Isomalto-oligosaccharides polarize Th1-like responses in intestinal and systemic immunity in mice

Current Research on the Role of Isomaltooligosaccharides in Gastrointestinal Health and Metabolic Diseases

The intestinal epithelium plays an important role in maintaining the intestinal barrier and facilitating nutrient absorption. It also serves as a critical physical barrier against the infiltration of foreign substances from the intestinal lumen into the circulation. Intestinal barrier dysfunction has been implicated in the development of several diseases. Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs), which are a type of dietary fiber, possess multiple health benefits. However, there is limited information regarding their efficacy against gastrointestinal diseases. This review explores the therapeutic potential of IMOs in obesity, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hyperlipidemia, and constipation. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models have shown that IMOs, administered alone or in combination with other compounds, exhibit potent antiobesity effects, making them promising agents in the treatment of obesity and its associated complications. Moreover, IMOs exhibit preventive effects against HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction by modulating gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid levels, thereby ameliorating symptoms. Furthermore, IMOs can reduce IBD and alleviate hyperlipidemia, as indicated by the reduced histological colitis scores and improved lipid profiles observed in clinical trials and animal studies. This review highlights IMOs as a versatile intervention strategy that can improve gastrointestinal health by modulating gut microbiota, immune responses, and metabolic parameters, providing a multifaceted approach to address the complex nature of gastrointestinal disorders.

Production of a Series of Long-Chain Isomaltooligosaccharides from Maltose by Bacillus subtilis AP-1 and Associated Prebiotic Properties

Bacillus subtilis strain AP-1, which produces α-glucosidase with transglucosidase activity, was used to produce a series of long-chain isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) with degree of polymerization (DP) ranging from 2 to 14 by direct fermentation of maltose. A total IMOs yield of 36.33 g/L without contabacillusmination from glucose and maltose was achieved at 36 h of cultivation using 50 g/L of maltose, with a yield of 72.7%. IMOs were purified by size exclusion chromatography with a Superdex 30 Increase column. The molecular mass and DP of IMOs were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). Subsequently, linkages in produced oligosaccharides were verified by enzymatic hydrolysis with α-amylase and oligo-α-1,6-glucosidase. These IMOs showed prebiotic properties, namely tolerance to acidic conditions and digestive enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulation of probiotic bacteria growth to produce short-chain fatty acids and no stimulating effect on pathogenic bacteria growth. Moreover, these IMOs were not toxic to mammalian cells at up to 5 mg/mL, indicating their biocompatibility. Therefore, this research demonstrated a simple and economical method for producing IMOs with DP2–14 without additional operations; moreover, the excellent prebiotic properties of the IMOs offer great prospects for their application in functional foods.

Recent Research and Application Prospect of Functional Oligosaccharides on Intestinal Disease Treatment

The intestinal tract is an essential digestive organ of the human body, and damage to the intestinal barrier will lead to various diseases. Functional oligosaccharides are carbohydrates with a low degree of polymerization and exhibit beneficial effects on human intestinal health. Laboratory experiments and clinical studies indicate that functional oligosaccharides repair the damaged intestinal tract and maintain intestinal homeostasis by regulating intestinal barrier function, immune response, and intestinal microbial composition. Functional oligosaccharides treat intestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) and have excellent prospects for therapeutic application. Here, we present an overview of the recent research into the effects of functional oligosaccharides on intestinal health.

Gut microbiota: A target for prebiotics and probiotics in the intervention and therapy of food allergy

Food allergy has become a major public health problem all over the world. Evidence showed that allergic reactions induced by food proteins often lead to disturbances in the gut microbiota (symbiotic bacteria). Gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the balance between intestinal immune tolerance and allergic reactions. Dietary intervention has gradually become an important method for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases, and changing the composition of gut microbiota through oral intake of prebiotics and probiotics may serve as a new effective adjuvant treatment measure for allergic diseases. In this paper, the main mechanism of food allergy based on intestinal immunity was described firstly. Then, the clinical and experimental evidence showed that different prebiotics and probiotics affect food allergy by changing the structure and composition of gut microbiota was summarized. Moreover, the molecular mechanism in which the gut microbiota and their metabolites may directly or indirectly regulate the immune system or intestinal epithelial barrier function to affect food immune tolerance of host were also reviewed to help in the development of food allergy prevention and treatment strategies based on prebiotics and probiotics.

Isomaltooligosaccharides inhibit early colorectal carcinogenesis in a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat model

Colon cancer (CC) is a multistage disease and one of the most common cancers worldwide. Establishing an effective treatment strategies of early colon cancer is of great significance for preventing its development and reducing mortality. The occurrence of colon cancer is closely related to changes in the intestinal flora structure. Therefore, remodelling the intestinal flora structure through prebiotics is a powerful approach for preventing and treating the occurrence and development of colon cancer. Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) are often found in fermented foods and can directly reach the gut for use by microorganisms. In this study, a rat model of early colon cancer (DMH) was established by subcutaneous injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, and the model rats were fed IMOs as a dietary intervention (DI). The untargeted faecal metabolomics, gut metabolome and intestinal function of the model rats were investigated. The results showed that DMH, DI and IMOs alone (IMOs) groups exhibited gut microbial community changes. In the DI group, there was an increased abundance of probiotics (Lactobacillus) and decreased abundance of CC marker bacteria (Fusobacterium). The key variations in the faecal metabolites of the DI group included decreased levels of glucose, bile acids (including deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) and amino acids (including L-glutamic acid and L-alanine). In addition, dietary intake of IMOs attenuated the intestinal inflammatory response, improved the intestinal microecological environment, and slowed the development of DMH-induced early CC in rats. This work provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the clinical prevention or treatment of CC with prebiotics.

Effects of Different Oligosaccharides on Growth Performance and Intestinal Function in Broilers

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different oligosaccharides on the growth performance and intestinal function in broilers.

Methods

A total of 360 1-day-old yellow-feather chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups and fed with a basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (ANT), 3 g/kg isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), 3 g/kg raffinose oligosaccharide (RFO), and 30 mg/kg chitooligosaccharide (COS). The experiment lasted for 56 days, with 1–28 days as the starter phase and 29–56 days as the grower phase.

Results

The results showed that dietary supplementation with RFO and COS significantly improved average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p < 0.05). Relative to the control group, diets supplemented with oligosaccharides dramatically increased the level of serum IgM (RFO, COS), T-SOD (COS), and GSH-Px (IMO and RFO) and the expression of ZO-1(IMO) and claudin-1 (RFO) (p < 0.05). Adding antibiotics or oligosaccharides to the diet could remarkedly increase the villus height and villus height (VH)/crypt depth (CD) ratio of each group (p < 0.05). Through the ileum α-diversity analysis and comparison of OTU number in each group showed that the microbial richness of the IMO group increased in the starter phase, and that of the RFO and CSO group increased in the grower phase. Additionally, compared with the control group, IMO supplementation increased the level of ileum sIgA (p < 0.05) and the content of valeric acid (p < 0.05) in the cecum.

Conclusions

In summary, the addition of oligosaccharides in diet can improve the immune function and antioxidant capacity and improve intestinal health of broilers.

The Use of Probiotics for Management and Improvement of Reproductive Eubiosis and Function

Reproductive tract dysbiosis, due to the action of pathogens and/or unhealthy lifestyle, has been related to many reproductive diseases and disorders in mammalian species. Classically, such a problem has been confronted by the administration of antibiotics. Despite their effectiveness for controlling disease, treatments with antibiotics may negatively affect the fertility of males and females and, mainly, may induce antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, safer alternatives for maintaining reproductive system eubiosis, such as probiotics, are required. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the biodiversity of the microbiota at the reproductive tract, possible changes in the case of dysbiosis, and their relationships with adequate reproductive health and functioning in both females and males. Afterwards, mechanisms of action and benefits of different probiotics are weighed since the biological activities of probiotics may provide a promising alternative to antibiotics for maintaining and restoring reproductive eubiosis and function. However, at present, it is still necessary for further research to focus on: (a) identifying mechanisms by which probiotics can affect reproductive processes; (b) the safety of probiotics to the host, specifically when consumed during sensitive reproductive windows such as pregnancy; and (c) the hazards instructions and regulatory rules required for marketing these biological-based therapies with sufficient safety. Thus, in this review, to draw a comprehensive overview with a relatively low number of clinical studies in this field, we showed the findings of studies performed either on human or animal models. This review strategy may help provide concrete facts on the eligible probiotic strains, probiotics colonization and transfer route, and prophylactic and/or therapeutic effects of different probiotic strains.

Role of TLR5 in the Translocation and Dissemination of Commensal Bacteria in the Intestine after Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock

Enterogenous infection is a major cause of death during traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS). It has been reported that Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) plays an integral role in regulating mucosal immunity and intestinal homeostasis of the microbiota. However, the roles played by TLR5 on intestinal barrier maintenance and commensal bacterial translocation post-THS are poorly understood. In this research, we established THS models in wild-type (WT) and Tlr5^-/- (genetically deficient in TLR5 expression) mice. We found that THS promoted bacterial translocation, while TLR5 deficiency played a protective role in preventing commensal bacteria dissemination after THS. Furthermore, intestinal microbiota analysis uncovered that TLR5 deficiency enhanced the mucosal biological barrier by decreasing RegIIIγ-mediated bactericidal activity against G⁺ anaerobic bacteria. We then sorted small intestinal TLR5⁺ lamina propria dendritic cells (LPDCs) and analyzed T_H1 differentiation in the intestinal lamina propria and a coculture system consisting of LPDCs and naïve T cells. Although TLR5 deficiency attenuated the regulation of T_H1 polarization by LPDCs, it conferred stability to the cells during THS. Moreover, retinoic acid (RA) released from TLR5⁺ LPDCs could play a key role in modulating T_H1 polarization. We also found that gavage administration of RA alleviated bacterial translocation in THS-treated WT mice. In summary, we documented that TLR5 signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating RegIIIγ-induced killing of G⁺ anaerobic bacteria, and LPDCs mediated T_H1 differentiation via RA. These processes prevent intestinal bacterial translocation and enterogenous infection after THS, suggesting that therapeutically targeting LPDCs or gut microbiota can interfere with bacterial translocation after THS.

Inulin and isomalto-oligosaccharide alleviate constipation and improve reproductive performance by modulating motility-related hormones, short-chain fatty acids, and feces microflora in pregnant sows

Constipation in gestating and lactating sows is common and the inclusion of dietary fiber may help to alleviate this problem. We investigated the effects of inulin (INU) and isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), two sources of soluble dietary fiber, on gastrointestinal motility-related hormones, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), fecal microflora, and reproductive performance in pregnant sows. On day 64 of gestation, 30 sows were randomly divided into three groups and fed as follows: a basal diet, a basal diet with 0.5% INU, and a basal diet with 0.5% IMO. We found that INU and IMO significantly modulated the levels of gastrointestinal motility-related hormones, as evidenced by an increase in substance P (P < 0.05), and a decrease in the vasoactive intestinal peptide concentrations (P < 0.05), indicating the capacity of INU and IMO to alleviate constipation. Furthermore, IMO enhanced the concentrations of acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids in the feces (P < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing showed that IMO and INU increased the fecal microflora α- and β-diversity (P < 0.05). Methanobrevibacter was more abundant (P < 0.05), whereas the richness of Turicibacter was lower in the INU and IMO groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, IMO significantly increased litter size (P < 0.05). Overall, our findings indicate that INU and IMO can relieve constipation, optimize intestinal flora, and promote reproductive performance in pregnant sows.

Structure-Specific Fermentation of Galacto-Oligosaccharides, Isomalto-Oligosaccharides and Isomalto/Malto-Polysaccharides by Infant Fecal Microbiota and Impact on Dendritic Cell Cytokine Responses

SCOPE

Next to galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), starch-derived isomalto-oligosaccharide preparation (IMO) and isomalto/malto-polysaccharides (IMMP) could potentially be used as prebiotics in infant formulas. However, it remains largely unknown how the specific molecular structures of these non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) impact fermentability and immune responses in infants.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vitro fermentation of GOS, IMO and IMMP using infant fecal inoculum of 2- and 8-week-old infants shows that only GOS and IMO are fermented by infant fecal microbiota. The degradation of GOS and IMO coincides with an increase in Bifidobacterium and production of acetate and lactate, which is more pronounced with GOS. Individual isomers with an (1↔1)-linkage or di-substituted reducing terminal glucose residue are more resistant to fermentation. GOS, IMO, and IMMP fermentation digesta attenuates cytokine profiles in immature dendritic cells (DCs), but the extent is dependent on the infants age and NDC structure.

CONCLUSION

The IMO preparation, containing reducing and non-reducing isomers, shows similar fermentation patterns as GOS in fecal microbiota of 2-week-old infants. Knowledge obtained on the substrate specificities of infant fecal microbiota and the subsequent regulatory effects of GOS, IMO and IMMP on DC responses might contribute to the design of tailored NDC mixtures for infants of different age groups.

Effects of inulin and isomalto-oligosaccharide on diphenoxylate-induced constipation, gastrointestinal motility-related hormones, short-chain fatty acids, and the intestinal flora in rats

The prebiotics inulin (INU) and isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) influence intestinal health and immunity, but their effects on constipation are not clearly established. We evaluated the effects of INU and IMO in a rat model of diphenoxylate-induced constipation. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups: basal diet (Con), 40 mg kg-1 diphenoxylate (PCon), 20 g kg-1 INU and treated with 40 mg kg-1 diphenoxylate, and 20 g kg-1 IMO and treated with 40 mg kg-1 diphenoxylate. INU and IMO increased the number, weight, and water content of fecal pellets, and decreased the time to the first black stool in rats with constipation. Serum levels of the gastrointestinal motility-related hormones adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), motilin (MTL), and Substance P (SP) were higher and corticosterone (CORT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were lower in rats treated with prebiotics than in untreated rats. Colon tissue levels of MTL and SP were increased, and VIP and CGRP were decreased by prebiotics. Furthermore, in rats with constipation, INU and IMO increased the colonic contents of short-chain fatty acids. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was lower in the prebiotics groups than in the Con and PCon groups. Lactobacillus was more abundant in the INU and IMO groups than in PCon rats. Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus intestinalis were more abundant in the IMO group than in the PCon group (P < 0.01), and L. intestinalis was more abundant in the INU group than in the PCon group (P < 0.01). In summary, INU and IMO improved constipation and altered the intestinal microbiota in a rat model of constipation.

Isomaltooligosaccharide and Bacillus regulate the duration of farrowing and weaning-estrous interval in sows during the perinatal period by changing the gut microbiota of sows

This study investigated the effects of isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and Bacillus in perinatal diets on the duration of farrowing and post-weaning estrus, serum reproductive hormone concentrations, and gut microbiota and its metabolites of sows. Multiparous sows (n = 130) were fed diets without IMO (control, CON group), or diets containing only IMO (IMO group), IMO and Bacillus subtilis (IMOS group), IMO and Bacillus licheniformis (IMOL group), and IMO and B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (IMOSL group), respectively. The results indicate that the duration of farrowing and post-weaning estrus was shorter in sows in the IMOS, IMOL, and IMOSL groups, and the weaning-estrous interval was lower in sows in the IMOL greoup. In addition, the lowest fecal score was observed in the IMOL group during d 106 to 112 of gestation. Sows in most of the treatment groups had a higher concentration of serum prolactin and prostaglandin at farrowing, but a lower serum concentration of estradiol, oxytocin, and progesterone on d 18 of lactation than sows in the CON group. The treatment groups had a higher abundance of Candidatus Methanoplasma and Bacillus and a lower abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in their feces at farrowing. Furthermore, the treatment groups had higher concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in feces at farrowing and a higher concentration of branched fatty acids in feces on d 18 of lactation. Furthermore, the abundance of Bacillus in feces was positively correlated with serum prostaglandin concentrations and fecal total SCFA of sows at farrowing, but was negatively correlated with the duration of farrowing. Overall, dietary IMO and Bacillus supplementation affected the concentration of serum reproductive hormones and the duration of farrowing and post-weaning estrus, and the gut microbiota is a key factor.

Impact of prebiotics on immune response: from the bench to the clinic

Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown the immunomodulatory role exerted by prebiotics in regulating the immune response. In this review, we describe the mechanistic and clinical studies that decipher the cell signaling pathways implicated in the process. Prebiotic fibers are conventionally known to serve as substrate for probiotic commensal bacteria that release of short-chain fatty acids in the intestinal tract along with several other metabolites. Subsequently, they then act on the local as well as the systemic immune cells and the gut-associated epithelial cells, primarily through G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated pathways. However, other pathways including histone deacetylase inhibition and inflammasome pathway have also been implicated in regulating the immunomodulatory effect. The prebiotics can also induce a microbiota-independent effect by directly acting on the gut-associated epithelial and innate immune cells through the Toll-like receptors. The cumulative effect results in the maintenance of the epithelial barrier integrity and modulation of innate immunity through secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, switches in macrophage polarization and function, neutrophil recruitment and migration, dendritic cell and regulatory T-cell differentiation. Extending these in vitro and ex vivo observations, some prebiotics have been well investigated, with successful human and animal trials demonstrating the association between gut microbes and immunity biomarkers leading to improvement in health endpoints across populations. This review discusses scientific insights into the association between prebiotics, innate immunity and gut microbiome from in vitro to human oral intervention.

Structural features, interaction with the gut microbiota and anti-tumor activity of oligosaccharides

Some oligosaccharides are regarded as biological constituents with benefits to human health in an indirect way. They enter the intestinal tract to be fermented by the gut microbiota, causing changes in the abundance and composition of the gut microbiota and producing fermentation products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In this review, the structural features and biological activities of eight common natural oligosaccharides were summarized, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS), xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides (AXOS), isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOS), chitin oligosaccharides (NACOS), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Furthermore, XOS were selected to explain the anti-tumor mechanism mediated by gut microbiota. The review aims to reveal primary structural features of natural functional oligosaccharides related to the biological activities and also provide an explanation of the anti-tumor activity of functional oligosaccharides mediated by the gut microbiota.

Nondigestible Oligosaccharides with Anti-Obesity Effects

Obesity has an important influence on health conditions, causing a multitude of complications and comorbidities, and drug therapy is considered to be one of the treatment strategies. Nowadays, there is increasing interest in the study of intestinal microbiota regulation of obesity; also, an increasing number of agricultural and sideline products have been found to have anti-obesity potential. In the present review, we summarize an overview of current known and potential anti-obesity oligosaccharides and their molecular structures. We describe their anti-obesity potential activity and the molecular structure associated with this activity, the regulation of intestinal microbiota composition and its mechanism of action, including regulation of the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) pathway and altering bile acid (BA) pathway. This review will provide new ideas for us to develop new anti-obesity functional foods.

Effects of dietary isomaltooligosaccharide and Bacillus spp. supplementation during perinatal period on lactational performance, blood metabolites, and milk composition of sows

BACKGROUND

In this study, we evaluated the effects of isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and Bacillus spp. in perinatal diets on lactational performance, blood metabolites, and milk composition of sows. Multiparous gestating sows (N = 130) with similar body conditions were fed diets without containing IMO (control, CON group), IMO (IMO group), IMO and Bacillus subtilis (IMO + S group), IMO and Bacillus licheniformis (IMO + L group), and IMO and both B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (IMO + S + L group).

RESULTS

The average daily feed intake of lactating sows in the IMO + S group (P < 0.05) and the average litter gain and total milk yield in the IMO + S + L group (P < 0.01) were significantly higher than those of the sows in the other treatment groups. In addition, the serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in all treatment groups were lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the highest proportion of fat in colostrum (0.05 < P < 0.1) and lowest proportion of lactose in milk were observed in the IMO + L group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of growth hormone and immunoglobulins A and G in milk were higher in sows supplemented with IMO, IMO + S, IMO + L, or IMO + S + L (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IMO and Bacillus spp. supplementation during the perinatal period improved the sows' lactational performance by affecting their metabolism and milk quality. Sows in the IMO + S and IMO + S + L treatment groups exhibited the best performance. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of ingesting a food bar containing whey protein and isomalto-oligosaccharides to carbohydrate on performance and recovery from an acute bout of resistance-exercise and sprint conditioning: an open label, randomized, counterbalanced, crossover pilot study

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that consuming a food bar (FB) containing whey protein and the plant fiber isomalto-oligosaccharides [IMO] had a lower glycemic (GI) but similar insulinemic response as a high GI carbohydrate. Therefore, we hypothesized that ingestion of this FB before, during, and following intense exercise would better maintain glucose homeostasis and performance while hastening recovery in comparison to the common practice of ingesting carbohydrate alone.

METHODS

Twelve resistance-trained males participated in an open label, randomized, counterbalanced, crossover trial with a 7-d washout period. Participants consumed a carbohydrate matched dextrose comparitor (CHO) or a FB containing 20 g of whey, 25 g of IMO, and 7 g of fat 30-min before, mid-way, and following intense exercise. Participants performed 11 resistance-exercises (3 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% of 1RM) followed by agility and sprint conditioning drills for time. Participants donated blood to assess catabolic and inflammatory markers, performed isokinetic strength tests, and rated perceptions of muscle soreness, hypoglycemia before, and following exercise and after 48 h of recovery. Data were analyzed using general linear models (GLM) for repeated measures and mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI) with a one-way analysis of variance. Data are reported as mean change from baseline with 95% CI.

RESULTS

GLM analysis demonstrated that blood glucose was significantly higher 30-min post-ingestion for CHO (3.1 [2.0, 4.3 mmol/L,] and FB (0.8 [0.2, 1.5, mmol/L, p = 0.001) while the post-exercise ratio of insulin to glucose was greater with FB (CHO 0.04 [0.00, 0.08], FB 0.11 [0.07, 0.15], p = 0.013, η² = 0.25). GLM analysis revealed no significant interaction effects between treatments in lifting volume of each resistance-exercise or total lifting volume. However, analysis of mean changes from baseline with 95% CI's revealed that leg press lifting volume (CHO -130.79 [- 235.02, - 26.55]; FB -7.94 [- 112.17, 96.30] kg, p = 0.09, η² = 0.12) and total lifting volume (CHO -198.26 [- 320.1, - 76.4], FB -81.7 [- 203.6, 40.1] kg, p = 0.175, η² = 0.08) from set 1 to 3 was significantly reduced for CHO, but not for the FB. No significant interaction effects were observed in ratings of muscle soreness. However, mean change analysis revealed that ratings of soreness of the distal vastus medialis significantly increased from baseline with CHO while being unchanged with FB (CHO 1.88 [0.60, 3.17]; FB 0.29 [- 0.99, 1.57] cm, p = 0.083, η² = 0.13). No significant GLM interaction or mean change analysis effects were seen between treatments in sprint performance, isokinetic strength, markers of catabolism, stress and sex hormones, or inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSION

Pilot study results provide some evidence that ingestion of this FB can positively affect glucose homeostasis, help maintain workout performance, and lessen perceptions of muscle soreness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov, # NCT03704337 . Retrospectively registered 12, July 2018.

Effects of isomaltooligosaccharide and Bacillus supplementation on sow performance, serum metabolites, and serum and placental oxidative status

This study investigated the effects of isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and Bacillus supplementation on sow performance, serum metabolites, and serum and placental oxidative status. Multiparous gestating sows (n = 130) with similar body conditions were randomly allocated to five groups (n = 26) receiving a basal diet (CON group) or a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% IMO (IMO group); 0.5% IMO and 0.02% Bacillus subtilis (IMO + S group); 0.5% IMO and 0.02% Bacillus licheniformis (IMO + L group); or 0.5% IMO, 0.02% Bacillus subtilis, and 0.02% Bacillus licheniformis (IMO + S+L group). There were no significant differences in the litter sizes among all dietary groups. The average piglet birth weight was improved in all treatment groups, and the placental efficiency was greater in the IMO + S and IMO + S+L groups than in the CON group (P < 0.05). The IMO + S+L group had increased the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced the total cholesterol in umbilical venous serum (P <  0.05). Additionally, the malondialdehyde concentrations were greater in umbilical venous serum of piglets in all treatment groups relative to that in the CON piglets (P <  0.05). The placental total antioxidant capacity was increased in the IMO+L and IMO+S+L groups (P <  0.05). Furthermore, the growth hormone concentration in umbilical venous serum was greater (P <  0.05) in all treatment groups. Overall, IMO and Bacillus supplementation during late gestation resulted in a changed metabolism of sows, improved the placental antioxidant capacity, and increased the growth hormone concentrations in umbilical venous serum, which ultimately improved the piglet birth weight and placental efficiency.

Isomalto-oligosaccharides ameliorate visceral hyperalgesia with repair damage of ileal epithelial ultrastructure in rats

Background

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with probiotics has achieved effectiveness to a certain extent. Whether prebiotics will work is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the prebiotic isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO) on visceral hypersensitivity (VHS) in rats and to explore potential mechanism.

Methods

Water avoidance stress (WAS) was used to induce VHS in rats. The score for the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) was determined while colorectal distension and compared between VHS group and control group in order to validate VHS preparation. Rats with VHS were then divided into an IMO-treated group (intragastric 5% IMO, 2 mL/d, 14 days) and a water-control group (intragastric water). After treatment, AWR score and intestinal transit rate (ITR) were determined, stool culture was performed, the ultrastructure of the ileum epithelium was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and serum cytokines were measured.

Results

WAS significantly increased AWR score responding to colorectal distension, and lowered the pain threshold. IMO treatment improved VHS with a reduction in AWR score on graded colorectal distension and an increase in pain threshold. SEM showed damages on the ileal epithelial ultrastructure in VHS rats, which was attenuated by IMO treatment. ITR, fecal microbiota and serum cytokine levels were comparable among control group, water-control group, and IMO-treated rats.

Conclusion

In this randomized placebo-controlled study, the results showed that IMO ameliorated WAS-induced visceral hyperalgesia in rats, this effect may be attributed to the repair of damages on intestinal epithelial ultrastructure.

Enhancement of attributes of cereals by germination and fermentation: a review

The nutritional quality of cereals and the sensorial properties of their products are sometimes inferior as compared to other sources of food which is due to the lower protein content and starch availability, the presence of determined antinutrients (phytic acid, tannins, and polyphenols) and the coarse nature of the grains. To ameliorate the nutritional qualities of cereals, they are processed in a number of ways. This review summarizes the enhancement in the nutritional value as well as the functional characteristics of cereals due to germination and fermentation treatment. The protein concentration increases and the amino acid profile is balanced by germination and fermentation. The antinutritional factors are reduced increasing the mineral availability from the cereals. Germination enhances the quality of nutrients and bioactive compounds of cereals thereby increasing the content in proteins, amino acids, sugars, and vitamins. The functional properties of cereals is enhanced due to generation of biofunctional substances, increase in protein solubility, in vitro protein digestibility and lowering of glycemic index.

Effects of Graded Levels of Isomaltooligosaccharides on the Performance, Immune Function and Intestinal Status of Weaned Pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of graded levels of isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) on the performance, immune function and intestinal microflora and intestinal mucosal morphology of weaned pigs. In a 28-day experiment, one hundred eighty, twenty eight-day-old, crossbred (Duroc×Large White×Landrace), weaned pigs, with an initial body weight of 8.19±1.45 kg, were fed either an unsupplemented corn-soybean meal based diet or similar diets supplemented with 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, or 0.8% IMO added at the expense of corn. Each treatment was replicated six times with six pigs (three barrows and three gilts) per pen. From day 0 to 14, weight gain was linearly increased (p<0.05), while gain:feed (p<0.05) was linearly improved and diarrhea rate (p = 0.05) linearly declined as the IMO level increased. On d 14, the level of the immunoglobulins IgA, IgM, and IgG in the serum of pigs were linearly increased (p<0.05) with increasing IMO supplementation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was linearly (p<0.05) and quadratically (p<0.05) decreased as IMO intake increased. From day 15 to 28, there was a trend for weight gain to be linearly increased, and IL-2 was linearly (p<0.05) increased as IMO supplementation increased on d 28. Over the entire experiment, weight gain was linearly increased (p<0.05), while gain:feed (p<0.05) was linearly improved and diarrhea rate (p<0.05) was linearly decreased as the IMO level increased. Supplementation with IMO had no effect on the intestinal microflora of pigs in the ileum and cecum of pigs, as well as the villus height and crypt depth in the ileum and jejunum (p>0.05). These results indicate that dietary inclusion of IMO increases weight gain, gain:feed and enhanced the immune status of pigs, and could be a valuable feed additive for use in weaned pigs, particularly during the period immediately after weaning.

A novel cobiotic-based preventive approach against high-fat diet-induced adiposity, nonalcoholic fatty liver and gut derangement in mice

BACKGROUND

High-fat diets (HFDs) induce systemic inflammation, gut microbial derangements and disturb metabolic homeostasis, resulting in weight gain, insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Numerous antioxidants and prebiotic/probiotics per se may prevent HFD-associated comorbidities, but there are no reports related to their combination.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we aim to evaluate a cobiotic combination of lycopene (antioxidant) and isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs, a prebiotic) for prevention of HFD-induced alterations.

DESIGN

Male Swiss albino mice were fed either normal pellet diet (NPD) or HFD and lycopene (5 and 10 mg kg(-1)), IMOs (0.5 and 1 g kg(-1)) or their combination for 12 weeks. Systemic adiposity, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, feeding regulators in hypothalamus, hepatosteatosis and liver inflammation, cecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), serum inflammatory cytokines, gut morphology and alterations in selected gut microbes were studied.

RESULTS

Lycopene, IMOs and their combination prevented weight gain, adiposity, improved adipose tissue fat mobilization and reduced insulin resistance. Hypothalamic orexigenic and anorectic genes have also been modulated by these treatments. Dietary interventions prevented NAFL-like symptoms and improved glucose homeostasis. Improvement in selected gut microbial abundance and SCFA concentration along with reduced systemic inflammation, metabolic endotoxemia and improved ileal and colonic health were observed in mice supplemented with lycopene, IMOs and their combination. Interestingly, cobiotic combination synergistically improved many of the HFD-induced alterations.

CONCLUSION

The present work provide evidence that new approach based on cobiotic combination (antioxidant plus prebiotic) can be employed to develop novel class of functional foods for their application against HFD-associated pathological complications.

Effect of Dietary Cyclic Nigerosylnigerose on Intestinal Immune Functions in Mice

We examined the dietary effects of cyclic nigerosylnigerose (CNN), a dietary indigestible oligosaccharide with four D-glucopyranosyl residues linked by alternating alpha-(1-->3)- and alpha-(1-->6) glucosidic linkages, on the intestinal immune function of mice, and the effects were compared with those of alpha-(1-->3)-linked oligosaccharide (nigerooligosaccharides, NOS) or alpha-(1-->6)-linked oligosaccharide (isomaltooligosaccharides, IMO). BALB/c mice were fed with 1-5% CNN, 5% IMO, or 12.5% NOS for 4 weeks, and the intestinal mucosal immune responses were determined. In the 1-5% CNN fed groups, the amounts of IgA in feces increased significantly. In addition, IgA, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion by Peyer's patch (PP) cells were enhanced in CNN fed mice. In the 5% CNN group, pH in the cecum decreased, and the amounts of lactic acid and butyric acid increased. These findings were not observed in the NOS- or IMO-fed group of mice. They suggest that CNN supplementation changes the intestinal environment of microflora and indirectly enhances the immune function in the gut.

The delay in the development of experimental colitis from isomaltosyloligosaccharides in rats is dependent on the degree of polymerization

Background

Isomaltosyloligosaccharides (IMO) and dextran (Dex) are hardly digestible in the small intestine and thus influence the luminal environment and affect the maintenance of health. There is wide variation in the degree of polymerization (DP) in Dex and IMO (short-sized IMO, S-IMO; long-sized IMO, L-IMO), and the physiological influence of these compounds may be dependent on their DP.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Five-week-old male Wistar rats were given a semi-purified diet with or without 30 g/kg diet of the S-IMO (DP = 3.3), L-IMO (DP = 8.4), or Dex (DP = 1230) for two weeks. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was administered to the rats for one week to induce experimental colitis. We evaluated the clinical symptoms during the DSS treatment period by scoring the body weight loss, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding. The development of colitis induced by DSS was delayed in the rats fed S-IMO and Dex diets. The DSS treatment promoted an accumulation of neutrophils in the colonic mucosa in the rats fed the control, S-IMO, and L-IMO diets, as assessed by a measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In contrast, no increase in MPO activity was observed in the Dex-diet-fed rats even with DSS treatment. Immune cell populations in peripheral blood were also modified by the DP of ingested saccharides. Dietary S-IMO increased the concentration of n-butyric acid in the cecal contents and the levels of glucagon-like peptide-2 in the colonic mucosa.

Conclusion/Significance

Our study provided evidence that the physiological effects of α-glucosaccharides on colitis depend on their DP, linkage type, and digestibility.

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius)-derived fructooligosaccharides improves the immune parameters in the mouse

Owing to its high contents of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs), the yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) root is used in traditional Andean medicine as a substitute for cane sugar in diabetes and for obesity prevention. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that regular consumption of yacon works to improve the immune system. BALB/c mice were fed with the AIN-93 diet supplemented with 5% commercial FOS or either 3% or 5% yacon FOS for 30 consecutive days. Animals in the control group were fed with nonsupplemented ration. Food intake; weight gain; serum levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG; levels of fecal IgA, production of nitric oxide by peritoneal macrophages, frequencies of T and B lymphocytes in the spleen and peripheral blood, T-cell proliferation, and cytokine production were evaluated in all groups. No significant differences were observed in food intake and weight gain when the experimental and control groups were compared. Also, serum levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG; nitric oxide production in peritoneal macrophages; frequencies of T and B lymphocytes in the spleen and peripheral blood; T-cell proliferation; and production of interleukin (IL)-4, interferon-γ, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α did not differ in the different groups. The intake of FOS, however, led to a significant reduction of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in macrophage cultures and elevation of the levels of fecal IgA. Together, these results indicate that the daily consumption of yacon does not exert negative effects on the immune system, helps to preserve an anti-inflammatory state in phagocytic cells, and improves mucosal immunity, possibly preventing the risks associated with autoimmune and metabolic diseases.

Will isomalto-oligosaccharides, a well-established functional food in Asia, break through the European and American market? The status of knowledge on these prebiotics

This critical review article presents the current state of knowledge on isomalto-oligosaccharides, some well known functional oligosaccharides in Asia, to evaluate their potential as emergent prebiotics in the American and European functional food market. It includes first a unique inventory of the different families of compounds which have been considered as IMOs and their specific structure. A description has been given of the different production methods including the involved enzymes and their specific activities, the substrates, and the types of IMOs produced. Considering the structural complexity of IMO products, specific characterization methods are described, as well as purification methods which enable the body to get rid of digestible oligosaccharides. Finally, an extensive review of their techno-functional and nutritional properties enables placing IMOs inside the growing prebiotic market. This review is of particular interest considering that IMO commercialization in America and Europe is a topical subject due to the recent submission by Bioneutra Inc. (Canada) of a novel food file to the UK Food Standards Agency, as well as several patents for IMO production.

Changes in calcium status in aged rats fed Lactobacillus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis and oligofructose-enriched inulin

In this study we hypothesized that an increase in numbers of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine can affect calcium (Ca) status in the elderly. Adult and aged rats were fed a diet with or without synbiotics for 21 days. Synbiotics increased the numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in large intestine in both adult and aged rats. The plasma Ca concentration was significantly increased while osteocalcin concentration was significantly decreased only in aged rats fed synbiotics.

Health benefits of nut consumption

We investigated the effect of a mixture of long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides and acidic oligosaccharides on the number and consistency of stools and on immune system biomarkers in 104 supplemented and non-supplemented subjects (aged 9-24 months) with acute diarrhea. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and sIL-2R cytokine levels were determined. The significant decrease in number of stools and increase in stool consistency in the supplemented group was of little clinical relevance. The only significant change in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was decreased TNF-α levels in the supplemented group. Prebiotic supplementation during acute diarrhea episodes did not influence the clinical course.

Chinese yellow wine and red wine inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-2 and improve atherosclerotic plaque in LDL receptor knockout mice

Our previous study found that Chinese yellow wine could inhibit the production of homocysteine (HCY) induced extracellular matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Little is known about the relationship between Chinese yellow wine and atherosclerosis or MMP-2 in vivo. Thirty-two LDL Receptor knockout mice on a high-fat and L-methionine diet developed plasma hyperhomocysteinemia and atherosclerosis. They were randomly divided into yellow wine group (n = 8), red wine group (n = 8), ethanol group (n = 8), and control group (n = 8), they were sacrificed after 14 weeks. There were no significant differences with plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in the four groups. Plasma HCY was significantly decreased in the yellow wine group compared to the other three groups (P < 0.01). Yellow wine and red wine groups significantly reduced the atherosclerosis lesion area compared to ethanol and control groups (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant discrepancy between the yellow wine group and red wine group. Compared to the control group and ethanol group, the production of MMP-2 reduced 26.8% and 23.6% in the aortic sinus and the activation of MMP-2 reduced 32.6% and 27.3% in the aortic arch in the yellow wine group; the production of MMP-2 reduced 25.7% and 22.4% in the aortic sinus and the activation of MMP-2 reduced 30.2% and 26.6% in the aortic arch in the red wine group. These results suggest that Chinese yellow wine and red wine can inhibit MMP-2 and improve atherosclerosis, and maybe both Chinese yellow wine and red wine have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease by inhibiting MMP-2.

Probiotics and prebiotics in atopic dermatitis: review of the theoretical background and clinical evidence

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has risen over the past decades, especially in western societies. According to the revised hygiene hypothesis this increase is caused by a changed intestinal colonization pattern during infancy, which has an impact on the immune system. Manipulating the intestinal microflora with pro-, pre- or synbiotics is an innovative way to prevent or treat AD. This review provides an overview of the theoretical basis for using probiotics and prebiotics in AD and presents the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding prevention and treatment of AD and food allergy in children with pro-, pre- and synbiotics. Seven RCTs on prevention and 12 RCTs on treatment were found by searching the Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases. Results of these trials are conflicting. In conclusion, at this moment there is not enough evidence to support the use of pro-, pre- or synbiotics for prevention or treatment of AD in children in clinical practice.

Towards tailor-made oligosaccharides-chemo-enzymatic approaches by enzyme and substrate engineering

Carbohydrate structures have been identified in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells as glycoconjugates with communication skills. Their recently discussed role in various diseases has attracted high attention in the development of simple and convenient methods for oligosaccharide synthesis. In this review, recent approaches combining nature's power for the design of tailor made biocatalysts by enzyme engineering and substrate engineering will be presented. These strategies lead to highly efficient and selective glycosylation reactions. The introduced concept shall be a first step in the direction to a glycosylation toolbox which paves the way for the tailor-made synthesis of designed carbohydrate structures.

Functional food science and food for specified health use policy in Japan: state of the art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The science and policy of functional foods are a matter of global concern and this review provides up-to-date information about the Japanese 'food for specified health use' policy based on functional food science.

RECENT FINDINGS

A great many studies on nonnutritive but physiologically functional food components have provided more precise evidence regarding the structure-function relationships that underlie the approval of food for specified health use products.

SUMMARY

Functional foods, defined as those that have the potential to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases and associated abnormal modalities, have garnered global interest since the 1980s when the systematic research had humble beginnings as a national project in Japan. In 1991, the project led to the launch of the national food for specified health use policy; 703 food for specified health use products with 11 categories of health claims have been approved up to the present (31 August 2007). The development of this policy has been supported basically by nutritional epidemiology, food chemistry and biochemistry, physiology and clinical medicine, and even the genomics on food and nutrition. This review also highlights the current academia-industry collaboration in Japan.

Dietary supplementation of neutral and acidic oligosaccharides enhances Th1-dependent vaccination responses in mice

Immunomodulatory effects of oligosaccharide preparations that resemble chemical and functional aspects of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS) were studied for the development of new concepts in infant nutrition. A dose range of 1-5% (w/w) dietary pectin-derived acidic oligosaccharides (AOS) was tested in a murine influenza vaccination model. In addition, combinations of AOS and a 9:1 mixture of galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (GOS/FOS) were tested at a fixed total dietary dose of 2% (w/w). It was found that AOS significantly enhanced vaccine-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses in a dose-dependent manner. This was accompanied by a reduction in T-helper2 (Th2) cytokine production by splenocytes in vitro. Overall, this indicates that the systemic immune response to the vaccine was Th1-skewed by the dietary intervention. Combinations of GOS/FOS and AOS were more effective in enhancing DTH responses than either of the oligosaccharides alone, suggesting interaction effects between these agents. Similar to effects in infants, supplementation of the murine diets with GOS/FOS and combinations of GOS/FOS and AOS for 6-wk enhanced the proportion of fecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, but AOS alone did not. In conclusion, these data indicate that GOS/FOS and AOS enhance systemic Th1-dependent immune responses in a murine vaccination model. As Th1-responses are weak in early life in humans, this might suggest that application of these oligosaccharides in infant formulas will be beneficial for the development of the infant's immune system.