Short chain fatty acids and colon motility in a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is defined as a multifactorial disorder associated with visceral hypersensitivity, altered gut motility and dysfunction of the brain-gut axis. Gut microbiota and its metabolites are proposed as possible etiological factors of IBS. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) induce both inhibitory and stimulatory action on colon motility, however, their effects on the IBS model were not investigated. The aim of our study was to investigate the level of SFCAs in feces and their effects on colon motility in a mouse model of IBS. Methods IBS model was induced in mice by intracolonic infusion of 1% acetic acid during the early postnatal period. Mice colon hypersensitivity was assessed by the threshold of the abdominal withdrawal reflex in response to colorectal distention. Colon contractility was studied using proximal colon specimens in isometric conditions. Transit rates were assessed by the pellet propulsion in the isolated colon. Concentrations of SCFAs in feces were measured using gas–liquid chromatography. Results The concentration of SCFAs in feces of IBS model mice was higher compared to the control group. Visceral sensitivity to colorectal distension and colonic transit rate were increased indicating IBS with predominant diarrhea. The frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions of proximal colon segments from IBS mice were higher, but carbachol induced contractions were lower compared to control. During acute application of SCFAs (sodium propionate, sodium acetate or butyric acid) dose-dependently (0.5–30 mM) decreased tonic tension, frequency and amplitude of spontaneous and carbachol-evoked contractions. In the mouse IBS group the inhibitory effects SCFAs on spontaneous and carbachol-evoked contractions were less pronounced. At the same time intraluminal administration of butyrate (5 mM) increased the transit rate in the colon of both groups, but its stimulatory effect was more pronounced in mouse IBS model group. Conclusion Our data indicate that the increased transit rate in the mouse IBS model group is associated with a disbalance of activating and inhibiting action of SCFAs due to chronically elevated SCFA levels, which may impact the pathogenesis of IBS with predominant diarrhea syndrome.

Grape Polyphenols Attenuate Diet-Induced Obesity and Hepatic Steatosis in Mice in Association With Reduced Butyrate and Increased Markers of Intestinal Carbohydrate Oxidation

“…Butyrate concentrations measured in colon content of WD and WD-GP groups of mice (23.5-209 µg/mg of colon content) were comparable to other mouse studies reporting a mean of ∼112 µg/mg (57). GPs reduced concentration of butyrate almost 4-fold on WD.…”

Protective Effects of Probiotics on Cognitive and Motor Functions, Anxiety Level, Visceral Sensitivity, Oxidative Stress and Microbiota in Mice with Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis

“…Administration of antibiotics in our study did not change mechanical sensitivity; however, it induced visceral nociception and this behavior was reversed by probiotic treatment. Similarly, antibiotic treatment during the early or late postnatal period did not change the thermal threshold in the hot plate test [ 24 ]; however, it induced visceral pain in adult mice which is a feature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [ 26 , 46 , 55 ]. IBS is characterized by decreased microbiota diversity and altered proportion of bacterial groups producing SCFAs [ 46 , 74 ].…”

“…Similarly, antibiotic treatment during the early or late postnatal period did not change the thermal threshold in the hot plate test [ 24 ]; however, it induced visceral pain in adult mice which is a feature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [ 26 , 46 , 55 ]. IBS is characterized by decreased microbiota diversity and altered proportion of bacterial groups producing SCFAs [ 46 , 74 ]. Probiotic consumption was shown to ameliorate the symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain in clinical studies [ 75 ] and animal model studies [ 76 ], due to production of SCFAs and/or the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) [ 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 ].…”

“…Measurements of AWR levels were carried out 30 min after wakefulness and adaptation of the animal and consisted of visual observation of reaction to rapid balloon distension for 20 s in ascending order (0.1, 0.25, 0.35, 0.5 and 0.65). The animal’s response to colon dilation was repeated three times with an interval of 30 s and was assessed on the AWR scale: 0, no behavioral response; 1, brief movement of the head, followed by immobility; 2, contraction of abdominal muscles; 3, lifting the abdomen; 4, body flexion and pelvic lift [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Mechanism of QingHuaZhiXie Prescription Regulating TLR4-IECs Pathway in the Intervention of Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

“…Intestinal sensitivity was assessed by the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score using the balloon dilator as in a previous research [ 20 ]. The AWR score was divided into 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 scale.…”