosis displayed cognitive deficits in the MWM test. SCFAs levels decreased during dysbiosis, and increased upon microbiota recovery. Neonatal dysbiosis affects the microbiota-gut-brain axis, impairing cognitive function and nervous system development. Reduced SCFAs may contribute significantly to these alterations.

Study on the prebiotic effects of insoluble crude and fine fibers of wheat bran after simulated digestion in vitro

This study aims to evaluate the probiotic effects of insoluble crude and fine fibers of wheat bran on the intestine after simulated in vitro digestion. It was found that the particle size distribution of modified fine wheat bran (MWB) was significantly smaller than that of natural crude wheat bran (NWB). MWB had a looser texture and more porous structure. The dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility of MWB were 58.60 % and 59.05 %, which were significantly higher than that of NWB (53.64 % and 54.13 %). More SDF and free polyphenol were released from the MWB. At 12 h of fermentation, the SDF content of the MWB was 3.76 g/100 g, significantly higher than NWB (3.40 g/100 g), and the free polyphenol was 9.43 mg/g, significantly higher than NWB (9.01 mg/g). The content of short-chain fatty acids including formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyrate acid and valerate acid in the samples were significantly higher in MWB than in NWB. Analysis of the microbial flora structure and diversity of the fermentation samples revealed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was higher in the MWB group, and was closer to the oligofructose group (FOS) in terms of functional predictions.

The Role and Mechanism of Probiotics Supplementation in Blood Glucose Regulation: A Review.

With economic growth and improved living standards, the incidence of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus caused by over-nutrition has risen sharply worldwide. Elevated blood glucose and complications in patients seriously affect the quality of life and increase the economic burden. There are limitations and side effects of current hypoglycemic drugs, while probiotics, which are safe, economical, and effective, have good application prospects in disease prevention and remodeling of intestinal microecological health and are gradually becoming a research hotspot for diabetes prevention and treatment, capable of lowering blood glucose and alleviating complications, among other things. Probiotic supplementation is a microbiologically based approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which can achieve anti-diabetic efficacy through the regulation of different tissues and metabolic pathways. In this study, we summarize recent findings that probiotic intake can achieve blood glucose regulation by modulating intestinal flora, decreasing chronic low-grade inflammation, modulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), decreasing oxidative stress, ameliorating insulin resistance, and increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content. Moreover, the mechanism, application, development prospect, and challenges of probiotics regulating blood glucose were discussed to provide theoretical references and a guiding basis for the development of probiotic preparations and related functional foods regulating blood glucose.

Microbial Community Structure and Metabolism of Xinjiang Fine-Wool Sheep based on High-Throughput Sequencing Technology.

It turns out that the more than trillion microorganisms living in the host's digestive tract are crucial for maintaining nutrient intake, environmental suitability, and physiological mechanism. Xinjiang fine-wool sheep is an exclusive breed for wool in China, which has excellent stress tolerance. In this study, we collected feces and blood samples of 20 Xinjiang fine-wool sheep under the same genetic characteristics, the Fine-Wool Sheep (FWS) group and the Control Fine-Wool Sheep (CFWS) group were set up according to the differs in phenotypic characteristics of their wool. By 16S rRNA amplicon sequence, ITS1 region amplicons and Targeted Metabolomics, we analyzed the microbial community structure of fecal microorganisms and Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in serum of the Xinjiang fine-wool sheep. Fecal microbial sequencing showed that the bacterial composition and structure were similar between the two groups, whereas there were significant differences in the composition and structure of the fungal community. It was also found that the abundant of Neocallimastigomycota in the intestinal fungal community of FWS was higher. In addition, the results of the serum SCFAs content analysis showed that butyric acid was significantly differences than those two groups. Correlation analysis between SCFAs and bacteria found that butyric acid metabolism had positively correlated (P < 0.05) with Ruminococcus and UCG-005. Overall, our data provide more supplement about the gut microbes community composition and structure of the Xinjiang fine-wool sheep. These results might be useful for improving gut health of sheep and taking nutritional control measure to improve production traits of animals in future.

Fermented sea buckthorn compound juice inhibits colorectal cancer growth by regulating immunity and the gut microbiome

The antitumor activity of a fermented juice (called Shaduojin, SDJ) made from sea buckthorn, raspberry, etc. was investigated using CT26 bearing mice. The results showed a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth in the SDJ groups compared to the model group. The number of CD8+ T and dendritic cells were increased while the Treg cells and monocytes was decreased in both the tumor and spleen in the SDJ groups. The TNF-α and INF-γ increased and the IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 decreased in the SDJ groups. Additionally, there was an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes, Coildextribacter, and Lachnospiraceae) which contribute to intestinal health and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). On the other hand, harmful bacteria (Muribaculaceae and uncultured Bacteroidales) decreased. The SCFA content in the intestine also increased in the SDJ groups. Therefore, it has been showed that SDJ may elicit its effect on preventing colorectal cancer by regulating the immune system and gut microbiota.

Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng Ameliorates Cold-Stimulated Steroid-Resistant Asthma by Regulating Interactions among Microbiota, Genes, and Metabolites.

Steroid-resistant asthma (SRA), resisting glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (DEX), is a bottleneck in the treatment of asthma. It is characterized by a predominantly neutrophilic inflammatory subtype and is prone to developing into severe refractory asthma and fatal asthma. Currently, there is a lack of universally effective treatments for SRA. Moreover, since cold stimulation does increase the risk of asthma development and exacerbate asthma symptoms, the treatment of cold-stimulated SRA (CSRA) will face greater challenges. To find effective new methods to ameliorate CSRA, this study established a CSRA mouse model of allergic airway inflammation mimicking human asthma for the first time and evaluated the alleviating effects of 80% ethanol extract of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) based on multi-omics analysis. The results indicate that cold stimulation indeed exacerbated the SRA-related symptoms in mice; the DEX individual treatment did not show a satisfactory effect; while the combination treatment of DEX and MCG could dose-dependently significantly enhance the lung function; reduce neutrophil aggregation; decrease the levels of LPS, IFN-γ, IL-1β, CXCL8, and IL-17; increase the level of IL-10; alleviate the inflammatory infiltration; and decrease the mucus secretion and the expression of MUC5AC. Moreover, the combination of DEX and high-dose (200 mg/kg) MCG could significantly increase the levels of tight junction proteins (TJs), regulate the disordered intestinal flora, increase the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and regulate the abnormal gene profile and metabolic profile. Multi-omics integrated analysis showed that 7 gut microbes, 34 genes, 6 metabolites, and the involved 15 metabolic/signaling pathways were closely related to the pharmacological effects of combination therapy. In conclusion, integrated multi-omics profiling highlighted the benefits of MCG for CSRA mice by modulating the interactions of microbiota, genes, and metabolites. MCG shows great potential as a functional food in the adjuvant treatment of CSRA.

Inulin Supplementation Alleviates Ochratoxin A-Induced Kidney Injury through Modulating Intestinal Microbiota.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a prevalent mycotoxin found in feed that causes significant kidney injury in animals. Further investigation was needed to devise strategies for treating OTA-induced kidney damage through the gut-kidney axis. Evidence indicates the crucial role of intestinal microbiota in kidney damage development. Inulin, a dietary fiber, protects kidneys by modulating intestinal microbiota and promoting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. However, its precise mechanism in OTA-induced kidney damage remained unclear. In this study, chickens were orally administered OTA and inulin for 2 weeks to investigate inulin's effects on OTA-induced kidney damage and underlying mechanisms. The alteration of intestinal microbiota, SCFAs contents, and SCFA receptors was further analyzed. Results demonstrated that inulin supplementation influenced intestinal microbiota, increased SCFAs production, and mitigated OTA-induced kidney damage in chickens. The importance of microbiota in mediating inulin's renal protection was further confirmed by antibiotic and fecal microbiota transplantation experiments. Additionally, inulin exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. In summary, inulin protected chickens from OTA-induced kidney damage, which might provide a potential strategy to mitigate the harmful effects of mycotoxins through prebiotics and safeguard renal health.

Epicatechin and β-glucan from whole highland barley grain ameliorates hyperlipidemia associated with attenuating intestinal barrier dysfunction and modulating gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-fed mice

Hyperlipidemia is associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Here, we aimed at investigating whether epicatechin (EC) and β-glucan (BG) from whole highland barley grain alleviated hyperlipidemia associated with ameliorating intestinal barrier dysfunction and modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis in high-fat-diet-induced mice. It was observed that EC and BG significantly improved serum lipid disorders and up-regulated expression of PPARα protein and genes. Supplementation of EC and BG attenuated intestinal barrier dysfunction via promoting goblet cells proliferation and tight junctions. Supplementation of EC and BG prevented high fat diet-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis via modulating the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, Desulfovibrio, Lactococcus, Allobaculum and Akkermansia, and the improving of short chain fatty acid contents. Notably, combination of EC and BG showed synergistic effect on activating PPARα expression, improving colonic physical barrier dysfunction and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio, which may help explain the effect of whole grain highland barley on alleviating hyperlipidemia.

Two-Year Study on the Intra-Individual Dynamics of Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Profiles in Healthy Adults.

While the gut microbiome has been intensively investigated for more than twenty years already, its role in various disorders remains to be unraveled. At the same time, questions about what changes in the gut microbiota can be considered as normal or pathological and whether communities are able to recover after exposure to negative factors (diseases, medications, environmental factors) are still unclear. Here, we describe changes in the gut microbiota composition and the content of short-chain fatty acids in adult healthy volunteers (n = 15) over a 24 month-period. Intraindividual variability in gut microbial composition was 40%, whereas the short chain fatty acids profile remained relatively stable (2-year variability 20%, inter-individual 26%). The changes tend to accumulate over time. Nevertheless, both short-term and long-term changes in the gut microbiome composition were significantly smaller within individuals than interindividual differences (two-year interindividual variability was 75%). Seasonal changes in gut microbiota were found more often in autumn and spring involving the content of minor representatives (less than 1.5% of the community in average) in the phyla Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria.

Metabolic Profiles of the Gut Microbiota in Patients with Different Stages of Metabolism Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Aim: to study the metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota depending on the stage of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Materials and methods. The study included 85 patients with MAFLD (27 patients with steatosis without steatohepatitis and fibrosis, 42 patients with steatohepatitis, 16 patients with cirrhosis as an outcome of MAFLD, Child — Pugh class A–B) and 20 healthy people who formed the control group. The level and spectrum of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Results. It was found that patients with MAFLD at the stage of steatosis and cirrhosis of the liver have unidirectional changes in the metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota. We established a decrease in the absolute concentrations of SCFA — their total content, the level of acetate, propionate, butyrate, a decrease in the level of isoacids. The SCFA profiles showed an increase in the proportion of acetate and a decrease in propionate and butyrate. Moreover, changes in the named parameters of SCFAs are aggravated with progression to liver cirrhosis. At the stage of steatohepatitis, we identified two subgroups of patients with different levels of metabolic activity of the microbiota. Patients whose microbiota metabolism for SCFA production was high had correspondingly elevated SCFA levels. And, on the contrary, patients in whom the metabolic activity of the microbiota was reduced were characterized by a steady decrease in SCFAs and disease progression to liver cirrhosis. In the study, we showed an inverse correlation between the calculated prognostic indices of NFS and FIB-4, elastography values with the total level of SCFA, the level of acetate, propionate, butyrate. Thus, a decrease in the content of SCFA for patients with MAFLD can be considered as a prognostic marker of an unfavorable course of liver disease.