Algal Oil Rich in Docosahexaenoic Acid Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation Induced by Antibiotics Associated with the Modulation of the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome

In this study, the effect of algal oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid on the mucosal injury with gut microbiota disorders caused by ceftriaxone sodium (CS) was evaluated. The results showed that algal oil treatment (500 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6, interleukin 1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, in the colon. Algal oil restored the CS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by elevating some short-chain-fatty-acid-producing bacteria, e.g., Ruminococcus and Blautia. The CS-induced metabolic disorder was also regulated by algal oil, which was characterized by the modulations of tryptophan metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and bile acid metabolism. Our results suggested that supplementation of algal oil could alleviate inflammation and promote mucosal healing, which could be a functional food ingredient to protect aganist antibiotic-induced alteration of gut microbiota and metabolic dysbiosis.

Automated summary

In this study, algal oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid was found to alleviate mucosal injury and gut microbiota disorders caused by ceftriaxone sodium (CS). The supplementation of algal oil reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, restored gut microbiota dysbiosis, and regulated metabolic disorders induced by CS, suggesting its potential as a functional food ingredient to protect against antibiotic-induced alterations of gut microbiota and metabolic dysbiosis.