Protection of LPS-induced intestinal injury in goslings by polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz based on 16S rRNA and metabolomics analysis

The protective effects of the polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury in goslings was determined using 16S rRNA analysis of cecal contents and serum metabolomics analysis. PAMK was administered to goslings following LPS-induced intestinal injury, and its effects were assessed. PAMK significantly reduced the serum levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin(IL)-1[Formula: see text], IL-6, and toll-like receptor 2 in jejunal tissues. Moreover, PAMK significantly upregulated the relative mRNA expression levels of the tight junction proteins Zonula occludens-1, Occludin, Claudin, and Mucin-2, enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier and alleviating LPS-induced intestinal injury. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that PAMK could alleviate LPS-induced disruption of the intestinal microbiota structure and improve microbial diversity. Metabolomics analysis revealed that PAMK could influence key metabolic pathways, including the mTOR, PI3K-Akt, and FoxO signaling pathways, and regulate metabolites such as L-aspartic acid and S-adenosylmethionine. Integrated analysis indicated that PAMK could promote the enrichment of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Allobaculum and Peptococcus) while alleviating LPS-induced microbial dysbiosis by modulating the correlation between key metabolites and specific microbial populations. Overall, PAMK could alleviate LPS induced intestinal injury by enhancing intestinal barrier function, optimizing gut microbiota composition, and regulating metabolic signaling pathways. Our findings provide a novel strategy for maintaining the intestinal health of poultry and preventing intestinal diseases.