Dynamics of Structural and Functional Changes in Gut Microbiota during Treatment with a Microalgal β-Glucan,...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Oral administration of yeast-derived beta-1,3/1,6-d-glucan influences immune regulation and gut microbiota.
• The effects of other structurally distinct beta-glucans on the gut microbiota and immune system are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of microalgae-derived beta-1,3-d-glucan, paramylon (PM), on gut microbiota composition and its modulation of colitis susceptibility.
• To assess the potential prebiotic properties and immune-regulatory effects of paramylon.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of paramylon to C57BL/6 mice over a prolonged period.
• Analysis of gut microbiota community structure using sequencing techniques.
• Assessment of susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.
• Evaluation of immune regulation markers.

Main Results:

• Prolonged PM treatment altered gut microbiota structure, decreasing richness and diversity while enriching specific taxa like Verrucomicrobia (including Akkermansia muciniphila) and decreasing Firmicutes.
• Functional analysis indicated an enrichment of carbohydrate metabolism pathways, linked to Bacteroides species.
• PM pretreatment significantly reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis.
• Enhanced immune regulation was observed in PM-treated mice.

Conclusions:

• Paramylon exhibits prebiotic properties, significantly altering gut microbiota composition and function.
• Prolonged oral consumption of PM demonstrates potential benefits for gut health by enhancing immune regulation and reducing colitis susceptibility.