Gastrointestinal studies suggested that balanced gut microbial community contribute to a healthy gut. Our previous studies have suggested that cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) can alleviate food contaminant
3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) induced testis injury and improve the spermatogenesis in rats. To the best of our knowledge, the effects of
3-MCPD exposure and C3G intervention on intestinal microbiota have not been studied. In the present study, male Wistar rats were used to investigate the effects of C3G and
3-MCPD on microbiota composition. After
3-MCPD treatment, the small intestinal showed histopathological alterations, including villus
atrophy,
necrosis, decreased number of epithelial cells and cellular infiltration. Supplementation of C3G brings the small intestine closer to normal histology. Meanwhile,
3-MCPD exposure significantly changed the diversity and composition of gut microbiota. At the phylum level, Cyanobacteria and Firmicutes were enriched in
3-MCPD groups, while Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were decreased. Supplementation of C3G significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Actinobacteria, indicating that C3G may regulate the communities of gut microbiota towards a beneficial orientation. Our results indicate that C3G may protect the intestinal mucosa damage caused by
3-MCPD, and appropriate dose of C3G restrains gut microbial
dysbiosis caused by
3-MCPD, which is a potential way to promote gut healthy.