Gut microbiota-mediated polyphenol metabolism is restrained by parasitic whipworm infection and associated with altered immune function in mice - UTU Research Portal

A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Gut microbiota-mediated polyphenol metabolism is restrained by parasitic whipworm infection and associated with altered immune function in mice

Authors: Arora, Pankaj; Zhu, Ling; Myhill, Laura J.; Büdeyri Gökgöz, Nilay; Castro-Mejia, Josue L.; Leppä, Milla M.; Hansen, Lars H.; Lessard-Lord, Jacob; Salminen, Juha-Pekka; Thamsborg, Stig M.; Sandris Nielsen, Dennis; Desjardins, Yves; Williams, Andrew R.

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd.

Publication year: 2024

Journal: Gut Microbes

Journal name in source: Gut Microbes

Article number: 2370917

Volume: 16

Issue: 1

ISSN: 1949-0976

eISSN: 1949-0984

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2024.2370917

Web address : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2024.2370917

Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457247503

Abstract

Polyphenols are phytochemicals commonly found in plant-based diets which have demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the interplay between polyphenols and pathogens at mucosal barrier surfaces has not yet been elucidated in detail. Here, we show that proanthocyanidin (PAC) polyphenols interact with gut parasites to influence immune function and gut microbial-derived metabolites in mice. PAC intake inhibited mastocytosis during infection with the small intestinal roundworm Heligmosomoides polygyrus, and altered the host tissue transcriptome at the site of infection with the large intestinal whipworm Trichuris muris, with a notable enhancement of type-1 inflammatory and interferon-driven gene pathways. In the absence of infection, PAC intake promoted the expansion of Turicibacter within the gut microbiota, increased fecal short chain fatty acids, and enriched phenolic metabolites such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones in the cecum. However, these putatively beneficial effects were reduced in PAC-fed mice infected with T. muris, suggesting concomitant parasite infection can attenuate gut microbial-mediated PAC catabolism. Collectively, our results suggest an inter-relationship between a phytonutrient and infection, whereby PAC may augment parasite-induced inflammation (most prominently with the cecum dwelling T. muris), and infection may abrogate the beneficial effects of health-promoting phytochemicals.

Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.

Gut microbiota-mediated polyphenol metabolism is restrained by parasitic whipworm infection and associated with altered immune function in mice.pdf

Funding information in the publication:
This work was funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark (Grant # 702649B).