Supplemental magnolol or honokiol attenuates adverse effects in broilers infected with Salmonella pullorum by modulating mucosal gene expression and the gut microbiota

Gut-Brain Axis-Based Polygala Tenuifolia and Magnolia Officinalis Improve D-gal-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice Through cAMP and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Purpose

Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (PT) is commonly used to address cognitive impairment (CI), while Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils (MO) is often prescribed for gastrointestinal issues as well as CI. This study seeks to explore the impacts and mechanisms behind the combined therapy of PT and MO (PM) in treating CI, based on the concept of the gut-brain axis.

Methods

The characteristic components of PT, MO, and PM were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A mouse model was established by D-gal induction, and the effects of PT, MO, and PM on CI were evaluated through behavioral tests, pathological staining, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Subsequently, network pharmacology was used to analyze the potential mechanisms by which PM improves CI, followed by validation through Western blotting (WB), traditional Chinese medicine (TEM), Immunofluorescence (IF), and 16S rRNA.

Results

PT, MO, and PM can each alleviate cognitive decline and neuropathological damage in D-gal mice to varying degrees, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, LPS) in serum or hippocampal tissue, and increase SOD and GSH levels. Network pharmacology analysis and molecular experiments confirmed that PM upregulates the expression of tight junction s (TJs), enhances the expression of proteins in the cAMP pathway, and inhibits p-NF-κB-p65 expression. PM reverses D-gal-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, increases the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, and decreases the abundance of LPS-producing bacteria.

Conclusion

PM alleviates CI by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and intestinal barrier, inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, activating the cAMP pathway, and regulating gut microbiota.

Hepatoprotective effects of magnolol in fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome hens through shaping gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolic profile

BACKGROUND

Magnolol (MAG) exhibits hepatoprotective activity, however, whether and how MAG regulates the gut microbiota to alleviate fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of MAG in FLHS laying hens with an emphasis on alterations in the gut-liver axis. We randomly divided 540 56-week-old Hy-line white laying hens with FLSH into 4 groups. The birds were fed a high-fat low-protein (HFLP) diet (CON) or HELP diets supplemented with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of MAG (M1, M2, and M3, respectively) for 9 weeks.

RESULTS

Magnolol supplementation increased the laying rate and ameliorated hepatic damage and dysfunction by regulating lipid metabolism, improving intestinal barrier function, and shaping the gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolic profiles. Dietary MAG supplementation downregulated the expression of lipid synthesis genes and upregulated the expression of lipid transport genes at varying degrees. The intestinal barrier function was improved by 200 and 400 mg/kg of MAG supplementation, as evidenced by the increased villus height and mRNA expression of tight junction related genes. Microbiological profile information revealed that MAG changed the gut microbiota, especially by elevating the abundances of Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Butyricicoccus. Moreover, non-targeted metabolomic analysis showed that MAG significantly promoted tryptophan metabolites, which was positively correlated with the MAG-enriched gut microbiota. The increased tryptophan metabolites could activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and relieved hepatic inflammation and immune response evidenced by the downregulated the gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the liver. The fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments further confirmed that the hepatoprotective effect is likely mediated by MAG-altered gut microbiota and their metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnolol can be an outstanding supplement for the prevention and mitigation of FLHS in laying hens by positively regulating lipid synthesis and transport metabolism, improving the intestinal barrier function, and relieving hepatic inflammation by reshaping the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles through gut microbiota-indole metabolite-hepatic AhR crosstalk. These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which MAG alleviates FLHS and provide a promising method for preventing liver diseases by modulating gut microbiota and their metabolites.

Effects of herbal formula on growth performance, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbiome in fattening lambs under heat stress

Heat stress (HS) causes severe economic losses in sheep industry worldwide. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a herbal formula (HF) supplement on growth, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbes in fattening lambs under HS. The HF composed of four herbs was prepared based on the theory of compatibility of Chinese medicine "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi". Two-hundred forty 3-month weaned lambs (initial weight 36.61 ± 0.73 kg) were randomly allocated into four groups, supplemented 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% HF in diets. All lambs were exposed to HS conditions with 79.7 of average temperature-humidity index throughout an experimental period of 35 days. Growth performance, apparent digestibility, and antioxidant activities, involving antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins (HSPs), were measured at the end of trial, as well as microbial communities in bacteria and archaea. Results showed that 0.5% HF increased (P = 0.02) average daily gain by 13.80% and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (P = 0.03) by 14.68%, compared to control. With increasing HF doses, the digestibility of ether extract and acid detergent fiber demonstrated a cubical (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P = 0.03) relation, respectively; moreover, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities demonstrated a quadratic increase (P < 0.01). Serum levels of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 for 0.5% HF were lower than that in control (P < 0.05). On the other hand, total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid levels exhibited quadratic increases (P ≤ 0.01) with HF doses. From rumen microbes, the abundance and diversity of bacterial community were improved by HF supplements. Particularly for 0.5% HF group, the operational taxonomic units were the greatest among all groups. Compared to control, Prevotella abundance for HF supplements from 0.5 to 1.5% increased by 35.57 to 60.15%, and Succiniclasticum abundance demonstrated a quadratic pattern (P = 0.02) with doses. Additionally, Methanosphaera abundance in archaeal community raised by 0.2 to 3.3-folds when lambs were fed the HF additions of 0.5 to 1.5%. In summary, dietary HF supplements would contribute to alleviating HS in lambs, and our results suggest the optimal dose of 0.5% HF supplement in diet.

From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine

The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, playing a pivotal role in the clinical application of TCM. While advancements in energy metabolism, chemical composition analysis, machine learning, ion current modeling, and supercritical fluid technology have provided valuable insight into how aspects of TCM property theory may be measured, these studies only capture specific aspects of TCM property theory in isolation, overlooking the holistic perspective inherent in TCM. To systematically investigate the modern interpretation of the TCM property theory from multidimensional perspectives, we consulted the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) to compile a list of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Then, using the Latin names of each CMM and gut microbiota as keywords, we searched the PubMed database for relevant research on gut microbiota and CMM. The regulatory patterns of different herbs on gut microbiota were then summarized from the perspectives of the four natures, the five flavors and the meridian tropism. In terms of the four natures, we found that warm-natured medicines promoted the colonization of specific beneficial bacteria, while cold-natured medicines boosted populations of some beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of the five flavors revealed that sweet-flavored and bitter-flavored CMMs positively influenced beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria. CMMs with different meridian tropism exhibited complex modulative patterns on gut microbiota, with Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Lung) meridian CMMs generally exerting a stronger effect. The gut microbiota may be a biological indicator for characterizing the TCM property theory, which not only enhances our understanding of classic TCM theory but also contributes to its scientific advancement and application in healthcare. Please cite this article as: Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med 2024; 22(4): 413-445.

Honokiol Prevents Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Mice with Severe Acute Pancreatitis and Inhibits JAK/STAT1 Pathway and Acetylation of HMGB1

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of honokiol (HON) and the role of high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) on the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

Thirty mice were numbered according to weight, and randomly divided into 5 groups using a random number table, including control, SAP, SAP and normal saline (SAP+NS), SAP and ethyl pyruvate (SAP+EP), or SAP+HON groups, 6 mice in each group. Samples of pancreas, intestine, and blood were collected 12 h after SAP model induction for examination of pathologic changes, immune function alterations by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot. In vitro experiments, macrophages were divided into 5 groups, the control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+DMSO (DMSO), LPS+anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and LPS+ HON groups. The tight connection level was determined by transmission electron microscopy and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled. The location and acetylation of HMGB1 were measured by Western blot. Finally, pyridone 6 and silencing signal transducer and activator of the transcription 1 (siSTAT1) combined with honokiol were added to determine whether the Janus kinase (JAK)/ STAT1 participated in the regulation of honokiol on HMGB1. The protein expression levels of HMGB1, JAK, and STAT1 were detected using Western blot.

RESULTS

Mice with SAP had inflammatory injury in the pancreas, bleeding of intestinal tissues, and cells with disrupted histology. Mice in the SAP+HON group had significantly fewer pathological changes. Mice with SAP also had significant increases in the serum levels of amylase, lipase, HMGB1, tumor necrosis factor- α, interleukin-6, diamine oxidase, endotoxin-1, and procalcitonin. Mice in the SAP+HON group did not show these abnormalities (P<0.01). Studies of Caco-2 cells indicated that LPS increased the levels of occludin and claudin-1 as well as tight junction permeability, decreased the levels of junctional adhesion molecule C, and elevated intercellular permeability (P<0.01). HON treatment blocked these effects. Studies of macrophages indicated that LPS led to low nuclear levels of HMGB1, however, HON treatment increased the nuclear level of HMGB1 (P<0.01). HON treatment also inhibited the expressions of JAK1, JAK2, and STAT1 (P<0.01) and increased the acetylation of HMGB1 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

HON prevented intestinal barrier dysfunction in SAP by inhibiting HMGB1 acetylation and JAK/STAT1 pathway.

Gallnut tannic acid alleviates gut damage induced by Salmonella pullorum in broilers by enhancing barrier function and modulating microbiota

Pullorum disease (PD) is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella pullorum (S. pullorum) that affects poultry. It is highly infectious and often fatal. Antibiotics are currently the mainstay of prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for PD, but their use can lead to the development of resistance in pathogenic bacteria and disruption of the host's intestinal flora. We added neomycin sulfate and different doses of tannic acid (TA) to the drinking water of chicks at 3 days of age and infected them with PD by intraperitoneal injection of S. pullorum at 9 days of age. We analyzed intestinal histopathological changes and the expression of immune-related genes and proteins by using the plate smear method, histological staining, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, ELISA kits, and 16S rRNA Analysis of intestinal flora. The results demonstrate that S. pullorum induces alterations in the immune status and impairs the functionality of the liver and intestinal barrier. We found that tannic acid significantly ameliorated S. pullorum-induced liver and intestinal damage, protected the intestinal physical and chemical barriers, restored the intestinal immune barrier function, and regulated the intestinal flora. Our results showed that TA has good anti-diarrhoeal, growth-promoting, immune-regulating, intestinal barrier-protecting and intestinal flora-balancing effects, and the best effect was achieved at an additive dose of 0.2%.

Magnolia Officinalis Alcohol Extract Alleviates the Intestinal Injury Induced by Polygala Tenuifolia Through Regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Intestinal Flora

Purpose

Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (PT), a traditional Chinese medicinal plant extensively employed in managing Alzheimer's disease, exhibits notable gastrointestinal side effects as highlighted by prior investigations. In contrast, Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils (MO), a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal ailments, shows promising potential for ameliorating this adverse effect of PT. The objective of this study is to examine the underlying mechanism of MO in alleviating the side effects of PT.

Methods

Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the structural damage of zebrafish intestine, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress. The integrity of the intestinal tight junctions was examined using transmission electron microscope (TEM). Moreover, the expression of intestinal barrier genes and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway-related genes was determined through quantitative real-time PCR. The changes in intestinal microbial composition were analyzed using 16S rRNA and metagenomic techniques.

Results

MO effectively ameliorated intestinal pathological damage and barrier gene expression, and significantly alleviated intestinal injury by reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, MO could significantly increase the relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms (Lactobacillus, Blautia and Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and reduce the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Plesiomonas and Aeromonas).

Conclusion

MO alleviated PT-induced intestinal injury, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway activation and regulation of intestinal flora.

Magnolol attenuates macrophage pyroptosis triggered by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen that causes life-threatening infections and various diseases such as meningitis, endocarditis and pneumonia. With the use of antibiotics being severely restricted in the international community, an alternative to antibiotics is urgently needed against bacterial. In the present study, the herbal extract magnolol protected mice against SEZ infection, reflected by increased survival rate and reduced bacterial burden. A pro-inflammatory form of cell death occurred in SEZ-infected macrophage. Magnolol downregulated the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and reduced the formation of cell membrane pores in infected macrophages to suppress the development of subsequent inflammation. We further demonstrated that magnolol directly suppressed SEZ-induced macrophage pyroptosis, which partially protected macrophages from SEZ infection. Our study revealed that magnolol suppressed inflammation and protected mice against SEZ infection, providing a possible treatment for SEZ infection.

Protective effects of sodium humate on the intestinal barrier damage of Salmonella Typhimurium-challenged broilers

Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infections can lead to severe intestinal damage and reduce growth performance in broilers. Thus, this study examined the potential mitigating impact of sodium humate (HNa) on intestinal barrier damage resulting from S. Typhimurium infection in broilers. A total of 320 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned into 5 treatments with 8 replicates. On d 22-24, broilers in the CON group were challenged with 1 ml of PBS, while broilers in the other groups were challenged with 1 ml of 3 × 109 CFU/ml S. Typhimurium, daily. Dietary administration with 4 g/kg of HNa increased (P < 0.05) the final body weight, jejunal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels as compared with the MOD group broilers. Furthermore, HNa alleviated intestinal barrier damage by increasing villus height (VH), upregulating protein expression of Occludin, Claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway activation, and decreasing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05). Collectively, the present study showed that HNa mitigated intestinal barrier damage induced by S. Typhimurium infection in broilers.

Mechanistic insights of magnolol antimicrobial activity against Mycoplasma using untargeted metabolomic analyses

The unreasonable use of antibiotics is one of the important causes of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that poses a huge public health threat. Magnolol is a traditional Chinese medicine exhibiting antibacterial-, antifungal-, anti-inflammatory-, and antioxidant activities. However, it is unclear whether magnolol has an inhibitory effect on mycoplasma. This study found that magnolol showed excellent inhibitory activity against various mycoplasmas. Magnolol showed dose-dependent inhibition of Mycoplasma synoviae growth and biofilm formation in vitro. Magnolol caused severely sunken and wrinkled M. synoviae cell membranes at the minimum inhibitory concentration, and an enlarged cell diameter. The chicken embryo infection model showed that magnolol significantly reduced M. synoviae pathogenicity in vivo. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the citrate cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and pyruvate metabolism were significantly disturbed at the minimum inhibitory concentration of magnolol. Interestingly, 41% of differential metabolites were in the categories of lipids and lipid-like molecules. Protegenin A was up-regulated 58752-fold after magnolol treatment. It belongs to fatty acyls, and destroys cell membrane integrity and cell activity. Ghosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, and phosphatidylserine related to membrane maintenance and stress response were widely down-regulated. Collectively, our results illustrate the feasibility of magnolol as a phytochemical compound to treat mycoplasma infection.

Amorphous solid dispersion preparation via co-precipitation improves the dissolution, oral bioavailability and intestinal health enhancement properties of magnolol

Magnolol (MAG) is a multifunctional plant polyphenol with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antitumor properties. In poultry, it has been shown to improve growth performance, antioxidant, immune functions and intestinal health. However, its applications are limited by poor solubility and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed at improving the water solubility of MAG through solid dispersion and investigating its effects in Arbor Acre (AA) broilers. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose succinic acid (HPMCAS) was used as a carrier to prepare magnolol solid dispersions (MAG-HPMCAS SD) via antisolvent coprecipitation, which were characterized thereafter. Optimal formulation proportions for SD were screened by in vitro dissolution assays, while its effects on improving absorption were investigated via in vivo pharmacokinetic assays. In addition, we evaluated the effects of MAG-HPMCAS SD on growth performance, antioxidant status, and gut microbiota in AA broilers. The powder samples prepared via antisolvent coprecipitation did not exhibit a crystal diffraction peak of MAG in powder X-ray diffractions or melting point peak in differential scanning calorimetry, proving the successful preparation of an amorphous solid dispersion system. The in vitro dissolution assay showed that the cumulative dissolution rate of MAG-HPMCAS(LF) SD (2:8, w/w) was 100%. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed that the peak concentration (C_max) of MAG-HPMCAS SD was 5.07 ± 0.73 μg/mL, which was 1.76 times greater than that of MAG. In addition, AUC_0-48 and t_1/2 of MAG-HPMCAS SD were 40.49 ± 6.29 g·h/mL and 9.15 ± 3.23 h, respectively, which were 2.17 and 2.56 times higher than those of MAG. Supplementation of MAG-HPMCAS SD in AA broilers significantly increased ADG (7-14 d and 15-21 d) and reduced feed conversion ratio (15-21 d) (P < 0.05). Bacterial diversity in the MAG-HPMCAS SD-supplemented group was greater than in the Control and MAG-supplemented group. Supplementation of MAG-HPMCAS SD stimulated the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae. In conclusion, the MAG-HPMCAS SD prepared by coprecipitation improved the dissolution rate, the bioavailability of MAG, growth promotion, antioxidant effects and gut health in broilers.

Addition of a Blend Based on Zinc Chloride and Lignans of Magnolia in the Diet of Broilers to Substitute for a Conventional Antibiotic: Effects on Intestinal Health, Meat Quality, and Performance

This study aimed to determine whether adding a blend based on zinc chloride and lignans from magnolia to the diet of broilers could replace conventional performance enhancers. For this study, 360 chickens were divided into four groups, with six repetitions per group (n = 15), as follows: CN, without promoter; GPC, control, 50 mg/kg of enramycin growth promoter; T-50, additive blend at a dose of 50 g/ton; and T-100, additive blend at a dose of 100 g/ton. Chickens fed with the additive blend at 50 g/ton showed a production efficiency index equal to that in the GPC group (p < 0.05). At 42 days, the lowest total bacterial count (TBC) was found in the T-100 group, followed by that in the GPC group (p < 0.001). For E. coli, the lowest count was observed in the T-100 group, followed by that in the CP and T-50 groups (p < 0.001). Higher villus/crypt ratios were observed in birds belonging to the T-100 and T-50 groups than in the GPC and NC groups (p < 0.001). Greater water retention was found in the T-50 group than in NC and T-100 groups (p < 0.048). The lowest water loss during cooking was also noted in the T-50 group (p < 0.033). We concluded that adding the antimicrobial blend, primarily at 50 g/ton, maintains the efficiency of the index of production and improves the intestinal health and meat quality of the birds.

Probiotic Bacillus subtilis LF11 Protects Intestinal Epithelium Against Salmonella Infection

Enteric diseases caused by Salmonella are prevalent in poultry farming. With the forbiddance of antibiotics in feedstuff industry, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) preparation as antibiotic alternatives against Salmonella infection has gained increasing attention recently. However, the protection modes of B. subtilis against Salmonella infection in broilers are strain-specific. In this study, probiotic B. subtilis LF11 significantly reduced diarrhea and mortality of broilers caused by Salmonella braenderup (S. braenderup) in spite of no inhibition effect on it in vitro. Here, the intestinal epithelial cells NCM460 were incubated to explore the protection of B. subtilis LF11 on intestinal epithelium against Salmonella. The results revealed that B. subtilis LF11 showed obvious exclusion activity with the decrease of adhesion and invasion of S. braenderup to NCM460 cells, accordingly with the increase of NCM460 cell survival compared with S. braenderup challenge alone. Meanwhile, RT-PCR and Western blot proved that the gene transcription and expression levels of four tight junction proteins in NCM 460 cells were upregulated, which was further confirmed by immunofluorescence observation. Besides, B. subtilis LF11 downregulated the gene transcription levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α induced by S. braenderup H9812. ELISA analysis also verified that B. subtilis LF11 reduced the IL-8 production significantly. In general, B. subtilis LF11 has the ability to protect the intestinal epithelium against Salmonella infection by reducing the Salmonella adhesion and invasion, enhancing the intestinal barrier and attenuating the enterocyte inflammatory responses, and has the potential as probiotics to prevent enteric diseases in broilers.