Intestinal Microflora In Mice Research Articles

Fresh bamboo juice regulates the diversity of intestinal microflora in mice by promoting the function of ILC2 cells to mediate intestinal protection

Background and aimUlcerative colitis (UC) is a growing global health concern, with current treatments facing challenges like drug dependence and side effects. Fresh bamboo juice (FBJ), known for its antimicrobial and potential immune-modulating properties, has shown promise as a natural therapeutic agent. The present study aimed to explore the protective effects of FBJ against colitis and further analyze the changes of gut microbiota composition, metabolite profiles, and underlying immune mechanisms. Materials and MethodsA colitis model in mice was established using DSS to investigate the effectiveness of FBJ. Intestinal tissue and fecal samples were also collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Additionally, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were employed to detect the proliferation and function of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the cytokines secreted by immune cells. ResultsFBJ demonstrated significant therapeutic effects against DSS-induced colitis in mice. At the genus level, the abundance of Bacteroides, Akkermansia and unassigned bacteria in the bamboo juice group increased compared with the DSS group. In contrast, the abundance of Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 significantly decreased. FBJ partially restored the balance of gut microbiota, as evidenced by the increased levels of beneficial bacteria. Metabolome analysis revealed significant alterations in fecal metabolites, including 3-Hydroxypyridine, Pyridoxine, SM(d18:1/16:0), and DL-Methionine sulfoxide were remarkably altered. Dysregulation of pathways such as Vitamin B6 metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism was observed, which may contribute to protection against colitis. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence showed a significant reduction in the proportion of ILC2 cells following FBJ treatment in the DSS group (1.82 % v.s. 3.18 %, P < 0.05). ELISA showed that the FBJ group had lower levels of IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-33, TNF-α, IFN-γ in intestinal tissue. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that FBJ exerts a protective effect against colitis, primarily by modulating the intestinal flora and metabolite profiles in mice with colitis. Furthermore, the observed alterations in bacterial flora and metabolites likely affect ILC2 function and cytokine production, thereby mediating the protective effects against colitis through modulation of the immune system.

Radiation protection of sodium alginate and its regulatory effect on intestinal microflora in mice

Prolonged or high-dose exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) can cause damage to normal tissues of the body. Therefore, it is imperative to find effective radiation protective agents to mitigate IR-induced damage. This study evaluated the effects of sodium alginate (SA) on the radiation protection and modulatory effects of gut microorganisms using a 60Coγ-induced damage model in mice. Results showed that SA could reduce the damage of hematopoietic system; and alleviate the oxidative damage in irradiated mice by inhibiting the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in serum, spleen, jejunum and liver. Moreover, SA treatment ameliorated IR-induced small intestine lesions and alleviated liver injury. This was consistent with decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and increased levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) after SA treatment. Furthermore, SA treatment reversed IR-induced gut dysbiosis, elevated the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increased the beneficial bacteria and reduced the pathogenic bacteria in the small intestine. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that SA exerted good radioprotective effect by improving hematopoietic system, alleviating oxidative stress, attenuating liver injury and inflammatory response, and modulating the intestinal microbiota in irradiated mice.

Cascara kombucha potential as a functional food for fasting glucose regulation, cholesterol control, and liver function modulation: in vitro and in vivo study

SummaryUnhealthy dietary patterns are a major contributor to obesity worldwide, leading to various adverse metabolic effects such as elevated liver enzyme levels and increased cholesterol concentrations. This study investigates the potential of cascara kombucha as a functional beverage to provide health benefits in both in vitro and in vivo models. Our results indicate that kombucha fermentation enhances the bioactive compounds in cascara, including polyphenols and flavonoids. The in vitro study found that cascara kombucha effectively decreased free radicals (DPPH and ABTS) levels, α‐amylase, and lipase activity, suggesting its potential to act as an antioxidant and modulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In a mouse model, oral administration of cascara kombucha at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for 28 days successfully decreased fasting blood glucose levels, improved liver health by reducing aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels, and lowered serum cholesterol content induced by a fat‐enriched diet compared to the untreated group. The levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase, suppressed by the fat‐enriched diet, were restored to normal. Additionally, cascara kombucha downregulated genes associated with inflammation induced by a fat‐enriched diet, including tnf‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, and cox‐2. It also positively affected the balance of intestinal microflora in mice by reducing coliform density and enhancing probiotic populations. These findings highlight the potential of cascara kombucha as a promising approach to addressing health issues caused by poor dietary habits and metabolic imbalances.

Day and Night Reversed Feeding Aggravates High-Fat Diet-Induced Abnormalities in Intestinal Flora and Lipid Metabolism in Adipose Tissue of Mice

BackgroundThe incongruity between dietary patterns and the circadian clock poses an elevated risk for metabolic health issues, particularly obesity and associated metabolic disorders. The intestinal microflora engages in regulating various physiological functions of the host through its metabolites. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the impact of reversed feeding schedules during the day and night on intestinal flora and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. MethodsMice aged 8–10 wk were subjected to either daytime or nighttime feeding and were administered a control or high-fat diet for 18 wk. At the end of the experiment, various assessments were conducted, including analysis of serum biochemic indices, histologic examination, evaluation of gene and protein expression in adipose tissue, and scrutiny of changes in intestinal microbial composition. ResultsThe results showed that day-night reversed feeding caused an increase in fasting blood glucose and exacerbated the high-fat diet-induced weight gain and lipid abnormalities. The mRNA expression levels of Leptin and Dgat1 were increased by day-night reversed feeding, which also reduced the expression level of adiponectin under the high-fat diet. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the protein concentrations of PPARγ, SREBP1c, and CD36. Inverted feeding schedules led to a reduction in intestinal microbial diversity, an increase in the abundance of inflammation-related bacteria, such as Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002, and a suppression of beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Anaeroplasma, Bifidobacterium, Carnobacterium, and Odoribacter. Acinetobacter exhibited a significant negative correlation with Leptin and Fasn, suggesting potential involvement in the regulation of lipid metabolism. ConclusionsThe results elucidated the abnormalities of lipid metabolism and intestinal flora caused by day-night reversed feeding, which exacerbates the adverse effects of a high-fat diet on lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora. This reversal in feeding patterns may disrupt both intestinal and lipid metabolism homeostasis by altering the composition and abundance of intestinal microflora in mice.

Jiannao pills mitigate chronic restraint stress-induced anxiety in mice through the regulation of intestinal microflora.

To investigate the effects of Jiannao pills on mice with chronic restraint stress-induced anxiety and its mechanisms. Anxiety-like behaviors were induced in mice by exposing them to chronic restraint stress (8 h/day for 21 days). Subsequently, Jiannao pills were given to these mice for the treatment of the induced anxiety. Following treatment, the intestinal microflora of the mice were analyzed using the 16S rRNA sequencing method. Under positive electrospray ionization mode, a total of 68 chemical compositions were found in Jiannao pills, and under negative electrospray ionization mode, the number was 18. With these chemical compositions in effect, it was observed that Jiannao pills alleviated chronic restraint induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice by extending their dwelling time, standing time, and grooming time in the central area, as well as the percentage of entries and time spent in the open arms. This effect was similar to that of alprazolam. In addition, Jiannao pills significantly improved neural functions in mice with chronic restraint-induced anxiety, diminished the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine and glutamate, and increased the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid. Furthermore, Jiannao pills decreased the expressions of the corticotropin-releasing factor and cholecystokinin protein, while elevating neuropeptide Y protein levels. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed both Jiannao pills and alprazolam altered the composition of intestinal microflora in mice, with Jiannao pills exhibiting a more pronounced effect. Specifically, there was a significant increase in the abundance of S24-7 in mice following treatment. Besides, significant differences were observed in a total of 632 operational taxonomic units in mice after Jiannao pill treatment. The functions of the intestinal microflora of mice were primarily associated with their betalain biosynthesis and classification levels. Jiannao pills effectively ameliorated chronic restraint anxiety-like behaviors in mice and enhanced their neural functions potentially through the regulation of their intestinal microflora.

Qing Hua Chang Yin alleviates chronic colitis of mice by protecting intestinal barrier function and improving colonic microflora.

Background: Qing Hua Chang Yin (QHCY) is a famous formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been proven to have protective effect on ulcerative colitis. However, its protective effect and potential therapeutic mechanisms in chronic colitis remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of QHCY on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic colitis mice model. Methods: The chronic colitis model was established by administration of 2% DSS for three consecutive cycles of 7 days with two intervals of 14 days for recovery by drinking water. The experiment lasted 49 days. The DSS + QHCY group received QHCY administration by oral gavage at doses of 1.6g/kg/d, DSS + Mesalazine group was administrated Mesalazine by oral gavage at doses of 0.2g/kg/d. The control and DSS group were given equal volume of distilled water. The body weight, stool consistency and blood in stool were monitored every 2days. The disease activity index (DAI) was calculated. The colon length was measured after the mice were sacrificed. The histomorphology of colonic tissues was checked by the HE and PAS staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin) and Mucin2 (MUC2). 16S rRNA sequencing analysis was conducted to study the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota changes. Results: QHCY treatment not only significantly attenuated DSS-induced the weight loss, DAI score increase, colon shortening and histological damage in mice, but also decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colonic tissues and increased the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and MUC2. Furthermore, QHCY enhanced the diversity of gut microbes and regulated the structure and composition of intestinal microflora in mice with chronic colitis. Conclusion: QHCY has a therapeutic effect on a murine model of chronic colitis. It can effectively reduce the clinical and pathological manifestations of colitis and prevent alterations in the gut microbiota.

Effects of Modified Dietary Fiber from Fresh Corn Bracts on Obesity and Intestinal Microbiota in High-Fat-Diet Mice.

The effects of insoluble dietary fiber from fresh corn bracts modified by dynamic high-pressure micro-fluidization (DHPM) on the pathological characteristics of obesity, intestinal microflora distribution and production of short-chain fatty acids in high-fat-diet C57BL/6 mice were evaluated. The results show that the DHPM-modified dietary fiber from fresh corn bracts significantly reduces weight gain, insulin resistance and oxidative damage caused by a high-fat diet, and promotes the production of SCFAs, especially acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. These modified dietary fibers also change the proportion of different types of bacteria in the intestinal microflora of mice, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota and promote the proliferation of Bifidobacteriales. Therefore, the DHPM-modified dietary fiber from fresh corn bracts can be used as a good intestinal microbiota regulator to promote intestinal health, thereby achieving the role of preventing and treating obesity.

Collagen Peptide Exerts an Anti-Obesity Effect by Influencing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio in the Gut.

Alterations in the intestinal microbial flora are known to cause various diseases, and many people routinely consume probiotics or prebiotics to balance intestinal microorganisms and the growth of beneficial bacteria. In this study, we selected a peptide from fish (tilapia) skin that induces significant changes in the intestinal microflora of mice and reduces the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which is linked to obesity. We attempted to verify the anti-obesity effect of selected fish collagen peptides in a high-fat-diet-based obese mouse model. As anticipated, the collagen peptide co-administered with a high-fat diet significantly inhibited the increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. It increased specific bacterial taxa, including Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Faecalibaculum, Bacteroides, and Streptococcus, known for their anti-obesity effects. Consequently, alterations in the gut microbiota resulted in the activation of metabolic pathways, such as polysaccharide degradation and essential amino acid synthesis, which are associated with obesity inhibition. In addition, collagen peptide also effectively reduced all obesity signs caused by a high-fat diet, such as abdominal fat accumulation, high blood glucose levels, and weight gain. Ingestion of collagen peptides derived from fish skin induced significant changes in the intestinal microflora and is a potential auxiliary therapeutic agent to suppress the onset of obesity.

Fecal microbiota transplantation confirmed that 919 Syrup reduced the ratio of erucamide to 5-AVAB in hippocampus to alleviate postpartum depression by regulating gut microbes.

Postpartum depression has a crucial impact on the physical and psychological comfort and the work of postnatal women, the growth and development of infants and mental health in adulthood. Finding a safe and effective anti-postnatal depression drug is currently an important research goal in this field. In this study, the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were used to evaluated the depressive behaviors of mice, and the changes of metabolites and intestinal microflora in mice with postpartum depression were examined through non-target metabolomics and 16S RNA sequencing respectively. We found that traditional Chinese medicine compound 919 Syrup could alleviate postpartum depression in mice and inhibit the elevated erucamide level in depressive hippocampus. However, mice treated with antibiotics were not sensitive to the anti-postnatal depression effect of 919 Syrup, and the level of 5-aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB) in their hippocampus was significantly decreased. Transplanting fecal microflora treated with 919 Syrup could effectively improve the depressive behaviors of mice, upregulate the level of gut-derived 5-AVAB in the hippocampus, and downregulate the level of erucamide. Erucamide was significantly negatively correlated with increased Bacteroides in intestine after 919 Syrup treatment or fecal transplantation, and significantly positively correlated with Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 which was increased in feces of mice with postpartum depression. The increase of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Ruminiclostridium in intestine after fecal transplantation had a clearly positive correlation with 5-AVAB. In brief, 919 Syrup may downregulate the ratio of hippocampal metabolites erucamide to 5-AVAB by regulating intestinal flora to alleviate postpartum depression, laying a scientific foundation for future pathological research and development of therapeutic drugs for postpartum depression.

High-fat diet alters the radiation tolerance of female mice and the modulatory effect of melatonin.

High-fat diet (HFD) increases the risk of developing malignant tumors. Ionizing radiation (IR) is used as an adjuvant treatment in oncology. In this study, we investigated the effects of an 8-week 35% fat HFD on the tolerance to IR and the modulatory effect of melatonin (MLT). The results of lethal dose irradiation survival experiments revealed that the 8-week HFD altered the radiation tolerance of female mice and increased their radiosensitivity, whereas it had no comparable effects on males. Pre-treatment with MLT was, however, found to attenuate the radiation-induced hematopoietic damage in mice, promote intestinal structural repair after whole abdominal irradiation (WAI), and enhance the regeneration of Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and untargeted metabolome analyses revealed that HFD consumption and WAI sex-specifically altered the composition of intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites and that MLT supplementation differentially modulated the composition of the intestinal microflora in mice. However, in both males and females, different bacteria were associated with the modulation of the metabolite 5-methoxytryptamine. Collectively, the findings indicate that MLT ameliorates the radiation-induced damage and sex-specifically shapes the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolites, protecting mice from the adverse side effects associated with HFD and IR.

The beneficial effects of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) on diet-induced obesity in mice are related to the modulation of gut microbiota composition

The gut is home to a large number of intestinal microbiota that play an important role in the metabolism and immune system of the host. A growing body of evidence suggests that a high-fat diet is closely associated with many metabolic disorders, including fatty liver and type 2 diabetes. According to reports, Tartary buckwheat extract has a positive effect on intestinal microbiota in animals. The effects of Tartary buckwheat on biochemical indexes and intestinal microflora in mice were studied. Tartary buckwheat protein (FGP), Tartary buckwheat resistant starch (FGS) and Tartary buckwheat flour (FGF) alleviated organ damage in mice and lowered the atherosclerotic index (AI) in plasma. Otherwise, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that intestinal bacterial structure of FGF were separated apparently from other groups. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) value of the high-fat (HF)-FGF group was significantly lower than that of the HF-FGP and HF-FGS groups. FGF significantly increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, while decreasing the abundance of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing bacteria. Observation of blood lipid metabolism parameters and analysis of the intestinal microbiota suggested that FGF can be more effective than FGP and FGS to reduce the effects of a high-fat diet in mice, restoring the blood parameters to values similar of those in mice fed a low-fat diet. FGF may be used to prevent or treat blood lipid metabolism disorders and intestinal microbiota disorders in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Yogurt and the Effect on the Intestinal Microflora in Mice

Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Yogurt and the Effect on the Intestinal Microflora in Mice

Effect of different ways of ingesting orange essential oil on blood immune index and intestinal microflora in mice.

Studies have found that the addition of plant essential oils to feed had a positive effect on intestinal microflora and immunity in mice. However, the effect of different ways of ingestion of orange essential oil on mice has seldom been reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ingestion of orange essential oil by gavage, sniffing and feeding on intestinal microflora and immunity in mice. The results obtained showed that a low concentration of essential oil feeding significantly increased the spleen index of mice (P < 0.05). The effect of different ways of ingestion on the thymus index, immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M of mice was not significant (P > 0.05). High and medium concentrations of essential oil feeding increased the level of interleukin-2 in mice (P < 0.05). H+ K+ -ATPase activity was significantly increased in mice fed with gavage and different concentrations of essential oil feed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The analysis of the results of the microflora in the cecum and colon of mice indicated that the medium concentration of essential oil feeding group and the sniffing group significantly changed the structure of the flora and increased the diversity of the intestinal microflora. All three essential oil ingestion methods increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus in the intestine of mice. Compared with gavage and feeding, sniffing had a significant effect on immunoglobulins in mice. All the three ingestion methods could affect the intestinal microflora of mice and increase the abundance of Lactobacillus. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Alteration of intestinal microflora by the intake of millet porridge improves gastrointestinal motility

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) has a long history of treating gastrointestinal ailments in China; however, little is known about the functional mechanism driving its therapeutic effects. The primary edible form of millet is porridge. This study investigates the effects of millet porridge on diphenoxylate-induced constipation and intestinal microflora in mice. Fifty mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, constipation model group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose millet porridge groups. After 14 days of millet porridge gavage, constipation was induced and measured. The results showed that millet porridge prevented constipation by increasing the water content of feces, shortened the time of the first melena defecation, promoted gastric emptying, and improved the rate of gastrointestinal propulsion. Millet porridge also dose-dependently increased levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and decreased levels of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides in the intestine. These results show that millet porridge could accelerate intestinal motility and change the proportions of intestinal flora and that it has a potent prebiotic effect.

Codon optimization of chicken β Gallinacin-3 gene results in constitutive expression and enhanced antimicrobial activity in transgenic Medicago sativa L.

Gallinacin-3 (Gal-3) is a newly discovered epithelial beta-defensin that acts as cationic antimicrobial peptides, and plays an important role in chicken innate immunity. However, the gallinacin-3 precursor containeda lengthy C-terminal region, which often hindered itsexpression. After codon optimization of Gal-3 and construction of an expression vector, the transgenic plants of Medicago sativa were obtained. Transgenic plants were validated and expression of proteins was detected. The antimicrobial activity of chicken β Gal-3 was analyzed and effects of chicken β Gal-3 on the body weight and intestinal microflora of mice were described. Our results demonstrated that the codon optimized chicken Gal-3 was stably expressed in transgenic Medicago sativa using the pCAMBIA3301 expression vector under the control of protein phosphatase (Ppha) promoter. Five transgenic plants with the highest expression of chicken β Gal-3 were selected, and were evaluated for the in vitro antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. Our findings confirmed that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the three bacterial strains were 32, 16 and 128 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the effect of chicken Gal-3 on the body weight of mice fed with transgenic plants showed no significant deviation compared with that of the control group. Similarly, no loss of intestinal microflora was evident in the experimental group compared with the control group. Together, our findings demonstrate an alternative method for the stable expression of chicken Gal-3 withsignificant antibacterial effects and potential probiotics uses. In addition, this study may also be useful in the development of resistant M. sativa plants against pathogenic bacteria in future studies.

Intestinal Flora Changes Induced by a High-Fat Diet Promote Activation of Primordial Follicles through Macrophage Infiltration and Inflammatory Factor Secretion in Mouse Ovaries.

Obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) leads to the excessive consumption of primordial follicles (PFs) in the ovaries. There is systemic chronic inflammation under HFD conditions, but no previous studies have explored whether there is a certain causal relationship between HFD-induced chronic inflammation and the overactivation of PFs. Here, we showed that HFD causes disorders of intestinal microflora in mice, with five Gram-negative bacteria showing the most profound increase at the genus level compared to the normal diet (ND) groups and contributes to the production of endotoxin. Endotoxin promotes M1 macrophage infiltration in the ovaries, where they exhibit proinflammatory actions by secreting cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα. These cytokines then boost the activation of PFs by activating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in follicles. Interestingly, transplantation of the HFD intestinal microflora to the ND mice partly replicates ovarian macrophage infiltration, proinflammation, and the overactivation of PFs. Conversely, transplanting the ND fecal microbiota to the HFD mice can alleviate ovarian inflammation and rescue the excessive consumption of PFs. Our findings uncover a novel and critical function of gut microbes in the process of PF overactivation under HFD conditions, and may provide a new theoretical basis for the microbial treatment of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency caused by HFD.

Polysaccharides from the leaves of Polygonatum sibiricum Red. regulate the gut microbiota and affect the production of short-chain fatty acids in mice

Polysaccharides from the rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum display a variety of biological activities, including the regulation of intestinal microbiota, but the polysaccharides from the leaves of P. sibiricum have not been studied extensively. Here, we extracted crude polysaccharides from the leaves of P. sibiricum and further separated and purified them to study the effects of P. sibiricum polysaccharides (PsPs) on intestinal microbes and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The PsPs had a total sugar content of 97.48% and a monosaccharide composition comprising mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, xylose, and arabinose, with molar ratios of 6.6:15.4:4.5:8.8:40.7:24, respectively. The effects of PsPs on intestinal microflora in mice were also studied, with 16S sequencing results showing an increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and a decrease in Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. The abundance of Lactobacillus increased, while those of Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroides reduced (at the genus level) by PsPs treatment. The composition of microbes changed. Levels of SCFAs in the PsPs group were significantly increased compared with control mice, including acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. These results suggest that PsPs can act as prebiotics, regulating the intestinal tract probiotics.

In vivo evaluation of the toxicity of patulin degradation products produced by Lactobacillus casei YZU01

Patulin contamination of food products represents a significant problem in the food industry. Patulin degradation in food products by lactic acid bacteria can effectively eliminate the food safety challenge caused by this toxin. In the present study, the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus casei YZU01 was used to degrade patulin. The patulin degradation process by YZU01 was tracked and the final degradation products, having no identifiable characteristics in the ultraviolet spectrum, were collected. Analyses of mice administered patulin demonstrated that patulin can significantly decrease stomach and liver health indices, however, no significant effect on the organ indices were observed when mice were administered patulin degradation products. Furthermore, the level or activity of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which are involved in the oxidative stress response induced by patulin, were not significantly affected in mice administered the patulin degradation products. Our data indicate that patulin degradation products do not have patulin-like toxicity, and do not damage the intestinal tissues or induce changes in the intestinal microflora of mice. In summary, our analysis of the toxicity of the patulin degradation products produced by YZU01 indicates that the final degradation products are not toxic. Therefore, patulin detoxification strategies involving the use of L. casei YZU01 represent a good approach to limiting the risk caused by patulin ingestion in food products.

Effects of catalpa seed oil and pomegranate seed oil on body weight and intestinal flora in mice

This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of catalpa seed oil (CSO) and pomegranate seed oil (PSO) on body weight and intestinal flora in mice. The results showed that the addition of 10% w/t CSO or PSO had a more significant effect than control (soybean oil) on reducing the body mass index of mice, which was reduced by 24.94% ± 0.08% (p < 0.01) and 25.88% ± 0.11% (p < 0.01), respectively. Histological observations indicated that no significant changes in the development and structure of mouse intestinal tissue were detected as a result of CSO and PSO. Using bioinformatics technology, CSO and PSO were used to study the clustering of operational taxonomic units and the relative abundance of microorganisms in intestinal bacteria. The analysis found that both functional lipids could reduce the relative abundance of γ-Proteobacteria. It is suggested that CSO and PSO have a regulatory effect on the structure of intestinal microflora in mice. The development reported in this paper provided theoretical support for the functional research and in-depth development of CSO and PSO.

Hypoglycemic effect of astragaloside IV via modulating gut microbiota and regulating AMPK/SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRadix Astragali, the dried root of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, has long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine to treat diabetes. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), one of the most active ingredients in the root, has been shown to have anti-diabetes ability; however, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. Materials and methodsIn this study, we evaluated the hypoglycemic effect and possible mechanisms of AS-IV in diabetic mice and insulin resistance-HepG2 cells. The components of the intestinal microflora in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were determined using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms of specific members of insulin signaling pathways were analyzed. ResultsAS-IV significantly reversed the abnormalities in blood lipids, glucose, insulin resistance, as well as oxidative stress levels in T2DM mice. Histological finding showed that AS-IV could protect the cellular architecture of the liver and pancreas. AS-IV also regulated the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora of T2DM mice in a positive direction and increased butyric acid levels. The active role of AS-IV as an anti-diabetic compound by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways was revealed using a T2DM model and verified through the intervention of inhibitors using insulin-resistance HepG2 cells. ConclusionOur results suggested that AS-IV may be used as an anti-diabetic drug candidate owing to its effects of regulating gut microbiota and AMPK/SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.