Absorption of 1-Dicysteinethioacetal–5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Rats and Its Effect on Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota

The absorption of a 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)–cysteine adduct, 1-dicysteinethioacetal–5-hydroxymethylfurfural (DCH), and its effect on antioxidant activity and gut microbiota were investigated. Results indicated that DCH is more easily absorbed in rats than HMF. Serum DCH concentrations were 15–38-fold of HMF concentrations from 30 to 180 min after intragastrical administration at the level of 100 mg/kg of body weight, and 2.7–4.5% of absorbed DCH was converted to HMF. The malondialdehyde content in the plasma, heart, liver, and kidneys significantly increased after drug (100 mg/kg of bw) administration for 1 week, suggesting that HMF and DCH were oxidative-stress-inducing agents, instead of antioxidant agents, in rats. HMF and DCH also modulated gut microbiota. HMF promoted the growth of Lactobacillus, Tyzzerella, Enterobacter, and Streptococcus. DCH increased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and promoted the growth of Akkermansia, Shigella, and Escherichia while inhibiting the growth of Lactobacillus.