Different Effects of Lard and Vegetable Blend Oil on Intestinal Microorganisms, Enzyme Activity and Blood Routine in Mice

Shenling Baizhu powder attenuates lard diet in a fatigued state-induced diarrhea via targeting microbial metabolites short chain fatty acids-mediated lipid metabolism

Shenling Baizhu Powder (SLBZP), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription renowned for its efficacy, is specifically recognized for its therapeutic effects in managing diarrhea associated with spleen qi deficiency. Our previous research has demonstrated that a lard diet in a fatigued state induced diarrhea belonging to spleen qi deficiency in TCM. Through a comprehensive investigation, we aimed to provide insights into the intricate relationship between SLBZP and the modulation of gut microbiota in alleviating symptoms associated with spleen qi deficiency-induced diarrhea. We induced diarrhea in mice by subjecting them to continuous standing on a multiple-platform apparatus while administering lard through intragastric administration for 14 days. Subsequently, we conducted gavage administration of SLBZP at a concentration of 0.637 g/ml for seven days. We observed a therapeutic effect of SLBZP on diarrhea induced by a lard diet in a fatigued state. SLBZP mitigated disorders in lipid metabolism and diminished hepatic oxidative responses. Additionally, SLBZP reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis of diarrheic mice and notably increased the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), primarily acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid. Through correlation analysis, we additionally identified Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus intestinalis as potentially pivotal species associated with the therapeutic effects of SLBZP. We demonstrated that SLBZP exerts therapeutic effects on diarrhea caused by a lard diet in a fatigued state by repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, improving lipid metabolism disorders, and regulating gut microbiota and metabolites SCFAs.

Fabrication of Human Milk Fat Substitute: Based on the Similarity Evaluation Model and Computer Software

We aimed to obtain the optimal formula for human milk fat substitute (HMFS) through a combination of software and an evaluation model and further verify its practicability through an animal experiment. The results showed that a total of 33 fatty acid (FA) and 63 triglyceride (TAG) molecular species were detected in vegetable oils. Palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, 18:1/16:0/18:1, 18:2/16:0/18:2, 18:1/18:1/18:1 and 18:1/18:2/18:1, were the main molecular species among the FAs and TAGs in the vegetable oils. Based on the HMFS evaluation model, the optimal mixed vegetable oil formula was blended with 21.3% palm oil, 2.8% linseed oil, 2.6% soybean oil, 29.9% rapeseed oil and 43.4% maize oil, with the highest score of 83.146. Moreover, there was no difference in the weight, blood routine indices or calcium and magnesium concentrations in the feces of the mice between the homemade mixed vegetable oil (HMVO) group and the commercial mixed vegetable oil (CMVO) group, while nervonic acid (C24:1) and octanoic acid (C8:0) were absorbed easily in the HMVO group. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the mixing of the different vegetable oils was feasible via a combination of computer software and an evaluation model and provided a new way to produce HMFS.

Dysfunction of cecal microbiota and CutC activity in mice mediating diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome

Objective

Previous studies have indicated that diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome leads to a disorder of small intestine contents and mucosal microbiota. However, the relationship of TMA-lyase (CutC) activity and TMAO with diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome remains unexplored. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between cecal microbiota and choline TMA-lyase (CutC) activity, as well as the correlation between trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), inflammatory index, and CutC activity.

Method

Twenty SPF-grade male KM mice were randomly divided into the normal group (CN) and the diarrhea model group (CD). Diarrhea mouse models were established by adenine combined with Folium sennae administration. CutC activity, TMAO, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were detected, and the cecal content microbiota was sequenced.

Result

After 14 days, diarrhea occurred in the CD group. Compared with the CN group, there was no significant change in the activity of CutC in the small intestine of the CD group, while the activity of CutC in the cecum was significantly increased, and the levels of TMAO, IL-6, and TNF-α showed a significant increase. The Chao1 index, Observed_species index, Shannon index, and Simpson index all exhibited a decreasing trend. The main changes at the bacterial genus level were Alistipes, Enterorhabdus, Desulfovibrio, Bacteroides, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and [Ruminococcus]_torques_group. The results of LEfSe analysis, random forest analysis and ROC curve analysis revealed Paludicola, Blautia, Negativibacillus, Paraprevotella, Harryflintia, Candidatus_Soleaferrea, Anaerotruncus, Oscillibacter, Colidextribacter, [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, and Bacteroides as characteristic bacteria in the CD group. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between cecal CutC activity and Ligilactobacillus, and a significant positive correlation with Negativibacillus and Paludicola. The level of TMAO was significantly positively correlated with CutC activity and IL-6.

Conclusion

Diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome significantly affects the physiological status, digestive enzyme activity, CutC activity, TMAO levels, and inflammatory response in mice. Additionally, there are changes in the composition and function of cecal microbiota, indicating an important impact of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome on the host intestinal microbiota balance. The occurrence of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome may be associated with dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota, increased CutC activity, elevated TMAO levels, and heightened inflammatory factor levels.

Adenine's impact on mice's gut and kidney varies with the dosage administered and relates to intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dosages of adenine on intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities, laying the experimental groundwork for subsequent exploration of the microbial mechanisms underlying diarrhea with kidney yang deficiency syndrome. Twenty-four mice were assigned to the following four groups: the control (NC) group, low-dosage adenine (NML) group, middle-dosage adenine (NMM) group, and high-dosage adenine (NMH) group. Mice in the NML, NMM, and NMH groups received 25 mg/(kg·d), 50 mg/(kg·d), and 100 mg/(kg·d) of adenine, respectively, 0.4 mL/each, once a day for 14 days. The NC group received 0.4 mL sterile water. Parameters including body weight, rectal temperature, intestinal microorganisms, enzyme activities, and microbial activity were measured. Results indicated that mice in the experimental group displayed signs of a poor mental state, curled up with their backs arched, and felt sleepy and lazy, with sparse fur that was easily shed, and damp bedding. Some mice showed fecal adhesion contamination in the perianal and tail areas. Dosage-dependent effects were observed, with decreased food intake, body weight, rectal temperature, and microbial activity and increased water intake and fecal water content. Enzyme activity analyses revealed significantly higher activities of protease, sucrase, amylase, and cellulase in intestinal contents and lactase, sucrase, amylase, and cellulase in the mucosa of the NMM group compared to those of other groups. Ultimately, the higher adenine dosage was associated with more pronounced symptoms of kidney yang deficiency syndrome, with 50 mg/kg adenine exhibiting the most substantial impact on the number of intestinal microbial colonies and enzyme activities.

The dysfunction in intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activity as significant contributors to diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome

Object

To investigate the pathogenesis of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome by examining characteristic changes in intestinal microorganisms, enzyme activities, oxidative stress, and metabolism indices.

Methods

Twenty mice were randomly and equally divided into control group (NC) and model group (NM). Mice in NM group received adenine suspension at a dosage of 50 mg/(kg⋅day) by gavage, 0.4 mL/time, once a day for 14 days, and Folium sennae decoction at a dosage of 10 g/(kg⋅day) by gavage, 0.4 mL/time, once a day for 7 days, starting on 8th day. Mice in NC group were administered an equivalent amount of sterile water by gavage once a day for 7 days, and twice a day from the 8th day. After modeling, assessments encompassed microbial culture, organ index calculation, microbial and enzyme activity detection, malondialdehyde (MDA) content determination, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, blood biochemical tests, and observation of kidney tissue pathological changes.

Results

The results showed that in NM group, a reduction in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria was noted, accompanied by an increase in the number of bacteria and E. coli. Xylanase activity in the intestinal contents and mucosa, protease activity in the intestinal mucosa, and intestinal mucosa microbial activity were diminished. Conversely, the activities of amylase, sucrase, and lactase increased in intestinal mucosa. Additionally, there was an elevation in the level of MDA. Renal tubular dilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the renal interstitium.

Conclusion

These dysfunctions in intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities suggest potential involvement in diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome.

Alterations in intestinal microbiota and enzyme activities under cold-humid stress: implications for diarrhea in cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome

Introduction

Cold and humid environments alter the intestinal microbiota, and the role of the intestinal microbiota in the development of diarrhea associated with cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome in Chinese medicine is unclear.

Methods

The 30 mice were randomly divided into normal and model groups, with the model group being exposed to cold and humid environmental stresses for 7 days. Then, mouse intestinal contents were collected and analyzed their intestinal microbiota and digestive enzymes.

Results

Our findings revealed significant increases in sucrase and lactase activities, as well as microbial activity, in the model group (p < 0.05). β-diversity analysis highlighted distinct intestinal microbiota compositions between the two groups. Specifically, the experimental group showed a unique dominance of the genera and strains Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Clostridium sp. ND2. LEfSe analysis identified Helicobacter, Roseburia, and Eubacterium plexicaudatum ASF492 as differentially abundant species in them model group. Network analysis demonstrated that rare bacterial species mostly governed the microbial interactions, exhibiting increased mutual promotion. On the other hand, abundant species like Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus reuteri showed mutual inhibitory relationships.

Discussion

In summary, exposure to cold and humid conditions led to increased intestinal enzyme activities and a shift in microbial composition, favoring the growth of rare bacterial species. These changes suggest that rare bacteria in the intestinal microbiota play a critical role in the pathology of diarrhea associated with cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome, revealing unique survival strategies among bacterial populations under stressful conditions.

Association of Short-Chain Fatty Acids with Gut Microbiota and Lipid Metabolism in Mice with Diarrhea Induced by High-Fat Diet in a Fatigued State

SCOPE

Preliminary research finds that a high-fat diet (HFD) in a fatigued state triggers diarrhea, but the exact mechanism has not been clarified. To address concerns about the pathogenesis of diarrhea, the study evaluates the composition and metabolomics of the gut microbiota.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study uses the multiple platform apparatus device to induce fatigue in mice, combined with intragastric administration of lard-caused diarrhea. Subsequently, the characteristics and interaction relationship of gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), inflammatory biomarkers, brain-gut peptides, and lipid metabolism are analyzed at the end of the experiment. HFD in a fatigued state results in a significant increase in interleukin-17, interleukin-6, cholecystokinin, somatostatin, and malondialdehyde content in mice (p < 0.05), along with a substantial decrease in high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05). Additionally, an HFD in a fatigued state causes changes in the structure and composition of the gut microbiota, with Lactobacillus murinus as its characteristic bacteria, and reduces the production of SCFAs.

CONCLUSIONS

An HFD in a fatigued state triggers diarrhea, possibly associated with gut content microbiota dysbiosis, SCFAs deprivation, increased inflammation, and dysregulated lipid metabolism.

Exploring the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine: an overview of the literature

Obesity and diabetes are closely related metabolic disorders that have become major public health concerns worldwide. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have explored the underlying mechanisms of these disorders and identified various risk factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been increasingly recognized for its potential to manage obesity and diabetes. Weight loss is difficult to sustain, and several diabetic therapies, such as sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and insulin, might make it harder to lose weight. While lifestyle changes should be the primary approach for people interested in lowering weight, drugs are also worth investigating. Since some of the newer glucose-lowering medications that cause weight loss, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), are additionally utilized or are under consideration for use as anti-obesity drugs, the frontier between glucose-lowering medication and weight loss drugs appears to be shifting. This review provides an overview of the literature on the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and the prospect of TCM in their management. We discuss the various TCM interventions, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy, and their effects on metabolic health. We also highlight the potential of TCM in regulating gut microbiota, reducing inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity. The findings suggest that TCM may provide a promising approach to preventing and managing obesity and diabetes. However, further well-designed studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of TCM interventions and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action.

Diarrhea accompanies intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal microbiota dysbiosis during fatigue combined with a high-fat diet

OBJECTIVE

It was reported fatigue or a high-fat diet triggers diarrhea, and intestinal microbiota may play central roles in diarrhea. Therefore, we investigated the association between the intestinal mucosal microbiota and the intestinal mucosal barrier from fatigue combined with a high-fat diet.

METHOD

This study divided the Specific pathogen-free (SPF) male mice into the normal group (MCN) and the standing united lard group (MSLD). The MSLD group stood on water environment platform box for 4 h/day for 14 days, and 0.4 mL lard was gavaged from day 8, twice daily for 7 days.

RESULT

After 14 days, Mice in the MSLD group showed diarrhea symptoms. The pathological analysis showed structural damage to the small intestine in the MSLD group, with an increasing trend of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17, and inflammation accompanied by structural damage to the intestine. Fatigue combined with a high-fat diet considerably decreased Limosilactobacillus vaginalis and Limosilactobacillus reuteri, and among them, Limosilactobacillus reuteri positively associated with Muc2 and negatively with IL-6.

CONCLUSION

The interactions between Limosilactobacillus reuteri and intestinal inflammation might be involved in the process of intestinal mucosal barrier impairment in fatigue combined with high-fat diet-induced diarrhea.

The diarrheal mechanism of mice with a high-fat diet in a fatigued state is associated with intestinal mucosa microbiota

Growing evidence has demonstrated that fatigue and a high-fat diet trigger diarrhea, and intestinal microbiota disorder interact with diarrhea. However, the association of intestinal mucosal microbiota with fatigue and high-fat diet trigger diarrhea remains unclear. The specific pathogen-free Kunming male mice were randomly divided into the normal group (MCN), standing group (MSD), lard group (MLD), and standing united lard group (MSLD). Mice in the MSD and MSLD groups stood on the multiple-platform apparatus for four h/d for fourteen consecutive days. From the eighth day, mice in the MLD and MSLD groups were intragastric lard, 0.4 mL/each, twice a day for seven days. Subsequently, we analyzed the characteristics and interaction relationship of intestinal mucosal microbiota, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17 (IL-17), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). Results showed that mice in the MSLD group had an increased number of bowel movements. Compared with the MCN group, the contents of IL-17, and IL-6 were higher (p > 0.05), and the content of sIgA was lower in the MSLD group (p > 0.05). MDA and SOD increased in MLD and MSLD groups. Thermoactinomyces and Staphyloccus were the characteristic bacteria of the MSLD group. And Staphyloccus were positively correlated with IL-6, IL-17, and SOD. In conclusion, the interactions between Thermoactinomyces, Staphyloccus and intestinal inflammation, and immunity might be involved in fatigue and high-fat diet-induced diarrhea.

An overview of traditional Chinese medicine affecting gut microbiota in obesity

Obesity, a chronic metabolic disease with a complex pathophysiology, is caused by several variables. High-fat diets lead to the disruption of the gut microbiota and impaired gut barrier function in obese people. The dysbiosis and its metabolites through the intestinal barrier lead to an imbalance in energy metabolism and inflammatory response, which eventually contributes to the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Current medicines are therapeutic to obesity in the short term; however, they may bring significant physical and emotional problems to patients as major side effects. Therefore, it is urgent to explore new therapeutic methods that have definite efficacy, can be taken for a long time, and have mild adverse effects. Numerous studies have demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can control the gut microbiota in a multi-targeted and comprehensive manner, thereby restoring flora homeostasis, repairing damaged intestinal mucosal barriers, and eventually curbing the development of obesity. The active ingredients and compounds of TCM can restore the normal physiological function of the intestinal mucosal barrier by regulating gut microbiota to regulate energy metabolism, inhibit fat accumulation, affect food appetite, and reduce intestinal mucosal inflammatory response, thereby effectively promoting weight loss and providing new strategies for obesity prevention and treatment. Although there are some studies on the regulation of gut microbiota by TCM to prevent and treat obesity, all of them have the disadvantage of being systematic and comprehensive. Therefore, this work comprehensively describes the molecular mechanism of obesity mediated by gut microbiota based on the research state of obesity, gut microbiota, and TCM. A comprehensive and systematic summary of TCM targeting the regulation of gut microbiota for the treatment of obesity should be conducted in order to provide new strategies and ideas for the treatment of obesity.

Intervention Effects of Okra Extract on Brain-Gut Peptides and Intestinal Microorganisms in Sleep Deprivation Rats

Objective

Okra, possessing various bioactive components, is used to treat different diseases. This study sought to estimate the intervention effects of okra extract (OE) on brain-gut peptides (BGPs) and intestinal microorganisms in sleep deprivation (SD) rats.

Methods

SD rat models were established using the modified multiple platform method and then treated with normal saline, diazepam tablets, or different doses of OE. Body weight and average daily water consumption of rats were recorded. Depressive behaviors of rats were assessed by the open field test and sucrose preference test. Serum levels of noradrenaline, melatonin, inflammatory factors (IL-1β/IL-6/TNF-α/IL-4/IL-10), and BGP indexes, including gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), cholecystokinin (CCK), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured by ELISA. Additionally, the DNA relative contents of representative intestinal microorganisms in the collected rat feces were determined using RT-qPCR.

Results

SD decreased body weight and average daily water consumption and induced depressive behaviors as well as stress and inflammatory responses in rats. SD rats exhibited lowered GAS, MTL, 5-HT, and VIP but elevated CCK and showed diminished DNA relative contents of Bacteroidetes and probiotics (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) but increased Clostridium perfringens. OE at different doses ameliorated the depressive behaviors and mitigated the stress and inflammatory responses in SD rats, raised the serum contents of GAS, MTL, 5-HT, and VIP, reduced CCK level, elevated the DNA relative contents of Bacteroidetes and probiotics, but diminished Clostridium perfringens. OE exhibited similar intervention effects to diazepam tablets (positive control).

Conclusion

OE exerts intervention effects on BGPs and intestinal microorganisms in SD rats.