Ecological and dynamic analysis of gut microbiota in the early stage of azomethane-dextran sodium sulfate model in mice

The success rate of azomethane-dextran sodium sulfate (AOM-DSS) model in mice has been a long-standing problem. Treatment of AOM and the first round DSS induces acute colitis and is of great significance for the success of AOM-DSS model. In this study, we focused on the role of gut microbiota in the early stage of AOM-DSS model. Few mice with obvious weight loss and high disease-activity score survived from double strike of AOM and the first round DSS. Different ecological dynamics of gut microbiota were observed in AOM-DSS treated mice. Pseudescherichia, Turicibacter, and Clostridium_XVIII were of significance in the model, uncontrolled proliferation of which accompanied with rapid deterioration and death of mice. Akkermansia and Ruthenibacterium were significantly enriched in the alive AOM-DSS treated mice. Decrease of Ligilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus were observed in AOM-DSS model, but significant drop of these genera could be lethal. Millionella was the only hub genus of gut microbiota network in dead mice, which indicated dysbiosis of the intestinal flora and fragility of microbial network. Our results will provide a better understanding for the role of gut microbiota in the early stage of AOM-DSS model and help improve the success rate of model construction.

Automated summary

This study focused on the role of gut microbiota in the early stage of the AOM-DSS model. AOM and the first round of DSS treatment led to acute colitis, which is crucial for the success of the AOM-DSS model. The researchers observed changes in the ecological dynamics of gut microbiota in AOM-DSS treated mice, with certain bacterial genera showing uncontrolled proliferation associated with rapid deterioration and death. Conversely, other genera were significantly enriched in surviving mice. A decrease in certain bacterial genera in the colitis model could be lethal, and dysbiosis of the intestinal flora and fragility of the microbial network were observed in deceased mice.