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Published on: June 14, 2016
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum increased colonic mucus layer in mice via succinate-mediated MUC2 production
Mariko Kajiwara-Kubota1, Kazuhiko Uchiyama2, Kohei Asaeda1
1Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
Abstract:
Colonic mucus layers protect intestinal tissues against intestinal bacteria. We investigated the effects of dietary fiber and its metabolites on mucus production in the colonic mucosa. Mice were fed a partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG)-containing diet and a fiber-free diet (FFD). The colon mucus layer, fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and gut microbiota were evaluated. Mucin 2 (MUC2) expression was assessed in SCFA-treated LS174T cells. The role of AKT in MUC2 production was investigated. The mucus layer in the colonic epithelium was significantly increased in the PHGG group compared with that in the FFD group. In the PHGG group, an increase in Bacteroidetes in the stool was observed, and fecal acetate, butyrate, propionate, and succinate levels were significantly increased. However, MUC2 production was significantly increased only in succinate-stimulated LS174T cells. The succinate-induced MUC2 production was associated with AKT phosphorylation. Succinate mediated the PHGG-induced increase in the colon mucus layer.
Insights
Dietary fiber, like partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), enhances colon mucus production. This effect is mediated by succinate, a metabolite that stimulates mucin 2 (MUC2) production via AKT phosphorylation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Colonic mucus is crucial for protecting intestinal tissues from bacteria.
- Dietary fiber fermentation produces metabolites that influence gut health.
- Understanding the link between fiber, metabolites, and mucus is vital for gut health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how dietary fiber and its metabolites affect colonic mucus production.
- To explore the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mucin production.
- To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in fiber-induced mucus synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed diets with or without partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG).
- Evaluated colon mucus layer, fecal SCFA levels, and gut microbiota composition.
- Assessed mucin 2 (MUC2) expression in SCFA-treated LS174T cells and investigated AKT pathway involvement.
Main Results:
- PHGG diet significantly increased colon mucus layer thickness compared to a fiber-free diet (FFD).
- PHGG consumption led to increased fecal SCFA levels (acetate, butyrate, propionate, succinate) and altered gut microbiota (increased Bacteroidetes).
- Succinate significantly increased MUC2 production in LS174T cells, associated with AKT phosphorylation, and mediated the PHGG-induced mucus increase.
Conclusions:
- Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) promotes colonic mucus production.
- Succinate, a key SCFA metabolite, plays a critical role in mediating this effect through the AKT pathway.
- Dietary fiber and its metabolites are important regulators of the colonic mucus barrier.
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