Gut-Protective and Multifunctional Exopolysaccharide from Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1: Structural Characterization...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) compromises intestinal barrier function, causing diarrhea and inflammation in young animals.
• EPEC adherence to epithelial cells leads to impaired nutrient absorption and oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a neutral exopolysaccharide (EPS-T1) from Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1.
• To evaluate EPS-T1's in vitro functional activities.
• To assess EPS-T1's protective effects against EPEC-induced enteritis in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of EPS-T1, including molecular weight and composition analysis.
• In vitro assays for bacterial growth inhibition, biofilm formation, cell adhesion, and antioxidant activity.
• In vivo studies in animal models to evaluate EPEC-induced enteritis, cytokine levels, and antioxidant indices.

Main Results:

• EPS-T1 (81.21 kDa) is composed of glucose, galactose, rhamnose, and mannose, with a porous structure and good thermal stability.
• In vitro, EPS-T1 inhibited EPEC growth, biofilm formation, and bacterial adhesion, while showing antioxidant properties.
• In vivo, EPS-T1 reduced EPEC load, alleviated intestinal damage, modulated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and improved antioxidant status.

Conclusions:

• EPS-T1 effectively mitigates EPEC-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress.
• EPS-T1 demonstrates potential as an immunobiotic functional candidate for managing EPEC infections.