Fucoxanthin Ameliorates Sepsis via Modulating Microbiota by Targeting IRF3 Activation

To improve patient survival in sepsis, it is necessary to curtail exaggerated inflammatory responses. Fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid derived from brown algae, efficiently suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression via IRF3 activation, thereby reducing mortality in a mouse model of sepsis. Howev...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jingqian Su, Biyun Guan, Qiaofen Su, Shan Hu, Shun Wu, Zhiyong Tong, Fen Zhou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-09-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/18/13803
Description
Summary:To improve patient survival in sepsis, it is necessary to curtail exaggerated inflammatory responses. Fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid derived from brown algae, efficiently suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression via IRF3 activation, thereby reducing mortality in a mouse model of sepsis. However, the effects of FX-targeted IRF3 on the bacterial flora (which is disrupted in sepsis) and the mechanisms by which it impacts sepsis development remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate how FX-targeted IRF3 modulates intestinal microbiota compositions, influencing sepsis development. FX significantly reduced the bacterial load in the abdominal cavity of mice with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis via IRF3 activation and increased short-chain fatty acids, like acetic and propionic acids, with respect to their intestines. FX also altered the structure of the intestinal flora, notably elevating beneficial Verrucomicrobiota and <i>Akkermansia</i> spp. while reducing harmful <i>Morganella</i> spp. Investigating the inflammation–flora link, we found positive correlations between the abundances of <i>Morganella</i> spp., <i>Proteus</i> spp., <i>Escherichia</i> spp., and <i>Klebsiella</i> spp. and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) induced by CLP. These bacteria were negatively correlated with acetic and propionic acid production. FX alters microbial diversity and promotes short-chain fatty acid production in mice with CLP-induced sepsis, reshaping gut homeostasis. These findings support the value of FX for the treatment of sepsis.
ISSN:1661-6596
1422-0067