Protective Effects of Xyloglucan in Association with the Polysaccharide Gelose in an Experimental Model of Gastroenteritis and Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract

Acute infectious gastroenteritis (GE) and urinary tract infection (UTI) are common diseases and are normally perceived as mild and limiting illnesses. Xyloglucan is a natural plant polymer with protective barrier properties, also known as “mucosal protectors”, which is the main ingredient of medical devices developed for the management of different diseases, such as gastrointestinal diseases, urinary tract infections, or respiratory allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of xyloglucan in association with gelose (also called agar) in an experimental model of bacterial GE and UTI in rats. Two kinds of infection were induced by oral administration of Salmonella enterica and Enterococcus hirae for three days. Two days before the bacterial administration, preventive oral treatment with xyloglucan + gelose (10 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg) was performed daily until the seventh day. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, rats were sacrificed and urinary tracts and intestines for different analysis were collected. The results showed that xyloglucan plus gelose was able to reduce intestinal morphological changes (p < 0.05 for both), tight junctions (TJ) permeability (p < 0.001 for both), and neutrophil infiltration (p < 0.05 for both) induced by bacterial infections, highlighting its barrier proprieties. Moreover, the compound reduced the number of bacterial colonies in the urinary tract favoring elimination by feces. The results obtained in the present study suggest that the protective barrier properties of xyloglucan plus gelose allow the prevention of GE and UTI in models of infections in rats.

Treatment with Luteolin Improves Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Periodontal Diseases in Rats

“…Histological procedures were performed as previously reported by Reference [ 46 ] and described below. Samples were fixed in 10% ( w/v ) PBS-buffered formaldehyde solution at 25 °C for 24 h, after which they were dehydrated via an increasing scale of alcohols and xylene, included in paraffin, and cut under the microtome to obtain sections of 7 micrometers.…”

Oligosaccharides and Complex Carbohydrates: A New Paradigm for Cranberry Bioactivity

“…The anti-oxidant properties of oligosaccharides [115] may contribute to the overall anti-oxidant effects of cranberry materials through mechanisms distinct from those of polyphenols [235]. The aggregation and gel forming properties of multiple complex carbohydrates from cranberry may support the health and function of the epithelial mucous layer [310] by physically binding to mucins and providing a protective gel layer, as has been observed for tamarind xyloglucans [311,312]. The reduction in secondary bile acid levels as a result of cranberry consumption in the presence of an animal-based diet [74] may relate to the ability of various cranberry components to bind to bile acids [126].…”

Xyloglucan + Gelose Combination versus Placebo as Adjuvant Therapy to First-Line Antimicrobials for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in Adults

“…Xyloglucan + gelose is indicated for the control and prevention of UTIs caused by pathogens, such as E. coli, which are involved in the aetiology of a large proportion of urological infections [1,3,4]. The device acts mechanically in the intestinal lumen to prevent the contact of pathogens with the intestinal mucosa, which is the first step in their proliferation and subsequent passage to the urinary tract [17][18][19][20]. The device also supports the bladder by controlling bacterial growth through the acidification of urine pH by hibiscus and propolis.…”

“…Both agents have been shown to be effective in treating acute gastroenteritis in children [12][13][14][15][16]. Preclinical studies have shown the beneficial effects of xyloglucan, gelatin, or gelose in experimental models of gastroenteritis and UTIs [17][18][19][20].…”

“…The device acts as a mechanical barrier to prevent interaction of pathogenic bacteria with the intestinal mucosa, and as a urinary acidifier to limit bacterial growth in the bladder [17,18,20]. As bacterial interaction with the intestinal mucosa is the first step in pathogen proliferation prior to their subsequent transfer to the urinary tract, interrupting this process is likely to be important for treatment of UTIs.…”