Metagenomics of microbiota following probiotic supplementation in rats subjected to intestinal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND

The use of probiotics positively modifies the composition and function of the intestinal flora, decreasing inflammation, and these changes improve the quality of intestinal anastomosis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the metagenomics of the microbial community after probiotic supplementation in rats subjected to intestinal anastomosis.

METHODS

The probiotic chosen for this study was composed of the strains LPC37, HN0019, HN001 and NCFM. Both groups underwent two colostomies, one in the right colon and the second in the rectosigmoid colon, followed by anastomosis with eight interrupted stitches. The rats were killed on the fifth day of PO. Changes in the intestinal microbiota were evaluated by means of a metagenomic study that evaluated bacterial alpha and beta diversity indices.

RESULTS

Although there were no significant differences for any alpha diversity index, changes were observed for beta diversity indexes in the microbiota of rats. The group that received the probiotic preserved and even increased the abundance of beneficial bacterial genera and, at the same time, decreased the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, promoting a favorable environment for anastomoses' healing.

CONCLUSION

The use of probiotics had a positive impact on the quality of the intestinal microbiota.