Lactulose improves neurological outcomes by normalizing gut dysbiosis and inflammatory reactions in mice after stroke

Background and objective: Gut microbiota dysbiosis following stroke affects the recovery of neurological function. Administration of prebiotics to counteract post-stroke dysbiosis may be a potential therapeutic strategy to improve neurological function. We aim to observe the effect of lactulose on neurological function outcomes, gut microbiota composition, and plasma metabolites in mice after stroke.Results: Lactulose supplementation significantly improved the functional outcome of stroke, downregulated inflammatory mediator expression, and increased anti-inflammatory factors in both the brain and gut. In addition, lactulose supplementation repaired intestinal barrier injury, improved gut microbiota dysbiosis, and partially amended metabolic disorder after stroke.Conclusion: Lactulose promotes functional outcomes after stroke in mice, which may be attributable to normalization of dysbiosis, restoration of gut barrier disruption, and reduction of inflammatory reactions after stroke.