Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Apple Polyphenol Extract Suppresses Clostridioides difficile Infection in a Mouse Model
Zhengjie Wu1, Qiaomai Xu1,2, Ailing Li3
1State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China.
Apple polyphenols show promise in fighting intestinal infections caused by Clostridioides difficile. This study indicates apple polyphenol extract acts as a prebiotic, improving gut health and survival rates in infected mice.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Apples are a rich dietary source of polyphenols, known for their health benefits.
- Intestinal infections, particularly those caused by Clostridioides difficile, pose significant health challenges.
- Modulating the gut microbiota and metabolism is crucial for managing intestinal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of apple polyphenols in combating Clostridioides difficile-induced intestinal infections.
- To explore the mechanisms by which apple polyphenols influence the intestinal microbiota and host metabolism.
- To evaluate the potential of apple polyphenol extract as a therapeutic or preventative agent.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of Clostridioides difficile infection was established.
- Mice were administered daily doses of apple polyphenol extract (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) or a placebo (phosphate-buffered saline).
- Survival rates, diarrhea symptoms, colon barrier integrity, intestinal microbiota composition, and fecal metabolic profiles were assessed.
Main Results:
- Mice treated with apple polyphenols demonstrated significantly higher survival rates and reduced diarrhea severity.
- Apple polyphenol administration enhanced anti-inflammatory responses and improved colon barrier integrity.
- Treatment with apple polyphenols restored the intestinal microbiota balance, increasing beneficial bacteria, and improved fecal metabolic profiles in infected mice.
Conclusions:
- Apple polyphenol extract exhibits a protective effect against Clostridioides difficile infection in a mouse model.
- Apple polyphenols act as a prebiotic agent, positively modulating the gut microbiota and metabolism.
- These findings suggest apple polyphenol extract holds potential for managing intestinal infections and promoting gut health.
