In vitro metabolic capacity of carbohydrate degradation by intestinal microbiota of adults and pre-frail elderly

Abstract

Globally increased life expectancy strongly triggered interest to delay the onset of frailty, which has been associated with alterations in compositional and functional characteristics of intestinal microbiota. In the current study, we used an in vitro batch incubation model to compare the metabolic capacity of the faecal microbiota of adults (n = 6) versus pre-frail elderly (n = 6) to degrade various glycosidic carbohydrates, including galacto-oligosaccharides, 2′-fucosyllactose, chicory fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin, and isomalto/malto-polysaccharides. The in vitro metabolic capacity was also compared with an in vivo GOS intervention study based on the same subjects. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and metabolites revealed distinct portions of variation in overall microbiota and metabolite composition during incubation being explained by individuality of the subjects and carbon source. In addition, the age group of the subjects also had significant impact on microbiota variation, carbohydrate degradation and metabolite production. This was accompanied by elevated increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium in the microbiota of adults compared to that of pre-frail elderly and significantly decreased effectiveness to degrade galacto-oligosaccharides by the latter group. Altogether, the carbohydrate degradation in elderly was different compared to adults, with some carbohydrates showing decreased degradation rates. Longer interventions periods may be required to enhance bifidobacterial abundance in the microbiota of pre-frail elderly and thereby to obtain associated prebiotic health benefits.

In vitro incubation reveals the gut microbiota is resilient to changes in hydrogenotrophic activities in which methanogenesis is an optional niche

“…It has been reported that gas production is dependent on the types of carbohydrates that are fermented by the microbiota [42]. We found that hydrogen and methane production varied between individuals and differed based on the type of carbohydrates that were used as carbon and energy source during the incubations, thereby con rming previous observations [23]. In addition, we observed that although BES consistently inhibited methanogenesis, a lower relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter in the BES incubations was only found when pectin was used as the substrate, which indicates that the effect of BES on Methanobrevibacter population dynamics also depends on the type of carbohydrates that are fermented.…”

“…Fecal samples were collected as described previously [23]. Brie y, feces was collected using a stool collector (Excretas Medical BV, Enschede, the Netherlands).…”

β(2→1) chicory and β(2→1)-β(2→6) agave fructans protect the human intestinal barrier function in vitro in a stressor-dependent fashion

“…Gastrointestinal discomfort and also barrier disruption are very common issues in adults. 59,60 Food with specific fructans may lead to lower frequencies of barrier disruption and lower discomfort. In the pharmaceutical sector, due to their non-digestible characteristics, ITFs have been used as drug stabilizers and carriers, improving drug dissolution and facilitation of controlled release of drugs to specific target sites such as the colon.…”

Interventions in Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Metabolism, the Intestinal Microbiota and Microcin Peptide Antimicrobials

“…Most patients with neurological diseases treated with NAD metabolism enhancer drugs are of advanced age, in whom the microbiota is altered, resulting in a possible decrease in metabolic capacity of carbohydrate degradation, attributed to the reduction in Bifidobacterium ( An et al, 2021 ) , due to NAD limitation. If certain pathogens increase in abundance, NAD boosting might favor beneficial organisms, particularly in combination with probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal transplantation.…”