This study aimed to investigate the effects of pterostilbene (PTE) on the intestinal barrier function, antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and microbial and metabolite homeostasis of suckling piglets via its action on breast milk. Findings indicate that PTE supplementation enhanced the antioxidant status of mature milk and strengthened intestinal barrier function in piglets. Specifically, PTE enhanced intestinal antioxidant status and fatty acid β-oxidation in piglets by regulating the PI3K-AKT and SIRT1-Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathways. 16S rDNA sequencing and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (LC–MS) identified breast milk and gut microbiota and their metabolites, respectively. Results indicate that PTE significantly elevated levels of amino acid derivatives in colostrum (Glutathione Reducedform (GSH) and N-acetyl-L-glutamate (NAG)), whilst concurrently reducing levels of glycerophospholipid-related metabolites in both colostrum and mature milk (p < 0.05). Moreover, PTE supplementation markedly altered the composition of the colonic mucosal microbiota in piglets, with Faecalibacterium, Mucispirillum and Ruminococcus identified as key beneficial microbial markers of the colonic mucosa. Combined multi-omics revealed strong correlations in microbial community composition between mature milk and the colon, identifying glycerophospholipid metabolism as a key metabolic pathway that may be associated with the regulatory effects of PTE on milk and the piglet colon. In conclusion, the PTE supplement can improve the quality of breast milk and have a positive impact on the intestinal homeostasis of the offspring.
Bai et al. (Thu,) studied this question.