Auburn University Studies Prevention of Gut-Associated Harmful Effects of Heat Stress

Leaky gut syndrome happens when the tight junctions in the outer layer of the intestines don't function properly, which may allow toxins to leak into the bloodstream. This can cause an immune reaction that can lead to issues such as gas, bloating, food sensitivities and minor to severe gut discomfort. Scientists don't know all the problems that cause leaky gut syndrome, but heat-stress models have been a way to simulate the condition and find ways to reduce or prevent it.

In the findings published in the Journal of Thermal Biology, Auburn University used a heat-stress model (using adult rats) to simulate the conditions under which leaky gut syndrome can occur. The results of the study indicate that the yeast fermentate ingredient (EpiCor®) not only helped to significantly reduce the likelihood of damage to the gut lining caused by heat stress, but also showed noticeable gut health results when heat stress was not applied. In addition to the improvement in the gut lining, the researchers documented other healthy changes in heat-stressed animals, pretreated with yeast fermentate: reduction of serum LPS (endotoxins), reduced vesiculation of erythrocytes, and a decrease in white blood cell count as compared to the group taking the placebo.  

"This study is the first report about the efficacy of yeast fermentate in the prevention of heat stress-related complications," said Dr. Iryna B. Sorokulova, a professor of microbiology in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology in Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "Future directions of this study will help to understand the feasibility of proposed approaches not only in environmental heat stress but also in heat stress related to physical activity."

To learn more about Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine go www.vetmed.auburn.edu.

Embria Health Sciences® is the manufacturer of EpiCor yeast fermentate, which is made in Iowa. Learn more about Embria and EpiCor at www.epicorimmune.com.

Media Contacts:
Janet McCoy, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, (334) 844-3698, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160722/392113

SOURCE Embria Health Sciences; Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine