Lactulose Improves Neurological Outcomes by Repressing Harmful Bacteria and Regulating Inflammatory Reactions in Mice After Stroke
Overview
Infectious Diseases
Microbiology
Affiliations
Background And Objective: Gut microbiota dysbiosis following stroke affects the recovery of neurological function. Administration of prebiotics to counteract post-stroke dysbiosis may be a potential therapeutic strategy to improve neurological function. We aim to observe the effect of lactulose on neurological function outcomes, gut microbiota composition, and plasma metabolites in mice after stroke.
Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g) were randomly divided into three groups: healthy control, photothrombotic stroke + triple-distilled water, and photothrombotic stroke + lactulose. After 14 consecutive days of lactulose administration, feces, plasma, and organs were collected. 16S rDNA sequencing, plasma untargeted metabolomics, qPCR, flow cytometry and Elisa were performed.
Results: Lactulose supplementation significantly improved the functional outcome of stroke, downregulated inflammatory reaction, and increased anti-inflammatory factors in both the brain and gut. In addition, lactulose supplementation repaired intestinal barrier injury, improved gut microbiota dysbiosis, and partially amended metabolic disorder after stroke.
Conclusion: Lactulose promotes functional outcomes after stroke in mice, which may be attributable to repressing harmful bacteria, and metabolic disorder, repairing gut barrier disruption, and reducing inflammatory reactions after stroke.
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