Barrier integrity and chronic inflammation mediated by HIF-1 impact on intestinal tumorigenesis

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

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

Dietary Bacillus velezensis T23 fermented products supplementation improves growth, hepatopancreas and intestine health of Litopenaeus vannamei

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of dietary fermented products of Bacillus velezensis T23 on the growth, immune response and gut microbiota in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Shrimp were fed with diets containing fermentation products of B. velezensis T23 at levels of (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 g/kg) for 4 weeks, to assess the influence on shrimp growth. The results showed that 0.3 and 0.4 g/kg T23 supplementation improved shrimp growth and feed utilization. Based on these results we selected these three diets (Control, 0.3T23 and 0.4T23) to assess the effect on immune response and gut microbiota of shrimp. Compared with the control, the 0.3T23 and 0.4T23 groups enhanced lipase and α-amylase activities in the gut significantly. Moreover, the 0.4T23 group decreased TAG and MDA levels in hepatopancreas, ALT and AST levels of serum significantly (P < 0.05). In hepatopancreas, CAT and SOD activities were improved observably and the MDA content was reduced markedly in both T23 groups. The expressions of antimicrobial related genes, Cru and peroxinectin in the 0.3T23 group, and proPO and peroxinectin in the 0.4T23 group were up-regulated remarkably (P < 0.05). Moreover, hepatopancreas of shrimp fed with a diet amended with T23 showed a significant down-regulated expression of nf-kb and tnf-α genes, while expressions of tgf-β was considerably up-regulated. Furthermore, serum LPS and LBP contents were reduced markedly in T23 groups. Intestinal SOD and CAT were noteworthy higher in T23 groups (P < 0.05). In the intestine of shrimp fed on the diet enriched with T23 the expression of nf-κb and tnf-α exhibited markedly down-regulated, whereas hif1α was up-regulated (P < 0.05). Besides, in the intestine of shrimp grouped under T23, Cru and peroxinectin genes were markedly up-regulated (P < 0.05). Dietary 0.3 g/kg T23 also upregulated the ratio of Rhodobacteraceae to Vibrionaceae in the gut of the shrimp. Taken together, the inclusion of B. velezensis T23 in the diet of shrimp enhanced the growth and feed utilization, enhanced hepatopancreas and intestine health.

Decoding the mechanism of Eleutheroside E in treating osteoporosis via network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking of osteoclast-related genes and gut microbiota

Objective

Eleutheroside E (EE) is an anti-inflammatory natural compound derived from the edible medicinal herb Acanthopanax senticosus. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of the anti-osteoporosis action of EE through network pharmacology, molecular docking and gut microbiota.

Materials and methods

Network pharmacology was used to explore the potential core targets and main pathways mediated by EE in osteoporosis (OP) treatment. Molecular docking was exploited to investigate the interactions between the active anti-OP compounds in EE and the potential downstream targets. Following the multi-approach bioinformatics analysis, ovariectomy (OVX) model was also established to investigate the in vivo anti-OP effects of EE.

Results

The top 10 core targets in PPI network were TP53, AKT1, JUN, CTNNB1, STAT3, HIF1A, EP300, CREB1, IL1B and ESR1. Molecular docking results that the binding energy of target proteins and the active compounds was approximately between -5.0 and -7.0 kcal/mol, which EE has the lowest docking binding energy with HIF1A. Enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathways of target proteins indicated that EE treatment could potentially alter numerous biological processes and cellular pathways. In vivo experiments demonstrated the protective effect of EE treatment against accelerated bone loss, where reduced serum levels of TRAP, CTX, TNF-α, LPS, and IL-6 and increased bone volume and serum levels of P1NP were observed in EE-treated mice. In addition, changes in gut microbiota were spotted by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showing that EE treatment increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased the relative abundance of Clostridiaceae.

Conclusion

In summary, these findings suggested that the characteristics of multi-target and multi-pathway of EE against OP. In vivo, EE prevents the onset of OP by regulating gut microbiota and inflammatory response and is therefore a potential OP drug.

Colonic mechanism of serum NAD+ depletion induced by DEHP during pregnancy

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride products such as feed piping, packing bag, and medical consumable. Our previous studies have demonstrated that DEHP exposure reduced the concentration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) in pregnant mice serum, which cuts off the source of NAD⁺ to placenta and results fetal growth restriction. However, the mechanism of serum NAD⁺ depletion by DEHP remains elusive. This study investigated the intestinal mechanism of NAD⁺ shortage-induced by DEHP in pregnant mice. The transcriptome results implicated that the mRNA level of oxidative response genes Cyp1a1, Gsto2, Trpv1 and Trpv3 were upregulated in colon. These changes induced intestinal inflammation. Transmission Electron Microscopy results displayed that DEHP destroyed the tight junctions and cell polarity of colonic epithelial cells. These dysfunctions diminished the expression of NAD⁺ precursor transporters SLC12A8, SLC5A8, SLC7A5, and the NAD⁺ biosynthetic key enzymes NAMPT, NMNAT1-3, and TDO2 in colonic epithelial cells. Analysis of the gut microbiota showed that DEHP led to the dysbiosis of gut microbiota, reducing the relative abundance of Prevotella copri which possesses the VB3 biosynthetic pathway. Therefore, maternal DEHP exposure during pregnancy decreased the transportation of NAD⁺ precursors from enteric cavity to colonic epithelial cells, and inhibited the synthesis of NAD⁺ in colonic epithelial cells. Meanwhile, DEHP reduced the NAD⁺ precursors provided by gut microbiota. Eventually, serum NAD⁺ content was lowered. Taken together, our findings provide a new insight for understanding the intestinal mechanisms by which DEHP affects serum NAD⁺ levels.

Seminars in immunology special issue: Nutrition, microbiota and immunity The unexplored microbes in health and disease

Functional characterization of the microbiome's influence on host physiology has been dominated by a few characteristic example strains that have been studied in detail. However, the extensive development of methods for high-throughput bacterial isolation and culture over the past decade is enabling functional characterization of the broader microbiota that may impact human health. Characterizing the understudied majority of human microbes and expanding our functional understanding of the diversity of the gut microbiota could enable new insights into diseases with unknown etiology, provide disease-predictive microbiome signatures, and advance microbial therapeutics. We summarize high-throughput culture-dependent platforms for characterizing bacterial strain function and host-interactions. We elaborate on the importance of these technologies in facilitating mechanistic studies of previously unexplored microbes, highlight new opportunities for large-scale in vitro screens of host-relevant microbial functions, and discuss the potential translational applications for microbiome science.

Treatment of Gout with TCM Using Turmeric and Corn Silk: A Concise Review Article and Pharmacology Network Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to study the compounds, targets, and pathways of turmeric and corn silk for gout and to explore the mechanism of "the same disease with different treatments" based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

We used the TCMSP, PubChem, and SEA databases to screen the compounds and targets of turmeric and corn silk, gout-related proteins through TTD, Drugbank, DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM, and PharmGkb, and used Cytoscape to construct a "compound-target-disease" network. Then, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and used Metascape to perform GO and KEGG analysis. Finally, molecular docking (SYBYL) was used to verify the degree of binding between key targets and compounds.

RESULTS

We found bisacumol, campesterol, and stigmasterol to be the main turmeric compounds that exerted a marked effect on gout treatment by targeting protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum through the HSPA1B, HSP90AB1, and STUB1 proteins. The main corn silk compound, Mandenol, treated gout by targeting the Hippo signaling pathway through the CTNNB1, YWHAG, and YWHAZ proteins.

CONCLUSION

Turmeric and corn silk can treat the same disease, gout, through different pathways and targets. The scientific connotation of "same disease with different treatments" can be preliminarily clarified by analyzing targets and pathways.

Short-chain fatty acids are key mediators of the favorable effects of the Mediterranean diet on intestinal barrier integrity: data from the randomized controlled LIBRE trial

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean diet is associated with the prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, all of which are linked to intestinal barrier impairment.

OBJECTIVES

Here, we hypothesize that the Mediterranean diet, possibly via the induction of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), improves intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, we aim to establish novel personalized nutrition advice based on machine learning algorithms.

METHODS

We studied 260 women with intestinal barrier impairment. The women were allocated to follow either a Mediterranean diet or a control diet for 3 mo. Intestinal permeability was assessed by measuring lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) in plasma and zonulin in feces. SCFA concentrations were analyzed in feces. Bi- and multivariate analyses and machine learning algorithms (random forest classification) were conducted.

RESULTS

Particularly in the intervention group, adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased, whereas plasma LBP and fecal zonulin concentrations decreased (all q < 0.001 for the intervention group, all q < 0.1 for control group). In the intervention group, fecal SCFA concentrations increased (propionate + 19%; butyrate + 44%; both q < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with SCFA concentrations (all q < 0.001) and inversely associated with LBP and zonulin concentrations (all q < 0.02). Mediation analyses identified propionate and butyrate as the key mechanistic link between diet and intestinal permeability integrity. Accordingly, using baseline SCFA data, we could predict the effect of the Mediterranean diet on intestinal permeability using a machine learning algorithm (receiver operating characteristic AUC: 0.78-0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that SCFAs are key mediators for the relation between diet and gut health. Assessment of SCFAs may form a basis for personalized nutrition in future clinical care. These results need to be verified in larger studies powered for this purpose, comprising different study populations. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02087592 and NCT02516540.

N-phenethyl-5-phenylpicolinamide alleviates inflammation in acute lung injury by inhibiting HIF-1α/glycolysis/ASIC1a pathway

AIMS

Acute lung injury (ALI) is triggered by an acute inflammatory response. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is recognized as an important participant in the pathogenesis of sepsis, which may induce ALI. N-phenethyl-5-phenylpicolinamide (N5P) is a newly synthesized HIF-1α inhibitor. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential protective effects of N5P on LPS-induced ALI and the underlying mechanisms.

MAIN METHODS

In vivo experiment, the ALI rat model was induced by intratracheal injection of LPS, and various concentrations of N5P were injected intraperitoneally before LPS administration. In vitro experiment, RAW264.7 macrophages were administrated LPS and N5P to detect inflammatory cytokine changes. HIF-1α overexpression plasmid (HIF1α-OE) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a glycolysis agonist, were used to examine the relationship between the HIF-1α/glycolysis/ASIC1a pathway.

KEY FINDINGS

Pretreatment with N5P inhibited not only the histopathological changes that occurred in the lungs but also lung dysfunction in LPS-induced ALI. N5P also decreased the levels of lactic acid in lung tissue and arterial blood, and inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6 levels in serum. LPS increased HIF-1α, glycolysis proteins GLUT1, HK2, ASIC1a, IL-1β, IL-6, and these changes were reversed by N5P in primary alveolar macrophages and RAW264.7 macrophages. Overexpression of HIF-1α significantly increased glycolysis genes and ASIC1a as well as inflammatory cytokines. Excessive glycolysis levels weaken the ability of N5P to inhibit inflammation.

SIGNIFICANCE

N5P may alleviate inflammation in ALI through the HIF-1α/glycolysis/ASIC1a signaling pathway. The present findings have provided pertinent information in the assessment of N5P as a potential, future therapeutic drug for ALI.

Development of a novel hypoxia-immune–related LncRNA risk signature for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy response of colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common digestive system tumors worldwide. Hypoxia and immunity are closely related in CRC; however, the role of hypoxia-immune–related lncRNAs in CRC prognosis is unknown.

Methods

Data used in the current study were sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. CRC patients were divided into low- and high-hypoxia groups using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm and into low- and high-immune groups using the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumours using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between low- and high-hypoxia groups, low- and high-immune groups, and tumor and control samples were identified using the limma package. Hypoxia-immune–related lncRNAs were obtained by intersecting these DElncRNAs. A hypoxia-immune–related lncRNA risk signature was developed using univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses. The tumor microenvironments in the low- and high-risk groups were evaluated using ssGSEA, ESTIMATE, and the expression of immune checkpoints. The therapeutic response in the two groups was assessed using TIDE, IPS, and IC50. A ceRNA network based on signature lncRNAs was constructed. Finally, we used RT-qPCR to verify the expression of hypoxia-immune–related lncRNA signatures in normal and cancer tissues.

Results

Using differential expression analysis, and univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses, ZNF667-AS1, LINC01354, LINC00996, DANCR, CECR7, and LINC01116 were selected to construct a hypoxia-immune–related lncRNA signature. The performance of the risk signature in predicting CRC prognosis was validated in internal and external datasets, as evidenced by receiver operating characteristic curves. In addition, we observed significant differences in the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy response between low- and high-risk groups and constructed a CECR7–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network in CRC. Furthermore, RT-qPCR results confirmed that the expression patterns of the six lncRNA signatures were consistent with those in TCGA-CRC cohort.

Conclusion

Our study identified six hypoxia-immune–related lncRNAs for predicting CRC survival and sensitivity to immunotherapy. These findings may enrich our understanding of CRC and help improve CRC treatment. However, large-scale long-term follow-up studies are required for verification.

Effects of Hypoxia on Respiratory Diseases: Perspective View of Epithelial Ion Transport

The balance of gas exchange and lung ventilation is essential for the maintenance of body homeostasis. There are many ion channels and transporters in respiratory epithelial cells, including epithelial sodium channel, Na,K-ATPase, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and some transporters. These ion channels/transporters maintain the capacity of liquid layer on the surface of respiratory epithelial cells, and provide an immune barrier for the respiratory system to clear off foreign pathogens. However, in some harmful external environment and/or pathological conditions, the respiratory epithelium is prone to hypoxia, which would destroy the ion transport function of the epithelium and unbalance the homeostasis of internal environment, triggering a series of pathological reactions. Many respiratory diseases associated with hypoxia manifest an increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1, which mediates the integrity of the epithelial barrier and affects epithelial ion transport function. It is important to study the relationship between hypoxia and ion transport function, whereas the mechanism of hypoxia-induced ion transport dysfunction in respiratory diseases is not clear. This review focuses on the relationship of hypoxia and respiratory diseases, as well as dysfunction of ion transport and tight junctions in respiratory epithelial cells under hypoxia.

Vitamin D Receptor-Dependent Protective Effect of Moderate Hypoxia in a Mouse Colitis Model

Although hypoxia is important for maintaining the intestinal barrier, its effect on the barrier during acute colitis and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. To explore the influence of hypoxia in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice and the role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the process. Colitis mice were subjected to hypoxia to detect intestinal barrier function changes. And the mechanisms were explored in vitro. First, compared with colitis mice without hypoxia stimulation, those with hypoxia stimulation showed significantly decreased pathological damage and improved permeability of the intestinal barrier. The expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, ZO-1), HIF-1α as well as VDR was up-regulated in colitis mice with hypoxia stimulation. However, in VDR gene knockout (KO)colitis mice, hypoxia treatment showed no protective effect, suggesting the VDR dependency of this effect. Similarly although hypoxia stimulation could enhance the single-layer epithelial transmembrane electrical resistance in DLD-1 and NCM460 cells, these effects disappeared in VDR-knockdown cells. Furthermore, over-expression of HIF-1α in DLD-1 and NCM460 increased the expression of VDR, whereas HIF-1α-knockdown reduced the VDR expression directly. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays confirmed that HIF-1α can bind to the promoter region of the VDR gene under hypoxia. Finally, compared with their wild-type siblings, VDR-KO mice showed reduced abundance of anaerobic bacteria and SCFA-producing bacteria. Hypoxia was protective against DSS-induced colitis, and VDR is instrumental in it. Furthermore, HIF-1α-VDR mediates the effect of hypoxia on the barrier function. Moreover, intestinal flora may be an important link between hypoxia and VDR.

Stabilization but no functional influence of HIF-1α expression in the intestinal epithelium during Salmonella Typhimurium infection

The hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1 (HIF-1) has been shown to enhance microbial killing and to ameliorate the course of bacterial infections. While the impact of HIF-1 on inflammatory diseases of the gut has been studied intensively, its function in bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract remains largely elusive. With the help of a publicly available gene expression data set, we could infer significant activation of HIF-1 after oral infection of mice with Salmonella Typhimurium. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis confirmed marked HIF-1α protein stabilization, especially in the intestinal epithelium. This prompted us to analyze conditional Hif1a-deficient mice to examine cell type-specific functions of HIF-1 in this model. Our results demonstrate enhanced non-canonical induction of HIF-1 activity upon Salmonella infection in the intestinal epithelium as well as in macrophages. Surprisingly, Hif1a deletion in intestinal epithelial cells did not impact on inflammatory gene expression, bacterial spread or disease outcome. In contrast, Hif1a deletion in myeloid cells enhanced intestinal Cxcl2 expression and reduced the cecal Salmonella load. In vitro, HIF-1α-deficient macrophages showed an overall impaired transcription of mRNA encoding pro-inflammatory factors, however, intracellular survival of Salmonella was not impacted by HIF-1α deficiency.

Modified Renshen Wumei Decoction Alleviates Intestinal Barrier Destruction in Rats with Diarrhea

Modified Renshen Wumei decoction (MRWD), a famous traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used for treating persistent diarrhea. However, as the mechanism by which MRWD regulates diarrhea remains unknown, we examined the protective effects of MRWD on intestinal barrier integrity in a diarrhea model. In total, 48 male rats were randomly distributed to four treatment groups: the blank group (CK group), model group (MC group), Medilac-Vita group (MV group) and Chinese herb group (MRWD group). After a 21-day experiment, serum and colon samples were assessed. The diarrhea index, pathological examination findings and change in D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) contents illustrated that the induction of diarrhea caused intestinal injury, which was ameliorated by MV and MRWD infusion. Metabolomics analysis identified several metabolites in the serum. Some critical metabolites, such as phosphoric acid, taurine, cortisone, leukotriene B4 and calcitriol, were found to be significantly elevated by MRWD infusion. Importantly, these differences correlated with mineral absorption and metabolism and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathways. Moreover, it significantly increased the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65 proteins and the contents of IL-1 and TNF-α, while the expression levels of occludin, claudin-1 and ZO-1 proteins decreased. These deleterious effects were significantly alleviated by MV and MRWD infusion. Our findings indicate that MRWD infusion helps alleviate diarrhea, possibly by maintaining electrolyte homeostasis, improving the intestinal barrier integrity, and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB axis.

Lactobacillus coryniformis MXJ32 administration ameliorates azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer via reshaping intestinal microenvironment and alleviating inflammatory response

PURPOSE

Gut microbiota has been reported to contribute to either prevent or promote colorectal cancer (CRC), and treatment with probiotics might be a promising intervention method. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-CRC effects of Lactobacillus coryniformis MXJ32 on a colitis-associated (CA)-CRC mouse model.

METHODS

The CA-CRC mouse model was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg azoxymethane and followed by three 7-day cycles of 2% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water with a 14-day recovery period. Mice were supplemented with L. coryniformis MXJ32 by oral gavage (1 × 10⁹ CFU/day/mouse). The CA-CRC attenuating effects of this probiotic were assessed via intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation, and gut microenvironment.

RESULTS

Treatment with L. coryniformis MXJ32 could significantly inhibit the total number of tumors and the average tumor diameter. This probiotic administration prevented the damage of intestinal barrier function by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1) and recovering the loss of goblet cells. Moreover, L. coryniformis MXJ32 alleviated intestinal inflammation via down-regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-γ, and IL-17a) and chemokines (Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, Cxcl5, and Ccl7). In addition, L. coryniformis MXJ32 supplementation increased the abundance of some beneficial bacteria (such as SCFAs-producing bacteria, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, and Faecalibaculum) and decreased the abundance of some harmful bacteria (such as pro-inflammatory bacteria, Desulfovibrio and Helicobacter), which in turn attenuated the overexpression of inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Lactobacillus coryniformis MXJ32 could effectively ameliorate CA-CRC via regulating intestinal microenvironment, alleviating inflammation, and intestinal barrier damage, which further suggested that L. coryniformis MXJ32 could be considered as a functional food ingredient for the alleviation of CA-CRC.

Early-life supplementation of grape polyphenol extract promotes polyphenol absorption and modulates the intestinal microbiota in association with the increase in mRNA expression of the key intestinal barrier genes

Early-life nutritional supplementation can dramatically influence health status. Dietary polyphenols are a widespread group of phytochemicals with potential bioactive functions. However, how polyphenol intake during early life affects health status remains largely unknown. Mice aged 3- and 6-weeks were used to investigate how grape polyphenol extract (GPE) administration during early life altered polyphenol absorption, the intestinal microbiota, and the intestinal barrier. After a 2-week GPE supplementation, there were more diverse polyphenol metabolites in the plasma of 3-week-old mice than in the plasma of 6-week-old mice. Correspondingly, GPE supplementation increased the mRNA expression of genes related to polyphenol absorption in 3-week-old mice but not 6-week-old mice. Early-life GPE administration also stimulated the key genes of the small intestinal barrier in mice. Moreover, the key genes of the small intestinal barrier were positively associated with the genes related to polyphenol absorption in the small intestine of 3-week-old mice. In addition, fecal Akkermansia and Lactobacillus were increased, as evidenced by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. As a result, the acetate and butyrate production in the large intestinal content was enhanced, and the mRNA expression of the key genes involved in the large intestinal barrier was also increased. Thus, our study demonstrates that dietary polyphenol intake in early life induces improvements in polyphenol absorption, the intestinal microbiota, and the intestinal barrier, suggesting the importance of polyphenol-rich nutritional programming during early life on health status.