Effects of Natural Flavonoid Isoorientin on Growth Performance and Gut Microbiota of Mice

Isoorientin (ISO) is a natural flavonoid,
which is a 6-C-glucoside of luteolin, and has been
demonstrated to possess
multiple biological properties. In this study, the effects of ISO
on the growth performance and gut microbiota of BALB/c mice were investigated.
The results showed that ISO could promote food intake and body weight
gain, increase the digestibility of crude proteins and utilization
of the gross energy, and strengthen antioxidant capacity of mice.
We also demonstrated it has no side effects on hepatic and renal functions.
Moreover, ISO inhibited the growth of most bacteria in gut microbiota,
especially the pathogenic genera of Alistipes, Helicobacter, and Oscillibacter, which could lead to inflammation.
Metabolisms of epithelial cell signaling in Helicobacter
pylori infection, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis,
and LPS biosynthesis proteins in gut microbiota of the control group
were more abundant than those in the ISO group, while lipid metabolism
and vitamin B6 metabolism were enriched in the ISO group.
We found the changes in enrichments of metabolic pathways of the gut
microbiota along with the ISO application were positively correlated
with the antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antibiosis. This work
provided a fundamental basis for the future development of ISO-functional
foods used for resistance to oxidation, inflammation, and pathogens.