US EPA

1457820 

Journal Article 

Stimulation of butyrate production through the metabolic interaction among lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and lactic acid-utilizing bacteria, Megasphaera elsdenii, in porcine cecal digesta 

Tsukahara, T; Hashizume, K; Koyama, H; Ushida, K 

2006 

Yes 

Animal Science Journal
ISSN: 1344-3941 

Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 9600 Garsington Road Oxford OX4 2DQ UK, [URL:http://www.blackwellpublishing.com] 

77 

4 

454-461 

10.1111/j.1740-0929.2006.00372.x 

WOS:000239624500011 

http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/j.1740-0929.2006.00372.x
Exit
 

In this study, we examined the potential of Megasphaera
elsdenii as a probiotic agent in combination with sodium gluconate. We also examined the
combination of M. elsdenii with probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Lactobacillus acidophilus,
to enhance butyrate production in the large intestine using a pig cecal in vitro model under the
presence of sodium gluconate. Compared to the uninoculated control culture (with only diluted
cecal digesta), the addition of M. elsdenii and LAB to the culture stimulated significantly the
production of n-butyrate (60% increase) and n-valerate (50% increase) after 24 h incubation. n-
Butyrate is regarded as the most important short-chain fatty acid in the large intestine because
it stimulates the proliferation of epithelial cells, mucus release and water and mineral
absorption. Therefore, lactate-utilizing butyrate producers such as M. elsdenii play a
significant role in supporting the health-beneficial effects of lactogenic prebiotics and
probiotics LAB. The potential of M. elsdenii as a probiotic was also suggested. 

butyrate; lactate; Lactobacillus acidophilus; Megashaera elsdenii; pig large intestine