Dietary Weizmannia coagulans Strain SANK70258 Ameliorates Coccidial Symptoms and Improves Intestinal Barrier Functions of Broilers by Modulating the Intestinal Immunity and the Gut Microbiota

Abstract

To determine the mechanisms by which Weizmannia coagulans SANK70258 (WC) supplementation improved growth performance and coccidial symptoms, we assessed the gene expressions and the microbiota compositions in the small intestinal tissues and digestas of coccidium-infected broilers previously given WC or lasalocid-A sodium (AM). WC supplementation significantly upregulated the gene expressions related to intestinal immunity and barrier functions, such as IL17A, IL17F, IL10, cathelicidin-2 and pIgR. Body weights, and Claudin-1 and IL10 expressions were positively correlated (r = 0.41, p < 0.05 and r = 0.37, p = 0.06, respectively), whereas lesion scores of the small intestine and IL17A expression were negatively correlated (r = −0.33, p = 0.09). The microbiota analysis detected that genus Alistipes was more abundant in WC-supplemented broilers than in control, and positively correlated with body weights and Claudin-1 expression (r = 0.61, p < 0.05 and r = 0.51, p < 0.05, respectively). Intriguingly, genus Enterococcus was most abundant in WC-supplemented broilers and positively correlated with IL17A expression (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). Interestingly, Escherichia-Shigella was significantly more abundant in the small intestinal digestas of AM-administered broilers than in those of control. To summarize, WC supplementation modulated and immunostimulated the microbiotas of broilers, specifically genera Alistipes and Enterococcus, which led to the improvement of weight gain and coccidial symptoms, without disrupting the intestinal microbiota compositions, as AM did.

Heyndrickxia coagulans strain SANK70258 suppresses symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection via immune modulation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, comparative study

“…A study of a different strain has shown that ingestion of H. coagulans increases NK cell activity ( 20 ). In addition, the enhancement of intestinal immune function by HC via modification of the intestinal microbiota is reported to contribute to the acquisition of resistance to infection by pathogenic protozoa in livestock and ameliorate weight loss caused by infection ( 21 , 22 ). Several reports have suggested that HC may have immunostimulatory properties; however, few reports have examined the detailed effectiveness of HC on human immune function and its mechanism of action.…”

Immunostimulatory effects ofBacillus coagulansSANK70258

“…Bacillus coagulans SANK70258 (B. coagulans SANK70258), also termed Weizmannia coagulans SANK70258, is a lactic acid bacterium used as probiotics for livestock animals and humans. Oral administration of B. coagulans SANK70258 effectively promotes the growth of broiler chickens with conferring the protection ability against Coccidia infection [2,3] and modulates the composition of SCFAs in the intestine [4]. A study using a model culture system of human colonic microbiota revealed that B. coagulans SANK70258 increased the concentration of butyrate and number of Lachnospiraceae bacteria in the intestine and reduced colonic Enterobacteriaceae species [5].…”

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“…A study of a different strain has shown that ingestion of H. coagulans increases NK cell activity (20). In addition, the enhancement of intestinal immune function by HC via modification of the intestinal microbiota is reported to contribute to the acquisition of resistance to infection by pathogenic protozoa in livestock and ameliorate weight loss caused by infection (21,22). Several reports have suggested that HC may have immunostimulatory properties; however, few reports have examined the detailed effectiveness of HC on human immune function and its mechanism of action.…”