Sodium Butyrate Attenuates Taurocholate-Induced Acute Pancreatitis by Maintaining Colonic Barrier and Regulating Gut Microorganisms in Mice

BackgroundAcute pancreatitis (AP) damages the intestinal barrier, which aggravates AP. Butyrate exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in AP, but it is unknown if such a protective effect is associated with the regulation of gut microorganisms. We aim to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) on pancreatic inflammation, colonic barrier, and gut microorganisms. MethodsC57BL/6 mice were divided into groups of sham operation (Sham), AP, 200 mg/kg SB intervention (SB-200), and 500 mg/kg SB intervention group (SB-500). Samples were harvested 24 h after the model was established. The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ResultsPancreatic infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, and M2-type macrophages was significantly reduced in the SB-500 intervention group. Supplementation of SB-500 improved colon mucosal histology and the expression of ZO-1 and occluding. The relative abundance of Alloprevotella and Muribaculaceae was increased and that of Akkermansia was decreased in the SB-500 group compared with the AP group. Ruminococcaceae was the most significantly increased species and Prevotellaceae was the most significantly decreased species in the SB-500 group compared with the AP group. ConclusionHigh dose of SB inhibits pancreatic inflammation probably by maintaining the intestinal barrier and regulating gut microbiota in mice with AP.

Automated summary

High dose of sodium butyrate can inhibit pancreatic inflammation in acute pancreatitis by maintaining the intestinal barrier and regulating gut microbiota.