Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Calorie restriction conferred improvement effect on long-term rehabilitation of ischemic stroke via gut microbiota
Jia-Ting Huang1, Yu-Qin Mao2, Bing Han2
1Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, 201199 Shanghai, China; Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, 201199 Shanghai, China; Department of General Medicine, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, 201199 Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Calorie restriction can modulate the gut microbiota and protect against many diseases including ischemic stroke. However, the role of calorie-restriction-induced microbiota alteration remained unknown in ischemic stroke rehabilitation. Here we conducted 30% reduction of caloric intake on mice for four weeks, to evaluate its role on ischemic stroke rehabilitation. Significantly, this calorie restriction led to better long-term rehabilitation in comparison of normal control. Notably, the transplantation of gut microbiome from calorie-restriction-treated mice to post-stroke mice was eligible to obtain better long-term rehabilitation of stroke mice. Bifidobacterium identified by 16 S ribosomal RNA sequencing were enriched in those of calorie-restriction mice. Then we administrated Bifidobacterium to stroke mice and found Bifidobacterium treatment could successfully improve the long-term rehabilitation of cerebral ischemia mice. Furthermore, the metabolomics analysis revealed a panel of upshifting metabolites, suggesting that calorie restriction greatly altered the gut microbiota composition and its metabolism. Hence, we discovered the novel effect of CR on long-term rehabilitation of ischemic stroke and the underlying role of gut microbiota, which might provide novel thoughts for the clinical post-stroke rehabilitation.
Insights
Calorie restriction improves long-term recovery after ischemic stroke by altering gut microbiota. Supplementing with Bifidobacterium also enhanced rehabilitation, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Calorie restriction (CR) is known to modulate gut microbiota and offer protection against diseases, including ischemic stroke.
- The specific impact of CR-induced gut microbiota changes on ischemic stroke rehabilitation remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CR-induced gut microbiota alterations in long-term ischemic stroke rehabilitation.
- To explore the potential of specific gut bacteria, like Bifidobacterium, in improving stroke recovery.
Main Methods:
- A 30% caloric reduction was implemented in mice for four weeks to assess its effects on ischemic stroke rehabilitation.
- Gut microbiota transplantation and targeted Bifidobacterium administration were used to evaluate their therapeutic potential.
- 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis were employed to characterize microbial and metabolic changes.
Main Results:
- Calorie restriction significantly enhanced long-term rehabilitation outcomes in mice post-ischemic stroke compared to controls.
- Transplantation of gut microbiota from CR-treated mice improved stroke rehabilitation in recipient mice.
- Enrichment of Bifidobacterium was observed in CR mice, and its administration alone improved rehabilitation in stroke models.
- Metabolomics revealed significant alterations in metabolite profiles, indicating CR's profound impact on gut microbiota metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Calorie restriction offers a novel strategy for improving long-term ischemic stroke rehabilitation.
- Gut microbiota, particularly Bifidobacterium, plays a crucial role in mediating the beneficial effects of CR on stroke recovery.
- These findings suggest potential microbiome-targeted therapies for enhanced clinical post-stroke rehabilitation.
