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Effect of Rotavirus Infection and 2'-Fucosyllactose Administration on Rat Intestinal Gene Expression.
Laura Sáez-Fuertes1,2, Ignasi Azagra-Boronat1,2, Malén Massot-Cladera1,2
1Physiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Nutrients
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Rotavirus (RV) infection alters intestinal gene expression, impacting antiviral responses and gut maturation. While 2-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) reduced RV diarrhea, it minimally altered the overall gene expression profile.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Viral infections, including rotavirus (RV), are known to alter host gene expression.
- Limited information exists on rotavirus's specific impact on intestinal gene expression.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intestinal gene expression changes induced by rotavirus (RV) infection in a preclinical model.
- To evaluate the effect of 2-fucosyllactose (2 extprime-FL), a dietary oligosaccharide, on RV-induced gene expression alterations.
- To assess the potential of specific gene expression markers for evaluating therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Rats were supplemented with 2 extprime-FL or vehicle from day 2 to 8 of life.
- Rotavirus (RV) was inoculated on day 5 in both supplemented and nonsupplemented groups.
- Intestinal gene expression was analyzed using microarray and qPCR.
Main Results:
- RV infection upregulated antiviral genes (e.g., Oas1a, Irf7) and downregulated genes related to intestinal absorption and maturation (e.g., Onecut2, Ccl19).
- 2 extprime-FL supplementation reduced RV-induced diarrhea severity.
- Despite reduced diarrhea, 2 extprime-FL did not significantly alter the overall RV-induced gene expression pattern, with minor exceptions in immunity/maturation markers (e.g., Ccl12, Afp).
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus infection profoundly impacts intestinal gene expression, affecting antiviral defenses and gut development.
- 2 extprime-FL shows a moderate effect on rotavirus symptoms but limited impact on the overall host gene expression response.
- Monitoring key gene expression markers could aid in assessing the effectiveness of nutritional or therapeutic strategies against rotavirus infections.
