The high-throughput sequencing analysis of gut microbiota metagenomesequence of 16S rRNA-V3 hypervariable region in rats receiving alcohol or probiotics

This study aimed to observe the protective effects of probiotics on alcohol-induced changes in gut microbiota and barrier of intestinal mucosa. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group, ethanol-model group, and probiotics-treated group (5×108CFU/(kg•bw•d)). The liver and small intestine were collected for pathologic examination. Intestine was also used for measuring FOXO4 expression, and faeces were collected for DNA extraction and following analysis of gut microbiotametagenome sequence of 16S rRNA-V3 hypervariable region. The results from HE staining and transmission electron microscope showed that the model of alcoholic injury was successfully estaiblished. Significant pathological changes were observed in model group and feeding probiotics improved these changes. The FOXO4 expression in ethanol-treated group was decreased compared to the control group (OD values at 0.115±0.064 versus 0.264±0.023), and this decrease was partially prevented in probiotics-treated group (OD values...