Bacterial overgrowth assessment and treatment among pediatric intestinal rehabilitation and nutrition support providers: An international survey of clinical practice patterns.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is a common, but difficult to diagnose and treat, problem in pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS). Lack of clinical consensus criteria and unknown sensitivity and specificity of bedside diagnosis makes research on this potential SBS disease modifier challenging. The objective of this research was to describe clinical care of SBBO among international intestinal rehabilitation and nutrition support (IR&NS) providers treating patients with SBS. METHODS: A secure, confidential, international, electronic survey of IR&NS practitioners was conducted between March 2021 and May 2021. All analyses were conducted in the R statistical computing framework, version 4.0. RESULTS: Sixty percent of respondents agreed and 0% strongly disagreed that abdominal pain, distension, emesis, diarrhea, and malodorous stool, were attributable to SBBO. No more than 20% of respondents strongly agreed and no more than 40% agreed that any sign or symptom was specific for SBBO. For a first-time diagnosis, 31 practitioners agreed with use of a 7-day course of a single antibiotic, with a majority citing grade 5 evidence to inform their decisions (case series, uncontrolled studies, or expert opinion). The most common first antibiotic used to treat a new onset SBBO was metronidazole, and rifaximin was the second most commonly used. One hundred percent of respondents reported they would consider a consensus algorithm for SBBO, even if the algorithm may be divergent from their current practice. CONCLUSION: SBBO practice varies widely among experienced IR&NS providers. Development of a clinical consensus algorithm may help standardize care to improve research and care of this complex problem and to identify risks and benefits of chronic antibiotic use in SBS.

Distinct effects of TU-100 (daikenchuto) on long-lasting dysbiosis in the small intestine in patients with colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

The profile of the human small intestinal microbiota remains to be uncovered primarily due to sampling difficulties. Ileostomy provides the intestinal luminal contents as ileostomy effluents (IE) that offer opportunity for performing extensive analyses of nutrients, gastrointestinal fluids, metabolites, and microbiome. In the present study, we evaluated changes in the microbiome, pH, and bacterial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in IE obtained from patients who had undergone ileostomy following surgical resection of colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We enrolled 11 patients who varied in the duration of ileostomy from 3 days to >5 years after surgery and had no inflammation in the small intestine. The analyses suggested that IE from patients previously having IBD had less diversity and greater intraday and interday fluctuations, and increased pH and decreased levels of propionic acid and acetic acid than those in IE from patients previously having cancer. Furthermore, correlation analysis suggested a possible effect of the intestinal microbiome on luminal pH, presumably via SCFA production. The present study suggested that inflammation in the colon may induce long-term dysbiosis in the small intestine even after removal of diseased parts of the colon. Moreover, pharmaceutical-grade Japanese traditional medicine daikenchuto (TU-100) was found to have beneficial effects on postoperative bowel dysfunction and the human small intestinal microbiota. Taken together, these results suggest the necessity of a direct remedy for dysbiosis and the treatment of gastrointestinal lesions to achieve favorable outcomes for chronic gastrointestinal disorders.

BST1 regulates nicotinamide riboside metabolism via its glycohydrolase and base-exchange activities.

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is one of the orally bioavailable NAD+ precursors and has been demonstrated to exhibit beneficial effects against aging and aging-associated diseases. However, the metabolic pathway of NR in vivo is not yet fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that orally administered NR increases NAD+ level via two different pathways. In the early phase, NR was directly absorbed and contributed to NAD+ generation through the NR salvage pathway, while in the late phase, NR was hydrolyzed to nicotinamide (NAM) by bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1 (BST1), and was further metabolized by the gut microbiota to nicotinic acid, contributing to generate NAD+ through the Preiss-Handler pathway. Furthermore, we report BST1 has a base-exchange activity against both NR and nicotinic acid riboside (NAR) to generate NAR and NR, respectively, connecting amidated and deamidated pathways. Thus, we conclude that BST1 plays a dual role as glycohydrolase and base-exchange enzyme during oral NR supplementation.

Fermented Deer Blood Ameliorates Intense Exercise-Induced Fatigue via Modulating Small Intestine Microbiota and Metabolites in Mice.

Intense and excessive exercise-induced fatigue has become an important health issue and can damage intestinal health. Deer blood, as a food byproduct with nutritional value, has been found to restore physical strength. However, little is known about the antifatigue effect of fermented deer blood (FDB) on intense exercise mice. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the antifatigue effect of FDB, and whether this effect is correlated with the altered small intestinal microbiota and metabolites in exercise mice. In this study, 5-week-old male C57BL/6J mice are given treadmill exercise with or without FDB supplementation (30 and 150 mg/kg/d) for 3 weeks. FDB significantly reduces metabolic byproduct accumulation, liver and intestinal damage, and enhances glycogen storage and antioxidant capacity in intense exercise mice. Moreover, FDB restructures the small intestinal microbiota by increasing the abundance of probiotics and butyric acid producing bacteria and decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. FDB also regulates the levels of metabolites involved in TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism in urine and small intestine content. Correlation analysis shows that FDB-modulated microbiota is highly associated with its antifatigue effect. FDB may ameliorate fatigue and intestinal injury through targeting small intestinal microbiota.

Effects of Bovine Colostrum with or without Egg on In Vitro Bacterial-Induced Intestinal Damage with Relevance for SIBO and Infectious Diarrhea.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs commonly, is difficult to treat, and frequently recurs. Bovine colostrum (BC) and chicken eggs contain immunoglobulins and other components that possess antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, and growth factor activities; however, it is not known if they have the ability to reduce injury caused by the presence of bacteria associated with SIBO (Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Bacteroides, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Proteus) and infectious diarrhea (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella). We examined the effects of BC, egg, or the combination, on bacterial growth and bacteria-induced changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and bacterial translocation across confluent Caco-2 monolayers. BC, egg, or the combination did not affect bacterial growth. Adding bacteria to monolayers reduced TEER and (with minor variations among species) increased bacterial translocation, increased monolayer apoptosis (increased caspase-3 and Baxα, reduced Bcl2), increased intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and reduced cell adhesion molecules zonulin1 (ZO1) and claudin-1. BC, egg, or the combination reduced these effects (all p < 0.01) and caused additional increases in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) expression. We conclude that BC ± egg strengthens mucosal integrity against a battery of bacteria relevant for SIBO and for infectious diarrhea. Oral BC ± egg may have clinical value for these conditions, especially SIBO where eradication of precipitating organisms may be difficult to achieve.

Adaptation of the small intestine to microbial enteropathogens in Zambian children with stunting.

Environmental enteropathy is a major contributor to growth faltering in millions of children in Africa and South Asia. We carried out a longitudinal, observational and interventional study in Lusaka, Zambia, of 297 children with stunting (aged 2-17 months at recruitment) and 46 control children who had good growth (aged 1-5 months at recruitment). Control children contributed data only at baseline. Children were provided with nutritional supplementation of daily cornmeal-soy blend, an egg and a micronutrient sprinkle, and were followed up to 24 months of age. Children whose growth did not improve over 4-6 months of nutritional supplementation were classified as having non-responsive stunting. We monitored microbial translocation from the gut lumen to the bloodstream in the cohort with non-responsive stunting (n = 108) by measuring circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS-binding protein and soluble CD14 at baseline and when non-response was declared. We found that microbial translocation decreased with increasing age, such that LPS declined in 81 (75%) of 108 children with non-responsive stunting, despite sustained pathogen pressure and ongoing intestinal epithelial damage. We used confocal laser endomicroscopy and found that mucosal leakiness also declined with age. However, expression of brush border enzyme, nutrient transporter and mucosal barrier genes in intestinal biopsies did not change with age or correlate with biomarkers of microbial translocation. We propose that environmental enteropathy arises through adaptation to pathogen-mediated epithelial damage. Although environmental enteropathy reduces microbial translocation, it does so at the cost of impaired growth. The reduced epithelial surface area imposed by villus blunting may explain these findings.

Diverse role of gut microbiota on reduction of ascites and intestinal injury in malignant ascites effusion rats treated with Euphorbia kansui stir-fried with vinegar.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Euphorbia kansui (EK) is the dried root of Euphorbia kansui S.L.Liou ex S.B.Ho. Clinically, processing with vinegar is for reducing toxicity of EK, and EK stir-fried with vinegar (VEK) is used to treat ascites and edema. VEK has been confirmed to reduce ascites by accelerating the promotion of intestinal contents. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to investigate whether gut microbiota could affect the expelling water retention effects and the intestinal oxidative damage of EK and VEK on malignant ascites effusion (MAE) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pseudo-germ-free (PGF) MAE rats or probiotic intervented MAE rats were treated with EK/VEK. Related indicators such as serum, ascites, urine, feces, gastrointestinal tissues were analyzed, and the structure of the gut microbiota were also studied. The relationship between gut microbiota and the expelling water retention effects of EK/VEK where then further investigated. RESULTS: VEK reduce the volume of ascites by promoting urine and feces excretion, AQP8 protein and mRNA expression, when comparing with the MAE rats, also VEK could regulate the disordered gut microbiota in MAE rats. Mixed antibiotics could diminish VEK's expelling water retention effects in MAE rats, but increased oxidative damage in intestine. While existence of gut microbiota (especially probiotics) played an important role in the protection of intestines in VEK treated MAE rats. CONCLUSION: VEK had obvious pharmacological effect on MAE and could regulate gut microbiota, but gut microbiota was not a necessary condition for its pharmacological effects. The probiotics played a synergistic role with VEK in the effects of expelling water retention and intestinal protection.

An agent-based simulator for the gastrointestinal pathway of Listeria monocytogenes.

We developed an agent-based gastric simulator for a human host to illustrate the within host survival mechanisms of Listeria monocytogenes. The simulator incorporates the gastric physiology and digestion processes that are critical for pathogen survival in the stomach. Mathematical formulations for the pH dynamics, stomach emptying time, and survival probability in the presence of gastric acid are integrated in the simulator to evaluate the portion of ingested bacteria that survives in the stomach and reaches the small intestine. The parameters are estimated using in vitro data relevant to the human stomach and L. monocytogenes. The simulator predicts that 5%-29% of ingested bacteria can survive a human stomach and reach the small intestine. In the absence of extensive scientific experiments, which are not feasible on the grounds of ethical and safety concerns, this simulator may provide a supplementary tool to evaluate pathogen survival and subsequent infection, especially with regards to the ingestion of small doses.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: How to Diagnose and Treat (and Then Treat Again).

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition with presentation that can vary from asymptomatic to steatorrhea and malnutrition. Small bowel aspiration and culture is the current gold standard of diagnosis; however, this is invasive and is not without risk to the patient. Breath testing is a noninvasive and less expensive alternative method; however, it lacks diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Novel diagnostic methods being studied include gas-sensing capsules. The mainstay of treatment is antibiotics; alternative therapies include herbal medications, dietary modifications, and prokinetic agents. Further investigation into less invasive and less harmful diagnostic methods and treatment options is warranted.

Chinese medicine formula Kai-Xin-San ameliorates depression-like behaviours in chronic unpredictable mild stressed mice by regulating gut microbiota-inflammation-stress system.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kai-Xin-San (KXS) has been prescribed by TCM doctors for treating psychiatric diseases with the core symptoms of anhedonia, amnesia, and dizziness. According to the symptoms of patients, KXS series formulae are created by varying the compatible ratio of herbs. Today, these formulae are still used in the clinic to treat major depressive disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: We hoped to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of Kai-Xin-San via regulation of the gut-brain axis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized extracts of three representative compatible ratios of KXS had been prepared, and quality control of the extracts was performed by HPLC-MS/MS. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression-like mice were used as the depression animal model. After KXS treatment, the antidepressant-like effects of KXS were assessed by behavioural tests. The gut microbiota compositions in the faeces were determined by 16S rRNA sequencing technology. The levels of LPS, pro-inflammatory cytokines and HPA-axis-related hormones were measured by ELISA kits, and the expression of barrier proteins in the small intestines and prefrontal cortex were determined by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, antibiotics were used to determine the correlation between KXS exerting an antidepressant-like effect and regulating the gut-brain axis. RESULTS: KXS alleviated depression-like behaviours in CUMS-exposed mice. Furthermore, these parameters were also found to be changed after KXS treatment. Alteration of the gut microbiota composition were found in the small intestines. A decrease in the LPS and the pro-inflammatory cytokines were found in both the small intestine and brain. An increase in the tight junction proteins was found in the gut epithelium barrier and the blood-brain barrier. A decrease in the stress-related hormones was found in the central nervous system. Furthermore, antibiotic treatment attenuated the antidepressant-like effect of KXS in CUMS-exposed mice. CONCLUSIONS: KXS exerted an antidepressant-like effect regulating the gut-brain axis, which included gut micro-environment modification, suppression of neuronal inflammation in the brain and inhibition of HPA axis activation in CUMS-induced depression-like mice.

Protective Effect of Tong-Qiao-Huo-Xue Decoction on Inflammatory Injury Caused by Intestinal Microbial Disorders in Stroke Rats.

Tong-Qiao-Huo-Xue Decoction (TQHXD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription for treating cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of TQHXD on intervening inflammatory response of ischemic stroke by regulating intestinal flora and repairing the intestinal barrier. A rat model of cerebral ischemia was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and behavioral scores were performed. Additionally, the high throughput 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence of intestinal bacteria in fecal samples of rat was also carried out. Our results showed that TQHXD could change the main components of intestinal flora in stroke rats, and reduced the excessive increase of Bacteroidetes, and also regulated the abnormal changes of abundance of some flora as well. In addition, the intestinal epithelial barrier was damaged after stroke, allowing bacterial metabolites to enter the blood, while TQHXD had an improved effect on this phenomenon. Meanwhile, pathological changes in the brain tissue and infarct volume were also alleviated by TQHXD. Due to the disorder of the intestinal flora and the destruction of the barrier, the peripheral immune imbalance caused an inflammatory reaction. TQHXD improved the imbalance of T cells, and inhibited the inflammatory response. Finally, the therapeutic transplantation of fecal microbiota also improved the outcome of stroke in rats. Our presented results suggest that TQHXD may improve the gut microbiota disorder and its induced inflammatory response after stroke, which could be a new target and mechanism for the treatment of stroke.

Methionine dietary supplementation potentiates ionizing radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome.

Methionine is an essential amino acid needed for a variety of processes in living organisms. Ionizing radiation depletes tissue methionine concentrations and leads to the loss of DNA methylation and decreased synthesis of glutathione. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of methionine dietary supplementation in CBA/CaJ mice after exposure to doses ranging from 3 to 8.5 Gy of 137Cs of total body irradiation. We report that mice fed a methionine-supplemented diet (MSD; 19.5 vs. 6.5 mg/kg in a methionine-adequate diet, MAD) developed acute radiation toxicity at doses as low as 3 Gy. Partial body irradiation performed with hindlimb shielding resulted in a 50% mortality rate in MSD-fed mice exposed to 8.5 Gy, suggesting prevalence of radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome in the development of acute radiation toxicity. Analysis of the intestinal microbiome demonstrated shifts in the gut ecology, observed along with the development of leaky gut syndrome and bacterial translocation into the liver. Normal gut physiology impairment was facilitated by alterations in the one-carbon metabolism pathway and was exhibited as decreases in circulating citrulline levels mirrored by decreased intestinal mucosal surface area and the number of surviving crypts. In conclusion, we demonstrate that a relevant excess of methionine dietary intake exacerbates the detrimental effects of exposure to ionizing radiation in the small intestine.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Methionine supplementation, instead of an anticipated health-promoting effect, sensitizes mice to gastrointestinal radiation syndrome. Mechanistically, excess of methionine negatively affects intestinal ecology, leading to a cascade of physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations that impair normal gut response to a clinically relevant genotoxic stressor. These findings speak toward increasing the role of registered dietitians during cancer therapy and the necessity of a solid scientific background behind the sales of dietary supplements and claims regarding their benefits.

Probiotics, Nutrition, and the Small Intestine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Probiotics are promising remedial treatments for symptoms of small intestine (SI) diseases and promoters of overall good health. Probiotics play an important role in supporting a healthy SI microbiome (eubiosis), and in preventing establishment of unhealthy microbiota. SI eubiosis promotes optimal nutrient uptake, and optimal nutritional status maintains a healthy SI, reducing the likelihood of SI diseases. It is important to understand the advantages and limitations of probiotic therapies. RECENT FINDINGS: Microbial dysbiosis decreases the capacity of the small bowel to utilize and absorb dietary compounds. In some studies, probiotic supplements containing lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium have been demonstrated effective in supporting beneficial microbes in the SI while improving barrier integrity and reducing nutrient malabsorption and SI disease-related pathology. Strain-specific probiotic therapy may be a natural and effective approach to restoring SI barrier integrity and eubiosis, resulting in improved nutrient absorption and better health, including reducing the incidence of and severity of SI diseases.

Anti-virulence activity of polyphenolic fraction isolated from Kombucha against Vibrio cholerae.

The use of traditional foods and beverages or their bioactive compounds as anti-virulence agents is a new alternative method to overcome the increased global emergence of antimicrobial resistance in enteric pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the anti-virulence activity of a polyphenolic fraction previously isolated from Kombucha, a 14-day fermented beverage of sugared black tea, against Vibrio cholerae O1. The isolated fraction was mainly composed of the polyphenols catechin and isorhamnetin. The fraction, the individual polyphenols and the combination of the individual polyphenols significantly inhibited bacterial swarming motility and expression of flagellar regulatory genes motY and flaC, even at sub-inhibitory concentrations. The polyphenolic compounds also decreased bacterial protease secretion and mucin penetration in vitro. In vivo study revealed that the polyphenolic fraction significantly inhibited V. cholerae induced fluid accumulation in the rabbit ileal loop model and intestinal colonization in suckling mice model. Therefore, the anti-virulence activity of the Kombucha polyphenolic fraction involved inhibition of motility and protease secretion of V. cholerae, thus preventing bacterial penetration through the mucin layer as well as fluid accumulation and bacterial colonization in the intestinal epithelial cells. The overall results implied that Kombucha might be considered as a potential alternative source of anti-virulence polyphenols against V. cholerae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the anti-virulence activity of Kombucha, mostly attributed to its polyphenolic content.

[Features of nutrition pattern of patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth resistant to therapy].

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a widespread disease characterized by a significant decrease in the quality of life. Antibiotic treatment with SIBO is not effective enough and the recurrence rate is high. Long-term dietary patterns can shift the composition of the microbiota. The aim of the study was to compare the pattern of nutrition of patients with SIBО, resistant to therapy and cured patients. Materials and methods. SIBO H2 has been identified in 458 patients using hydrogenmethane breath test with lactulose, and therapy with intestinal antiseptics and control breath test after 2 months was prescribed. 24 hour recalls or three-day food records were collected from all participants. The photographs were used to estimate the size of the portions eaten. According to food composition and portion all dishes in food diary were converted into constituent products by food groups, which were summed by weight per day and compared with the norms of consumption of the pyramid of healthy nutrition for a given caloric intake. The study compared dietary patterns of patients with resistance to the therapy of SIBO and those who had successful therapy. Results and discussion. Control of the hydrogen content in the exhaled air was performed only in 79 re-appeared patients, 38 (48.9%) of them in 2 months after therapy revealed the presence of SIBO H2>20 ppm. A comparison of the nutrition of these patients showed that patients resistant to therapy had higher consumption of buckwheat (0.41±0.47 vs 0.14±0.35 relative to the rate of consumption of cereals, p<0.001) and millet (0.036±0.11 vs 0.007±0.021, p=0.047), poultry meat (0.80±0.64 vs 0.54±0.62, p=0.01) and butter (0.54±0.24 vs 0.39±0.22, p<0.01). The diet of patients with resistant to SIBO therapy was also сharacterized by a lower consumption of mono- and disaccharides (75.2±32.7 vs 95.5±41.5 g/day; p=0.015) and cottage cheese (0.07±0.08 vs 0.17±0.19, p=0.018). Consumption of fruits and vegetables did not have significant differences. Conclusion. Treatment is ineffective in roughly half the patients with SIBO H2. According to the results of the study, significant differences in the nutrition pattern of patients resistant to SIBO therapy with respect to the consumption of cereals, poultry, butter, added sugars and cottage cheese were established. The obtained data may be used to develop dietetic maintenance of SIBO therapy and prevention of its relapses.

Is SIBO A Real Condition?

CONTEXT: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has gained popularity on the internet in addition to certain clinical and research circles. This interest has expanded awareness of important new dietary, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical treatments in addition to laboratory evaluation assessment options. Concomitantly, there appears a loss of parsimony regarding how to use these tools resulting in an untenable degree of testing and treatment for this condition. OBJECTIVES: A balanced review of the data regarding SIBO testing, treatment, and management with the goal of establishing non-biased best practices. DESIGN: Non-systematic review. RESULTS: The results for the review fall into two categories. Ineffective Action: Treat only SIBO labs; Treat for SIBO if no symptoms are exhibited; Recommending eating or avoiding foods because they might be good or bad for SIBO; Recommending treatments that are non-validated. Effective Action: Use SIBO breath results, in addition to history and current symptoms, to determine the best treatment; Find foods that work for patients based on dietary elimination and reintroduction; Apply validated treatment for SIBO and IBS in a logical 'step-up' like treatment approach. CONCLUSIONS: Testing and treating for SIBO can offer patients clinically significant relief. However, these tests and treatments must be applied with circumspection to prevent over-testing, over-treatment, squandering resources, or creating a fear around certain foods.

Alliin alters gut microbiota and gene expression of colonic epithelial tissues.

Alliin is a natural organosulfur-containing phytochemical in garlic. It is possible that alliin can regulate the gut microbiota for its strong antimicrobial activity against many pathogens. Here, we assessed whether alliin impacts the distal small intestinal bacteria, hence the cecal microbiota, thus altering the gene expression of colonic epithelial tissues (CETs). Eighty mg/kg alliin was orally administered to rats for 14 days, and the 16S rDNA from small intestinal and cecal microbiota as well as mRNA from CETs were sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that alliin consumption affected microbiota composition in both the small intestine and cecum, although there was only one specific genus, Allobaculum that was significantly altered in the rat cecum. The altered composition of microbiota indirectly impacted 174 genes in the CETs. Specifically, five genes, including RT1-Ba, RT1-Bb, Cd80, Madcam1, and Aicda, indicated this consumption related to the intestinal immune network for IgA production. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: We firstly reported alliin consumption in vivo potentially affected the intestinal immunity of healthy rats by slightly alteration of microbiota composition in small intestine and cecum. The alteration subsequently amplified, resulting in the change of the colonic epithelial expression of several genes related to the intestinal immune network for IgA production. Hence, we suggested the alliin consumption may potentially affect the immune system of healthy individuals by alteration of gut microbiota and epithelial gene expression.

Effects of bacteriocin and organic acid on growth performance, small intestine histomorphology, and microbiology in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

In this study, 600 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were used to investigate the effects of bacteriocin and organic acids on performance and intestinal histomorphology and microbiology. Chicks were allocated to 6 groups, i.e., control, Bac150 (150 mg/kg bacteriocin), Bac300 (300 mg/kg bacteriocin), OA (3 g/kg organic acid blend), Bac150+OA (150 mg/kg bacteriocin + 3 g/kg organic acid blend), and Bac300+OA (300 mg/kg bacteriocin + 3 g/kg organic acid blend) group. The trial lasted 35 days. At the end of the trial, a statistical increase was not observed in the performance parameters of chicks with feed additives. However, 300 mg/kg bacteriocin + 3 g/kg organic acid supplementation given together has been found to have more positive effects on intestinal microbiology and histomorphology (P < 0.05). Consequently, it is understood that the use of these feed additives together will achieve better results.

Effects of protease and phytase supplements on small intestinal microbiota and amino acid digestibility in broiler chickens.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of protease origin and dosage on the prececal (pc) amino acid (AA) digestibility and the influence on composition of the microbial community in the small intestine. In addition, the effects of phytase supplementation were investigated. A total of 8 dietary treatments were included. The basal diet contained mainly corn and soybean meal. Three protease products were added to the basal diet, each at the level recommended by the supplier and at an 8-fold level. Phytase was supplemented in another dietary treatment. Each dietary treatment was allocated to 8 replicates of 15 birds each. The experimental diets were offered from day 15 to 21 for ad libitum consumption. The effect of protease supplementation on the pc AA digestibility depended on the protease product type and the amount supplemented. The pc AA digestibility was significantly increased by 1 protease product when supplemented at high level and when phytase was supplemented. In all the other treatments, protease supplementation had no significant influence or it decreased pc AA digestibility, when compared with the treatment with no enzymes added. In general, Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum among the ileal microbiota across all the treatments. Significant effects on microbiota composition were observed at the genus level for some but not all protease treatments and phytase supplementation. The genera Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and uncultured Clostridiaceae were responsible for these differences. Furthermore, microbial networks established for each diet showed either high or low number of intergeneric interactions, but without a consistent enzyme effect. We conclude that enzyme supplementation effects were evident in the terminal small intestine microbiota composition, and to a lesser extent, in pc AA digestibility. However, the changes in microbiota composition and pc AA digestibility could not be correlated, indicating absence of a causal relationship.

Hesperidin Effects on Gut Microbiota and Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in Healthy Rats.

Hesperidin, found in citrus fruits, has shown a wide range of biological properties. Nonetheless, a more in-depth investigation is required on the effects on the immune system, and in particular, on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, together with its relationship with the gut microbiota. Therefore, we aimed to establish the influence of oral hesperidin administration on the intestinal lymphoid tissue and on the gut microbiota composition in healthy animals. Lewis rats were orally administrated 100 or 200 mg/kg hesperidin three times per week for four weeks. Microbiota composition and IgA-coated bacteria were determined in caecal content. Mesenteric lymph node lymphocyte (MLNL) composition and functionality were assessed. IgA, cytokines, and gene expression in the small intestine were quantified. Hesperidin administration resulted in a higher number of bacteria and IgA-coated bacteria, with changes in microbiota composition such as higher Lactobacillus proportion. Hesperidin was also able to increase the small intestine IgA content. These changes in the small intestine were accompanied by a decrease in interferon-γ and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 concentration. In addition, hesperidin increased the relative proportion of TCRαß+ lymphocytes in MLNL. These results show the immunomodulatory actions of hesperidin on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and reinforce its role as a prebiotic.