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Sekeresova Kralova J, Donic C, Dassa B, Livyatan I, Jansen PM, Ben-Dor S, Fidel L, Trzebanski S, Narunsky-Haziza L, Asraf O, Brenner O, Dafni H, Jona G, Boura-Halfon S, Stettner N, Segal E, Brunke S, Pilpel Y, Straussman R, Zeevi D, Bacher P, Hube B, Shlezinger N, Jung S. Competitive fungal commensalism mitigates candidiasis pathology. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20231686. [PMID: 38497819 PMCID: PMC10949073 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The mycobiota are a critical part of the gut microbiome, but host-fungal interactions and specific functional contributions of commensal fungi to host fitness remain incompletely understood. Here, we report the identification of a new fungal commensal, Kazachstania heterogenica var. weizmannii, isolated from murine intestines. K. weizmannii exposure prevented Candida albicans colonization and significantly reduced the commensal C. albicans burden in colonized animals. Following immunosuppression of C. albicans colonized mice, competitive fungal commensalism thereby mitigated fatal candidiasis. Metagenome analysis revealed K. heterogenica or K. weizmannii presence among human commensals. Our results reveal competitive fungal commensalism within the intestinal microbiota, independent of bacteria and immune responses, that could bear potential therapeutic value for the management of C. albicans-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catalina Donic
- Departments of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Bareket Dassa
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ilana Livyatan
- Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Paul Mathias Jansen
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute Jena (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Shifra Ben-Dor
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lena Fidel
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sébastien Trzebanski
- Departments of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Omer Asraf
- Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ori Brenner
- Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hagit Dafni
- Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ghil Jona
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sigalit Boura-Halfon
- Departments of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noa Stettner
- Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Segal
- Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute Jena (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Yitzhak Pilpel
- Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ravid Straussman
- Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David Zeevi
- Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Petra Bacher
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute Jena (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Neta Shlezinger
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Steffen Jung
- Departments of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Guo J, Shi W, Li X, Yang B, Qin C, Su L. Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiomes in Laboratory Chinchillas, Ferrets, and Marmots: Implications for Pathogen Infection Research. Microorganisms 2024; 12:646. [PMID: 38674591 PMCID: PMC11051751 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbes play a vital role in the health and disease of animals, especially in relation to pathogen infections. Chinchillas, ferrets, and marmots are commonly used as important laboratory animals for infectious disease research. Here, we studied the bacterial and fungal microbiota and discovered that chinchillas had higher alpha diversity and a higher abundance of bacteria compared to marmots and ferrets by using the metabarcoding of 16S rRNA genes and ITS2, coupled with co-occurrence network analysis. The dominant microbes varied significantly among the three animal species, particularly in the gut mycobiota. In the ferrets, the feces were dominated by yeast such as Rhodotorula and Kurtzmaniella, while in the chinchillas, we found Teunomyces and Penicillium dominating, and Acaulium, Piromyces, and Kernia in the marmots. Nevertheless, the dominant bacterial genera shared some similarities, such as Clostridium and Pseudomonas across the three animal species. However, there were significant differences observed, such as Vagococcus and Ignatzschineria in the ferrets, Acinetobacter and Bacteroides in the chinchillas, and Bacteroides and Cellvibrio in the marmots. Additionally, our differential analysis revealed significant differences in classification levels among the three different animal species, as well as variations in feeding habitats that resulted in distinct contributions from the host microbiome. Therefore, our data are valuable for monitoring and evaluating the impacts of the microbiome, as well as considering potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lei Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, International Center for Technology and Innovation of Animal Model, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100021, China; (J.G.); (W.S.); (X.L.); (B.Y.); (C.Q.)
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3
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Feng N, Xu R, Wang D, Li L, Su Y, Feng X. The Fecal Redox Potential in Healthy and Diarrheal Pigs and Their Correlation with Microbiota. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38247520 PMCID: PMC10812559 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The redox potential plays a critical role in sustaining the stability of gut microbiota. This study measured the fecal redox potential in healthy and diarrheal pigs using direct and dilution methods and investigated their correlation with microbiota. The results showed that the fluctuations in the redox potential of healthy pig feces were consistent using two different methods and the two methods are equivalent based on an equivalence test. The redox potential was positively correlated with the number of fungi and negatively related to the total bacteria. The relative or absolute abundances of many bacteria at the phyla and genus levels were associated with redox potential. In diarrheal pigs, the potentiometric trends of the two methods demonstrated an opposing pattern and the correlation with total bacteria was reversed. Precipitously elevated redox potential was detected post-diarrhea using dilution methods. The absolute abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Fuurnierella was positively correlated with redox potential, while both relative and absolute abundances of Limosilactobacillus were positively correlated. These results suggest that both methods are suitable for detecting gut redox potential in healthy pigs, while the dilution method is more suitable for diarrheal pigs. The findings on the correlation of Limosilactobacillus, Prevotella, and Escherichia-Shigella with redox potential offer novel insights for targeted modulation of intestinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Feng
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (N.F.); (R.X.); (D.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Rongying Xu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (N.F.); (R.X.); (D.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Dongfang Wang
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (N.F.); (R.X.); (D.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Lian Li
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (N.F.); (R.X.); (D.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Yong Su
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (N.F.); (R.X.); (D.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Xiaobo Feng
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
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Xu R, Feng N, Li Q, Wang H, Li L, Feng X, Su Y, Zhu W. Pectin supplementation accelerates post-antibiotic gut microbiome reconstitution orchestrated with reduced gut redox potential. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae101. [PMID: 38857378 PMCID: PMC11203915 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis (AID) presents a big challenge to host health, and the recovery from this dysbiosis is often slow and incomplete. AID is typically characterized by elevation in redox potential, Enterobacteriaceae load, and aerobic metabolism. In our previous study, a pectin-enriched diet was demonstrated to decrease fecal redox potential and modulate the gut microbiome. Therefore, we propose that pectin supplementation may modulate gut redox potential and favor post-antibiotic gut microbiome reconstitution from dysbiosis. In the present study, rats with AIDwere used to investigate the effects of pectin supplementation on post-antibiotic gut microbiome reconstitution from dysbiosis. The results showed that pectin supplementation accelerated post-antibiotic reconstitution of gut microbiome composition and function and led to enhancement of anabolic reductive metabolism and weakening of catabolic oxidative pathways. These results were corroborated by the measurement of redox potential, findings suggesting that pectin favors post-antibiotic recovery from dysbiosis. Pectin-modulated fecal microbiota transplantation accelerated the decrease in antibiotics-elevated redox potential and Enterobacteriaceae load similarly to pectin supplementation. Moreover, both pectin supplementation and Pectin-modulated fecal microbiota transplantation enriched anaerobic members, primarily from Lachnospiraceae orchestration with enhancement of microbial reductive metabolism in post-antibiotic rats. These findings suggested that pectin supplementation accelerated post-antibiotic gut microbiome reconstitution orchestrated with reduced gut redox potential and that the effect of pectin on redox potential was mediated by remodeling of the intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongying Xu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ni Feng
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qiuke Li
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lian Li
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaobo Feng
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yong Su
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Weiyun Zhu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Yang J, Wang J, Liu Z, Chen J, Jiang J, Zhao M, Gong D. Ligilactobacillus Salivarius improve body growth and anti-oxidation capacity of broiler chickens via regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:395. [PMID: 38071295 PMCID: PMC10709959 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Certain strains of probiotic bacteria can secret functional substances namely digestive enzymes and functional peptides to regulate physiological conditions such as digestion and anti-oxidation, which are often incorporated in industrial broiler chick production. However, few studies have detailed the action mechanisms and effects of these bacteria on regulating growth and anti-oxidation levels in broiler chickens. Ligilactobacillus salivarius is a strain of probiotic bacteria used as dietary supplement. In the present study, Ligilactobacillus salivarius was evaluated for its secreted digestive enzymes in vitro. To detailed evaluate the action mechanisms and effects of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota on alleviating anti-oxidation levels of broiler chickens through the gut-brain axis. Ligilactobacillus salivarius was cultured and supplemented in the food of broilers to evaluate the probiotic effect on growth and anti-oxidation by modulation of gut microbial composition and its functional metabolites using metagenomic and metabolomic assays. Biochemical results showed that Ligilactobacillus salivarius secreted digestive enzymes: protease, lipase, and amylase. Broiler chickens with Ligilactobacillus salivarius supplemented for 42 days, showed increased body weights, a reduced oxidative status, decreased malondialdehyde levels, and improved activities rates of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase IIand IV improved. The microbial composition of caecum was more abundant than those broiler without probiotics supplementation, owing 400 of total number (489) of bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTU). The genera of Lactobacillus, Megamonas, Ruminoccoccaceae, Ruminococcus, Alistipes and Helicobacter shared the dominant proportion of Candidatus _Arthromitus compared with the control chickens. These functional bacteria genera assisted in the transportation and digestion of amino acids, carbohydrates, and ions, synthesis of cellular membranes, and anti-oxidation. Uncultured_organism_g_ Anaerosporobacter, Lactobacillus salivarius, uncultured_bacterium_g_ Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, uncultured_bacterium_g_ Peptococcus were strongly and positively correlated with body growth performance and anti-oxidation. A metabonomic assay suggested that the secreted of gamma-aminobutyric acid and monobactam was metabolized according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. In conclusion, Ligilactobacillus salivarius optimized microbial composition of the caecum and secreted functional peptides through gut-brain axis to improve the body growth and antioxidation of broiler chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal genetic Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- School of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jurong, 212400, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jurong, 212400, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zongliang Liu
- Hefei Zhien Biotechnology Company Limited, National University Science Park, No.602 of Huangshan Road, Hefei, 230031, 230001, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jun Chen
- School of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jurong, 212400, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiajing Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 210038, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minmeng Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal genetic Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Daoqing Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal genetic Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China.
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Yang J, Chen R, Peng Y, Chai J, Li Y, Deng F. The role of gut archaea in the pig gut microbiome: a mini-review. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1284603. [PMID: 37876779 PMCID: PMC10593451 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1284603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbiota of swine harbors an essential but often overlooked component: the gut archaea. These enigmatic microorganisms play pivotal roles in swine growth, health, and yield quality. Recent insights indicate that the diversity of gut archaea is influenced by various factors including breed, age, and diet. Such factors orchestrate the metabolic interactions within the porcine gastrointestinal environment. Through symbiotic relationships with bacteria, these archaea modulate the host's energy metabolism and digestive processes. Contemporary research elucidates a strong association between the abundance of these archaea and economically significant traits in swine. This review elucidates the multifaceted roles of gut archaea in swine and underscores the imperative for strategic interventions to modulate their population and functionality. By exploring the probiotic potential of gut archaea, we envisage novel avenues to enhance swine growth, health, and product excellence. By spotlighting this crucial, yet under-investigated, facet of the swine gut microbiome, we aim to galvanize further scientific exploration into harnessing their myriad benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Routing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunjuan Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianmin Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Feilong Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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Kiernan DP, O’Doherty JV, Sweeney T. The Effect of Prebiotic Supplements on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Associated Health Parameters in Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3012. [PMID: 37835619 PMCID: PMC10572080 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Establishing a balanced and diverse microbiota in the GIT of pigs is crucial for optimizing health and performance throughout the production cycle. The post-weaning period is a critical phase, as it is often associated with dysbiosis, intestinal dysfunction and poor performance. Traditionally, intestinal dysfunctions associated with weaning have been alleviated using antibiotics and/or antimicrobials. However, increasing concerns regarding the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has prompted an industry-wide drive towards identifying natural sustainable dietary alternatives. Modulating the microbiota through dietary intervention can improve animal health by increasing the production of health-promoting metabolites associated with the improved microbiota, while limiting the establishment and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Prebiotics are a class of bioactive compounds that resist digestion by gastrointestinal enzymes, but which can still be utilized by beneficial microbes within the GIT. Prebiotics are a substrate for these beneficial microbes and therefore enhance their proliferation and abundance, leading to the increased production of health-promoting metabolites and suppression of pathogenic proliferation in the GIT. There are a vast range of prebiotics, including carbohydrates such as non-digestible oligosaccharides, beta-glucans, resistant starch, and inulin. Furthermore, the definition of a prebiotic has recently expanded to include novel prebiotics such as peptides and amino acids. A novel class of -biotics, referred to as "stimbiotics", was recently suggested. This bioactive group has microbiota-modulating capabilities and promotes increases in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in a disproportionally greater manner than if they were merely substrates for bacterial fermentation. The aim of this review is to characterize the different prebiotics, detail the current understating of stimbiotics, and outline how supplementation to pigs at different stages of development and production can potentially modulate the GIT microbiota and subsequently improve the health and performance of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon P. Kiernan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 W6F6 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - John V. O’Doherty
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 W6F6 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Torres Sweeney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 W6F6 Dublin, Ireland;
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