Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Alleviates Post-Weaning Stress-Induced Intestinal Barrier Damage and Inflammation by...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Early-life gut microbiota colonization is crucial for piglet health.
• Post-weaning challenges can lead to intestinal dysfunction and reduced growth.
• Probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) show potential for improving gut health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of early-life oral administration of LGG on piglet growth, diarrhea, intestinal health, and microbiota.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying LGG's impact on intestinal injury and immune responses.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-six newborn piglets were assigned to control (skim milk) or LGG-supplemented groups.
• Growth performance, diarrhea incidence, intestinal health markers (HE, DAO), and microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing) were assessed.
• Metabolomic and jejunum RNA sequencing were employed to analyze metabolic profiles and gene expression.
• In vitro coculture systems with intestinal organoids were used to validate LGG's effects on inflammation.

Main Results:

• LGG supplementation slightly decreased diarrhea incidence and maintained intestinal barrier integrity.
• LGG modulated colon microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and altering other taxa.
• Metabolomic analysis revealed LGG's influence on unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathways.
• RNA sequencing indicated LGG downregulated immune-related signaling pathways, notably PI3K/AKT, and reduced TNF-α induced injury in vitro.

Conclusions:

• Early-life LGG administration beneficially impacts piglet gut health, growth, and immunity.
• LGG exerts its protective effects by regulating gut microbiota, metabolic profiles, and immune signaling pathways.
• The PI3K/AKT pathway is a key target for LGG's anti-inflammatory and gut-protective actions in piglets.