Application of the Colon-Simulation Technique for Studying the Effects of <i>Saccharomyces boulardii</i> on Basic Parameters of Porcine Cecal Microbial Metabolism Disturbed by Clindamycin

Abstract

Aims: The present study analyzed the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on the biochemical parameters of microbial hindgut metabolism disturbed by clindamycin. Methods: The experiments were carried out under in vitro conditions using the semicontinuous colon-simulation technique. This technique is standardized for quantitatively measuring parameters of microbial hindgut metabolism. The fluid and particle phase of pig hindgut contents were used for the in vitro incubations. The 5-day control period was followed by clindamycin exposure alone (312.5 mg/day for 5 days) or by a combined treatment of clindamycin and S. boulardii (400 mg/day for 5 days). Results: Clindamycin resulted in significant decreases in production rates of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which were associated with substantial changes in molar SCFA proportions at the expense of butyrate. These effects could at least partly be compensated for by S. boulardii, in particular by enhancements of acetate and propionate fermentation to control levels. In contrast, butyrate fermentation could not be reconstituted. In a second experiment the potential use of S. boulardii as a substrate for hindgut microbial metabolism was studied by comparing living and autoclaved yeast. Propionate and butyrate fermentation rates were unaffected whereas acetate fermentation tended to be higher in the presence of living yeast. Conclusions: S. boulardii can be effective to compensate for changes in microbial fermentation in response to antibiotic treatment. Despite the lack of statistical significance it might be concluded that the increase in fermentation end products can only partly be explained by the utilization of the yeast as a substrate for microbial metabolism.

Effects of hydrolysed yeasts on ruminal fermentation in the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec)

“…Three incubation trials were carried out independently using six Rusitec fermentation vessels. Experimental procedures similar to those reported by Wallace et al (1981), Durix et al (1991) and Breves et al (2000) were used in these trials. In Experiment 1, six vessels of the Rusitec system were run for a total period of 22 days.…”

The Impact of Probiotics on the Gastrointestinal Physiology

“…toyoi (Breves et al, 2000). It has been also determined that Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 used as a probiotic caused an increase in intestinal transport and barrier function and glucose absorption (Lodeman et al, 2006).…”

Saccharomyces boulardii in childhood

“…In pigs with a reduced gastrointestinal flora because of administrations of antibiotics, S. boulardii restores normal levels of colonic short chain fatty acids (SCFA) [12]. A similar effect was shown in patients on total parenteral nutrition.…”