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Modulation of the gut microbiome with nisin
Catherine O'Reilly1,2,3, Ghjuvan M Grimaud1,2, Mairéad Coakley1,2
1APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Scientific Reports
|May 16, 2023
Summary
Oral nisin consumption survives the gut, altering the gut microbiome by decreasing Gram-positive bacteria and increasing Gram-negative bacteria. This impacts short-chain fatty acid production, showing bacteriocins can shape gut health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Food Science
Background:
- Nisin, a bacteriocin from Lactococcus lactis, is a widely used food preservative.
- Its effects on the mammalian gut microbiome are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival and impact of orally ingested nisin on the porcine gastrointestinal tract microbiome.
- To determine how nisin affects microbial composition, function, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of nisin to pigs.
- Analysis of gut contents for nisin activity and molecular weight.
- Microbial composition analysis (Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative bacteria, phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria).
- Metabolic pathway analysis for SCFA synthesis.
- Measurement of SCFA levels in stool.
Main Results:
- Nisin survived gastrointestinal transit intact.
- Nisin ingestion led to a reversible decrease in Gram-positive bacteria and a relative increase in Gram-negative Proteobacteria.
- Changes in microbial pathways involved in acetate, butyrate (decreased), and propionate (increased) synthesis were observed.
- Overall reduction in fecal short-chain fatty acid levels correlated with these microbial shifts.
Conclusions:
- Orally ingested nisin can survive the gut and modulate the mammalian microbiome.
- Nisin administration reversibly alters gut microbial composition and function, impacting SCFA production.
- Bacteriocins like nisin show potential for shaping the gut microbiome and its associated functions.
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