The Effect of Dietary Gum on Bifidobacterium Abundance and Inflammatory Response in the Common Marmoset Gut

Presenter Information

Shayda AzadmaneshFollow

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.

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COinS
 
Mar 24th, 2:30 PM Mar 24th, 3:45 PM

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.