Egg matrices alleviate long-term florfenicol-induced behavioral alterations via the gut microbiota and host metabolism in mice

Abstract

Florfenicol (FFC) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is commonly detected as a residue in livestock products, such as eggs. Although the adverse effects of FFC have been widely reported, the combined influence of the food matrix with FFC exposure on the gut microenvironment and the short-term self-recovery dynamics after FFC discontinuation remain unclear. Therefore, this study has comprehensively evaluated the effects of FFC residues in eggs on the gut microbiota and metabolism in a mouse model, and the self-recovery situation was also determined. The findings showed that low-dose FFC residues had the potential to impair the motor abilities of mice and induced alterations in glycerophospholipid and fatty amide metabolites. However, the adverse effects of FFC were counterbalanced by the presence of eggs capable of supporting microbial balance, including Muribaculaceae and Duncaniella muris. Moreover, following a two-week self-recovery, the adverse effects of FFC were reversed through organooxygen compounds, steroids, and derivatives. It was noteworthy that there were few pathological changes, and Ig A and Ig G could be recovered in short term. Overall, the effects of FFC residues on the host were reversed through either egg or self-recovery, and the long-term dynamic adjustment of metabolites and gut flora cannot be completely ignored. The study revealed the interaction between eggs and FFC on host metabolism, providing important theoretical support for the regulation of antibiotic residue levels in the host.