Fructooligosaccharide ameliorates estrogen-gut-microbiome-brain axis dysfunction in estrogen-deficient rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Post-menopausal estrogen decline negatively impacts brain and gut function.
• Dysfunction of the estrogen-gut-microbiome-brain axis (EGMBA) is a significant concern.
• Novel non-hormonal strategies are needed to mitigate EGMBA dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on EGMBA alterations in an estrogen-deficient rat model.
• To assess FOS's impact on behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes induced by estrogen deficiency.

Main Methods:

• Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were used to model estrogen deficiency.
• Rats were administered FOS (50 mg/kg) orally for 28 days.
• Assessments included behavioral tests, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, gene expression (HPA axis, neurotransmission, apoptosis, gut microbiota, barrier integrity), and histopathology.

Main Results:

• FOS administration significantly improved anxiety, depression, and memory in OVX rats.
• FOS attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation, regulated apoptosis, and normalized HPA axis and monoamine neurotransmission.
• FOS restored gut microbial balance, enhanced gut barrier integrity, and preserved colon microstructure.

Conclusions:

• Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) exerts multifaceted protective effects on the estrogen-gut-microbiome-brain axis (EGMBA).
• FOS demonstrates potential as a non-hormonal therapeutic agent for managing postmenopausal complications.
• These findings highlight FOS's role in modulating both gut and brain functions.