Galacto-oligosaccharides Stimulate the Growth of Bifidobacteria but Fail to Attenuate Inflammation in Experimental Colitis in Rats

Author: Holma R.   Juvonen P.   Asmawi M. Z.   Vapaatalo H.   Korpela R.  

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

ISSN: 0036-5521

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, Vol.37, Iss.9, 2002-09, pp. : 1042-1047

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Abstract

Background: Galacto-oligosaccharides potentially attenuate colonic inflammation by two mechanisms: through beneficial effects on intestinal microflora and by increasing the colonic short-chain fatty acid concentration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of galacto-oligosaccharides on the development of inflammation and on the growth of bifidobacteria in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis, a model that has been shown to benefit from short-chain fatty acid administration and to be associated with alterations in the colonic microflora. Methods: Rats were given daily either whey-derived or lactose-derived galacto-oligosaccharides (4 g kg-1 day-1, p.o.), starting 10 days before colitis induction, or dexamethasone (2 mg kg-1 day-1, s.c., a positive control), starting at colitis induction. Colon wet weight, macroscopic damage and myeloperoxidase activity were assessed 72 h after the induction of colitis. Faecal bifidobacteria were counted at the beginning of the study, and immediately before and 72 h after colitis induction. Results: Galacto-oligosaccharides increased the colonic levels of bifidobacteria but also the levels of other bacterial species. Neither whey-derived nor lactose-derived galacto-oligosaccharides reduced the severity of inflammation. Conclusions: Galacto-oligosaccharides are able to modify gut microflora in severe TNBS-induced colitis, but unable to attenuate the inflammation.

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