Impact of LNT on Gut Microbiota, SCFAs, and Immune Function in Mice Exposed to DEX

To begin with, mouse feces were collected and the total genomic DNA of intestinal bacteria was extracted for 16sRNA gene sequencing. Considering that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are products of gut microbiota, differences in microbiota among groups can also affect the level of SCFAs, which in turn affects the immune function of the host. Therefore, an automated gas chromatography was used to detect SCFAs in mouse cecum feces. The results showed that DEX treatment increased the abundance of harmful bacteria in the gut, while LNT treatment significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (p<0.05). LNT could improve the suppressed metabolic pathways caused by DEX (p<0.05) and increase the levels of acetate and butyrate in feces (p<0.05).