The Microbiota and Cytokines Correlation between the Jejunum and Colon in Altay Sheep.

Both the jejunum and colon release cytokines that interact with intestinal microbiota. However, it is largely unclear which cytokines and microbial populations are involved in the homeostasis of the intestinal ecosystem for sheep health. To address this, we collected contents for isolating microbiota and tissues for determining cytokines from the jejunum and colon of 7-month-old Altay sheep. We used the techniques of 16S rRNA sequencing and ELISA to detect microbial population and cytokine level, respectively. Correlations between microbial population and cytokines were analyzed by Spearman correlation coefficient. The correlation analysis revealed higher populations of , and in the colon than in the jejunum, and IL-6 and IL-12 levels were higher in the jejunum than in the colon. Association analysis further revealed a positive association between IL-10 level and both and population in the jejunum. The analysis also revealed positive associations between IL-6 level and and population, IL-10 and , as well as TNF-α and in the colon. These results indicate a potential interaction between the intestinal microbiota and the host immune system that needs to be further clarified for considering dietary formulations to maintain animal health and disease prevention.