title: The role of microbiota in compensatory growth of protein-restricted rats.
abstract: Compensatory growth is a physiological phenomenon found in both humans and animals. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the role of microbiota in compensatory growth induced by protein restriction using a rat model. Weaned Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a low protein diet (L group), a normal protein diet (N group) and a low protein diet for 2 weeks followed by a normal protein diet (LN group). The results showed that in contrast with the inhibited growth of rats in the L group, compensatory growth was observed in the LN group. Meanwhile, rats in the LN group had increased concentrations of total short chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, and an altered bacterial composition with modified abundances of Peptostreptococcaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and Prevotellaceae in the colonic content. Furthermore, gene expression analysis indicated that the rats that experienced compensatory growth had improved barrier function and innate immune function in the colon. Our data revealed the importance of colonic microbiota in achieving compensatory growth.
authors.affiliation: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
authors.forename: Yizhi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.affiliation: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
authors.forename: Qingyan
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Niu
authors.affiliation: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.affiliation: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
authors.forename: Weiyun
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D058448:Biota; D003106:Colon / Q000382:microbiology; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods*; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000032:analysis; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley / Q000254:growth & development*
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D011506:Proteins