scholarly journals Qiweibaizhu Decoction Treats Diarrheal Juvenile Rats by Modulating the Gut Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and the Mucus Barrier

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Shaodan Sun ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Xiaojie Lin ◽  
Peiwen Chen ◽  
Liyan Ye ◽  
...  

Background. Qiweibaizhu decoction (QBD), a classic Chinese herbal formula, has been widely used for treating diarrhea in infants and children with spleen deficiency syndrome for centuries, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. The gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and intestinal mucus are closely associated with diarrhea. Methods. In this study, the composition of the gut microbiota in diarrheal rats was analyzed by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. The concentrations of colon SCFAs were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The expression of mucin 2 (MUC2) in the colon was detected by immunofluorescence. Results. Diarrhea significantly changed the diversity and structure of the gut microbiota and disrupted the mucus barrier in juvenile rats. QBD did not significantly change the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora, but it enhanced the increasing tendencies of Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia and decreased the abundance of Turicibacter ( P = 0.037 ) and Flavonifractor ( P = 0.043 ). QBD tends to repair the mucus layer and promote MUC2 expression in juvenile rats with diarrhea. Moreover, S. boulardii significantly increased the abundance of Parasutterella ( P = 0.043 ). In addition, QBD treatment tends to increase the propionic acid concentration during diarrhea, but its levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFAs were lower than those in the S. boulardii group. Conclusion. S. boulardii significantly increased the abundance of Parasutterella, leading to increased production of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, consequently leading to alleviation of diarrhea. In comparison, QBD affected diarrhea via regulation of the intestinal flora, especially by increasing the abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia, resulting in mucus barrier repair, protection of the intestines, and treatment of diarrhea.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Malinowska ◽  
Marcin Schmidt ◽  
Malgorzata Majcher ◽  
Hanna Przydatek ◽  
Marta Szaban ◽  
...  

AbstractSome species of gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from dietary fiber—mainly acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The composition of human gut microbiota is dependent on dietary intake and health status. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of diet and anthropometric parameters on the potential of gut microbiota to metabolize dietary fiber and produce SCFA.A group of 200 men and women aged 31 to 50 years old participated in the study. The diet was assessed using three-day dietary records and the dietary pattern was determined using score methods. The potential to utilize water-insoluble fiber was assessed by measuring the β-glucosidase enzymatic activity of dissolved feces. To estimate the potential to metabolize water-soluble dietary fiber, cultures containing feces and pectin were incubated under anaerobic conditions for 24 hours. The amounts of fiber, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid before and after incubation were measured.Pectin utilization correlated positively with the amount of energy intake from fat (r = 0.19) and with the intake of nuts and seeds (r = 0.17) and was negatively correlated with the amount of energy from complex carbohydrates (r = -0.16) and its sources, such as refined grain products (r = -0.15). The dietary pattern did not affect the potential of the gut microbiota to metabolize pectin, but did influence the potential to digest insoluble dietary fiber, as the subjects following the western dietary pattern had lower potential than those following the rational pattern. β-glucosidase activity correlated positively with the intake of dietary fiber (r = 0.19) and intake of its sources, such as fruits (r = 0.18), vegetables (r = 0.21), and nuts and seeds (r = 0.18); it correlated negatively with nonalcoholic beverage intake (r = -0.15) and sugar and honey intake (r = -0.16). The potential to synthesize acetic acid correlated negatively with dietary indices and dietary fiber intake (r = -0.18). The potential to synthesize propionic acid correlated negatively with hip and waist circumference (r = -0.14, -0.15, respectively). The potentials to synthesize both propionic and butyric acid were affected by the intake of nuts and seeds (r = 0.18, 0.21, respectively).Diet affects the potential of gut microbiota to utilize dietary fiber and to produce SCFAs. The impact of anthropometry parameters was only seen on the potential to synthesize propionic acid.


2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Dal Pozzo ◽  
Julio Viegas ◽  
Gilberto Vilmar Kozloski ◽  
Cristiano Miguel Stefanello ◽  
Alisson Minozzo da Silveira ◽  
...  

Background: The addition of adsorbents in foods has been the strategy used by nutritionists to reduce the toxic effects of mycotoxins in animals. Mycotoxins are found in a range of foods and commonly they present variations in the chemical structure therefore, it has been appropriate to include adsorbents from different sources in the diet of ruminants. However, few researches were conducted in order to better understand the interaction of adsorbents on ruminal fermentation. Our objective in this study was to investigate the possible effects of two adsorbent products on bovine ruminal fermentation. One consists of 65% of β-glucan (β-glu), originating cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and used at a concentration of 1% and natural sodium montmorillonite (MMT) at a concentration of 5%.Materials, Methods & Results: The effects of β-glu adsorbents (1%) and MMC (5%) in culture medium that simulated ruminal fermentation were evaluated. Bottles, with a capacity of 120 mL, were used to be filled with substrate such as maize and ryegrass hay ground, nutrient solution (medium of Menke), liquid extracted rumen fistulated bovine and the two adsorbents evaluated, totaling 50 mL. The experiment was conducted with three treatments, named after: control (Cont), β-glu and MMT. In the control treatment adsorbents were not added. Six replicates were used for each treatment and two trials were conducted. One of the tests aimed to determine the fermentation kinetics by means of the gas production after 72 h’ incubation and quantifying the production of methane (CH4) at 48h. While another test aimed to quantify the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) - acetic, propionic and butyric acid - and the production of ammonia (NH3) in 24 h incubation. All assays were measured by gas chromatography. The highest total SCFA concentration was observed in β-glu treatment (67.71 mM) significantly superior to CONT (57.7 mM) treatment and MMT (53.28 mM), which was significantly lower than the β-glu treatment, but similar to CONT. The average representation (%) of acetic acid for the treatment MMT (62.9%) was significantly higher than the β-glu treatment (61.0%). The average proportions of propionic acid were similar between treatments, while the average representation (%) of butyric acid production was significantly higher for the β-glu treatment (13.1%) compared to CONT treatments (11.3%) and MMT (11.4%). The amount of NH3 was significantly reduced in MMT (9.6 mM) treatment compared to β-glu treatments (12.2 mM) and CONT (11.3 mM). In another test, the greater volume of gas (mL) was produced by β-glu treatment (103.4 mL), which was significantly greater than the treatments CONT (89.0 mL) and MMT (91.6 mL). The lag time, i.e. the time taken by the bacteria inoculum to develop lead-through in the substrate, in the MMT treatment took 6.2 h, slowing significantly compared to CONT treatments (4.8 h) and β Glu (4.33 h). The concentration of CH4 was significantly lower in MMT treatment (33.0%) compared to the CONT treatments (36.3%) and β-glu (35.68%).Discussion: The glucans which constitute the main cell wall S. cerevisae are the β-glucans with β-1-3 and β-1,6 glycosidic bonds. The largest and most significant concentration of SCFA and gas volume in the β-glu treatment can be explained by the degradation of β-glucans by rumen bacteria. The possible reason of reduced concentration of methane (CH4) in samples collected during 48 h of incubation in MMT treatment stands on the reduction in symbiotic activity of methanogenic bacteria and protozoa. Also, the possible reason of reduction in the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in MMT treatment could be associated to damage on protozoa with proteolytic activity. Our results showed that the amount of montmorillonite in rumen fluid influenced negatively the fermentative activity, therefore, delaying the colonization of bacteria in rumen substrate composed of maize and ryegrass hay. Moreover, the use of β-glu (1%) significantly increased the amount of short chain fatty acids such as, acetic acid and butyric acid, with the exception of propionic acid.


Antibiotics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Lamas ◽  
Patricia Regal ◽  
Beatriz Vázquez ◽  
Alberto Cepeda ◽  
Carlos Manuel Franco

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are commonly produced by healthy gut microbiota and they have a protective role against enteric pathogens. SCFAs also have direct antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens by diffusion across the bacterial membrane and reduction of intracellular pH. Due to this antimicrobial activity, SCFAs have promising applications in human health and food safety. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of four SCFAs (acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, and valeric acid) in Salmonella strains isolated from poultry were determined. The effect of subinhibitory concentrations of SCFAs in Salmonella biofilm formation, motility, and gene expression was also evaluated. Butyric acid, propionic acid, and valeric acid showed a MIC of 3750 µg/mL in all strains tested, while the MIC of acetic acid was between 1875 and 3750 µg/mL. Subinhibitory concentrations of SCFAs significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the motility of all Salmonella strains, especially in the presence of acetic acid. Biofilm formation was also significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the presence of SCFAs in some of the Salmonella strains. Salmonella strain. Salmonella Typhimurium T7 showed significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of important virulence genes, such as invA and hilA, especially in the presence of butyric acid. Therefore, SCFAs are promising substances for the inhibition of the growth of foodborne pathogens. However, it is important to avoid the use of subinhibitory concentrations that could increase the virulence of foodborne pathogen Salmonella.


2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (S2) ◽  
pp. S163-S168 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Nyman

The bulking index (i.e. the increase in faecal fresh weight in gram per gram indigestible carbohydrate ingested) with oligofructose and inulin is similar to that produced with other easily fermented fibres such as pectins and gums. Most studies in man have been performed at a level of 15 g/d and more investigations on lower intakes are needed to appoint the least intake for an effect. Concerning short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) most studies have been using oligofructose and points at an increased butyric acid formation in the caecum of rats. In one study on rats with inulin high caecal proportions of propionic acid were obtained. As inulin has a higher molecular weight than oligofructose it might be speculated if this could be a reason to the different SCFA-profile formed. No effects on faecal concentrations of SCFA in humans have been revealed with inulin and oligofructose, which neither is expected as most of the SCFA formed during the fermentation already has been absorbed or utilized by the colonic mucosa.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Wu ◽  
Zhengli Jiang ◽  
Yaling Pu ◽  
Shiyong Chen ◽  
Tingling Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with enteric nervous system dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), derived from gut microbiota, are supposed to anticipate PD pathogenesis via the pathway of spinal cord and vagal nerve or the circulatory system. However, the serum concentration of SCFAs in PD patients is poorly known. This study aims to investigate the exact level of SCFAs in PD patients and its correlation with Parkinson’s symptoms. Methods 50 PD patients and 50 healthy controls were recruited, and their demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. The serum concentration of SCFAs was detected using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. SCFAs were compared between PD and control groups. The correlation between serum SCFAs and Parkinson’s symptoms and the potential effects of medications on the serum SCFAs was analyzed. Results Serum propionic acid, butyric acid and caproic acid were lower, while heptanoic acid was higher in PD patients than in control subjects. However, only the serum level of propionic acid was correlated with Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRs) part III score (R = -0.365, P = 0.009), Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) score (R = -0.416, P = 0.003), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score (R = 0.306, P = 0.03). There was no correlation between other serum SCFAs and motor complications. The use of trihexyphenidyl or tizanidine increased the serum concentration of propionic acid. Conclusions Serum SCFAs are altered in PD patients, and the decrease of serum propionic acid level is correlated with motor symptoms, cognitive ability and non-depressed state. Thus, the gut microbial-derived SCFAs potentially affect Parkinson’s symptoms through the blood circulation. Propionic acid supplementation might ameliorate motor and non-motor symptoms of PD patients, although clinical trials are needed to test this hypothesis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Seethaler ◽  
Jacqueline Beutel ◽  
Marie Kogel ◽  
Maryam Basrai ◽  
Jens Walter ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground: A number of small intervention studies suggested that a Mediterranean diet (MedD) and physical activity can lower the risk for breast cancer. LIBRE is the first large multicenter RCT to test the effect of these lifestyle factors on the incidence of breast cancer in women at risk because of BRCA mutations(1). LIBRE also offers to unravel underlying mechanisms such as the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) for beneficial effects of such lifestyle interventions.Methods: We examined the effect of the lifestyle intervention on the production of SCFA measured in feces by gas chromatography. From the ongoing LIBRE trial we included all complete datasets (171 women; mean age 44 ± 11 years). Both women with and without previous breast cancer diagnosis were recruited (diseased; non-diseased). The participants were randomized into an intervention group (IG) trained for MedD and physical activity, and a usual care control group (CG). Adherence to the MedD was assessed at baseline and after 3 months (V1) using the validated Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the EPIC food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).Results: At baseline there was no difference in SCFA levels between the groups. In the IG the MEDAS score increased substantially by 2.5 points (p < 0.001), in the CG only mildly by 0.4 points (p < 0.05). Correspondingly, the intake of fibers increased solely in the IG. In the course of the study the amount of caproic acid decreased in the control group (p < 0.001). At V1 non-diseased women showed higher amounts of acetic acid (p = 0.042), n-butyric acid (p = 0.023), n-valeric acid (p = 0.018) and iso-valeric acid (p = 0.031). There were several correlations between the intake of different fibers and fecal SCFA. For example, the sum of poly- and oligosaccharides correlated with acetic acid (p = 0.001; r = 0.316), propionic acid (p = 0.034; r = 0,251), n-butyric acid (p = 0.010; r = 0.316) and iso-valeric acid (p = 0.012; r = 0.306). There was no correlation between the MEDAS and SCFA.Discussion: A lifestyle change towards a MedD and increased physical activity did not change the levels of SCFA in feces, although an increase of fiber intake was documented in the IG. To further analyze SCFA metabolism in this target population, gut microbiota composition and function (metabolites) are currently analyzed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Wu ◽  
Tian Tian ◽  
Qiang Mao ◽  
Tao Zou ◽  
Chan-juan Zhou ◽  
...  

Abstract Mounting evidence suggests that gut microbiota can play an important role in pathophysiology of depression, but its specific molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study was conducted to explore the associations between changes in neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and altered gut microbiota in depressed mice. Here, the chronic restraint stress (CRS) model of depression was built. The classical behavioral tests were conducted to assess the depressive-like behaviors of mice. The 16S rRNA gene sequence extracted from fecal samples was used to assess the gut microbial composition. Liquid and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy were used to identify neurotransmitters in hypothalamus and SCFAs in fecal samples, respectively. Finally, 29 differential bacteria taxa between depressed mice and control mice were identified, and the most differentially abundant bacteria taxa were genus Allobaculum and family Ruminococcaceae between the two groups. The acetic acid, propionic acid, pentanoic acid, norepinephrine, 5-HIAA and 5-HT were significantly decreased in depressed mice compared to control mice. Genus Allobaculum was found to be significantly positively correlated with acetic acid and 5-HT. Taken together, these results provided novel microbial and metabolic frameworks for understanding the role of microbiota-gut-brain axis in depression, and suggested new insights to pave the way for novel therapeutic methods.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel Bier ◽  
Tzipi Braun ◽  
Rawan Khasbab ◽  
Ayelet Di Segni ◽  
Ehud Grossman ◽  
...  

Emerging data indicate a correlation between gut microbial composition and cardiovascular disease including hypertension. The host’s diet greatly affects microbial composition and metabolite production. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are products of microbial fermentation, which can be utilized by the host. It has been suggested that SCFAs play a pivotal role as mediators in a microbiome host: microbial interactions occur in health and disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high salt diet (HSD) on microbial variation and to determine whether this effect is accompanied by an alteration in fecal SCFAs. To this end, Dahl salt-sensitive rats were divided into two groups (n = 10 each): (A) Control: fed regular chow; and (B) Fed HSD. High-throughput pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used for microbiome characterizing. Chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to measure the levels of SCFAs: acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and isobutyric acid in fecal samples. Differences in microbial composition were noted between groups. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) principal coordinate 1 (PC1) primarily separated controls from the HSD. Four taxa displayed significant differences between HSD and controls. Taxa from the Erwinia genus, the Christensenellaceae and Corynebacteriaceae families, displayed an increased abundance in HSD versus control. In contrast, taxa from the Anaerostipes genus displayed a decreased abundance in HSD. We were able to identify seven unique taxa that were significantly associated with blood pressure. There was a significant difference in fecal acetic acid, as well as propionic and isobutyric acid, but not in the butyric acid composition between groups. Adding salt to a diet impacts the gut’s microbial composition, which may alter fecal SCFA production.


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