A combination of xylooligosaccharides and a polyphenol blend affect microbial composition and activity in the distal colon exerting immunomodulating properties on human cells

Abstract

A validated in vitro gut model (i.e. SHIME®), coupled with co-cultures of epithelial cells and macrophages, was used to investigate the prebiotic potential and immune modulation of long-term administration of a xylooligosaccharides/polyphenols blend. The blend was well fermented along the entire colon leading to increased production of butyrate (+7 mmol/L) in the ascending colon; acetate, propionate and butyrate (approx. +4 mmol/L each) in the transverse colon; propionate (+4.1 mmol/L) in the descending colon. The treatment led to a decrease in ammonium and increased lactate levels in the ascending colon, which correlated with an increase in lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (+2.5 Log/mL). Additionally, the propionate-producing Akkermansia muciniphila increased in the lumen of the proximal colon (up to 7.15 log/mL). Finally, it was observed a protective effect on Caco-2 barrier function in the distal colon and pronounced immune activating properties. The generated data support a possible role in protecting against obesity-related adverse effects.

Keywords

• XOS
• Polyphenols
• Prebiotic
• SHIME
• Akkermansia
• Obesity