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Published on: August 1, 2018
Gut-Microbiota Dysbiosis in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats with Diet-Induced Steatohepatitis
Shini Kanezawa1, Mitsuhiko Moriyama1, Tatsuo Kanda1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan.
Abstract:
Metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty-liver disease (MAFLD) is the principal worldwide cause of liver disease. Individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have a higher prevalence of small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). We examined gut-microbiota isolated from 12-week-old stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive-5 rats (SHRSP5) fed on a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat- and high-cholesterol-containing diet (HFCD) and clarified the differences between their gut-microbiota. We observed that the Firmicute/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in both the small intestines and the feces of the SHRSP5 rats fed HFCD increased compared to that of the SHRSP5 rats fed ND. Notably, the quantities of the 16S rRNA genes in small intestines of the SHRSP5 rats fed HFCD were significantly lower than those of the SHRSP5 rats fed ND. As in SIBO syndrome, the SHRSP5 rats fed HFCD presented with diarrhea and body-weight loss with abnormal types of bacteria in the small intestine, although the number of bacteria in the small intestine did not increase. The microbiota of the feces in the SHRSP5 rats fed HFCD was different from those in the SHRP5 rats fed ND. In conclusion, there is an association between MAFLD and gut-microbiota alteration. Gut-microbiota alteration may be a therapeutic target for MAFLD.
Insights
Metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty-liver disease (MAFLD) is linked to gut microbiota changes. A high-fat, high-cholesterol diet altered gut bacteria in rats, suggesting microbiota as a potential therapeutic target for MAFLD.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Microbiology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty-liver disease (MAFLD) is a leading global liver condition.
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe form of MAFLD, is associated with small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Understanding the gut microbiota's role in MAFLD pathogenesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFCD) on gut microbiota composition in a rat model.
- To identify differences in gut microbiota between rats fed a normal diet (ND) and an HFCD.
- To explore the association between diet-induced gut microbiota alterations and MAFLD-like symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 12-week-old stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive-5 rats (SHRSP5) fed either ND or HFCD.
- Analyzed gut microbiota composition in small intestines and feces.
- Quantified 16S rRNA gene levels to assess bacterial load.
Main Results:
- The Firmicute/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio increased in both small intestine and feces of HFCD-fed rats.
- 16S rRNA gene quantities were significantly lower in the small intestines of HFCD-fed rats.
- HFCD-fed rats exhibited diarrhea, body-weight loss, and altered small intestinal bacterial types, mimicking SIBO, despite no overall increase in bacterial numbers.
Conclusions:
- Dietary factors significantly alter gut microbiota composition and function.
- Gut microbiota alterations are associated with MAFLD and SIBO-like symptoms.
- Targeting gut microbiota represents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing MAFLD.
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