Immunological alteration and changes of gut microbiota after dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the colonic mucosa. Administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to animals is a frequently used model to mimic human colitis. Deregulation of the immune response to the enteric microflora or pathogens as well as increased intestinal permeability have been proposed as disease-driving mechanisms. To enlarge the understanding of the pathogenesis, we have studied the effect of DSS on the immune system and gut microbiota in mice. Intestinal inflammation was verified through histological evaluation and myeloperoxidase activity. Immunological changes were assessed by flow cytometry in spleen, Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes and through multiplex cytokine profiling. In addition, quantification of the total amount of bacteria on colonic mucosa as well as the total amount of lactobacilli, Akkermansia, Desulfovibrio and Enterobacteriaceae was performed by the use of quantitative PCR. Diversity and community structure were analysed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) patterns, and principal component analysis was utilized on immunological and T-RFLP patterns. DSS-induced colitis show clinical and histological similarities to UC. The composition of the colonic microflora was profoundly changed and correlated with several alterations of the immune system. The results demonstrate a relationship between multiple immunological changes and alterations of the gut microbiota after DSS administration. These data highlight and improve the definition of the immunological basis of the disease and suggest a role for dysregulation of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of colitis.

Influence of a drink containing different antioxidants and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on plasma total antioxidant capacity, selenium status and faecal microbial flora.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a supplement of antioxidants to subjects with a high working pace can influence the antioxidant capacity. The study was parallel and double blind with 98 subjects randomised into two groups. One of the groups was given a test drink with antioxidants for 4 weeks (450 ml/day) while the other group took a corresponding amount of placebo drink. The test drink contained: 2 mg beta-carotene/100 ml, 40 mg alpha-tocopherol/100 ml, 80 mg ascorbic acid/100 ml, 2 mg pyridoxine/100 ml, 15 mg magnesium/100 ml, 0.2 mg manganese/100 ml, 1 mg zinc/100 ml, 0.1 mg copper/100 ml and 10 microg selenium/100 ml. Consumption of the test drink for 4 weeks increased the total plasma antioxidant capacity by 7% (ferric reducing ability of plasma method, P<0.05 compared with the placebo group), and the content of selenium and selenoprotein P in serum was raised by 16-17% (P<0.001 compared with the placebo group). No significant changes were found in the placebo group. The test drink also contained Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (5 x 10(7) cfu/ml) and 4 weeks' consumption led to a significant increase of Lb. plantarum 299v in the faeces. In conclusion, consumption of a drink rich in different antioxidants can increase the antioxidant capacity in subjects with a high working pace. This can be valuable since it may increase the protection against reactive oxygen radicals.