Ameliorative Effects of Peptides Derived from Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) on Immunomodulatory Function and Gut Microbiota Structure in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

Abstract

The intestinal flora is recognized as a significant contributor to the immune system. In this research, the protective effects of oyster peptides on immune regulation and intestinal microbiota were investigated in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. The results showed that oyster peptides restored the indexes of thymus, spleen and liver, stimulated cytokines secretion and promoted the relative mRNA levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10). The mRNA levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1, and Mucin-2 were up-regulated, and the NF-κB signaling pathway was also activated after oyster peptides administration. Furthermore, oyster peptides treatment reduced the proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, increased the relative abundance of Alistipes, Lactobacillus, Rikenell and the content of short-chain fatty acids, and reversed the composition of intestinal microflora similar to that of normal mice. In conclusion, oyster peptides effectively ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal damage and modified gut microbiota structure in mice, and might be utilized as a beneficial ingredient in functional foods for immune regulation.

The Functional Interplay between Gut Microbiota, Protein Hydrolysates/Bioactive Peptides, and Obesity: A Critical Review on the Study Advances

“…Gao and colleagues found out that sturgeon hydrolysate could alleviate inflammation by modifying the Bacteroidetes / Firmicutes ratio [ 70 ]. The treatment by oyster peptide improved the relative abundance of Alistipes, Lactobacillus, and Rikenell in mice [ 67 ]. Alistipes is a member of the Bacteroidetes phylum described as a beneficial microbe that could help reduce intestinal inflammation induced by metabolic disorders [ 71 ].…”

“…Alistipes is a member of the Bacteroidetes phylum described as a beneficial microbe that could help reduce intestinal inflammation induced by metabolic disorders [ 71 ]. Peptide, pyroGlu-Leua also revealed a promising role in the inhibition of inflammatory response via gut bacteria modulation effects in intestinal epithelial cells [ 67 ]. According to the study, administration of a pyroGlu-Leu normalized population of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in the colon prevents inflammation of the intestine in mice [ 67 ].…”

“…Peptide, pyroGlu-Leua also revealed a promising role in the inhibition of inflammatory response via gut bacteria modulation effects in intestinal epithelial cells [ 67 ]. According to the study, administration of a pyroGlu-Leu normalized population of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in the colon prevents inflammation of the intestine in mice [ 67 ]. These results confirm that hydrolysates/peptide intake may maintain a more balanced composition of gut bacteria and reduce the inflammatory responses from gut bacteria to the host.…”

Effects of Shrimp Peptide Hydrolysate on Intestinal Microbiota Restoration and Immune Modulation in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

“…In recent years, there has been a general understanding of the gut microbiota, with the rational use of probiotics as a functional food being well-established [ 2 , 15 , 16 ]. Pathogens are known to cause infections and are strongly associated with the development or enhancement of disease.…”

Host Defense Peptides: Dual Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Action

“…In addition to the functions described above, HDPs have also been implicated in the recruitment of antigen-presenting cells such as monocytes [ 60 ], macrophages [ 61 ] and dendritic cells [ 62 ]. They can also promote phagocytosis [ 63 ] and modulate the microbiome [ 64 ]. For additional detailed examples, the reader is invited to consult the excellent review by Mookherjee et al [ 40 ] and references therein.…”