Fecal microbiota transplantation from Suncus murinus, an obesity-resistant animal, to C57BL/6NCrSIc mice, and the antibiotic effects in the approach

Abstract

IntroductionImportant studies on the relationship of the intestinal microbial flora with obesity have uncovered profound changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in obese individuals. Animal studies successfully altered body phenotypes by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the gut microbiome of Suncus murinus (S. murinus), a naturally obesity-resistant animal, and the changes of the gut flora of C57BL/6NCrSIc mice that received gut bacteria transplantation from S. murinus by 16S rRNA gene analysis method. And analyzed and discussed the possible impact of the use of antibiotics before transplantation on the outcome of transplantation.ResultsOur results showed no significant changes in body weight in the FMT group compared to the control (AB) group, but large fluctuations due to antibiotics. There was no change in blood lipid levels between groups before and after FMT. The gut microbiota of S. murinus were enriched in Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while Bacteroidetes were not detected, and fewer OTUs were detected in the intestine gut in comparison to other mouse groups. Statistically significant differences in alpha diversity were observed between the FMT group and other groups. Furthermore, a beta diversity analysis indicated an apparent structural separation between the FMT group and other groups.ConclusionIt was suggested that the gut flora of S. murinus was not well established in the gut trace of mice through FMT, and the administration of antibiotics before transplantation was an important factor affecting the overall composition of the gut flora. Although FMT of S. murinus failed to completely colonize the intestinal tract of the mice, it still had a certain effect on the establishment of the intestinal flora of the mice. The unpredictable effects of pre-transplantation antibiotics on the results of transplantation cannot be ignored.

Gut microbiota of Suncus murinus, a naturally obesity-resistant animal, improves the ecological diversity of the gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice

“…The findings of a deficiency of Bacteroidetes in the AB group and lower proportion of Bacteroidetes (5.79%) in the FMT group than in the Con group (54.73%) are consistent with our previous study [22]. We speculate that Bacteroidetes might be very susceptible to antibiotics but could be reestablished by FMT.…”

“…The room was automatically lit between 09:00 and 21:00. The pellets consisted of 45.0% protein, 4.0% fat, 3.0% fiber, 15.0% ash and 26.2% complex carbohydrates (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd. Bioindustry Division, Chiba, Japan), and the metabolizable energy content was 357 kcal/100 g. Pellets and water were supplied ad libitum [22].…”

“…The Con group received neither antibiotic treatment nor transplantation. To remove indigenous gut microorganisms, before FMT, mice were given an antibiotic cocktail including ampicillin (1.0 g/L; Nacalai Tesque, Kyoto, Japan), vancomycin (0.5 g/L; Shionogi, Osaka, Japan), neomycin (1.0 g/L; Nacalai Tesque, Kyoto, Japan) and metronidazole (1.0 g/L; Nacalai Tesque, Kyoto, Japan) in drinking water for 10 consecutive days [22].…”

“…The FMT procedure was conducted in line with our previous research [22]. In brief, to collect fecal content from the donor animal, all surgical instruments were aseptically sterilized before the transplantation surgery.…”

“…We previously found that even on an HFD, this animal was able to maintain its body weight and mediate fat gain by controlling its energy intake [21]. A further study found that the gut microbiota of S. murinus differs markedly from that of the general experimental animal C57/6BL, and the influence of antibiotic use for FMT on the transplantation effect was discussed [22].…”