Rattus norvegicus Metagenome. Rattus norvegicus

Scope - To formulate and test the efficacy of beverage mix with dairy protein hydrolysates in management of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and its allied disordersMethodology - Skimmed milk powder was substituted with protein hydrolysates of whey and buffalo milk powders in the beverage mix at 10% level based on sensory acceptance. The efficacy of formulated beverages in alleviation of protein deficiency malnutrition was tested in depletion and repletion rat model. Gene expression of immunomodulatory cytokines involved in sIgA production were carried out. Feces were collected during end of induction and replenishment periods for gut microbiome analysis.Results - In PEM induced rats, there was differential expression of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, that are involved in immunomodulation of sIgA. The levels of sIgA were depleted by >50% in severe PEM rats. Whole-genome sequencing of PEM-induced rats revealed the differences in gut microbiota with increased abundance of the pathogenic genus of Escherichia, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Clostridium sp. Beneficial shifts of Probiotic bacteria such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus johnsonii increased on replenishment in beverage mixes with dairy hydrolysates.Conclusion - Supplementation of beverage mixes with whey protein hydrolysate and buffalo milk hydrolysate displayed beneficial microbiome shifts and regulated the immunomodulatory cytokines in differential manner.