Sex differences in gut fermentation and immune parameters in rats fed an oligofructose-supplemented diet

Abstract

BackgroundMechanistic data to support health claims is often generated using rodent models, and the influence of prebiotic supplementation has largely been evaluated using male rodents. Given that sex-based differences in immune parameters are well recognized and recent evidence suggests differences in microbiota composition between sexes, validation of the effectiveness of prebiotics merits assessment in both males and females. Here, we have compared the effect of oligofructose (OF) supplementation on the fecal bacterial community, short chain fatty acid profiles, and gut mucosal and systemic immune parameters in male and female rats.MethodsMale and female rats were fed rodent chow or chow supplemented with OF (5 % w/w). Fecal community change was examined by analyzing 16S rRNA gene content. To compare effects of OF between sexes at the gut microbial and mucosal immune level, fecal short chain fatty acid and tissue cytokine profiles were measured. Serum lipopolysaccharide levels were also evaluated by the limulus amebocyte lysate assay as an indirect means of determining gut permeability between sexes.ResultsIn the fecal community of females, OF supplementation altered community structure by increasing abundance in the Phylum Bacteroidetes. In male rats, no changes in fecal community structure were observed, although fecal butyrate levels significantly increased. Liver Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were higher in males relative to females fed OF, and serum LPS concentrations were higher in males independent of diet. Females had higher basal levels of the regulatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the colon and liver, while males had higher basal levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1) in the cecum and liver.ConclusionsWe have shown that male and female rat gut communities metabolize an OF-supplemented diet differently. Sex-specific responses in both the fecal community and systemic immune parameters suggest that this difference may result from an increase in the availability of gut peptidyl-nitrogen in the males. These findings demonstrate the importance of performing sex-comparative studies when investigating potential health effects of prebiotics using rodent models.

Colitis‐induced colorectal cancer and intestinal epithelial estrogen receptor beta impact gut microbiota diversity

“…For example, ICR (Swiss albino) males have been reported to be more vulnerable to microbiota infections and development of inflammation than corresponding females . A few animal studies have, indeed, demonstrated a correlation between microbiota diversity and sex, and in response to different nutrients . Human studies have also indicated a difference in overall microbiota communities in the gut or of specific bacteria related to gender .…”

The influence of weight and gender on intestinal bacterial community of wild largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti, 1874)

“…Moreover, endothermic animals studies have also revealed that the gut microbiota composition between gender are different [21–24, 33]. The difference in gut microbiota between sexes, may be hormones associated with each sex that might affect the composition of the gut microbiota [34, 35].…”

The microgenderome revealed: sex differences in bidirectional interactions between the microbiota, hormones, immunity and disease susceptibility

“…Male and female rodents, for example, metabolise a diet supplemented with the prebiotic oligofructose (OF) differently, with females having higher levels of Bacteroidetes compared to males [90]. Faecal buty-rate levels are also increased in males, and liver IgA, IL-6 and caecal IL-6 levels are higher in males, while anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels are higher in females [90]. Further, mice given an oral anti-ageing oil treatment show sex-based differences in GIT microbiota modulation [46].…”