scholarly journals Lowbush blueberries, Vaccinium angustifolium, modulate the functional potential of nutrient utilization and DNA maintenance mechanisms in the rat proximal colon microbiota

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Lacombe ◽  
Robert W. Li ◽  
Dorothy Klimis-Zacas ◽  
Aleksandra S. Kristo ◽  
Shravani Tadepalli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Metal Ion ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
Proximal Colon ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Protein Families ◽  
Metabolic Potential

Background: The core gut microbiota encodes for a metabolic capacity that often surpasses the metabolic potential of its host. Lowbush wild blueberries (LWB) are a rich source of bioactive compounds, and the gut microbiota is an important modulator of their activity. The objective of this research is to study the effect of a diet enriched with LWB on the gastrointestinal microbiota’s metabolic potential. Methods: Nine three-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group (N=4) was placed on the AIN93 diet, and the treatment group (N=5) was fed the same diet with 8% (w/w) LWB powder substituting for dextrose. The animals consumed the diets for six weeks, after which they were sacrificed. Functional profiles and metabolic potential of the colon microbiota in response to diet were analyzed using deep whole genome sequencing (WGS). Results: Proteins predicted from WGS DNA sequences were assigned to 3,746 COG, 5,577 KEGG, and 4,474 Pfam families. Statistical comparisons of the protein-coding genes revealed significant changes in 25 Gene Ontology (GO), 186 KEGG, and 20 Pfam protein families representing 2.1%, 3.3%, and 0.02% of all hits identified, respectively. Overall, the combined inquires into these databases represented an emphasis on membrane trafficking, DNA regulation, modification and repair, and nutrient metabolism. Protein families that significantly increased by the enrichment of LWBs were involved with amino acid metabolism, 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase, metal ion binding, glutamate synthase, REDOX homeostasis, and aryl transferases. In contrast, protein families involved with integrase/recombinase, reverse transcriptase, and transposon/transposase were at a lower abundance. Conclusions: The results from this study reflect the potential impact that LWBs have on the functional repertoire of bacterial communities in the proximal colon. The results demonstrate a higher potential for the metabolism of amino acids and a lower potential for horizontal integration of plasmids and lower phage/transposon activity in the LWB diet, suggesting that the genome at the time of sampling was more stable. This study helps unravel diverse mechanisms of microbial adaptation to LWBs in the diet of mammals and can provide guidance in optimizing functional diets.

scholarly journals Two Isomers of Ginger Root Extracts Modify Composition and Function of Gut Microbiota in Rats Treated with Neuropathic Pain

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 394-394
Author(s):  
Moamen Elmassry ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Abdul Hamood ◽  
Volker Neugebauer ◽  
Chwan-Li Shen
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Pentose Phosphate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
And Function

Abstract Objectives Emerging evidence has suggested that gut microbiota plays a key role during the development of chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain (NP). This study was to evaluate the effects of two ginger root extract isomers (gingerols and shogaols) on the composition and function of gut microbiota in animals with NP. Methods Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: sham group, spinal nerve ligation (SNL) group as the pain control group, SNL + gingerols-enriched ginger (GEG) extract group, and SNL + shogaols-enriched ginger (SEG) extract group. Animals in GEG and SEG groups were fed their respective diets on the day of SNL surgery for 30 days. At day 30, fecal samples were collected for microbiota composition and functional analyses. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted from fecal samples and microbiome data analysis was performed with QIIME2 and PICRUSt2. Data were analyzed using non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test to compare GEG and SEG with SNL group. Results Based on the results of alpha-diversity analyses, neither GEG nor SEG treatment affected the evenness of microbiome. Gingerols or shogaols supplementation into the diet reduced the richness of the gut microbiome, compared to the SNL group. Relative to the SNL group, GEG group had an increase in the relative abundance of the genus Faecalitalea, while SEG group had an increase in the relative abundance of the genus Aerococcus and species Bacteroides massiliensis. In comparison to SNL group, both GEG and SEG groups showed a decrease in the relative abundance of the family Muribaculaceae and the genus Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group. Functional profiling results revealed that relative to the SNL group, both GEG and SEG supplementation increased the proportion of biosynthetic pathways related to energy metabolism (i.e., pentose phosphate pathway and sugar degradation) and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Furthermore, GEG and SEG differentially modified amino acid-related metabolic pathways, i.e., tyrosine degradation, tryptophan biosynthesis, arginine, and ornithine biosynthesis. Conclusions GEG and SEG exhibited differential effects on the microbiome composition and function, suggesting a prebiotic potential for dietary ginger root intake in the management of NP. Funding Sources Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Facilitated migration of cells from a transected peripheral nerve over collagen fibers: in vivo observations

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 888-889
Author(s):  
Arthur J. Wasserman ◽  
Azam Rizvi ◽  
George Zazanis ◽  
Frederick H. Silver
Keyword(s):  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Collagen Fibers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Guide Tube ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Silicone Tube ◽  
Thin Sections

In cases of peripheral nerve damage the gap between proximal and distal stumps can be closed by suturing the ends together, using a nerve graft, or by nerve tubulization. Suturing allows regeneration but does not prevent formation of painful neuromas which adhere to adjacent tissues. Autografts are not reported to be as good as tubulization and require a second surgical site with additional risks and complications. Tubulization involves implanting a nerve guide tube that will provide a stable environment for axon proliferation while simultaneously preventing formation of fibrous scar tissue. Supplementing tubes with a collagen gel or collagen plus extracellular matrix factors is reported to increase axon proliferation when compared to controls. But there is no information regarding the use of collagen fibers to guide nerve cell migration through a tube. This communication reports ultrastructural observations on rat sciatic nerve regeneration through a silicone nerve stent containing crosslinked collagen fibers.Collagen fibers were prepared as described previously. The fibers were threaded through a silicone tube to form a central plug. One cm segments of sciatic nerve were excised from Sprague Dawley rats. A control group of rats received a silicone tube implant without collagen while an experimental group received the silicone tube containing a collagen fiber plug. At 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively, the implants were removed and fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde buffered by 0.1 M cacodylate containing 1.5 mM CaCl2 and balanced by 0.1 M sucrose. The explants were post-fixed in 1% OSO4, block stained in 1% uranyl acetate, dehydrated and embedded in Epon. Axons were counted on montages prepared at a total magnification of 1700x. Montages were viewed through a dissecting microscope. Thin sections were sampled from the proximal, middle and distal regions of regenerating sciatic plugs.

Effect of Green Tea and (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Pharmacokinetics of Rosuvastatin

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 471-478
Author(s):  
Shenjia Huang ◽  
Qingqing Xu ◽  
Linsheng Liu ◽  
Yicong Bian ◽  
Shichao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Tea ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Hek293t Cell ◽  
Epigallocatechin Gallate ◽  
Drug Uptake ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Uptake And Transport

Background: Green tea can inhibit OATPs, so it may interact with the substrate of OATPs, such as rosuvastatin. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of green tea on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin and its mechanism. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received different doses of green tea extract (GTE) and (-)- epigallocatechin-3- gallate (EGCG). Caco-2 cells and OATP1B1-HEK293T cells were used in drug uptake and transport assay. The matrix concentrations of rosuvastatin and catechins were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Results: GTE and EGCG were both found to increase the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞) of rosuvastatin ((p<0.050). In the Caco-2 cell model, the uptake and transport of rosuvastatin in the GTE groups were 1.94-fold (p<0.001) and 2.11-fold (p<0.050) higher, respectively, than those of the control group. However, in the EGCG group, the uptake and transport of rosuvastatin were decreased by 22.62% and 44.19%, respectively (p<0.050). In the OATP1B1- HEK293T cell model, the OATP1B1-mediated rosuvastatin uptake was decreased by GTE to 35.02% of that in the control (p<0.050) and was decreased by EGCG to 45.61% of that in the control (p<0.050). Conclusion: GTE increased the systemic rosuvastatin exposure in rats. The mechanism may include an increase in rosuvastatin absorption and a decrease in liver distribution by inhibiting OATP1B1. EGCG may be the main ingredient of green tea that affects the pharmacokinetic parameters of rosuvastatin. Our results showed the importance of conducting green tea-rosuvastatin study.

Motor Recovery after Chronic Spinal Cord Transection in Rats: A Proof-of-Concept Study Evaluating a Combined Strategy

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Ibarra ◽  
Erika Mendieta-Arbesú ◽  
Paola Suarez-Meade ◽  
Elisa García-Vences ◽  
Susana Martiñón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Motor Recovery ◽  
Neural Regeneration ◽  
Histological Evaluation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Concept Study

Background: The chronic phase of Spinal Cord (SC) injury is characterized by the presence of a hostile microenvironment that causes low activity and a progressive decline in neurological function; this phase is non-compatible with regeneration. Several treatment strategies have been investigated in chronic SC injury with no satisfactory results. OBJECTIVE- In this proof-of-concept study, we designed a combination therapy (Comb Tx) consisting of surgical glial scar removal plus scar inhibition, accompanied with implantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and immunization with neural-derived peptides (INDP). Methods: This study was divided into three subsets, all in which Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a complete SC transection. Sixty days after injury, animals were randomly allocated into two groups for therapeutic intervention: control group and animals receiving the Comb-Tx. Sixty-three days after treatment we carried out experiments analyzing motor recovery, presence of somatosensory evoked potentials, neural regeneration-related genes, and histological evaluation of serotoninergic fibers. Results: Comb-Tx induced a significant locomotor and electrophysiological recovery. An increase in the expression of regeneration-associated genes and the percentage of 5-HT+ fibers was noted at the caudal stump of the SC of animals receiving the Comb-Tx. There was a significant correlation of locomotor recovery with positive electrophysiological activity, expression of GAP43, and percentage of 5-HT+ fibers. Conclusion: Comb-Tx promotes motor and electrophysiological recovery in the chronic phase of SC injury subsequent to a complete transection. Likewise, it is capable of inducing the permissive microenvironment to promote axonal regeneration.

scholarly journals Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Oxidative Status by β-Carotene in Late Pregnant Sows

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xupeng Yuan ◽  
Jiahao Yan ◽  
Ruizhi Hu ◽  
Yanli Li ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Metabolic Activities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Β Carotene

Recent evidences suggest that gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating physiological and metabolic activities of pregnant sows, and β-carotene has a potentially positive effect on reproduction, but the impact of β-carotene on gut microbiota in pregnant sows remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanisms of β-carotene on the reproductive performance of sows from the aspect of gut microbiota. A total of 48 hybrid pregnant sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with similar parity were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 16) and fed with a basal diet or a diet containing 30 or 90 mg/kg of β-carotene from day 90 of gestation until parturition. Dietary supplementation of 30 or 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the number of live birth to 11.82 ± 1.54 and 12.29 ± 2.09, respectively, while the control group was 11.00 ± 1.41 (P = 0.201). Moreover, β-carotene increased significantly the serum nitric oxide (NO) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (P &lt; 0.05). Characterization of fecal microbiota revealed that 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the diversity of the gut flora (P &lt; 0.05). In particular, β-carotene decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes including Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group, Lachnospiraceae NK4B4 group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-008, but enriched Proteobacteria including Bilophila and Sutterella, and Actinobacteria including Corynebacterium and Corynebacterium 1 which are related to NO synthesis. These data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-carotene may increase antioxidant enzyme activity and NO, an important vasodilator to promote the neonatal blood circulation, through regulating gut microbiota in sows.

scholarly journals Dietary fermented rapeseed or/and soybean meal additives on performance and intestinal health of piglets

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Czech ◽  
Eugeniusz Ryszard Grela ◽  
Martyna Kiesz
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Rapeseed Meal ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Feed Conversion Rate ◽  
Positive Effect

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented dried soybean (FSBM) and/or fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for weaned piglets on production results, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal tract histology, and the composition of the gut microbiota. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in all experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced: in group FR—8% FRSM; in group FR/FS—6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; in group FS/FR—2% FRSM and 6% FSBM and in group FS—8% FSBM. The use of 8% FRSM or 6% FRSM and 2% FSBM in the piglet diets had a positive effect on average daily gains. Piglets from the FR and FR/FS groups had the highest feed conversion rate. Group FS/FR and FS piglets had significantly lower mortality and lower incidence of diarrhoea. Piglets fed a diet with the fermented components, in particular with 8% FRSM or 6% FRSM and 2% FSBM, exhibited a positive effect on the microbiological composition and histology of intestines, which resulted in improved nutrient digestibility coefficients (ATTD and AID).

scholarly journals Skeletal Muscle Metabolomic Responses to Endurance and Resistance Training in Rats under Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1645
Author(s):  
Xiangyu Liu ◽  
Xiong Xue ◽  
Junsheng Tian ◽  
Xuemei Qin ◽  
Shi Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Endurance Exercise ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Treadmill Running ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats

The objectives of this study were to compare the antidepressant effects between endurance and resistance exercise for optimizing interventions and examine the metabolomic changes in different types of skeletal muscles in response to the exercise, using a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression. There were 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats randomly divided into a control group (C) and 3 experimental groups: CUMS control (D), endurance exercise (E), and resistance exercise (R). Group E underwent 30 min treadmill running, and group R performed 8 rounds of ladder climbing, 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Body weight, sucrose preference, and open field tests were performed pre and post the intervention period for changes in depressant symptoms, and the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were sampled after the intervention for metabolomic analysis using the 1H-NMR technique. The results showed that both types of exercise effectively improved the depression-like symptoms, and the endurance exercise appeared to have a better effect. The levels of 10 metabolites from the gastrocnemius and 13 metabolites from the soleus of group D were found to be significantly different from that of group C, and both types of exercise had a callback effect on these metabolites, indicating that a number of metabolic pathways were involved in the depression and responded to the exercise interventions.

Comparison of streptozotocin-induced diabetes at different moments of the life of female rats for translational studies

2021 ◽  
pp. 002367722110018
Author(s):  
Yuri K Sinzato ◽  
Eduardo Klöppel ◽  
Carolina A Miranda ◽  
Verônyca G Paula ◽  
Larissa F Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adult Life ◽  
Tolerance Test ◽  
Full Term ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Term Pregnancy

Animal models are widely used for studying diabetes in translational research. However, methods for induction of diabetes are conflicting with regards to their efficacy, reproducibility and cost. A comparison of outcomes between the diabetic models is still unknown, especially full-term pregnancy.To understand the comparison, we analyzed the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes at three life-different moments during the neonatal period in Sprague–Dawley female rats: at the first (D1), second (D2) and fifth (D5) day of postnatal life. At adulthood (90 days; D90), the animals were submitted to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for diabetic status confirmation. The diabetic and control rats were mated and sacrificed at full-term pregnancy for different analyses. Group D1 presented a higher mortality percentage after STZ administration than groups D2 and D5. All diabetic groups presented higher blood glucose levels as compared to those of the control group, while group D5 had higher levels of glycemia compared with other groups during OGTT. The diabetic groups showed impaired reproductive outcomes compared with the control group. Group D1 had lower percentages of mated rats and D5 showed a lower percentage of a full-term pregnancy. Besides that, these two groups also showed the highest percentages of inadequate fetal weight. In summary, although all groups fulfill the diagnosis criteria for diabetes in adult life, in our investigation diabetes induced on D5 presents lower costs and higher efficacy and reproducibility for studies involving diabetes-complicated pregnancy.

scholarly journals Altered Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolites in Hypertension of Developmental Origins: Exploring Differences between Fructose and Antibiotics Exposure

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2674
Author(s):  
Chien-Ning Hsu ◽  
Julie Y. H. Chan ◽  
Kay L. H. Wu ◽  
Hong-Ren Yu ◽  
Wei-Chia Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Male Offspring ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Minocycline Treatment ◽  
High Fructose ◽  
Induced Hypertension ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation

Gut microbiota-derived metabolites, in particular short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and their receptors, are linked to hypertension. Fructose and antibiotics are commonly used worldwide, and they have a negative impact on the gut microbiota. Our previous study revealed that maternal high-fructose (HF) diet-induced hypertension in adult offspring is relevant to altered gut microbiome and its metabolites. We, therefore, intended to examine whether minocycline administration during pregnancy and lactation may further affect blood pressure (BP) programmed by maternal HF intake via mediating gut microbiota and SCFAs. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received a normal diet or diet containing 60% fructose throughout pregnancy and lactation periods. Additionally, pregnant dams received minocycline (50 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage or a vehicle during pregnancy and lactation periods. Four groups of male offspring were studied (n = 8 per group): normal diet (ND), high-fructose diet (HF), normal diet + minocycline (NDM), and HF + minocycline (HFM). Male offspring were killed at 12 weeks of age. We observed that the HF diet and minocycline administration, both individually and together, causes the elevation of BP in adult male offspring, while there is no synergistic effect between them. Four groups displayed distinct enterotypes. Minocycline treatment leads to an increase in the F/B ratio, but decreased abundance of genera Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Odoribacter. Additionally, minocycline treatment decreases plasma acetic acid and butyric acid levels. Hypertension programmed by maternal HF diet plus minocycline exposure is related to the increased expression of several SCFA receptors. Moreover, minocycline- and HF-induced hypertension, individually or together, is associated with the aberrant activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Conclusively, our results provide a new insight into the support of gut microbiota and its metabolite SCAFs in the developmental programming of hypertension and cast new light on the role of RAS in this process, which will help prevent hypertension programmed by maternal high-fructose and antibiotic exposure.

scholarly journals The Effect of Single and Triple Testicular Biopsy Using Biopty Gun on Spermatogenesis in Pubertal Rats

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1569
Author(s):  
Tomislav Šušnjar ◽  
Ivana Kuzmić Prusac ◽  
Ivan Švagelj ◽  
Anđela Jurišić ◽  
Tomislav Šušnjar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Left Testis ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: The aim of this study was to compare consequences in single and triple testicular biopsy by biopty gun in pubertal rats using histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were used as the experimental model. The rats were randomly divided into three study groups. The rats from the first group (n = 12) received a single-biopsy of upper pole of the left testis, while the rats from the second group (n = 10) received triple-biopsy of upper and lower poles and lateral surface of left testis. The third group (n = 10) was a control group. On the eightieth day after the biopsy in all rats bilateral orchiectomy and funiculectomy were performed to obtain testicular tissue and sperm for analysis. The consequences of the puncture were observed by pathohistology, immunohistochemistry and semen analysis. Results: The results of the study showed lower percentage of sperm count (14.5 mill/mL vs. 16 mill/mL, p = 0.130), sperm motility (24.6% vs. 32.7%, p > 0.05), abnormal sperm (30% vs. 27%, p > 0.05), atrophic tubules (21% vs. 6%, p < 0.001), volume (1.7 mL vs. 2.28 mL, p < 0.01) and apoptotic index (1.56 vs. 1.19, p = 0.650) in the testes with a triple-biopsy compared to the testes with a single-biopsy. Semen analysis showed a borderline significant difference between the group with triple-biopsy where sperm count was lower than it in the control group (14.5 mill/mL vs. 17.5 mill/mL, p = 0.05). A single-biopsy has little effect on the testis, especially on overall fertility. A triple-biopsy showed higher degree of the testicular damage but without a significant impact on overall fertility. Semen analysis showed that single- and triple-biopsies did not have a significant effect on sperm count, motility and morphology. Conclusion: Biopty gun procedure is a cheap, simple and reliable method for testicular biopsy in rats without a significant effect on sperm count, motility and morphology.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document