The Effect of Dietary Gum on Bifidobacterium Abundance and Inflammatory Response in the Common Marmoset Gut
Presenter Type
UNO Graduate Student (Masters)
Major/Field of Study
Biology
Advisor Information
Alicia Rich, Ph.D., UNO Biology Department
Location
MBSC Ballroom Poster # 809 - G (Masters)
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
24-3-2023 2:30 PM
End Date
24-3-2023 3:45 PM
Abstract
Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are small New World primates native to northeastern Brazil that have increasingly been used as models in biomedical research in part due to their high dietary adaptability. Wild marmosets have been able to persist in their harsh native environments by feeding on a variety of foods depending on the availability of resources. Despite the lack of direct physiological digestibility, tree gums are central to their natural diet, ranging from 6% to 60% of their total diet. Within their gut microbiota, the most prevalent genus of bacteria found is Bifidobacterium, which can ferment host-indigestible carbohydrates present in tree gums.
In captive marmoset colonies, the most common clinical issues reported are gastrointestinal disease characterized by diarrhea, weight loss, and intestinal inflammation. There is not a set standard of dietary husbandry in captive institutions, and gums are often excluded from their main diet. While Bifidobacterium have been associated with positive gut health in marmosets (defined here as the absence of or relatively low levels of inflammation), the relationship between gums, Bifidobacterium, and intestinal inflammation is still not well understood.
We hypothesize that a diet rich in gum will promote a higher prevalence of Bifidobacterium and a decreased presence of inflammation in captive marmosets.
Scheduling
1-2:15 p.m., 2:30 -3:45 p.m.
The Effect of Dietary Gum on Bifidobacterium Abundance and Inflammatory Response in the Common Marmoset Gut
MBSC Ballroom Poster # 809 - G (Masters)
Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are small New World primates native to northeastern Brazil that have increasingly been used as models in biomedical research in part due to their high dietary adaptability. Wild marmosets have been able to persist in their harsh native environments by feeding on a variety of foods depending on the availability of resources. Despite the lack of direct physiological digestibility, tree gums are central to their natural diet, ranging from 6% to 60% of their total diet. Within their gut microbiota, the most prevalent genus of bacteria found is Bifidobacterium, which can ferment host-indigestible carbohydrates present in tree gums.
In captive marmoset colonies, the most common clinical issues reported are gastrointestinal disease characterized by diarrhea, weight loss, and intestinal inflammation. There is not a set standard of dietary husbandry in captive institutions, and gums are often excluded from their main diet. While Bifidobacterium have been associated with positive gut health in marmosets (defined here as the absence of or relatively low levels of inflammation), the relationship between gums, Bifidobacterium, and intestinal inflammation is still not well understood.
We hypothesize that a diet rich in gum will promote a higher prevalence of Bifidobacterium and a decreased presence of inflammation in captive marmosets.