Cardamine hupingshanensis aqueous extract improves intestinal redox status and gut microbiota in Se-deficient rats

Background: As an essential trace element for mammalian species, selenium (Se) possesses powerful antioxidant properties and is a potential regulator of intestinal microbiota. However, effects of Cardamine hupingshanensis aqueous extract (CE), rich in Se, on balancing the intestinal redox status and regulating gut microbiota are neglected.

Results: A Se-deficient rat model was established by feeding a low-Se diet (LD) for five weeks and CE was then supplemented to LD or normal-Se diet (ND) rats. Antioxidant enzyme activities and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration were increased by CE in both LD and ND rats. CE improved the intestinal morphology of LD rats impaired by deficient Se. Intestinal microbiota demonstrated different changes, such as Butyrivibrio was increased in LD rats, while Bacteroides, Christensenellaceae, Clostridiaceae and Blautia were enhanced in ND rats.

Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that CE shows potential in improving intestinal redox status and regulating gut microbiota. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Cardamine hupingshanensis; Gut microbiota; Oxidative stress; Selenium; Short chain fatty acids.