Encapsulated Tributyrin With Gamma-Cyclodextrin Modulated the Gut Microbiota Composition in a DSS-Challenge Piglet Model

Abstract Objectives Butyrate, a volatile fatty acid (VFA) produced by gut bacteria, regulates gut barrier function and immune response. However, the incorporation of butyrate into foods is challenging. Tributyrin (TB), a triglyceride with 3 butyrate molecules, represents an alternative to butyrate. Herein, the effects of encapsulated TB with gamma-cyclodextrin (ɣ-CD/TB) on gut microbiota composition and VFA concentrations were assessed in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis piglets. Methods Two-day-old piglets (n = 59) were randomized to three diets: control (CON) [Advance Baby Pig Liqui-Wean], CD [CON + 9.0 mM ɣ-CD], or CDTB [CON + 9.0 mM ɣ-CD/TB]. Half of the piglets in each group received DSS (1.25 g/kg body weight) from postnatal day (PND) 14 to 18. Ileal (IL), ascending colon (AC) and rectal (RC) contents were collected at PND 27. Microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and VFA were measured by gas chromatography. Results Permutational multivariate analysis of variance showed diet affected the beta diversity in IL (P = 0.045) with CON differing from CD or CDTB. Relative abundances of ileal Weissellaand Actinobacillus were higher and Turicibacter were lower in CON than CD or CDTB piglets (P < 0.05). While diet did not affect overall bacterial composition in AC and RC, it impacted proportions of some bacterial genera. Bacteroides was lower, Holdemanella and Ruminococcus were higher in AC of CON than CDTB. Rectal Bacteroides were lower and UCG-010 were higher in CON compared to CDTB (P < 0.05). Colitis influenced beta diversity in AC and RC (P = 0.002). Compared to piglets without colitis, proportions of 10 bacterial genera were lower and 6 were higher in AC, while 9 were lower and 11 were higher in RC of colitis piglets (P < 0.05). Diet impacted alpha diversity in IL and AC with observed features in IL, Shannon and evenness indices and phylogenetic diversity (Faith PD) in AC being higher in CON than CDTB (P < 0.05). Colitis increased Faith PD in RC (P = 0.004). For VFA, colitis decreased isobutyrate and isovalerate in IL and increased acetate, propionate, butyrate and valerate in RC, regardless of diet. Conclusions Encapsulated ɣ-CD/TB modulates the bacterial community along the piglet intestinal tract, while colitis influences both the microbiota composition and VFA concentrations. Funding Sources NIFA.