beta-glucan on cystic fibrosis microbiota
Gut microbiota of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is altered and scarce scientific evidence on targeted strategies towards microbial modulation is available. This study aimed at assessing the potential prebiotic effect of beta-glucan on the in vitro colonic microbiota of a child with CF as compared to a healthy counterpart (H). A Twin SHIME® model was set up including the simulation for each subject of the proximal (PC) and distal colon (DC). A baseline period of 2 weeks was established, followed by 2 weeks of treatment (daily administration of the prebiotic) and 2 weeks of post- treatment. Microbiota composition was profiled by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing in Illumina platform and microbial activity as SCFA production was determined by GS- MS. Results showed differences between CF and H: Faecalibacterium, was higher in CF' DC than in the H, and had had more Acidaminococcus and less Megasphaera and Sutterella than the H, in both colonic regions. Beta-glucan supplementation led to increased microbiota richness and diversity in both subjects during the treatment and remained higher during post-treatment. The SCFA production did not differ between subjects at none of the stages, and the genus Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides were related to increased production of metabolites. The main changes in microbiota were detected in the DC and in the CF subject. At genus level, Pseudomonas and Veillonella decreased, while Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium increased significantly. In conclusion, the supplementation of the beta-glucan showed positive results related to microbiota in a CF subject, encouraging further research in the in vivo setting.