Effects of the prebiotics inulin and lactulose on intestinal immunology and hematology of preruminant calves

Co‐administration of Inulin and Iron Fortificants improves Iron Deficiency Biomarkers in Female Sprague Dawley Rats

Micronutrient deficiencies affect approximately 2 billion people worldwide and iron deficiency anemia is one of them. The instant research was an attempt to determine the efficacy of co‐administration of two iron fortificants (NaFeEDTA and FeSO₄) and inulin (a prebiotic) on serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and total iron‐binding capacity in iron‐deficient female Sprague Dawley rats. For this research, rats were divided into ten groups, (two control and eight treatment groups). Treatment groups were made iron deficient by feeding them with triapine, an iron binder for two weeks. All treatment groups were fed with inulin at two different dosage levels along with iron fortificants. The study results showed that serum ferritin and serum iron levels significantly improved from initiation to termination of study. Also, mean values of total iron‐binding capacity and serum transferrin showed a steady decline over a period of three months indicating that iron stores were being improved. It was concluded that co‐administration of inulin and iron fortificants helped improve iron deficiency biomarkers in female Sprague Dawley rats.

Night-Restricted Feeding Improves Gut Health by Synchronizing Microbe-Driven Serotonin Rhythm and Eating Activity-Driven Body Temperature Oscillations in Growing Rabbits

The circadian misalignment of the gut microbiota caused by unusual eating times in adult animals is related to disease development. However, whether the composition and diurnal rhythm of gut microbiota can be optimized by synchronizing the window period of eating with natural eating habits to reduce the risk of diarrhea remains unclear, especially in growing animals. In this study, 108 5-week-old weaned rabbits (nocturnal animals) were randomly subjected to daytime feeding (DF) and night-restricted feeding (NRF). At age 12 weeks, six rabbits were selected from each group, and caecum and cecal contents, as well as serum samples were collected at 4-h intervals during 24 h. Overall, NRF was found to reduce the risk of diarrhea in growing rabbits, improved the diurnal rhythm and abundance of beneficial microorganisms, along with the production of beneficial metabolites, whereas reduced the abundance of potential pathogens (Synergistes, Desulfovibrio, and Alistipes). Moreover, NRF improved diurnal rhythm of tryptophan hydroxylase isoform 1 and serotonin. Furthermore, NRF strengthened the diurnal amplitude of body core temperature, and promoted the diurnal expression of intestinal clock genes (BMAL1, CLOCK, REV-ERBα, and PER1), and genes related to the regulation of the intestinal barrier (CLAUDIN-1), and intestinal epithelial cell self-proliferation and renewal (BMI1). In vitro simulation experiments further revealed that synchronization of microbial-driven serotonin rhythm and eating activity-driven body temperature oscillations, which are important zeitgebers, could promote the diurnal expression of clock genes and CLAUDIN-1 in rabbit intestinal epithelial cells (RIEC), and enhance RIEC proliferation. This is the first study to reveal that NRF reprograms the diurnal rhythm of the gut microbiome, promotes the diurnal expression of clock genes and tight junction genes via synchronization of microbial-driven serotonin rhythm and eating activity-driven body temperature oscillations, thereby improving intestinal health and reducing the risk of diarrhea in growing rabbits. Collectively, these results provide a new perspective for the healthy feeding and management of growing animals.

Characterization of inulin-type fructans from two species of Radix Codonopsis and their oxidative defense activation and prebiotic activities

BACKGROUND

Codonopsis pilosula and C. tangshen are both plants widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Polysaccharides, which are their primary active components, are thought to be important in their extensive use. In this study, two neutral polysaccharide fractions of C. pilosula (CPPN) and C. tangshen (CTPN) were obtained by fractionation on a DEAE-Sepharose column and characterized.

RESULTS

It was confirmed that the neutral polymers CPPN and CTPN were β-(2,1)-linked inulin-type fructans with non-reducing terminal glucose, and degree of polymerization (DP) of 19.6 and 25.2, respectively. The antioxidant and prebiotic activities in vitro were assayed based on IPEC-J2 cell lines and five strains of Lactobacillus. Results indicated that the effects of CPPN and CTPN were increased antioxidant defense in intestinal epithelial cells through enhanced cell viability, improved expression of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and lactic dehydrogenase. The prebiotic activity of CPPN and CTPN was demonstrated by the promoting effect on Lactobacillus proliferation in vitro. The different biological activities obtained between the two fractions are probably due to the different DP and thus molecular weights of CPPN and CTPN.

CONCLUSION

The inulin fractions from C. pilosula and C. tangshen were natural sources of potential intestinal antioxidants as well as prebiotics, which will be valuable in further studies and new applications of inulin-containing health products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of the Synbiotics and Urate-Lowering Therapy on Gut Microbiota and Cytokine Profile in Patients with Chronic Gouty Arthritis

The main goal of our study is the impact evaluation of complex urate-lowering therapy with the synbiotic addition on fecal microbiota and cytokine profile in patients with primary gout. During our study, 130 men (mean age 55.5 ± 9.4 years) with gout (duration 7.7 ± 7.1 years) were examined. All patients were divided into two treatment groups. The main group (n = 68) was taking allopurinol at 300 mg per day dose and additionally a synbiotic. The comparison group (n = 62) received allopurinol monotherapy without synbiotic intake. The therapy duration was 3 months. Evaluation of therapy efficiency was marked by blood uric acid changes, cytokine levels, CRP and fecal microbiota condition. After treatment, stabilization of the gut microbiota parameters was observed, which was leading to normalization uricemia levels (40.3% vs. 21%, p <0.01) in the main group patients. Addition of synbiotic to allopurinol leads to a blood uric acid lowering (18.7% vs. 13.3%, p <0.01), CRP reduction (75% vs. 26.3%, p <0.01) as well as decrease of cytokines level: IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNFα (all p <0.001). After a 3-month gout treatment, a group of patients who received complex therapy with synbiotic inclusion showed signs of disease remission characterized by inflammation activity reducing, fecal microbiota condition normalization and a more pronounced decrease in laboratory markers comparing to control group.

Inulin Fermentation by Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria from Dairy Calves

Prebiotics are increasingly examined for their ability to modulate the neonate gut microbiota of livestock, and products such as inulin are commonly added to milk replacer used in calving. However, the ability of specific members of the bovine neonate microbiota to respond to inulin remains to be determined, particularly among indigenous lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, beneficial genera commonly enriched by inulin. Screening of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus isolates obtained from fresh feces of dairy calves revealed that lactobacilli had a higher prevalence of inulin fermentation capacity (58%) than bifidobacteria (17%). Several Ligilactobacillus agilis (synonym Lactobacillus agilis) isolates exhibited vigorous growth on, and complete degradation of, inulin; however, the phenotype was strain specific. The most vigorous inulin-fermenting strain, L. agilis YZ050, readily degraded long-chain inulin not consumed by bifidobacterial isolates. Comparative genomic analysis of both L. agilis fermenter and nonfermenter strains indicated that strain YZ050 encodes an inulinase homolog, previously linked to extracellular degradation of long-chain inulin in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, that was strongly induced during growth on inulin. Inulin catabolism by YZ050 also generates extracellular fructose, which can cross-feed other non-inulin-fermenting lactic acid bacteria isolated from the same bovine feces. The presence of specific inulin-responsive bacterial strains within calf gut microbiome provides a mechanistic rationale for enrichment of specific lactobacilli and creates a foundation for future synbiotic applications in dairy calves aimed at improving health in early life.IMPORTANCE The gut microbiome plays an important role in animal health and is increasingly recognized as a target for diet-based manipulation. Inulin is a common prebiotic routinely added to animal feeds; however, the mechanism of inulin consumption by specific beneficial taxa in livestock is ill defined. In this study, we examined Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium isolates from calves fed inulin-containing milk replacer and characterized specific strains that robustly consume long-chain inulin. In particular, novel Ligilactobacillus agilis strain YZ050 consumed inulin via an extracellular fructosidase, resulting in complete consumption of all long-chain inulin. Inulin catabolism resulted in temporal release of extracellular fructose, which can promote growth of other non-inulin-consuming strains of lactic acid bacteria. This work provides the mechanistic insight needed to purposely modulate the calf gut microbiome via the establishment of networks of beneficial microbes linked to specific prebiotics.

Combined Yeast Cultivation and Pectin Hydrolysis as an Effective Method of Producing Prebiotic Animal Feed from Sugar Beet Pulp

An effective and ecological method for liberation of pectin-derived oligosaccharides (POS) from sugar beet pulp (SBP) was developed using enzymatic and microorganism-mediated biomass conversion. The POS may be applied in the production of prebiotic feed additives. Various yeast strains were screened for their capacity for protein synthesis and monosaccharide assimilation. Combined yeast cultivation and pectin hydrolysis were found to be an effective method of producing prebiotics. Separate enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of SBP resulted in the release of 3.6 g of POS per 100 g d.w., whereas the yield of POS acquired after the combined process was 17.9% higher, giving 4.2 g of POS per 100 g d.w. Introducing the yeast into the process improved hydrolysis performance due to lower enzyme inhibition by mono- and disaccharides. The prebiotic effect of the POS was assessed by in vitro fermentation using individual cultures of gastrointestinal bacteria. The POS in the SBP hydrolysate effectively promoted the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. A large increase in adherence to Caco-2 cells in the presence of POS was noted for beneficial Lactobacillus brevis strains, whereas pathogenic bacteria and yeast (C. albicans, C. lusitanie, C. pelliculosa), responsible for infections in breeding animals, showed much weaker adhesion.

Comparative Effects of Inulin with Different Polymerization Degrees on Growth Performance, Blood Trace Minerals, and Erythrocyte Indices in Growing-Finishing Pigs

There are numerous reports of the effect of inulin on the bioavailability of mineral compounds. However, there are no conclusive reports concerning its beneficial impact (or lack thereof) in the case of such essential trace elements as iron, copper, or zinc. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of inulin addition with different degrees of polymerization (DPs) on growth performance in fatteners as well as on blood plasma concentrations of iron, copper, and zinc and selected hematological indices. The experiment was conducted throughout the fattening period (up to a body weight of approximately 115 kg) on 112 weaners with an initial weight of 25.0 ± 0.5 kg divided into 7 groups. The first group served as a control, while the other groups received increasing doses (1, 2, and 3 %) of standard inulin (SI; DP_av ≥ 10) or long-chain inulin (LCI, DP_av ≥ 23) in complete mixtures. Compared with the control, the supplementation of the mixtures with inulin increased the average daily gains, the final body weight, and the plasma content of trace elements (P < 0.05). An increased plasma zinc concentration was noted after application of inulin with a lower polymerization degree (P < 0.05). In turn, at a higher inulin polymerization degree, a higher final body weight and increased copper (P < 0.05), iron (P < 0.1), hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and packed cell volume (PCV) levels were detected in animal blood (P < 0.05). The inulin addition was found to have modified the analyzed indices, and the optimal supplementation level was estimated at 20  g·kg^-1 diet. Inulin with the higher DP exerted a more pronounced effect on the analyzed properties.

Prebiotics: A Novel Approach to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the fatal malignancies and is considered as the third leading cause of death. Mutations, genetic modifications, dietary aflatoxins, or impairments in the regulation of oncogenic pathways may bring about liver cancer. An effective barrier against hepatotoxins is offered by gut-liver axis as a change in gut permeability and expanded translocation of lipopolysaccharides triggers the activation of Toll-like receptors which stimulate the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. Prebiotics, nondigestible oligosaccharides, have a pivotal role to play when it comes to inducing an antitumor effect. A healthy gut flora balance is imperative to downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and reducing lipopolysaccharides induced endotoxemia, thus inducing the antitumor effect.

Influence of lactulose on interventional therapy for HCC patients with hepatocirrhosis and hypersplenism

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of lactulose on immunity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with hepatocirrhosis and hypersplenism after double-interventional therapies.

METHODS

A total of 40 HCC patients with hepatocirrhosis and hypersplenism, hospitalized during January 2013 to June 2014, were enrolled and randomized into control group and observation group. Both groups received partial splenic embolization combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Besides, observation group orally took lactulose 30 mL/d. Four days before interventional therapies and at days 1, 3, 7 and 14 after therapies, fasting venous blood was collected to detect white blood cell count, red blood cell count (RBC), and platelet count (PLT). Four days before therapies and at days 7 and 14 after therapies, the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, malondialdehyde, super-oxide dismutase (SOD), IFN-γ, and IL-4 as well as the distribution of T cell subsets in peripheral blood were tested. Complications were observed after interventional therapies.

RESULTS

Before interventional therapies the levels of white blood cell count, PLT and RBC in both groups showed no difference, while after interventional therapies the levels of PLT and RBC in both groups showed an increasing tendency (P < 0.05). At day 14 after interventional therapies, the level of blood cell as well as that of SOD, IFN-γ and IL-4 in serum were significantly higher than that before therapies; meanwhile, the levels of alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin of observation group after therapies were significantly lower than before and control group (P < 0.05), the levels of CD4(+)/CD8(+), SOD and IFN-γ were all higher than before and control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral administration of lactulose could adjust the imbalance of oxidation system/antioxidant system in HCC patients with hepatocirrhosis and hypersplenism after interventional therapies, and improve the antitumor immunity and prognosis.

Effect of dietary lactulose supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, relative organ weight, and excreta microflora in broilers

A 35 d trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lactulose on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, relative organ weight, and excreta microflora in broilers. A total of 816 1-day-old male Ross broilers (40.2 ± 0.4 g) were allotted to 4 dietary treatments using 12 cages with 17 chicks per cage. Treatments were: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) L05, CON + 0.05% lactulose; 3) L10, CON + 0.10% lactulose; and 4) L15, CON + 0.15% lactulose. Higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in broilers fed the L15 diet compared with those fed the CON diet during d 22 to 35. During d 0 to 35, BWG was higher (P < 0.05) and FCR was lower (P < 0.05) in broilers fed lactulose diets than those fed the CON diet. Additionally, broilers fed L15 diets had the highest BWG (P < 0.05) and lowest FCR (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and nitrogen (N) was increased (P < 0.05) in broilers fed the L15 diet compared with those fed the CON diet. Drip loss was decreased (P < 0.05) in L10 and L15 treatments compared with CON treatment on d 1, d 3, and d 5. On d 3, lowest (P < 0.05) drip loss was observed in the L15 treatment. Excreta E. coli counts in the L15 treatment were decreased (P < 0.05) on d 14, but Lactobacillus counts in the L15 treatment were increased (P < 0.05) on d 14 and d 35 compared with the CON diet. A linear effect (P < 0.05) was observed on BWG (d 22 to 35), FCR (d 0 to 35), the ATTD of DM and N, drip loss, E. coli (d 14), and Lactobacillus (d 14 and d 35) counts. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.15% lactulose can improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility; as well as increase the proliferation of Lactobacillus and decrease E. coli counts in excreta.

Microbial enzymatic production and applications of short-chain fructooligosaccharides and inulooligosaccharides: recent advances and current perspectives

The industrial production of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulooligosaccharides is expanding rapidly due to the pharmaceutical importance of these compounds. These compounds, concisely termed prebiotics, have biofunctional properties and hence health benefits if consumed in recommended dosages. Prebiotics can be produced enzymatically from sucrose elongation or via enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin by exoinulinases and endoinulinases acting alone or synergistically. Exoinulinases cleave the non-reducing β-(2, 1) end of inulin-releasing fructose while endoinulinases act on the internal linkages randomly to release inulotrioses (F3), inulotetraoses (F4) and inulopentaoses (F5) as major products. Fructosyltransferases act by cleaving a sucrose molecule and then transferring the liberated fructose molecule to an acceptor molecule such as sucrose or another oligosaccharide to elongate the short-chain fructooligosaccharide. The FOS produced by the action of fructosyltransferases are 1-kestose (GF2), nystose (GF3) and fructofuranosyl nystose (GF4). The production of high yields of oligosaccharides of specific chain length from simple raw materials such as inulin and sucrose is a technical challenge. This paper critically explores recent research trends in the production and application of short-chain oligosaccharides. Inulin and enzyme sources for the production of prebiotics are discussed. The mechanism of FOS chain elongation and also the health benefits associated with prebiotics consumption are discussed in detail.

Effects of inulin supplementation on selected faecal characteristics and health of neonatal Saanen kids sucking milk from their dams

Fifty newborn Saanen kids were used to study the effects of inulin supplementation on faecal score, faecal pH, selected faecal bacterial population, BW, body temperature, haematological traits, selected health parameters and the incidence of diarrhoea. Kids were sorted by parity of their dams and multiple birth (twin or triplet) and assigned to one of the two groups (control: CG, and experimental: EG) at birth. Each group consisted of 25 kids. The groups were similar with regard to sex and birth weight. All kids were fed colostrum for the first 3 days after birth, and then the kids in EG were adapted to inulin supplementation by an increased dosage from day 4 to 7. Each kid in EG was supplemented with 0.2 g, 0.3 g, 0.4 g, 0.5 g and 0.6 g inulin on day 4, 5, 6, 7 and from day 8 to 28, respectively, whereas the kids in CG did not receive inulin. Faecal score and faecal bacterial population were not affected by inulin supplementation (P > 0.05). There were differences in faecal pH on day 14 (P = 0.01) and 28 (P<0.05), whereas no difference in faecal pH on day 21 (P > 0.05) was detected between groups. No differences (P > 0.05) in BW and haematological traits were found between groups. Body temperature did not differ on day 14 and 21 (P > 0.05), whereas there was a difference in body temperature on day 28 (P = 0.01) between groups. The numbers of kids with pneumonia and kids treated for pneumonia and diarrhoea were similar for CG and EG. Kid losses during the study were the same for CG and EG. The incidence of diarrhoea was not affected by inulin supplementation (P > 0.05). Inulin supplemented to kids did not adversely affect faecal score. The effect of inulin on faecal pH was not consistent. The results of our study suggested that daily dose (0.6 g) of inulin might not be enough to observe effects of it. Our data will be useful to determine the dose and timing of inulin supplementation in future studies investigating the effects of inulin on the parameters associated with performance and health status in kids and other young ruminants.