Galacto-oligosaccharides modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal permeability in rats with alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Accumulating evidence suggests that modulating the gut microbiota may be a potential method for treating alcohol dependence. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are a traditional prebiotic that positively affects the host's gut microbiota. In this study, using a rat model of chronic alcohol dependence, we analysed the impact of GOS on possible alterations in the gut microbiota and intestinal permeability. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that GOS markedly changed the gut microbiota composition and resolved microbiome dysbiosis induced by chronic alcohol consumption. Moreover, compared with alcohol dependence, GOS supplementation after alcohol detoxification downregulated alcohol withdrawal scores and decreased diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactate and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serum concentrations. GOS treatment also altered the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration in colonic contents and alleviated mucosal damage. Our findings suggested that GOS supplementation can repair gut microbiota dysbiosis, restore normal intestinal permeability and eliminate excess endotoxins from peripheral blood. Additionally, GOS is a potentially useful prebiotic for auxiliary therapy for alcohol addiction.