AUTHOR=Yuan Quan , Xin Ling , Han Song , Su Yue , Wu Ruixia , Liu Xiaoxuan , Wuri Jimusi , Li Ran , Yan Tao 

TITLE=Lactulose Improves Neurological Outcomes by Repressing Harmful Bacteria and Regulating Inflammatory Reactions in Mice After Stroke

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2021.644448

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2021.644448

ISSN=2235-2988

ABSTRACT=Background and objective: Gut microbiota dysbiosis following stroke affects the recovery of neurological function. Administration of prebiotics to counteract post-stroke dysbiosis may be a potential therapeutic strategy to improve neurological function. We aim to observe the effect of lactulose on neurological function outcomes, gut microbiota composition, and plasma metabolites in mice after stroke. 
Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (20–25 g) were randomly divided into three groups: healthy control, photothrombotic stroke + triple-distilled water, and photothrombotic stroke + lactulose. After 14 consecutive days of lactulose administration, feces, plasma, and organs were collected. 16S rDNA sequencing, plasma untargeted metabolomics, qPCR, flow cytometry and Elisa were performed. 
Results: Lactulose supplementation significantly improved the functional outcome of stroke, downregulated inflammatory reaction, and increased anti-inflammatory factors in both the brain and gut. In addition, lactulose supplementation repaired intestinal barrier injury, improved gut microbiota dysbiosis, and partially amended metabolic disorder after stroke. 
Conclusion: Lactulose promotes functional outcomes after stroke in mice, which may be attributable to repressing harmful bacteria, and metabolic disorder, repairing gut barrier disruption, and reducing inflammatory reactions after stroke.