Comparative Analyses of Interactions of Fucoidan and Its Degradation Products with the Human Gut Microbiota
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Abstract:
To reveal the structural characteristics of fucoidan (FUC) and its interactions with the gut microbiota, weak acid degradation products (AFUC) and oxidative degradation products (OFUC) of fucoidan were prepared and the regulatory effects of fucoidan and its degradation products on gut microbiota were investigated through in vitro human fecal fermentation. The relative molecular mass of AFUC obtained from the degradation of FUC was determined to be 7.4 kDa, with a sulfate group content of 3.12% and a monosaccharide composition ratio of Fuc:Gal=24.83:75.22. The relative molecular mass of OFUC decreased to 19.6 kDa. Compared with FUC and OFUC, treatment using AFUC, which contains a low sulfate group content, significantly increased the contents of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid in the fermentation broth by 34.96%, 135.41%, 13.45%, and 16.92%, respectively, whereas it significantly decreased isovaleric acid content (24.55%), which was not affected by FUC and OFUC treatments. In addition, AFUC significantly promoted the enrichment of Bacteroidetes (38.54%), decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (17.71%), and considerably inhibited the proliferation of Proteobacteria (46.88%). This study suggests that fucoidan sulfate group content may play a crucial role in influencing regulatory effects on the gut microbiota. The results of this study serve as a valuable resource for fucoidanbased product development aimed at improving intestinal health.
