Therapeutic Potential of Kelp Fucoidan in Rebiosis of Gut Microflora and Immune Homeostasis in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice
Recent studies indicate that fucoidan may play a crucial role in the metabolism and biological function of the intestinal flora. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of kelp fucoidan on the gut microbiota and immune homeostasis of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. An immun...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Foods |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/15/2662 |
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| Summary: | Recent studies indicate that fucoidan may play a crucial role in the metabolism and biological function of the intestinal flora. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of kelp fucoidan on the gut microbiota and immune homeostasis of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. An immunosuppressive mouse model was established using cyclophosphamide, followed by administration of various kelp fucoidan doses (low-dose fucoidan: 50 mg/(kg·bw)/d, medium-dose fucoidan: 100 mg/(kg·bw)/d, and high-dose fucoidan: 150 mg/(kg·bw)/d) to the experimental groups. Changes in the gut microbiota structure were analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, alongside simultaneous measurement of serum immune indicators and levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Results indicate that kelp fucoidan significantly improved the thymus and spleen indices in immunosuppressed mice (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and elevated serum levels of IgM, IgG and IL-4. Post-kelp fucoidan intervention, there was significant alteration in microbiota ecosystem restructuring, such as proliferation in probiotics, including <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium</i>, while opportunistic pathogens, such as <i>Enterococcus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i>, decreased. Furthermore, the levels of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids in the colonic contents of the kelp fucoidan group significantly improved (<i>p</i> < 0.01). This research demonstrates that kelp fucoidan enhances immune function in immunosuppressed mice by modulating gut microbiota balance and promoting short-chain fatty acid production. |
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| ISSN: | 2304-8158 |