Fructooligosaccharide Supplementation Research Articles

Dietary supplementation of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) improves the innate immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities and growth performance of Caspian roach ( Rutilus rutilus) fry

The present study investigated the effects of prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the innate immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities, growth factors and survival of Caspian Roach ( Rutilus rutilus) fry. After acclimation, fish (0.67 ± 0.03 g) were allocated into 12 tanks (50 fish per tank) and triplicate groups were fed a control diet or diets containing 1%, 2% or 3% FOS. At the end of the trial (7 weeks), humoral innate immune parameters (serum Ig levels, lysozyme activity and alternative complement activity (ACH50)), resistance to salinity stress (150 g L −1), digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase and protease) and growth factors (final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), and condition factor) were assessed. At the end of the study the innate immune responses (Ig levels, lysozyme activity and ACH50) were significantly higher in 2% and 3% FOS fed fish ( P < 0.05), whereas, 1% dietary FOS only elevated serum lysozyme activity. All dietary FOS levels significantly increased resistance to a salinity stress challenge ( P < 0.05) and highest survival was observed in the 3% FOS group. Similarly, digestive enzyme activities were significantly elevated with increasing levels of dietary FOS ( P < 0.05). Subsequently, elevated growth performance (final weight, SGR and FCR) was observed in roach fed 2% and 3% FOS compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that FOS can be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement for improving the immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities and growth performance of Caspian roach fry.

Fructo-oligosaccharide systemically diminishedd-galactose-induced oxidative molecule damages in BALB/cJ mice

Subcutaneous (s.c.) D-galactose (DG) treatment has been shown to facilitate the development of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease in C57BL/6J mice. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this treatment in young BALB/cJ mice, another mouse strain, enhanced oxidative stress to similar extents shown in older mice, and to further determine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharide (FO), a prebiotic fibre and vitamin E (antioxidant control) on the DG-induced oxidative damage of lipids, proteins and mitochondrial DNA, and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. Mice (12 weeks of age, n 40) were divided into four groups: vehicle (s.c. saline)+control (modified rodent chow); DG (s.c. 1·2 g/kg body weight)+control; DG+FO (5 %, w/w); DG+vitamin E (α-tocopherol, 0·2 %). Then, the animals were killed after 52 d of treatment. Another natural ageing (NA) group without any injection was killed at 47 weeks of age, which served as an aged control. The results indicated that the DG treatment enhanced malonaldehyde dimethyl acetal (MDA) levels in the plasma, liver and cerebral cortex, and protein carbonyl levels in the liver and hippocampus to similar levels shown in the NA group. FO, similar to α-tocopherol, systemically normalised DG-induced elevations in the levels of MDA in the plasma, liver and cerebral cortex, protein carbonyls in the liver and hippocampus, hepatic mitochondrial 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity. In conclusion, the s.c. DG treatment in younger BALB/cJ mice resembled the oxidative status in older mice. FO supplementation systemically prevented DG-induced oxidative stress, probably through its fermentation products and prebiotic effect.

Fructooligosaccharides suppress high‐fat diet‐induced fat accumulation in C57BL/6J mice

Two experiments were performed to examine the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the development of obesity. In the first experiment, Wistar rats were orally administered a 2.5 g/kg body weight lipid emulsion containing FOS, and the subsequent elevation of plasma triglycerides was significantly suppressed compared with that in rats receiving lipid emulsion alone. In the second experiment, C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat "western" diet with or without 2.5% FOS supplementation (n = 10/group) ad libitum for 12 weeks. Body weight and percent body fat were lower in mice fed FOS than in controls. Furthermore, the weight of the visceral adipose tissue, and the weight and triglyceride content of the liver were significantly lower in the high-fat + FOS group. Fecal excretion of lipids was markedly enhanced by FOS consumption. These results indicate that dietary FOS suppress high-fat diet-induced body fat accumulation, and inhibit intestinal absorption of dietary fat.

Dietary Supplementation of Fructooligosaccharides Reduces Hepatic Steatosis Associated with Insulin Resistance in Obese Zucker Rats

Background: One in five adults in the United States is obese as defined by a body mass index of 30 kg/m2. Obesity is associated with metabolic syndrome, a combination of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. These conditions present challenges to the medical care system and require a multifaceted approach through a variety of interventions. This study investigated the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) at the level of 5 % (w/w) in alleviating the complications associated with metabolic syndrome.Methods: The study was carried out using thirty-six, three-month old female lean and obese Zucker rats housed in an environmentally controlled laboratory. The Zucker rats were divided into three groups (N=12): Lean (L-CTRL) and obese controls (O-CTRL) and obese-FOS (O-FOS). The controls received AIN-93M purified rodent diet and the animals in the O-FOS group were fed AIN-93M diet modified to contain 5.0% FOS (w/w). After 100 days of treatment, the rats were fasted for 12 hours and sacrificed. Tissue and organs of interest, and blood were collected for analysis. Serum concentrations of the following were determined: glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and insulin. Gravimetric quantification of liver lipids was performed and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) gene expression was determined in white adipose tissue by qRT-PCR.Results: No significant differences were observed in the serum lipids, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and PPAR-γ gene expression in white adipose tissue of O-FOS group compared to O-CTRL group. FOS supplementation significantly lowered the percent total liver lipids by 12% with a subsequent reduction in the liver weights compared to O-CTRL rats. Serum insulin concentrations were lowered 3.6 fold in O-FOS group compared to O-CTRL (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Based on these findings we conclude that dietary supplementation of 5% FOS (w/w) may reduce hepatic steatosis and the risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with insulin resistance without changes in blood lipids and glucose levels.Key words: Dietary fiber, Fructooligosaccharide, Hepatosteatosis, Liver lipids, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Zucker.

Effects of the partial substitution of fish meal by soy bean meal with or without mannanoligosaccharide and fructooligosaccharide on the growth and feed utilization of sharpsnout seabream, Diplodus puntazzo (Cetti, 1777): preliminary results

The present study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of the mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on sharpsnout seabream, Diplodus puntazzo in the context of partial fish meal substitution by soybean meal. One-hundred-forty-four sharpsnout seabream of about 100 g initial body weight were randomly divided in 12 experimental tanks (180 litre each). Testing conditions included 12 fish per tank, with triplicate tanks for treatment. The experimental period lasted 114 days. Average water temperature was 21.9±1.6°C, salinity was 30.0%0 and pH ranged from 7 to 8. Four isonitrogenousisolipidic diets were tested: a control diet (FM) with fish meal as the sole protein source; a second diet (SBM) with approximately 40% of the protein supplied by soybean meal. The remaining two diets were formulated adding 8g of MOS and FOS per kg of the SBM diet respectively. Average final weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio remained unaffected by partial fish meal substitution and by MOS or FOS supplementation. Also apparent digestibility coefficients values for organic matter, protein, lipid and energy were not significantly affected by dietary treatment.

Effects of fructooligosaccharides on cecum polyamine concentration and gut maturation in early-weaned piglets

Polyamines are molecules involved in cell growth and differentiation and are produced by bacterial metabolism. However, their production and effects by the microbiota selected by fructooligosaccharides consumption are controversial. In this study, we investigated the influence of supplementation of fructooligosaccharides on the cecal polyamine production by the microflora selected, and its effect on gut maturation in newborn piglets. Twenty piglets were fed a control formula (n = 10) or a formula supplemented with fructooligosaccharides (8 g/l) (n = 10) for 13 days. Colony-forming unit’s count of cecal content was done in different media. Several intestinal development parameters were measured as well as the polyamine concentration in the cecal mucosa and cecal content. A dose-dependent study on in vitro polyamine production by fructooligosaccharides addition to the isolated cecal content was performed. Bifidogenic activity of fructooligosaccharides increased polyamine concentration in the cecal content, mainly putrescine, with no beneficial effect on gut maturation. Bifidobacterium spp. were able to produce polyamines, but they were not the most significant bacterial producer of polyamines in the cecum of piglets fed fructooligosaccharides. Bifidogenic activity of fructooligosaccharides did not lead to an increase in gut maturation in piglets of 15 days of age although polyamines were increased in the cecal content.

The effect of fructo-oligosaccharides on blood RBC count and digestive enzyme activities of oxyeleotris lineolatus

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on blood RBC (red blood cell) count and digestive enzyme activities of oxyeleotris lineolatus. 60 oxyeleotris lineolatus were randomly divided into three groups with 20 fish in each group: control, low and high dose of FOS-treated groups. Animals in the control group consumed basic feed, animals in FOS-treated groups consumed the feed containing 1.5 and 3% FOS, respectively. After 20 days of FOS administration, growth rate, blood RBC count andhemoglobin (Hb) level of oxyeleotris lineolatus were dose-dependently significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) compared to control group, in addition, digestive enzyme activities in stomach and intestine of oxyeleotris lineolatus were dose-dependently significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) compared to control group. The present data indicated that supplementation of FOS could improve nutritive value of food through altering its digestibility and intestinal morphology. In other words, the addition of an appropriate level of digestible carbohydrates to the diet made with this raw material improved the nutritive utilization of the dietary protein and of the diet as a whole. Key words: RBC, Hb, oxyeleotris lineolatus, digestive enzyme, FOS.

Beneficial effects of fructo-oligosaccharides supplementation on fecal bifidobacteria and index of peroxidation status in constipated nursing-home residents—A placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial

Objective This study assessed effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation on fecal bifidobacteria, lipid peroxidation index, indices of nutritional status, and whether effects of FOS were sustained after its withdrawal in constipated nursing-home residents. The associations of fecal bifidobacteria and blood measurements were also examined. Methods Six men and four women participated in a double-blind, diet-controlled study that consisted of a 4-wk placebo (3 mL of fructose syrup) period, a 4-wk FOS (10 g/d) period, and a 4-wk post-FOS period. Stools were collected during the last week of each period to determine the microflora and fecal weight. Fasting blood was collected at the end of each period and analyzed for thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and biochemical indices. Results Fecal counts (log counts/gram of dry feces) and daily fecal output of bifidobacteria significantly increased with FOS compared with placebo. The effect on bifidobacteria output was sustained in the post-FOS period. Plasma TBARS concentration was reduced by 16% and 21% in the FOS and post-FOS periods, respectively, compared with that in the placebo period. The plasma cholesterol level was significantly lowered by 7% in the FOS and post-FOS periods compared with that in the placebo period. The increases in fecal bifidobacteria output during the FOS period (log colony-forming units per day) were associated with decreases in plasma TBARS and plasma cholesterol, respectively. Conclusion Supplementation of FOS increases the daily output of bifidobacteria and decreases plasma TBARS and cholesterol concentrations in constipated nursing-home elderly residents and these effects remained at the end the post-FOS period.

Effect of abomasal prebiotic supplementation on sheep faecal microbiota

The effect of abomasal fructo-oligosaccharides supplementation on sheep faecal microbiota was investigated in a balanced, two Latin square, cross-over design experiment. Ten fistulated sheep were managed in five consecutive periods, with each of five treatments (an ‘acidified saline’ control or one of four prebiotic candidates chosen to represent different types of oligosaccharides: Arabinogalactan, Fibruline, Raftilose, or Yacon) administered to two sheep in each period. Seven grams of fructo-oligosaccharides were used daily for each animal. In each period, fresh faecal samples were collected before, during and after ‘supplementation’ for the analysis of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, Escherichia coli, sulphite-reducing clostridia, total anaerobes, pH and dry matter. The treatments with Fibruline, Raftilose and Yacon increased the sheep faecal bifidobacteria after 9 days of daily dosing. Compared with the control, the Raftilose treatment caused the greatest increase by 2.128 log10 CFU/g of faeces (P<0.01), followed by the Yacon and Fibruline treatments, by 0.990 (P<0.05) and 0.925 log10 CFU/g of faeces (P=0.05), respectively. Both Raftilose and Yacon treatments increased the number of lactobacilli by 1.286 (P<0.05) and 1.138 log10 CFU/g of faeces (P<0.05) after 9 days of daily dosing. All tested fructo-oligosaccharides had no effect on sulphite-reducing clostridia and E. coli. There were no changes in sheep faecal pH or dry matter between the treatments. These data provide the first evidence that the bifidogenic effects of fructo-oligosaccharides, previously shown to be gained in the large intestine of monogastric animals, are also efficacious in the ruminant.

Dietary cellulose, fructooligosaccharides, and pectin modify fecal protein catabolites and microbial populations in adult cats

Twelve young adult (1.7 +/- 0.1 yr) male cats were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to determine the effects of fiber type on nutrient digestibility, fermentative end products, and fecal microbial populations. Three diets containing 4% cellulose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), or pectin were evaluated. Feces were scored based on the 5-point system: 1 being hard, dry pellets, and 5 being watery liquid that can be poured. No differences were observed (P > 0.100) in intake of DM, OM, CP, or acid-hydrolyzed fat; DM or OM digestibility; or fecal pH, DM%, output on an as-is or DM basis, or concentrations of histamine or phenylalanine. Crude protein and fat digestibility decreased (P = 0.079 and 0.001, respectively) in response to supplementation with pectin compared with cellulose. Both FOS and pectin supplementation resulted in increased fecal scores (P < 0.001) and concentrations of ammonia (P = 0.003) and 4-methyl phenol (P = 0.003). Fecal indole concentrations increased (P = 0.049) when cats were supplemented with FOS. Fecal acetate (P = 0.030), propionate (P = 0.035), and total short-chain fatty acid (P = 0.016) concentrations increased in pectin-supplemented cats. Fecal butyrate (P = 0.010), isobutyrate (P = 0.011), isovalerate (P = 0.012), valerate (P = 0.026), and total branched-chain fatty acids + valerate (P = 0.008) concentrations increased with supplementation of FOS and pectin. Fecal cadaverine (P < 0.001) and tryptamine (P < 0.001) concentrations increased with supplementation of FOS and pectin. Fecal tyramine concentrations decreased (P = 0.039) in FOS-supplemented cats, whereas spermidine concentrations increased (P < 0.001) in pectin-supplemented cats. Whereas fecal concentrations of putrescine (P < 0.001) and total biogenic amines (P < 0.001) increased with FOS and pectin, the concentrations of these compounds were increased (P < 0.001) in cats supplemented with pectin. Fecal Bifidobacterium spp. concentrations increased (P = 0.006) and Escherichia coli concentrations decreased (P < 0.001) in FOS-supplemented cats. Fecal concentrations of Clostridium perfringens (P < 0.001), E. coli (P < 0.001), and Lactobacillus spp. (P = 0.030) also increased in pectin-supplemented cats. In addition to increasing populations of protein-fermenting microbiota, pectin increased production of fermentative end products associated with carbohydrate compared with protein fermentation. Pectin and FOS may be useful fiber sources in promoting intestinal health of the cat.

M1718 Fructo-Oligosaccharide (FOS) Supplementation Increases Enteroendocrine L Cells Containing GLP-1 and SCFA Receptor GPR43 (Ffa2) in the Large Intestine

Background and aim: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is known as an incretin and a satiety hormone released by enteroendocrine L-cells, and its plasma concentration is reported to increase by dietary non-digestible carbohydrates such as certain dietary fibers and oligosaccharides. However, the triggers and modulators of the GLP-1 release remain unclear. We have previously reported that the L-cells containing peptide YY (PYY) express short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) receptor GPR43 in human and rat colon. PYY is reported to be contained in the same granules together with GLP-1. In the present study, we therefore investigated 1) the coexpression of GLP-1 and GPR43 in human and rat lower intestine, and 2) the effects of a long-term feeding of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplemented diet on these expressions in rats. Methods: 1) The expression of GLP-1, 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT), and GPR43 in the enteroendocrine cells were quantified by immunohistochemistry in the colon and terminal ileum isolated from rat and surgical specimens of humans. 2) Control and FOS-supplemented rats were fed a non-digestible carbohydrate-free and 5% (w/w) FOScontaining diet (16 g/day), respectively. On the 28th day, the rats were killed. The tissue and content weights of cecum, and GLP-1-, 5-HT-, and GPR43-positive cells in the colon, cecum and terminal ileum were measured. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that GPR43-positive enteroendocrine cells were GLP-1-containing L-cells, but not 5-HTcontaining enterochromaffin (EC) cells, both in human and rat colon and terminal ileum. Furthermore, compared to control, 4week FOS (5%) supplementation in rats significantly increased cecal tissue weight (but not its content weight) and the densities (cell number/ mm2 mucosa) of both GLP-1and GPR43-containing L-cells in particular the proximal colon. On the other hand, 5-HT-expressing EC cells were not affected by the FOS supplementation. Conclusion: The results showed that FOS supplementation increased the expression of GLP1and GPR43-containing enteroendocrine L-cells in the large intestine, suggesting that the prebiotic effects of FOS, such as improvement of the colonic environment to protect against pathogen and inflammation, is associated with the expression of the SCFA receptor GPR43. Therefore, it is possible that the long-term FOS ingestion contributes to the prevention of obesity and diabetes through PYY/GLP-1 release mediated by SCFA-stimulation of GPR43 in the large intestine.

M1719 Umami Receptor Activation Increases Duodenal Bicarbonate Secretion via GLP-2 Release in Rats

Background and aim: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is known as an incretin and a satiety hormone released by enteroendocrine L-cells, and its plasma concentration is reported to increase by dietary non-digestible carbohydrates such as certain dietary fibers and oligosaccharides. However, the triggers and modulators of the GLP-1 release remain unclear. We have previously reported that the L-cells containing peptide YY (PYY) express short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) receptor GPR43 in human and rat colon. PYY is reported to be contained in the same granules together with GLP-1. In the present study, we therefore investigated 1) the coexpression of GLP-1 and GPR43 in human and rat lower intestine, and 2) the effects of a long-term feeding of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplemented diet on these expressions in rats. Methods: 1) The expression of GLP-1, 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT), and GPR43 in the enteroendocrine cells were quantified by immunohistochemistry in the colon and terminal ileum isolated from rat and surgical specimens of humans. 2) Control and FOS-supplemented rats were fed a non-digestible carbohydrate-free and 5% (w/w) FOScontaining diet (16 g/day), respectively. On the 28th day, the rats were killed. The tissue and content weights of cecum, and GLP-1-, 5-HT-, and GPR43-positive cells in the colon, cecum and terminal ileum were measured. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that GPR43-positive enteroendocrine cells were GLP-1-containing L-cells, but not 5-HTcontaining enterochromaffin (EC) cells, both in human and rat colon and terminal ileum. Furthermore, compared to control, 4week FOS (5%) supplementation in rats significantly increased cecal tissue weight (but not its content weight) and the densities (cell number/ mm2 mucosa) of both GLP-1and GPR43-containing L-cells in particular the proximal colon. On the other hand, 5-HT-expressing EC cells were not affected by the FOS supplementation. Conclusion: The results showed that FOS supplementation increased the expression of GLP1and GPR43-containing enteroendocrine L-cells in the large intestine, suggesting that the prebiotic effects of FOS, such as improvement of the colonic environment to protect against pathogen and inflammation, is associated with the expression of the SCFA receptor GPR43. Therefore, it is possible that the long-term FOS ingestion contributes to the prevention of obesity and diabetes through PYY/GLP-1 release mediated by SCFA-stimulation of GPR43 in the large intestine.

Interaction of dietary Bacillus subtilis and fructooligosaccharide on the growth performance, non-specific immunity of sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus

A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the interaction of probiotic Bacillus subtilis and prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the growth performance, immunity, intestinal microflora and disease resistance of sea cucumber ( Apostichopus japonicus). Five hundred and forty individuals (initial body weight: 5.06 ± 0.10 g, mean ± S.E) were fed nine practical diets according to a 3 × 3 factorial design: the basal diet as the control diet supplemented with three levels of B. subtilis (0, 1.82 × 10 7 or 4.95 × 10 7 CFU g −1 diet), crossed with 0, 0.25% or 0.50% FOS. After 8 weeks, three sea cucumbers per tank were sampled for bacterial quantification and immunity determination. Then all the sea cucumbers left were challenged by Vibrio splendidus. The results showed that dietary B. subtilis significantly increased the specific growth rate (SGR), total coelomocytes counts (TCC), phagocytosis of sea cucumbers, the counts of total viable bacteria and disease resistance to V. splendidus ( P < 0.05), whereas the counts of Vibrio decreased. However, dietary B. subtilis had no significant effect on phenoloxidase (PO) activity in coelomocyte lysate supernatant (CLS) ( P > 0.05). The SGR, PO activity, total viable bacterial counts (TBC) and Vibrio counts (VBC) were significantly affected by dietary FOS. In the group with 0.50% FOS, TCC, phagocytosis and PO activity significantly increased compared to the group fed without FOS in diet ( P < 0.05). In the groups with 1.82 × 10 7 CFU B. subtilis/g diet, FOS supplementation remarkably decreased VBC. And higher level of FOS (0.50%) resulted in significantly higher TCC and PO activity compared with 0.25% FOS ( P < 0.05). Moreover, the animals fed with diets supplemented with 0.25% and 0.50% FOS at each B. subtilis level had notably lower cumulative mortality after 14 days following V. splendidus exposure ( P < 0.05). Under the experimental conditions, dietary B. subtilis and FOS had a synergistic effect on enhancing immunity and disease resistance of sea cucumber ( P < 0.05).

Beneficial effect of xylo-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The beneficial influences of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) obtained from alkali-pretreated corncob and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) obtained from cane sugar were evaluated in experimental diabetes. These oligosaccharides were supplemented at 10 % (w/w) in the basal diet of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats, while the control rats were fed with a basal diet for a period of 6 weeks. Both the oligosaccharides exerted favourable influences in diabetic rats by significantly improving body weight and reducing hyperglycaemia and cholesterol. The characteristic diabetic complications such as severe glucosuria, proteinuria and advanced glycation end products in renal tissue, diabetic nephropathy, and blood creatinine and urea concentrations were notably reduced. Besides, these oligosaccharide supplementations significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes - catalase and glutathione reductase - in the blood of diabetic rats. Supplementation of XOS and FOS resulted in a significant increase in the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli population in the caecum. The present study indicates that XOS and FOS have an ameliorating influence on metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes, besides conferring an optimal milieu of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, thus suggesting their potential health benefit in diabetics.

2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene-Induced Contact Hypersensitivity Response in NC/Nga Mice Fed Fructo-Oligosaccharide

Strategies to manipulate gut microbiota in infancy have been considered to prevent the development of allergic diseases later in life. We previously demonstrated that maternal dietary supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) during pregnancy and lactation modulated the composition of gut microbiota and diminished the severity of spontaneously developing atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in the offspring of NC/Nga mice. The present study tested whether dietary FOS affects contact hypersensitivity (CHS), another model for allergic skin disease, in NC/Nga mice. In experiment 1, 5-wk-old female NC/Nga mice were fed diets either with or without FOS supplementation for 3 wk and then received 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) on the ear auricle 5 times at 7-d intervals. FOS supplementation reduced CHS response as demonstrated by ear swelling. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that mRNA levels for interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12p40, and IL-17 in the lesional ear skin were significantly lower in mice fed FOS. In experiment 2, female NC/Nga mice were fed diets either with or without FOS during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, offspring were fed the diets supplemented with or without FOS. Three weeks after weaning, offspring received DNFB on the ear auricle 4 times at 7-d intervals. Although FOS supplementation after weaning reduced ear swelling, maternal FOS consumption was ineffective in offspring. The present data suggest that dietary FOS reduces CHS while maternal FOS consumption is ineffective in offspring of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice.

Role of intestinalBifidobacterium pseudolongumin dietary fructo-oligosaccharide inhibition of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice

Strategies to manipulate the gut microbiota have been explored for preventing allergy development. We previously showed that dietary supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) reduced 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in BALB/c mice. Because the CHS response was negatively correlated with the number of faecal bifidobacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, the present study aimed to examine whether oral administration of B. pseudolongum affects CHS response. Viable B. pseudolongum was successfully isolated from mouse faeces. Female BALB/c mice were fed a synthetic diet with or without FOS supplementation, and B. pseudolongum (2 x 10(7) cells) was administered daily throughout the experimental period. Two weeks after starting the test diets, mice received DNFB on the ear auricle twice at 7-d intervals. Conventional cultivation and molecular biological analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that administration of FOS and B. pseudolongum resulted in higher excretion of viable bifidobacteria, mainly B. pseudolongum. Although dietary FOS reduced the CHS response as demonstrated by ear swelling, B. pseudolongum administration resulted in a reduction in the initial phase only of the CHS response. B. pseudolongum administration increased hapten-specific IgG1, while dietary FOS decreased IgG2a in sera. Administration of FOS and B. pseudolongum decreased interferon-gamma production and increased IL-10 production in cervical lymph node cells restimulated with hapten in vitro. We conclude that B. pseudolongum proliferation in the intestinal tract is partially responsible for the reduction in DNFB-induced CHS response by dietary supplementation with FOS in mice, which may be mediated by the modulation of antigen-induced cytokine production.

Maternal consumption of fructo-oligosaccharide diminishes the severity of skin inflammation in offspring of NC/Nga mice

Strategies to manipulate the gut microbiota in infancy have been considered to prevent the development of allergic diseases later in life. We aimed to elucidate the effects of maternal dietary supplementation with a prebiotic oligosaccharide on gut microbiota and spontaneously developing atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in the offspring of NC/Nga mice. Female NC/Nga mice were fed diets either with or without fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, offspring were fed the diets supplemented with or without fructo-oligosaccharide for 11 weeks in an air-uncontrolled conventional room. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene. Skin lesions were evaluated by a clinical score and scratching behaviour. Serum antibody levels were measured by ELISA, and expression levels of cytokines and chemokines in lesional tissue were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Maternal supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharide modulated the gut microbiota in sucklings. Although maternal supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharide suppressed the increase in clinical skin severity score and scratching behaviour in offspring, dietary fructo-oligosaccharide after weaning was less effective. The diminution of skin lesions was accompanied by lower serum concentrations of total IgG1 and lower expression levels of TNF-alpha in the lesional tissue. These data suggest that maternal consumption of fructo-oligosaccharide diminishes the severity of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in the offspring of NC/Nga mice.

Fructo-oligosaccharides enhance the mineral absorption and counteract the adverse effects of phytic acid in mice

Objective We explored the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and phytic acid (PA) on the absorption of minerals and their interaction. Methods A 3 × 2 factorial experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of FOS (in the presence or absence of PA) on the apparent absorption rate of minerals and the mineral status (plasma, hepatic, and bone) in mice. Sixty Kun-Ming mice were randomized into six groups: basal diet group; basal diet + 1% PA group (PA); basal diet + 0.8 g/kg of body weight FOS group (FOS1); FOS1 + 1% PA group (FOS1 + PA); basal diet + 2.5 g/kg of body weight group (FOS2); and FOS2 + 1% PA group (FOS2 + PA). The mice received FOS by gavage for consecutive 4 wk, and the PA was added in the diet. The mice were housed individually in the last week. The food intake was recorded and the feces were collected for calculation of the apparent absorption rate. Then the mice were sacrificed, the ceca were removed and weighed, and the cecum contents were used for the detection of pH and short-chain fatty acids. The blood, liver, and the left femur were collected for the measurement of the minerals. Results FOS supplementation resulted in the enlargement of the cecum and increased cecal acidification ( P < 0.01). In addition, FOS effectively boosted the apparent absorption rate of calcium (FOS1, +7%; FOS2, +9%, P < 0.05), magnesium (FOS1, +26%; FOS2, +19%, P < 0.05), and iron (FOS1, +17%; FOS2, +22%, P < 0.05), and restored the PA-impaired magnesium and iron apparent absorption rates ( P < 0.01). In addition, FOS significantly increased hepatic zinc levels ( P < 0.01) and femoral magnesium levels ( P < 0.01). Conclusion These data indicate that FOS effectively enhances the mineral apparent absorption rate and counteracts the deleterious effects of PA.

Oligosaccharides 계열 생균제가 산란계의 생산성, 장내 미생물 및 혈청 면역 글로불린 함량에 미치는 영향

본 실험은 mannan-oligosaccharide(MOS)와 fructo-oligosaccharides(FOS)가 산란계의 생산성과 소장 내 미생물 균총 및 혈액 내 항체 수준에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위해 실시하였다. 사양 시험은 27주령의 산란계(Hy-Line Brown) 960수를 선별하여 A형 2단 케이지에 대조구 포함 총 6처리구로 구성하여 처리당 4반복, 반복당 40수씩 randomized block design으로 배치하였다. 시험 기간 동안 물과 사료는 자유 섭취하게 하였으며, 일반적인 점등 관리(자연 일조 + 조명; 16 h)를 실시하였다. 실험은 대조구, 항생제구; avilamycin 6 ppm, MOS 0.025%구, MOS 0.05%구, FOS 0.25%구, FOS 0.5%구 등 총 6처리구를 두어 실시하였다. 일계 산란율과 hen-housed 산란율은 처리구간에 유의적 차이가 있었다. 일계 산란율과 hen-housed 산란율은 MOS 0.025% 처리구가 대조구와 비교하여 유의적으로 높았다. 난중, 사료 섭취량에서는 처리구간에 유의한 차이가 없었으나, FOS 0.25%구가 다른 첨가구와 대조구에 비해 낮은 경향을 보였다. 난각 두께에서는 FOS 0.25% 처리구가 MOS 0.025% 첨가구에 비해 유의적으로 높았다. 난각 강도, 난각 색깔 지수, 난황 색깔 지수에서는 처리구간에 유의적 차이가 나타나지 않았다. Haugh unit는 유의한 차이는 나타나지 않았지만 전반적으로 대조구에 비해 모든 첨가구들이 높은 경향을 보였다. 혈청 IgG 농도는 처리구간에 유의적인 차이는 없었지만 모든 첨가구들이 대조구에 비하여 높은 경향을 보여주었으며, 혈청 IgA 농도는 FOS 0.25% 처리구가 대조구에 비해 유의적으로 높았다. Lactobacillus는 첨가구에서 유의하게 증가하고, Cl. perfrigens는 유의하게 감소하였으며, E. coli는 첨가구들에서 감소하는 경향이 있었다. 결론적으로 MOS와 FOS는 산란계에서 산란율을 증가시키는 경향이 있었고 혈중 IgA 및 장내 미생물 균총에도 유의한 영향을 미쳤다. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on the performance, immune response and small intestinal microflora in laying hens. A total of 960 Hy-Line <TEX>$Brown^{(R)}$</TEX> laying hens of 27 wks old, housed in 2 bird cages, were assigned in a completely randomized block design into one of the following 6 dietary treatments: control, antibiotic (6 ppm avilamycine), 0.025% MOS, 0.05% MOS, 0.25% FOS, and 0.5% FOS. Each treatment had 4 replicates of 40 birds and was fed ad libitum for 6 wks under 16 h lighting regimen. There were significant differences among treatments in hen-day and hen-housed egg production. Hen-day egg production in 0.025% MOS was significantly higher than that of control. Hen-housed egg production in antibiotic-treated group was significantly higher compared with control. Egg weight, feed intake and feed conversion were not significantly different among treatments. Egg shell thickness was highest in 0.25% FOS, but was not significantly different among the rest of treatments. There were no significant differences among treatments in egg shell strength, egg shell color, egg yolk color and Haugh unit. IgG concentrations in serum were not significantly different among treatments. On the other hand, IgA concentrations of the treated birds tended to be increased compared with control. Dietary treatments tended to decrease Cl. perfringens and E. coli, and to increase Lactobacillus spp. The result of this experiment showed that dietary supplementation of MOS and FOS in laying hens tended to improve egg production comparable to the supplementation of antibiotics. The level of serum IgA and small intestinal microflora were also significantly affected by the treatments.

Fructooligosaccharide supplementation improved blood antioxidative status in the constipated elderly subjects

Fructooligosaccharide (FO) has been shown to stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in men which may beneficially exert antioxidative effect. We have demonstrated FO supplementation promote fecal bifidobacteria population in constipated age population. This study further investigated effects of FO supplementation on blood antioxidative status in these subjects. Ten elderly adults (6 males) aged 74.0 ± 3.3 (mean ± SD) completed the single‐blind, placebo‐ and diet‐controlled study that consisted a 4‐wk placebo (3 g/d fructose syrup), a 4‐wk FO (10 g/d oligosaccharides) and a 4‐wk post period. Fasting bloods were collected at the end of each period for analysis of antioxidants, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbitituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) in the plasma. DNA strand breakage of whole blood, indicator of blood peroxidation, was determined using single‐cell electrophoresis (comet) assay. Results (means ± SDs) indicated that FO supplementation significantly increased plasma vitamin C level from 4.5 ± 1.1 to 11.9 ± 3.4 μM (P &lt; 0.05 vs placebo) and tended to increase the plasma TEAC, vitamin E and GSH levels (P &gt; 0.05). Plasma TBARS level was 13.1 ± 1.5 mM in the placebo period, which was significantly reduced to be 11.0 ± 1.6 mM in the FO period (by 16%, P &lt; 0.05) and 10.3 ± 1.3 mM in post period (P &lt; 0.05). The DNA strand breaks of whole blood was significantly reduced by 56% (P&lt;0.05) with FO supplementation, and this effect lasted through the post period. Therefore, this study suggested that supplementation of FO exerted prolonged beneficial effects on plasma antioxidant capacity in constipated elderly subjects. This research was supported by the National Science Council 96‐2320‐B‐040‐031‐MY3, Taiwan.