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Effects of Bacteroides-Based Microecologics against Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice
Hang Guo1,2, Leilei Yu1,2, Fengwei Tian1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
Abstract:
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a self-limiting disease mediated by antibiotic therapy. In clinical practice, several types of probiotics are used in treating AAD, but minimal research has been done on Bacteroides-based microecologics. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Bacteroidetes uniformis FGDLZ48B1, B. intestinalis FJSWX61K18, Bifidobacterium adolescentis FHNFQ48M5, and B. bifidum FGZ30MM3 and their mixture on AAD in mice. The lincomycin hydrochloride-induced AAD models were gavaged with a single strain or a probiotic mixture for a short period to assess the changes in colonic histopathology and cytokine concentrations, intestinal epithelial permeability and integrity, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the diversity of intestinal microbiota. Our data indicated that both the sole use of Bacteroides and the combination of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium beneficially weakened systemic inflammation, increased the recovery rate of tissue structures, increased the concentrations of SCFAs, and restored the gut microbiota. Moreover, the probiotic mixture was more effective than the single strain. Specifically, B. uniformis FGDLZ48B1 combined with the B. adolescentis FHNFQ48M5 group was more effective in alleviating the pathological features of the colon, downregulating the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, and upregulating the expression of occludin. In summary, our research suggests that administration of a mixture of B. uniformis FGDLZ48B1 and B. adolescentis FHNFQ48M5 is an effective approach for treating AAD.
Insights
This study shows that a mix of Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium adolescentis effectively treats antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) by reducing inflammation and restoring gut health in mice.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common complication of antibiotic use.
- Research on probiotics, particularly Bacteroides-based microecologics, for AAD is limited.
- Existing treatments for AAD have varying efficacy and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects of specific Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium strains, individually and in combination, on antibiotic-associated diarrhea in a mouse model.
- To investigate the impact of these probiotics on colonic histopathology, cytokine levels, intestinal barrier function, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gut microbiota diversity.
- To identify the most effective probiotic formulation for treating AAD.
Main Methods:
- Established lincomycin hydrochloride-induced AAD models in mice.
- Administered single strains or a mixture of Bacteroides uniformis FGDLZ48B1, B. intestinalis FJSWX61K18, Bifidobacterium adolescentis FHNFQ48M5, and B. bifidum FGZ30MM3 via gavage.
- Assessed colonic histopathology, serum cytokine concentrations (including IL-6), intestinal epithelial permeability and integrity (occludin expression), SCFA levels, and gut microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- Both individual Bacteroides strains and the probiotic mixture demonstrated beneficial effects, including reduced systemic inflammation, improved colonic tissue structure recovery, increased SCFA concentrations, and restored gut microbiota diversity.
- The probiotic mixture showed superior efficacy compared to single strains.
- The combination of B. uniformis FGDLZ48B1 and B. adolescentis FHNFQ48M5 was particularly effective in ameliorating colon pathology, decreasing IL-6 levels, and increasing occludin expression.
Conclusions:
- Probiotic administration, especially a mixture of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium strains, offers a promising therapeutic strategy for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- The combination of B. uniformis FGDLZ48B1 and B. adolescentis FHNFQ48M5 presents a potent approach for AAD treatment due to its significant impact on gut health and inflammation.
- Further research into Bacteroides-based microecologics is warranted for AAD management.
