Gut microbial community of rats exposed to ZEN
This study was performed to construct a recombinant probiotic EcNzhd, which exhibited lactonohydrolase ZHD101 activity, and examine its detoxification capacity for ZEN in vivo. The EcNzhd strain effectively inhibited inflammation, reduced mucosal damage, and maintained the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier in rats exposed to ZEN. Despite ZEN-induced severe gut microbial dysbiosis, EcNzhd successfully restored both the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, the immuno-inflammatory response in ZEN-exposed rats was significantly modulated by the EcNzhd strain, with decreased levels of SCFAs being restored following treatment. Notably, the EcNzhd strain efficiently repaired reproductive system injuries caused by ZEN, including abnormal cell apoptosis and histopathological changes in the uterus and ovaries.