The Effects of Sacran, a Sulfated Polysaccharide, on Gut Microbiota Using Chronic Kidney Disease Model Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of sacran, a sulfated polysaccharide, on renal damage and intestinal microflora, in 5/6 nephrectomy rats as a model for chronic kidney disease (CKD). 5/6 Nephrectomy rats were divided into sacran treated and non-treated groups and examined for lethality after 4 weeks. The 5/6 nephrectomy rats were also divided into three groups: sacran treated, non-treated and AST-120 treated groups, and treated orally in a concentration-dependent manner for 4 weeks. Renal function was estimated by biochemical and histopathological analyses. Metagenomic analysis of feces from each group after 4 weeks was also performed and changes in intestinal microflora were compared. The administration of sacran to CKD rats at ≥19 mg/d increased their survival. In addition, the sacran-treated group improved CKD-related parameters in a concentration-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect of 40 mg/d of sacran was comparable to that of AST-120. The changes in the intestinal microflora of the sacran treated group were positively correlated with an increase in the number of Lactobacillus species, which are known to be rich in beneficial bacteria, and the increment of this beneficial bacteria was negatively correlated with the concentration of indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin, in plasma. These results strongly suggest that the oral administration of sacran could contribute to the stabilization of intestinal microflora in CKD rats and to the reduction of oxidative stress as well as the inhibition of progression of CKD.

Overcoming epithelial-mesenchymal transition-mediated drug resistance with monensin-based combined therapy in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in tumor progression and metastasis and is also associated with drug resistance. Thus, controlling EMT status is a research of interest to conquer the malignant tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A drug repositioning analysis of transcriptomic data from a public cell line database identified monensin, a widely used in veterinary medicine, as a candidate EMT inhibitor that suppresses the conversion of the EMT phenotype. Using TGF-ß-induced EMT cell line models, the effects of monensin on the EMT status and EMT-mediated drug resistance were assessed. RESULTS: TGF-ß treatment induced EMT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and the EGFR-mutant NSCLC cell lines with TGF-ß-induced EMT acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The addition of monensin effectively suppressed the TGF-ß-induced-EMT conversion, and restored the growth inhibition and the induction of apoptosis by the EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that combined therapy with monensin might be a useful strategy for preventing EMT-mediated acquired drug resistance.

Ultrasonography of sudden swollen tongue in a calf.

BACKGROUND: In cattle, the lingual diseases are primarily diagnosed postmortem by histopathological examination of the affected tongues obtained after the death or during necropsy. In humans, ultrasonography has been used to provide differential diagnoses, and for preoperative or intraoperative planning of glossectomy in various lingual diseases. This is a bovine clinical case report, in which ultrasonography for sudden swelling of the tongue, which was possibly caused by snake bite, was utilized as a preoperative indication to perform a glossectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: An eight-month-old female Japanese black calf presented with sudden swelling of the tongue with well-defined discoloration in the cranial region. A 10-MHz linear probe on a portable-type ultrasound machine (MyLabOne VET, Esaote Co., Genova, Italy) was applied to the ventral surface of the tongues in the affected case, and also in five healthy calves under sedation to observe normal tongues. Ultrasonography of the swollen tongue in this case revealed that the ventral lingual muscular layers were severely thickened compared with those of normal tongues. However, the muscle layers were regularly aligned with the echogenic muscular fibers. This resembled the lingual muscular architectures of normal tongues. Color-flow Doppler ultrasonography revealed that blood flow was weakened in the small peripheral vessels in the spaces between the lingual muscular structures, and was lacking in the deep lingual artery between the apex and base of the tongue. This finding was very different than that of normal tongues, which exhibited weakened or rich blood flows. Based on ultrasonographic findings, this case was treated with glossectomy. After recovery, the calf grew up normally with a normal appetite and rumination, and did not exhibit mouth pain behavior. Histopathologically, hemorrhagic necrotic changes, together with focal formation of fibrin thrombus in the lingual blood vessels in the affected tongue, were noted. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first description of lingual ultrasonography performed in cattle. In this case, ultrasonography enabled visualization of decreased vascularity, which might be associated with hemorrhage or formation of fibrin thrombus in the suddenly swollen tongue presented.

Effects of constant rate infusions of dexmedetomidine, remifentanil and their combination on minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of constant rate infusions (CRIs) of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil alone and their combination on minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized crossover experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of six (three males, three females) healthy, adult neutered Beagle dogs weighing 12.6 ± 1.4 kg. METHODS: Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane in oxygen until endotracheal intubation was possible and anesthesia maintained with sevoflurane using positive-pressure ventilation. Each dog was anesthetized five times and was administered each of the following treatments: saline (1 mL kg-1 hour-1) or dexmedetomidine at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 or 5.0 µg kg-1 loading dose intravenously over 10 minutes followed by CRI at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 or 5.0 µg kg-1 hour-1, respectively. Following 60 minutes of CRI, sevoflurane MAC was determined in duplicate using an electrical stimulus (50 V, 50 Hz, 10 ms). Then, CRI of successively increasing doses of remifentanil (0.15, 0.60 and 2.40 µg kg-1 minute-1) was added to each treatment. MAC was also determined after 30 minutes equilibration at each remifentanil dose. Isobolographic analysis determined interaction from the predicted doses required for a 50% MAC reduction (ED50) with remifentanil, dexmedetomidine and remifentanil combined with dexmedetomidine, with the exception of dexmedetomidine 5.0 µg kg-1 hour-1, obtained using log-linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The sevoflurane MAC decreased dose-dependently with increasing infusion rates of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil. Remifentanil ED50 values were lower when combined with dexmedetomidine than those obtained during saline-remifentanil. Synergistic interactions between dexmedetomidine and remifentanil for MAC reduction occurred with dexmedetomidine at 0.5 and 1.0 µg kg-1 hour-1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined CRIs of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil synergistically resulted in sevoflurane MAC reduction. The combination of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil effectively reduced the requirement of sevoflurane during anesthesia in dogs.

Triple nostrils in a calf.

BACKGROUND: Nasal abnormalities are rare in bovines. In humans, nasal deformities are mainly classified as proboscis lateralis or supernumerary nostrils. This report discusses the etiology of triple nostrils in a calf, based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopy. CASE PRESENTATION: A female Holstein calf presented with triple nostrils. The following abnormalities were observed: (1) formation of a small and flat blind-ended middle nostril between the right and left nostrils; (2) presence of a hair-bearing surface on the muzzle; (3) abnormal curvature of the nasal septum, resulting in a narrower right nasal cavity due to transformation of the nasal bones; and (4) formation of a bone-like structure within the nasal septum. These findings were similar to those of supernumerary nostrils in humans. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first description of a calf with triple nostrils. The use of imaging modalities is necessary for investigating the etiology of triple nostrils.

Oral Administration of Surface-Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibers and Chitosan Inhibit 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in Mice.

This study investigated the prophylactic effects of orally administered surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers (SDACNFs) and chitosan against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis, which is a common side effect of 5-FU chemotherapy. SDACNFs and chitosan abolished histological abnormalities associated with intestinal mucositis and suppressed hypoproliferation and apoptosis of intestinal crypt cells. These results indicate that SDACNF and chitosan are useful agents for preventing mucositis induced by anti-cancer drugs.

Artesunate Enhances the Cytotoxicity of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Based Sonodynamic Therapy against Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells In Vitro.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) kills tumor cells through the synergistic effects of ultrasound (US) and a sonosensitizer agent. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been used as a sonodynamic sensitizer for cancer treatment. However, studies have shown that 5-ALA-based SDT has limited efficacy against malignant tumors. In this study, we examined whether artesunate (ART) could enhance the cytotoxicity of 5-ALA-based SDT against mouse mammary tumor (EMT-6) cells in vitro. In the ART, ART + US, ART + 5-ALA, and ART + 5-ALA + US groups, the cell survival rate correlated with ART concentration, and decreased with increasing concentrations of ART. Morphologically, many apoptotic and necrotic cells were observed in the ART + 5-ALA + US group. The percentage of reactive oxygen species-positive cells in the ART + 5-ALA + US group was also significantly higher than that in the 5-ALA group (p = 0.0228), and the cell death induced by ART + 5-ALA + US could be inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. These results show that ART offers great potential in enhancing the efficacy of 5-ALA-based SDT for the treatment of cancer. However, these results are only based on in vitro studies, and further in vivo studies are required.

Nasal tissue-derived hamartoma in the maxillary gingiva of a calf.

BACKGROUND: All of oral hamartomas has been previously found in mandibular gingiva in younger calves, and were histologically diagnosed as a vascular hamartoma. This is the first case report describing a calf with a mass in the maxillary gingiva that was histologically diagnosed as a nasal tissue-derived hamartoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-day-old male Holstein calf presented with a horn-like mass in the left rostral maxillary gingiva. Surgical removal revealed that the mass had a dual structure composed of cartilaginous and soft tissues and extended deeply toward the nasal cavity. Excised tissues mainly consisted of two types of mature cells without mitotic figures and atypia: 1) the cartilage-like structures consisted of an island and a meandering massive focus of mature cartilaginous tissues, and 2) tubular structures consisting of stratified ciliated mucosal columnar cells with gland-like structures and aggregated goblet cells. The mass was diagnosed as a nasal tissue-derived hamartoma because these two types of structures were histologically identical to nasal structures. The present case had no recurrence at 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first description of the calf with nasal tissue-derived hamartoma in the maxillary gingiva.

Protective Effect of Chitin Urocanate Nanofibers against Ultraviolet Radiation.

Urocanic acid is a major ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing chromophore. Chitins are highly crystalline structures that are found predominantly in crustacean shells. Alpha-chitin consists of microfibers that contain nanofibrils embedded in a protein matrix. Acid hydrolysis is a common method used to prepare chitin nanofibrils (NFs). We typically obtain NFs by hydrolyzing chitin with acetic acid. However, in the present study, we used urocanic acid to prepare urocanic acid chitin NFs (UNFs) and examined its protective effect against UVB radiation. Hos: HR-1 mice coated with UNFs were UVB irradiated (302 nm, 150 mJ/cm²), and these mice showed markedly lower UVB radiation-induced cutaneous erythema than the control. Additionally, sunburn cells were rarely detected in the epidermis of UNFs-coated mice after UVB irradiation. Although the difference was not as significant as UNFs, the number of sunburn cells in mice treated with acetic acid chitin nanofibrils (ANFs) tended to be lower than in control mice. These results demonstrate that ANFs have a protective effect against UVB and suggest that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of NFs influence the protective effect of ANFs against UVB radiation. The combination of NFs with other substances that possess UV-protective effects, such as urocanic acid, may provide an enhanced protective effect against UVB radiation.

Metabolomic Analysis of Blood Plasma after Oral Administration of N-acetyl-d-Glucosamine in Dogs.

N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) is a monosaccharide that polymerizes linearly through (1,4)-ß-linkages. GlcNAc is the monomeric unit of the polymer chitin. GlcNAc is a basic component of hyaluronic acid and keratin sulfate found on the cell surface. The aim of this study was to examine amino acid metabolism after oral GlcNAc administration in dogs. Results showed that plasma levels of ectoine were significantly higher after oral administration of GlcNAc than prior to administration (p < 0.001). To our knowledge, there have been no reports of increased ectoine concentrations in the plasma. The mechanism by which GlcNAc administration leads to increased ectoine plasma concentration remains unclear; future studies are required to clarify this mechanism.

Effects of Surface-Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibers in an Experimental Model of Hypercholesterolemia.

This study evaluated the effects of oral administration of surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers (SDACNFs) on hypercholesterolemia using an experimental model. All rats were fed a high cholesterol diet with 1% w/w cholesterol and 0.5% w/w cholic acid for 28 days. Rats were divided equally into four groups: the control group was administered 0.05% acetic acid dissolved in tap water, and the SDACNF, chitosan (CS), and cellulose nanofiber (CLNF) groups were administered 0.1% CNF, CS, or CLNF dissolved in the tap water, respectively, during the experimental period. Changes in body weight, intake of food and water, and organ weight were measured. Serum blood chemistry and histopathological examination of the liver were performed. Administration of SDACNF did not affect body weight change, food and water intake, or organ weights. Administration of SDACNF and CS decreased the diet-induced increase in serum total cholesterol, chylomicron, very-low-density lipoprotein, and phospholipid levels on day 14. Moreover, oral administration of SDACNFs suppressed the increase of alanine transaminase levels on day 29 and suppressed vacuolar degeneration and accumulation of lipid droplets in liver tissue. These data indicate that SDACNF has potential as a functional food for patients with hypercholesterolemia.

The Safety and Anti-Tumor Effects of Ozonated Water in Vivo.

Ozonated water is easier to handle than ozone gas. However, there have been no previous reports on the biological effects of ozonated water. We conducted a study on the safety of ozonated water and its anti-tumor effects using a tumor-bearing mouse model and normal controls. Local administration of ozonated water (208 mM) was not associated with any detrimental effects in normal tissues. On the other hand, local administration of ozonated water (20.8, 41.6, 104, or 208 mM) directly into the tumor tissue induced necrosis and inhibited proliferation of tumor cells. There was no significant difference in the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells following administration of ozonated water. The size of the necrotic areas was dependent on the concentration of ozonated water. These results indicate that ozonated water does not affect normal tissue and damages only the tumor tissue by selectively inducing necrosis. There is a possibility that it exerts through the production of reaction oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the induction of necrosis rather than apoptosis is very useful in tumor immunity. Based on these results, we believe that administration of ozonated water is a safe and potentially simple adjunct or alternative to existing antineoplastic treatments.

Effects of Oral Administration of Chitin Nanofiber on Plasma Metabolites and Gut Microorganisms.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of oral administration of chitin nanofibers (CNFs) and surface-deacetylated (SDA) CNFs on plasma metabolites using metabolome analysis. Furthermore, we determined the changes in gut microbiota and fecal organic acid concentrations following oral administrations of CNFs and SDACNFs. Healthy female mice (six-week-old) were fed a normal diet and administered tap water with 0.1% (v/v) CNFs or SDACNFs for 28 days. Oral administration of CNFs increased plasma levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). Oral administration of SDACNFs affected the metabolisms of acyl-carnitines and fatty acids. The fecal organic level analysis indicated that oral administration of CNFs stimulated and activated the functions of microbiota. These results indicate that oral administration of CNFs increases plasma levels of ATP and 5-HT via activation of gut microbiota.

A fundamental study of cryoablation on normal bone: diagnostic imaging and histopathology.

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive cancer treatment. In this study, the effects of cryoablation on normal rabbit bone were evaluated using imaging and histopathological examinations. Cryoablation was performed using a Cryo-Hit (Galil Medical, Yokneam, Israel). Under anesthesia, one cryoablation needle was inserted at the center of the femur (day 0). To create an ice ball (2 x 3 cm), two 10-min freeze cycles were performed, separated by a 5-min thaw cycle. During cryoablation, changes in the bone and regional tissue were monitored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, and collections from the femur (for histopathological evaluation) were performed on days 7, 14, 28, and 56. In terms of the all rabbits' general conditions, we did not observe lameness, decreased appetite, or any other side effects during the experimental periods. Histopathological evaluations of the femur were performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. MRI indicated inflammation around the ice ball on day 7. Subsequently, the area of inflammation gradually decreased from days 14 to 56. In the histopathological examination, necrosis of bone marrow cells and endosteum were observed from days 7 to 56. No regeneration of bone marrow cells was observed during the experimental period. On the other hand, cryoablation did not influence osteoblasts. Furthermore, there was no pathologic fracture during the experimental period. Our results suggest that cryoablation does not induce severe adverse effects on normal bone, and therefore has potential as a therapeutic option for bone tumors, including metastatic tumors to bone.

Metabolomic analyses of blood plasma after oral administration of D-glucosamine hydrochloride to dogs.

D-Glucosamine hydrochloride (GlcN∙HCl) is an endogenous amino monosaccharide synthesized from glucose that is useful in the treatment of joint diseases in both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to examine amino acid metabolism in dogs after oral administration of GlcN∙HCl. Accelerated fumarate respiration and elevated plasma levels of lactic acid and alanine were observed after administration. These results suggest that oral administration of GlcN∙HCl induces anaerobic respiration and starvation in cells, and we hypothesize that these conditions promote cartilage regeneration. Further studies are required to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß).

Effects of oral administration of fucoidan extracted from Cladosiphon okamuranus on tumor growth and survival time in a tumor-bearing mouse model.

We evaluated the anti-tumor activities of the oral administration of fucoidan extracted from Cladosiphon okamuranus using a tumor (colon 26)-bearing mouse model. The materials used included low-molecular-weight fucoidan (LMWF: 6.5-40 kDa), intermediate-molecular-weight fucoidan (IMWF: 110-138 kDa) and high-molecular-weight fucoidan (HMWF: 300-330 kDa). The IMWF group showed significantly suppressed tumor growth. The LMWF and HMWF groups showed significantly increased survival times compared with that observed in the control group (mice fed a fucoidan-free diet). The median survival times in the control, LMWF, IMWF and HMWF groups were 23, 46, 40 and 43 days, respectively. It was also found that oral administration of fucoidan increased the population of natural killer cells in the spleen. Furthermore, from the results of the experiment using Myd-88 knockout mice, it was found that these effects are related to gut immunity. These results suggest that fucoidan is a candidate anti-tumor functional food.

Effects of oral glucosamine hydrochloride administration on plasma free amino acid concentrations in dogs.

We examined the effects of oral glucosamine hydrochloride (GlcN), N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and d-glucose (Glc) administration on plasma total free amino acid (PFAA) concentrations in dogs. The PFAA concentrations increased in the control group and the GlcNAc group at one hour after feeding, and each amino acid concentration increased. On the other hand, in the GlcN group and the Glc group PFAA concentrations decreased at one hour after feeding. A significant decrease in amino acid concentration was observed for glutamate, glycine and alanine. Our results suggest the existence of differences in PFAA dynamics after oral administration of GlcN and GlcNAc in dogs.

Keratometry in normal cats: a cross-sectional study in Japan using an automated handheld keratometer.

Keratometry was performed in 73 domestic cats of varied signalment in Japan using an automated handheld keratometer. The mean corneal curvature radius was significantly lower for cats younger than 1 year than for those older than 2 years (8.04 mm vs. 8.80-8.99 mm, P<0.01). The radius was significantly greater in males than in females among the cats older than 11 years (9.22 mm vs. 8.84 mm, P=0.01), while the age distributions of the males and females were similar. Corneal astigmatism did not significantly differ across the gender and age groups. The predictability of the corneal curvature and astigmatism was approximately 41-43% and less than 3%, respectively, as a function of age and bodyweight. The results highlighted some age- and sex-related keratometric variations in domestic cats in Japan.

Genetic Characterization of CTX-M-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca Associated With Bovine Mastitis in Japan.

CTX-M-2-producing Klebsiella oxytoca (K. oxytoca) has not received much attention in animal husbandry compared with Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), a major reservoir of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) genes. Bacteriological examinations of 1,466 mastitic milk samples between October 2012 and December 2014 were conducted. Ninety-five K. pneumoniae isolates (total prevalence: 6.5%) and 81 K. oxytoca isolates (total prevalence: 5.5%) were obtained. Seventeen K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from 15 animals reared on 11 farms and 9 K. oxytoca isolates obtained from 9 animals reared on the same farm were phenotypically confirmed to be ESBL producers. All nine ESBL-producing K. oxytoca isolates were obtained from one farm between June and November 2013 and related to a significantly (p < 0.05) higher monthly prevalence of mild mastitis (in June, August, September, October, and November 2013). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates were distinguished from each other by more than 6-band differences except for two isolates from two animals, whereas all nine K. oxytoca isolates showed an identical PFGE pattern. Transferability of the bla CTX-M-2 gene was found in 14 K. pneumoniae and 9 K. oxytoca isolates by conjugation analysis. Of these isolates, the bla CTX-M-2 gene was detected on plasmids belonging to the incompatibility (Inc) groups P and N derived from five K. pneumoniae and nine K. oxytoca isolates, respectively, although the plasmids from the remaining nine K. pneumoniae were untypeable. All the transconjugants exhibited elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations of ampicillin, cefotaxime, and ceftiofur compared with those in the wild-type, recipient strain. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis demonstrated that the IncN plasmids extracted from eight of nine transconjugants, which received resistance against ß-lactams from K. oxytoca, showed an identical DraI digestion pattern. These results suggest that the CTX-M-2-producing K. oxytoca strain with the above-mentioned characteristics may have clonally spread within a farm, whereas the bla CTX-M-2 gene in K. pneumoniae possibly disseminated among the farms through different plasmids. Thus, monitoring of ESBL genes, including the bla CTX-M-2 gene, among causative agents of bacterial mastitis in cows can help to develop relevant treatments and control practices.

Sacran, a sulfated polysaccharide, suppresses the absorption of lipids and modulates the intestinal flora in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model rats.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of administering sacran, a sulfated polysaccharide, on liver biology, gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and inflammation on stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP5/Dmcr) rats that develop fibrotic steatohepatitis with histological similarities to that of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). MAIN METHODS: Four groups of 8-week-old SHRSP5/Dmcr rats were fed a high fat-cholesterol (HFC) diet for 4 and 8 weeks and administered either sacran (80 mg/kg/day) or a non-treatment, respectively. Liver function was evaluated by biochemical and histopathological analyses. Hepatic inflammatory markers were measured using mRNA expression. Fecal microbial profiles were determined via 16S rRNA sequencing. A triglyceride (TG) absorption test was administered to the 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. KEY FINDING: Sacran administration was observed to decrease the extent of oxidative stress and hepatic biochemical parameters in serum and hepatic injury with the levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), being increased compared to those of the non-treatment group. At the genus level, sacran administration caused a significant decrease in the harmful Prevotella genus, and a significant increase in the useful Blautia genus was observed. Sacran administration also decreased the serum TG increase that was induced by administering corn oil to the SD rats. SIGNIFICANCE: We conclude that sacran administration has the potential to reduce the absorption of lipids into blood and to improve several gut microbiotas, in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby inhibiting the subsequent development of oxidative stress and hepatic markers in the systematic circulation on NASH.