Microbiome-metabolomic analysis of the impact of Zizyphus jujuba cv. Muzao polysaccharides consumption on colorectal cancer mice fecal microbiota and metabolites

Abstract It is still uncertain whether the consumption of Zizyphus jujuba cv. Muzao polysaccharides (ZMP) alleviates colorectal cancer (CRC) through the gut microbiota. In this study, we investigated the mortality, colon length, inflammatory factors and cecal microbiota, metabolites of healthy and azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in induced CRC mice, consuming ZMP. Fecal-microbiota composition was examined using 16S rDNA sequencing and fecal-metabolome profiles were evaluated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). The results showed ZMP consumption prevented CRC mouse colon shortening, decreased their mortality, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and modulated gut microbiota in their feces. ZMP also increased the richness of Bifidobacterium , Bacteroides and Lactobacillus . In addition, among 39 perturbed metabolites, carbohydrate and amino acid production were noticeably altered. Moreover, higher correlations were found between fluctuant gut microbiota and metabolites. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the impact of dietary Zizyphus jujuba cv. Muzao polysaccharides on host health.