Active Hexose Correlated Compound Modulates Gut Microbiota and Improves Intestinal Barrier Function in a High-Fat...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health concern linked to obesity and metabolic issues.
• Gut microbiota dysbiosis and compromised intestinal barrier function are critical in NAFLD development.
• The impact of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) on NAFLD-related gut changes is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of AHCC supplementation on gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier integrity.
• To assess AHCC's influence on inflammation and oxidative stress in a high-fat diet-induced NAFLD rat model.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two rats were fed a control diet, high-fat (HF) diet, or HF diet with 2% AHCC for six weeks.
• Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using sequencing.
• Intestinal barrier integrity was assessed by measuring Mucin 2 (MUC2) and tight junction protein expression.
• Inflammation markers in the colon, liver, and systemically were evaluated.

Main Results:

• AHCC supplementation significantly altered gut microbiota diversity and composition.
• Abundance of beneficial bacteria like Blautia hansenii and Blautia producta increased with AHCC.
• AHCC improved intestinal barrier integrity, indicated by increased MUC2 expression and a trend towards higher tight junction proteins.
• AHCC reduced local and systemic inflammation.

Conclusions:

• AHCC supplementation modulates gut microbiota in NAFLD rats.
• These microbial shifts are associated with improved intestinal barrier function and reduced inflammation.
• AHCC shows potential as a therapeutic agent for managing NAFLD by targeting gut dysbiosis and inflammation.