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Apple Polysaccharide inhibits microbial dysbiosis and chronic inflammation and modulates gut permeability in HFD-fed
Sheng Wang1, Qian Li2, Yue Zang1
1China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, 200040, China; State Key Laboratory of New Drug & Pharmaceutial process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutial Industry, Shanghai, 200437, China.
Abstract:
The saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" has been known for over 150 years, and numerous studies have shown that apple consumption is closely associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases. It has been well accepted that dysbiosis is the reflection of various chronic diseases. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of apple polysaccharides (AP) on gut dysbiosis. High-fat diet (HFD) fed rats were treated for 14 weeks with AP. The microbiota composition, microbiota-generated short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gut permeability and chronic inflammation were analyzed. AP treatment showed higher abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus while lower Firmicutes and Fusobacteium. AP significantly increased total SCFAs level that contributed by acetic acid and isobutyric acid. Moreover, AP dramatically alleviated dysbiosis-associated gut permeability and chronic inflammation with decreased plasma LBP, up-regulation of Occludin, down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL-1) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). The potential mechanism is due to the fact that AP reduces gut permeability, which involves the induction of autophagy in goblet cells. Therefore, AP exerts health benefits through inhibiting gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammation and modulating gut permeability in HFD-induced dysbiosis rats.
Insights
Apple polysaccharides (AP) combat gut dysbiosis in rats fed a high-fat diet. AP treatment improved gut microbiota, increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and reduced inflammation and gut permeability.
Area of Science:
- Gut Microbiome Research
- Nutritional Science
- Inflammation Biology
Background:
- Chronic diseases are linked to gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota.
- Apple consumption is associated with reduced chronic disease risk, but mechanisms are unclear.
- Apple polysaccharides (AP) are bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of apple polysaccharides (AP) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced gut dysbiosis in rats.
- To analyze the impact of AP on gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gut permeability, and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with AP for 14 weeks.
- Analysis included gut microbiota composition, SCFA production, plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), and gut barrier markers (Occludin).
- Inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), MCP-1, CXCL-1, and IL-1β were measured.
Main Results:
- AP treatment modulated gut microbiota, increasing Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus while decreasing Firmicutes and Fusobacterium.
- Significant increases in total SCFAs, particularly acetic and isobutyric acid, were observed.
- AP alleviated gut permeability and chronic inflammation, evidenced by decreased plasma LBP and modulated inflammatory cytokines.
Conclusions:
- Apple polysaccharides (AP) effectively inhibit gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammation in a HFD-induced rat model.
- AP improves gut barrier function by reducing permeability and modulating inflammatory responses.
- The findings suggest AP exerts health benefits by restoring gut homeostasis and reducing inflammation.
