Numbers Of Clostridia Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory effects of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) towards the gut microbiome in dextran sodium sulfate induced colitis animal models.

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) contains active antioxidative phenolic components that are beneficial to human health. However, none was examined and reported utilizing health effects related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) mainly ulcerative colitis (UC) in correlation to gut microbiota (GM). Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the impacts of bay leaves on UC albino rats targeting on the GM composition and their metabolites production (i.e., short-chain fatty acids; SCFAs) for improving the gut barrier functions. UC models were induced by supplementing 5% DSS into their drinking water. The models were then divided randomly for the diet with 1%, 2%, and 3% of bay leaves, as well as two control studies (positive and negative). Colon-to-body weight ratio was used as an indicator for the presence of edema tissue. From the collected fecal samples at 0, 24 h, and final day, the population changes of gut microbiota (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Clostridium, and sulfate-reducing bacteria) and SCFAs production were evaluated using fluorescence insitu hybridization (FISH) and gas-liquid chromatography (GC). The colon-to-body weight ratio of the rat models consuming 2% and 3% bay leaves was found to be significantly lower with better recovery of colonic function. Models consuming 3% bay leaves showed the best treatment effects on GM compositions; promoting the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus in addition to producing high butyric acid levels. Meanwhile, the number of Clostridium and SRB was significantly reduced. Conclusively, consuming bay leaves brought significant colon health benefits other than stimulating appetite for a better taste.

MICROBIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN THE LUCERNE HAYLAGE UNDER INOCULATION WITH LACTIC ACID BACTERIA

Objective. To characterize the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the quantitative and qualitative composition of the groups of microorganisms in the lucerne haylage after their introduction. Methods. Microbiological (cultivation of microorganisms on various media, determination of their viability, measurement of osmotolerance, determination of the amount of lactic acid during cultivation on skimmed sterile milk), microscopic, laboratory experiments on the lucerne haying with a dry matter (DM) content of 46 % and 37 % with and without inoculation with LAB strains, statistical. Results. Lucerne was inoculated with monocultures of Lactobacillus sp. LH42, Lactobacillus sp. LH43, Lactobacillus sp. LH47, L. plantarum КТ-L18/1 osmotolerant strains, which showed tolerance to 2 %, 4 %, 6.5 % sodium chloride in 100 % of cases. The best indicators in terms of active and titrated acidity were found in cultures of Lactobacillus sp. LН47, L. plantarum КТ-L18/1. The inoculation of LAB into the haylage ecosystem at Day 15 of fermentation resulted in an increase in the number of LAB compared to the untreated control. At Day 45 of lucerne haying, the number of LAB decreased and was registered at the level from 1 to 100 billion CFU/g at a 46 % DM content and at the level from 0.01 to 10 billion CFU/g at a 37 % DM content. The greatest development of clostridia in the lucerne haylage in experiments was reported at Day 3 with a sharp decrease in their number at Day 45. The influence of Lactobacillus sp. LH 43, Lactobacillus sp. LH 47, L. plantarum KT-L18/1 on the reduction of the growth of the number of clostridia both at a 46 % and 37 % DM content at the end of the fermentation period was shown. A higher number of yeasts was established at a lower (37 %) content of DM in the haylage. A fungistatic effect was established in variants with LAB inoculation versus the control variant. The relationship between the dynamics of decreasing active acidity (pH) and the dynamics of microbiota development has been shown. Conclusion. Inoculation of the studied strains of lactic acid bacteria into high-protein lucerne haylage mass contributed to an order of magnitude increase in the number of LAB versus the control variant, suppression of the development of clostridia, yeasts and a rapid decrease in active acidity, which confirms data about the effect of LAB-based inoculants on the fermentation of plant raw materials by adjusting the composition of groups of microorganisms

Effect of various processing methods on the numbers of Clostridium (Clostridia, Bacteria) in animal by-products

Clostridia are one of the largest genera of eubacteria living in water, soil, the intestines of humans and animals. The genus Clostridium includes both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. Representatives of this genus occupy a leading position among all types of bacteria in producing a variety of toxins. Due to their ability to form spores, these microorganisms can survive in the most unfavorable conditions. Antibiotic-resistant Clostridia, which are released to the environment as part of farm animal manure, are of particular environmental danger. We have studied the influence of various treatment methods (aeration, acidification, and surfactant application) of the liquid fraction of pig manure effluents (ME) on the species composition and the numbers of Clostridia. Cl. septicum and Cl. perfringens were found to occupy a dominant position in the ME of manure storage baths. Both species are actively involved in the ammonification of organic compounds, releasing a wide range of volatile substances with an unpleasant odor into the environment. Most of the Clostridia were detected in biofilms formed on the surface of ME under anaerobic conditions. Such conditions are formed during storage of the liquid fraction in closed lagoons, which increases the environmental risks of the release of undesirable microorganisms into the environment. Round-the-clock aeration and acidification of ME to pH 5.5 reduce the numbers of Clostridia. Such conditions contribute to the formation of microorganism consortia with fungi to occupy a dominant position. Cl. difficile (32.52%), Cl. putrificum (31.62%) and Cl. septicum (30.72%) predominated in biofilms of acidified ME, whilst only Cl. difficile (69.98–95.26%) did in options with surfactants added. The largest relative numbers of pathogenic Cl. difficile (95.26%) were observed in the option with the addition of a cationic surfactant (benzalkonium chloride).

Use of probiotic preparations to increase productive qualities in goats: a review

An analytical review of scientific publications on probiotics in goat breeding was carried out. It has been established that the most popular probiotic microorganisms in goat farming are bacteria of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum and single-celled yeast of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Including probiotic microflora in the diet increases the number of bacteria in the rumen contents of goats. Reducing the number of Clostridia and Escherichia coli in animal faeces is achieved by replacing the native faecal microflora with streptococci and lactic acid bacteria. It has been shown that feeding probiotic preparations is accompanied by an improvement in the metabolic status in the body of goats and is expressed by an increase in the concentration of total protein and its fractions, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, macro- and microelements in the blood of animals, and optimisation of lipid metabolism. Probiotics help preserve villi and inhibit inflammation of the intestinal epithelium of animals, exhibit antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties, and help reduce putrescine concentration in faeces. Feeding probiotics ensures an increase in daily milk yield, fat and protein content by increasing the digestibility of diet solids, primarily crude fibre. The probiotic potential of some microorganisms is expressed in increased concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids in goat milk and meat with a decrease in the atherogenic index of raw materials. The use of drugs helps to increase the absolute increase in live weight of goat kids against the background of the harmonious development of the physique of young animals due to the production of microbial phytase, a decrease in the redox potential of chyme and an increase in the number of microorganisms that consume lactic acid. Some authors report the absence of a significant effect when using probiotics in feeding lactating animals and raising goat kids.

Морфофункціональний стан келихоподібних клітин та зміни мікробіоти товстої кишки щурів при ожирінні

Changes between the main types of mucins in the goblet cells and colonic microbiota in obese rats were studied. Paraffin histological slides of the colon of control and obese rats were stained with periodic Schiff (to visualize all mucins in the goblet cells), alcian blue with pH 2.5 (to visualize acidic mucins), aldehyde fuschin (to visualize sulphomucins), alcian blue and periodic Schiff (to distinguish between neutral and acidic mucins), alcian blue and aldehyde fuschin (to distinguish between sialo- and sulphomucins). Also, the composition of microbiota in feces was determined on selective and differential media. It has been shown, that obesity is accompanied by hypoplasia and hypertrophy of goblet cells in the crypts of the colon. The decrease in the total number of goblet cells in obese animals occurs due to cells producing mixed mucins with a predominance of acidic mucins, as well as cells producing sulphomucins or mixed sulphomucins and sialomucins. As result, the percentage of goblet cells producing neutral, mixed neutral-acidic or sialomucins increases. The percentage of cells producing acidic-neutral mucins, sulfomucins or mixed sialo- and sulfomucins decreases. At the same time, the number of Bifidobacterium and lactose-fermenting E. coli (sucrolytic bacteria) decreases in feces. The number of mannitol-negative staphylococci (transient microbiota) increases. The number of Clostridium, Staphylococcus aureus and yeast-like fungi Candida does not change.

<i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i> Induces Gut Dysbiosis and Inflammasome and Promotes Colonic Inflammation

We previously reported that oral inoculation of the oral commensal bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum（F. nucleatum）induced periodontitis and disrupts the intestinal im mune response. However, the effect of the intestinal microfloral balance, inflammation of the intestinal tract, and the mechanism of periodontitis induction by F. nucleatum was unknown. Therefore, in this study, we examined the mechanism of colitis caused by oral inoculation with F. nucleatum. Mice were orally inoculated with F. nucleatum 5 times a week for 3 weeks and sacrificed either at day 1 or day 30 after their last oral inoculation. Feces, large intestine and blood were collected and used for enterobacterial, immunological, and histological analyses. The number of Clostridium spp. in the intestinal microbiome and the amount of IgA antibodies in the feces were significantly reduced. F. nucleatum was detected in the feces and serum on day 1 and in the large intestine and serum on day 30 after the last oral inoculation. The number of M1 macrophages was significantly higher in the F. nucleatum-challenged group. The gene expression and protein productions of IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly higher in the large intestine at day 30. Additionally, the expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD were also significantly elevated on day 30. Caspase-1 showed an increasing trend in both gene expression and protein production. However, Caspase-11 was significantly increased at the protein level, which persisted until day 30. These results suggested that Caspase-11 contributed to the induction of inflammation in the large intestine after F. nucleatum inoculation.

THE EFFECT OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE ON THE MICROFLORA OF THE COLON

Background. Nowadays, much attention is paid to enterosorption methods that allow cleansing the internal organs and removing extraneous substances out of the body of a sick person. Objective. The aim of the research was to study the effect of microcrystalline cellulose on the microflora of the large intestine. Methods. The study was performed on 50 white laboratory Wistar rats weighing 180-270 g, which were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group was daily administered with microcrystalline cellulose at a dose of 500 mg/kg. The study followed ethical standards and recommendations for the humanization of work with laboratory animals according to the “European Convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other purposes” (Strasbourg, 1986, 2010), as well as the requirements of the Commission on Bioethics of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University (Minutes No. 66, dated November 01, 2021). The first group involved the intact rats on standard diet, the second – the rats, which received normal feeding of microcrystalline cellulose. Results. In the feces of the experimental white rats treated with microcrystalline cellulose, the level of Escherichia coli in the large intestine decreased by 22 and 25%. The number of these microorganisms increased by 20% in 7 days and by 14% in 14 days. The content of epidermal staphylococci in the stool decreased by 10% on the 7th day of administration. Microcrystalline cellulose increased the number of Staphylococcus aureus by 12%, but decreased the number of enterococci in the feces by 28%. In 7-14 days of the experiment, the content of these bacteria did not change significantly in the colon. In relation to anaerobic microorganisms – bacteroides and clostridia, this supplement caused a slight increase in the number of bacteroides – by 8.64% and the number of clostridia – by 11.54% on the 14th day. The content of fungi of the Candida genus on the 7th and 14th day increased by 8.3%. Conclusions. In the 2nd period of the study, the microbiome of intestinal contents worsened: the process of dysbacteriosis increased, which was manifested by a significant increase in the number of Proteus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobes (bacteroides, clostridia) and Candida spp., as well as decreased Escherichia coli and Enterococci.

Effects of Medium Chain Fatty Acid Supplementation in Broiler Diet on Microbiological Quality of Litter

In our experiment, coconut and palm oil supplementation was added to the diet of broiler chickens to prove the hypothesis that medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) can reduce the occurrence of potential pathogens (Clostridium perfingens, Coliform) in gut microflore and therefore improve bird welfare. Cobb 500 cockerels were divided in five groups. Control birds were fed commercial broiler diet, while birds in the four treatment group diets were supplemented with coconut, palm oil, or a combination of the two, respectively. As a positive control, sunflower oil supplementation was included in the diet of the fifth group. During the 28 days of the study (from 14 to 42 days of life), 5 samplings were scheduled, when excreta samples were taken from the litter to analyse total microbial count and the number of Clostridia, Coliforms, and Salmonella. According to the results of microbiological analysis, coconut oil supplementation led to the continuous decline of Clostridium perfringens numbers until they vanished by the end of the experimental period. A similar but faster decline was found as a result of palm oil and the combined (palm oil+coconut oil) treatment. However, the number of Coliforms and total microbial count changed only slightly by the end of the study. No Salmonella spp. was present in the samples throughout the experiment. Altogether, coconut and palm oil supplementation has a beneficial effect on the microbiological composition of poultry litter.

Effect of Vitamin A-Fortified Rice on the Gut Microbiota of Thai Lactating Women and Their Exclusively Breastfed Infants

Abstract The optimal vitamin A (VA) status of lactating women is important for mothers and their breastfed infants, especially in protecting against infectious diseases. Vitamin A fortified rice is one of the food-base intervention strategy which has the potential to improve VA status. Vitamin A and gut microbiota are interrelated in their effect on human health and immunity however no specific relationship has been proved in these groups of population. This study aimed to determine the effect of VA fortified rice on the gut microbiota changes of lactating woman-exclusively breastfed infant pairs. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of VA fortified rice was conducted in 70 lactating women-infants pairs for 14 weeks. Gut microbiota was measured using the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and next generation sequencing (NGS) technique. Based on the FISH technique, the numbers of Clostridium spp. /Enterobacter spp. were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in mothers fed VA-fortified rice at the end of the study. In contrast, the abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. of infants whose mothers fed with VA-fortified rice was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control group. The NGS technique confirmed that results with the increasing of Lactobacillus, B. longum and B. Choerinum in the infant of intervention group. In conclusion, VA-fortified rice was efficacious in decreasing Clostridium spp. /Enterobacter spp. in lactating women and raising the number of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. in their breastfed infants. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Gut microbiota, Lactating woman-infant pairs, Randomized controlled trial, Vitamin A

Change in bacterial composition in fecal of weaning piglets supplemented with Phellodendron Cortex extract

To evaluate alterations in fecal bacterial compositions in weaning piglets after supplementation with Phellodendron Cortex extract (PCE), piglets were allowed freely to consume feed containing 10 ppm of PCE for 7 weeks. During the feeding period, fecal samples were collected from individual piglets. A total of 578 valid sequence reads were generated from 40 fecal samples of normal piglets before supplementation with PCE. Fifteen classes were identified. Approximately 90% of classifiable sequences belonged to Clostridia and Bacilli classes. The abundance of Clostridium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. was determined based on the results of the sequencing. The supplementation with 10 ppm PCE for 3 weeks increased the numbers of Clostridium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. whereas seven weeks of supplementation with PCE reduced their abundance. In vitro, PCE inhibited the growth of E. coli and Salmonella enteritidis in a dose-dependent manner.

Impact of Clostridium Bacteria in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Anthropometric Measurements.

Current research has shown that gut microbiota may play a fundamental role in neurological activity, behavior, mood, cognition, and possibly for the onset as well as the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies emphasized the possible correlation between Clostridium spp., gut colonization, and possible development or exacerbating of ASD in affected children. The aim of the present study was to investigate how Clostridia gut colonization can have an impact on the neurological outcome and anthropometric values in ASD children. The present study included 60 children (30 ASD and 30 neurotypical controls) of both sexes aged from 2 to 8years. Children with ASD were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), as well as the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) was used to determine Clostridium presence in the stools of the enrolled subjects. The number of Clostridium spp. (Clostridium paraputri, Clostridium bolteae, and Clostridium perfringens) found in the stools of ASD children was greater than neurotypical children. Children with ASD had two types of Clostridium (Clostridium diffiicile and Clostridium clostridiioforme) not found in neurotypical children, whereas neurotypical children yielded only one species (Clostridium tertium) not found in the ASD children. The present study emphasizes the potential correlation between gut colonization of Clostridia and the probability of developing or exacerbating ASD among Egyptian children. If Clostridium bacteria play a potential role in the etiology of ASD, this may open the possibility for effective treatment of these patients.

Effect of Gegen Qinlian Decoction and it's different compatibility groups on gut microbiota in rats with acute enteritis based on high-throughput sequencing

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Gegen Qinlian(GGQL) Decoction and its different compatibility groups on gut microbiota in rats with acute enteritis, and to explore the efficacy of GGQL Decoction in improving acute enteritis and gut microbiota. Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive control group(SASP), GGQL decoction group, Glycyrrhizae-free group(QGC), Puerariae-free group(QGG), Qinlian-free group(QQL), and Qinlian group(QL). The pathological sections and detection indexes of the rats were observed before and after modeling and administration. After 7 days of administration, fecal samples from 24 rats were collected and Illumina Miseq platform was used for high-throughput sequencing. From the anti-inflammatory and pharmacodynamic indicators, the effect was the most obvious in GGQL Decoction group, QGC group, QGG group and QL group(P<0.05). The alpha diversity and beta diversity showed that there were significant differences in the composition of intestinal flora in each group. As compared with the model group, the increased abundance and diversity of the flora caused by acute inflammation could be down-regulated in all groups except QQL group(P<0.05). The differential bacteria were explored by using LEfSe analysis, and the results showed that Bifidobacterium and other beneficial bacteria only appeared in the normal group. As compared with the normal group, Lactobacillus was significantly reduced(P<0.01), and Bacteroides, Flavonifractor and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 were up-regulated in model group(P<0.05, P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the number of Akkermansia was significantly increased(P<0.05), and the number of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 associated with intestinal inflammatory diseases was decreased in the GGQL Decoction group, QGC group and QL group. QGC group and QQL group caused the up-regulation of Ruminococcaceae and induced enrichment of Desulfovibrio which could lead to colon cell toxicity; QGG group caused the up-regulation of Proteobacteria and Burkhonderiales. The study suggests that the GGQL Decoction may play a role in the treatment of acute enteritis partially through improving the intestinal barrier, regulating the immune response and the structure of gut microbiota.

Diversity of Intestinal Bacterial Microbiota of Indigenous and Commercial Strains of Chickens Using 16S rDNA-Based Analysis.

Simple SummaryLittle is known about how the bacterial community differs among different genetic breeds of chickens, especially those with various growth rates, such as in local native chickens. Our data, generated by molecular detection revealed the heterogeneity of bacterial populations existing in different intestinal segments for the two strain of chickens.The objective of this study was to assess the relative abundance of bacteria microflora in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (duodenum, jejunum, ilium, and cecum) of indigenous (local Omani) and commercial (Cobb 500) chicken strains. Birds were raised under an intensive management system fed a nonmedicated corn-soybean meal diet from Day 0–35 days of age. Using 16S rDNA-based analysis the study showed that in both breeds of birds Bacilli were the most abundant class of bacteria in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Local Omani chickens had significantly higher numbers of Clostridia at most time periods. Actinobacteria were found in higher numbers and reached 54.9% of the bacteria in the jejunum at Day 35 in Cobb 500 versus only 5.42% in the Omani chickens. The bacterial microbiota relative abundance differed significantly (p < 0.05) across different intestinal segments of the two strains, suggesting that each region developed its own bacterial community and the relative abundances of these were quite different.

FEATURES OF THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA IN CHILDREN WITH ALLERGIC DISEASES AND VARIOUS BODY WEIGHT

The data of the bacteriological study of the intestinal microbiota in children with allergic diseases and various body weights are presented. A total of 106 children were examined, including 58 with allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis). All children were divided into groups, depending on the weight of the body, taking into account the gender and age of the child. Allergic pathology and obesity were established to be interrelated in different ways with changes in the number of obligate and facultative microbiota of children. Allergic diseases in children are associated with a decreased number of Bacteroides spp. and the presence of S. aureus and Bacillus sp., regardless of body weight. Obesity, in turn, is characterized by a decrease in Bacteroides spp., especially in healthy children, and an increase in the number of Clostridium sp., regardless of the presence of allergies. The obtained data testify to the role of microorganisms in the etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases, the key link of which is chronic systemic inflammation.

Changes in gut microbiota and blood lipid profile in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in association with obesity

Relevance of research. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is considered the most common disease, the frequency of which reaches 20% of the population. It is often combined with obesity. An important role in the development of bothpathologies is the disturbance of the colonic microbiota.The purpose of the study is to investigate the nature of changes in the colon microflora in patients with IBS with constipation (IBSc) and their development on the background of obesity and to compare the results with the parameters of the lipid blood spectrum.Material and methods. We examined 32 patients with IBS on the background of obesity, 28 – with IBS without any other pathology and 18 healthy persons. All individuals were examined for the species and quantitative composition of the microflora by bacteriological methods, and the lipid profile of the blood by means of enzyme-colorimetric methods on the analytical modular test system Sovas 6000 from Roche Diagnostics firm (Switzerland).Results. It was established that both at IBSc and IBSc on the background of obesity there is a decrease in the level of bifidobacteria in the colonic microbiota by 13.0 and 14.1%, and lactobacillus - by 11.8 and 49.7%, respectively. In patients with this combined pathology, 1.89 and 1.95 times increased the number of clostridia that belong to the class of Firmicutes compared with healthy ones. At the same time, they have an elevated in 1,2 and 4,3 times level of St. Aureus and in 1,5 and 1,9 times E. coli. Increasing the number of Enterobacter cloacea and aeurogenes has also been established in IBSc and in combination with obesity. There are established direct correlational relationships between elevated levels in the intestinal microorganism of clostridium and St. aureus, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and triglyceride levels. Conclusion. In patients with IBSc and its combination with obesity, there is a decrease in the level of bifido- and lactobacilli, an increase in the number of Clostridia, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Candida and Enterobacteria. Correlation relationships between microbial spectrum with Clostridium, Staphylococcus aureus and cholesterol of low density lipoprotein and triglycerides have been established, indicating the possible role of microorganisms in regulation of the lipid blood spectrum.

Characteristics of microbiota of colonic lavage fluid from patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Objective To investigate the characteristics of the microbiota of colonic lavage fluid from patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS). Methods From August 2014 to March 2015, at the Department of Gastroenterology Shanxi Provincial People′s Hospital, 39 patients with D-IBS were enrolled and during the same period 39 patients with self-reported symptoms such as occasional abdominal discomfort or abdominal pain but were excluded from the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were selected as control group. The colonic mucosal tissues and colonic lavage fluid of two groups of patients were collected. DNA was extracted from tissues and colonic fluid. Ten dominant bacteria, including Bacteriodes prevotella, Bacteroidetes, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Dialister pneumosintes, Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Firmicutes, Lactobacillus and Salmonella, were analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reacticn (RT-PCR). T test and Spearman correlation analysis were performed for statistical analysis. Results The numbers of Bacteriodes prevotella in colonic lavage fluid and the descending colon mucosal tissues of patients in D-IBS group were 3.096±1.462 and 4.278±0.290, respectively, which were lower than those of control group (4.842±1.032 and 5.341±0.433, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant (t=6.093 and 12.657, both P<0.01). Correspondingly, the numbers of Bacteroidetes were 3.259±0.607 and 3.698±0.554, respectively, which were lower than those of control group (4.085±0.504 and 4.339±0.263, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant (t=6.538 and 6.528, both P<0.01). The numbers of Clostridium were 5.254±0.522 and 4.471±0.690, which were lower than those of control group (5.949±0.505 and 4.950±0.604, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=5.976, P<0.01; t=3.262, P=0.002). The number of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii from colonic lavage fluid of patients in D-IBS group was 2.238±1.845, which was lower than that of control group (3.222±1.450), and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.619, P=0.011). The Firmicutes (r=0.678, P=0.012), Lactobacillus (r=0.358, P=0.034), Bifidobacterium (r=0.418, P=0.042) and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (r=0.568, P=0.022) from colonic mucosal tissues were all positively correlated with those from colonic lavage fluid. However, Salmonella (r=-0.638, P=0.012) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (r=-0.343, P=0.025) were negatively correlated with those from mucosal tissues. Conclusions An imbalance of the microbiota in colonic lavage fluid is found in D-IBS patients. The numbers of Bacteriodes prevotella, Bacteroidetes, Clostridium and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii significantly decrease. Key words: Irritable bowel syndrome; Colonic lavage fluid; Microbiota

Comparative effects of n-hexane and methanol extracts of elecampane (Inula helenium L.) rhizome on growth performance, carcass traits, feed digestibility, intestinal antioxidant status and ileal microbiota in broiler chickens

ABSTRACTIn this study, the effects of dietary methanol and n-hexane extracts of elecampane rhizome (MEER and HEER, respectively) on growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility (AID), ileal microbiota, intestinal morphology and antioxidant status of the intestinal mucosa were compared in broiler chickens. In total, 450 1-d-old male chicks were allotted into five groups in six replicates of 15 chicks each. Dietary treatments included: a control, control plus 500 or 1000 mg MEER per kg diet (MEER500 and MEER1000) and control plus 500 or 1000 mg HEER per kg diet (HEER500 and HEER1000). Broiler performance was not affected by dietary treatments during the starter and grower periods. However, in the finisher (25–42 d) and entire (1–42 d) periods, an increase in body weight gain and a corresponding decrease in feed conversion ratio was noticed when birds received Diets MEER1000 or HEER1000. Also, considering the entire trial, the growth-promoting action of MEER was found to be greater than HEER. When compared with the control, AID of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract (EE) and gross energy (GE) were increased by all treatments, while the AID of EE and GE were also improved by increased extract level. Additionally, HEER groups had significantly increased AID of crude protein. The counts of Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. were suppressed while the number of Lactobacillus spp. increased in response to an elevated extract level. Meanwhile, the ileum of MEER groups contained lower numbers of Clostridium spp. and greater numbers of Lactobacillus spp. when compared with HEER groups. The duodenal and jejunal structures were not associated with dietary treatments. However, a decreased ileal crypt depth and an increased villus to crypt ratio were observed with addition of extracts, which was more intense with MEER. A lower malondialdehyde content and a higher activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were detected in duodenal and jejunal mucosa with increased extract level, and in jejunum, the antioxidant capability of MEER was found to be stronger than HEER. The antioxidant properties of the ileal mucosa were also improved in response to MEER, which was not observed after HEER inclusion. Overall, MEER seems to be a better choice of treatment owing to its more effective benefits on broiler performance, ileal microbiota, gut morphology and antioxidant ability of the intestinal mucosa.

Dietary Fructooligosaccharide and Glucomannan Alter Gut Microbiota and Improve Bone Metabolism in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse.

Gut microbiota improved using prebiotics may delay the onset of senescence-related health problems. We hypothesized that prolonged intake of prebiotics delays senile osteoporosis. Forty-five male senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) aged four weeks were raised on 5% fructooligosaccharide (FOS), 5% glucomannan (GM), or a control diet for 31 weeks. Gut microbiota were identified using culture-dependent analytical methods. Mineral content in femoral bone was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bone metabolism and inflammatory markers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The numbers of Lactobacillus and Bacteroides in cecal contents were significantly higher in the FOS than in the control group ( p < 0.05); the number of Clostridium was significantly higher in the GM than in the control group ( p < 0.05). Calcium content was significantly higher in the femoral bones of the FOS group (30.5 ± 0.8 mg) than in the control group (27.5 ± 1.5 mg) ( p < 0.05). There was no difference between the GM (29.1 ± 2.0 mg) and control groups. During senescence, urinary deoxypyridinoline and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels significantly decreased in the FOS (1.2 ± 0.2 nmol/3 d and 80 ± 6.1 ng/100 mL) and GM groups (1.2 ± 0.2 nmol/3 d and 80 ± 6.1 ng/100 mL) compared with the control group (1.8 ± 0.5 nmol/3 d and 93 ± 7.4 ng/100 mL) ( p < 0.05). Thus, dietary FOS and GM modified gut microbiota and reduced bone resorption by reducing systemic inflammation in SAMP6.

Lactose-free milk enriched with resistant dextrin

Aim: The aim of the study was to check whether the resistant dextrin obtained from potato starch, as a substance with prebiotic properties, activates the growth and development of selected intestinal bacteria strains in a ready food product – lactose-free milk. Material/Methods: The research involved the use of dextrin from potato starch obtained in accordance with the patent no. PL. 220965. This dextrin and strains of bacteria Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Prevotella were added to lactose-free milk. The growth of bacteria, type and concentration of short-chain fatty acids and branched fatty acids were checked for the tested milk and the prebiotic index was determined. Results: After 48 hours in lactose-free milk with the addition of dextrin, the dominance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium over Clostridium and Bacteroides strains was demonstrated. The number of lactic acid bacteria beneficial to health was 35% higher than the numbers of Clostridium and Bacteroides. The prebiotic index determined after 24h was 0.191, and after 48h it increased to 0.213. Supplementation of lactose-free milk with resistant dextrin contributed to the increase in lactic acid by 57%, total concentration of SCFA by 23%, and in the reduction of the negative putrefactive SCFA concentration by 49% in relation to control sample milk without lactose and no dextrin. Conclusions: Lactose-free milk supplemented with dextrin may favorably affect the intestinal microbiota system of people with lactose intolerance, reduce digestive processes in the intestine.

Characterization of Fecal Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Lactic Acid Concentrations in 5 - 8-Year-Old Children with Cow Milk Protein Allergy

Background: Cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) has been reported to be associated with the alterations of gut microbiota. However, changes in the fecal microbial community for children aged 5 - 8 years with CMPA have not been clearly elucidated. Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the differences and relationship between fecal microbiota and levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactic acid in 5 - 8-year-old children with CMPA, compared with the normal children. Methods: We enrolled 6 CMPA children and 8 healthy children from Harbin children’s hospital (Heilongjiang, China). Total bacterial DNA of all fecal samples was extracted and prepared for bioinformatics analysis by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Lactic acids and SCFAs were measured by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. Results: Compared with healthy individuals, the fecal microbial community of CMPA children showed a significant increment of Firmicutes and depletion of Proteobacteria (P < 0.05). At the class level, the number of Clostridia was observed to be significantly increased in the CMPA children’s fecal microbiota. Meanwhile, the diversity of Ruminococcaceae and Subdoligranulum was higher in the fecal microbiome of CMPA children than in healthy children (P < 0.05). Furthermore, linear discriminant analysis of effect size (LEfSe) revealed some significantly enriched taxa of CMPA children and control subjects. There are 40 and 5 enriched taxa in the fecal microbiota of children with CMPA and healthy children respectively. The concentration of total SCFAs was lower in feces of CMPA children than in healthy children. Lactic acid had a significantly negative correlation with the abundance of Bacteroides. Conclusions: Alterations in the composition of fecal microbiota and SCFAs in the 5 - 8-year-old children with CMPA may reduce immune function and potentially promote this allergy.