Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025

Preparation and Maintenance of Bioexclusion IsoPositive Cage Experiment for Human Fecal Transplantation into Germ-Free Mice
Published on: February 28, 2025
Differences of gut microbiota composition in mice supplied with polysaccharides from γ-irradiated and non-irradiated
Chaomin Yin1, Xin Qiao2, Xiuzhi Fan1
1National Research and Development Center for Edible Fungi Processing (Wuhan), Institute of Agro-Products Processing and Nuclear-Agricultural Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China.
Abstract:
In this study, polysaccharides from normal (N-SFP) and γ-irradiated (I-SFP) Schizophyllum commune were supplied to Kunming mice for 30 days. The results showed that N-SFP and I-SFP supplementation prevent body weight gain, enhance kidney uric acid metabolism and increase the concentration of SCFAs to a certain extent. Moreover, N-SFP and I-SFP promote the growth of beneficial gut microbiota and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Compared to N-SFP, I-SFP decreased the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillaceae, and increased the beneficial gut microbiota, especially the family of Akkermansiaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidaceae. In total, I-SFP showed better effects than N-SFP in preventing weight gain, and modulating the mice gut microbiota, which suggests that I-SFP could act as a potential health supplement in the prevention of obesity.
Insights
Schizophyllum commune polysaccharides (SFP) from normal (N-SFP) and irradiated (I-SFP) sources were tested in mice. I-SFP demonstrated superior effects in preventing weight gain and improving gut microbiota composition, suggesting its potential as an obesity supplement.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Schizophyllum commune is a fungus known for its bioactive polysaccharides.
- Gamma irradiation can modify the properties of fungal polysaccharides.
- Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host metabolism and weight regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of normal (N-SFP) and gamma-irradiated (I-SFP) Schizophyllum commune polysaccharides on Kunming mice.
- To evaluate the impact of N-SFP and I-SFP on body weight, kidney uric acid metabolism, and gut microbiota composition.
- To compare the efficacy of I-SFP versus N-SFP as potential health supplements.
Main Methods:
- Kunming mice were orally administered N-SFP and I-SFP for 30 days.
- Body weight changes were monitored.
- Kidney uric acid metabolism was assessed.
- Fecal samples were analyzed to determine gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations.
Main Results:
- Both N-SFP and I-SFP prevented body weight gain and enhanced kidney uric acid metabolism.
- Supplementation with N-SFP and I-SFP increased SCFA concentrations to some extent.
- N-SFP and I-SFP promoted beneficial gut bacteria and inhibited harmful bacteria.
- I-SFP significantly decreased Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillaceae while increasing Akkermansiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidaceae compared to N-SFP.
Conclusions:
- Gamma-irradiated Schizophyllum commune polysaccharides (I-SFP) exhibit enhanced effects compared to normal SFP (N-SFP).
- I-SFP is effective in preventing weight gain and modulating gut microbiota composition in mice.
- I-SFP shows promise as a potential health supplement for obesity prevention.

