Relationship between Gut Microbiota, Gut Hyperpermeability and Obesity

Gut microbiome and colorectal cancer: From pathogenesis to treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to rank among the most prevalent cancers worldwide. A growing body of research indicates that the microbiome significantly influences the onset, development, and progression of CRC, in addition to affecting the efficacy of various systemic therapies. The composition of the microbiome, shaped by factors such as bacterial strains, geography, ethnicity, gender, and dietary habits, provides essential information for CRC screening, early diagnosis, and the prediction of treatment responses. Modulating the microbiome presents a highly promising medical strategy for improving individual health. This review aims to present a thorough overview of recent research concerning the interplay between host microbiota and CRC, along with its implications for screening and the immune response against tumors in the context of cancer treatment.

A natural heparinoid from Halaelurus burger skin: Structures and regulation of insulin resistance

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have garnered increasing attention for improving insulin resistance. In this study, a novel heparinoid, classified under GAGs, was successfully isolated and purified from the skin of Halaelurus burgeri (Hep-hb). The heparinoid exhibited a molecular weight of 258.817 kDa and consisted primarily of GlcpN and GlcpNAc. The structure of Hep-hb was thoroughly characterized using FT-IR, GC-MS, and NMR techniques. It was determined that the backbone is composed of repeated units: [→3)-β-D-GlcpNAc(2S)-(1 → 4)-β-D-GlcpA-(1 → 3)-β-D-GlcpNAc-(1]n→. Additionally, our study aimed to uncover the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of Hep-hb in insulin-resistant mice by analyzing cytokine levels in serum and investigating lipid metabolism differences in vivo. Biochemical indicators were applied to assess model validity and treatment efficacy in mice fed a high-fat diet. Oral administration of Hep-hb demonstrated therapeutic effects on insulin-resistant mice by inhibiting body weight gain and improving lipid metabolism through enhanced thermogenesis. Gut microbial sequencing revealed that treatment with Hep-hb increased intestinal flora diversity while selectively enriching key species such as Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansia，and decreasing Helicobacter, Oscillospiraceae, Colidextribacter, and Erysipeloterichaceae. These findings suggest that Hep-hb holds significant potential as a natural functional food for preventing hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.

Gut microbiota-mitochondrial crosstalk in obesity: novel mechanistic insights and therapeutic strategies with traditional Chinese medicine

Obesity rates are rising globally and have become a major public health issue. Recent research emphasizes the bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and mitochondrial function in obesity development. Gut microbiota regulates energy metabolism through metabolites that impact mitochondrial processes, such as oxidative phosphorylation, biogenesis, and autophagy. In turn, alterations in mitochondrial function impact microbiota homeostasis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which encompasses TCM formulas and the metabolites of botanical drugs, employs a holistic and integrative approach that shows promise in regulating gut microbiota-mitochondrial crosstalk. This review systematically explores the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and mitochondrial function, underscoring their crosstalk as a critical mechanistic axis in obesity pathogenesis. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of TCM in developing innovative, targeted interventions, paving the way for personalized approaches in obesity treatment through the precise modulation of gut microbiota-mitochondrial interactions, offering more effective and individualized therapeutic options.

The Effects of Sika Deer Antler Peptides on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and C57BL/6 Mice via Activating AMPK Signaling and Gut Microbiota

(1) Background: To explore the anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of sika deer velvet antler peptides (sVAP) on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. (2) Methods: sVAP fractions of different molecular weights were obtained via enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration. Their anti-lipid effects on 3T3-L1 cells were assessed with Oil Red O staining. The optimal fraction was tested in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6 mice to explore anti-obesity mechanisms. Peptide purification used LC-MS/MS, followed by sequence analysis and molecular docking for activity prediction. (3) Results: The peptide with the best anti-obesity activity was identified as sVAP-3K (≤3 kDa). sVAP-3K reduced lipid content and proliferation in 3T3-L1 cells, improved lipid profiles and ameliorated adipocyte degeneration in HFD mice, promoted the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, and maintained lipid metabolism. Additionally, sVAP-3K activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, regulating adipogenic transcription factors. sVAP-3K exhibited ten major components (peak area ≥ 1.03 × 108), with four of the most active components being newly discovered natural oligopeptides: RVDPVNFKL (m/z 363.21371), GGEFTPVLQ (m/z 474.24643), VDPENFRL (m/z 495.25735), and VDPVNFK (m/z 818.44043). (4) Conclusion: This study identifies four novel oligopeptides in sVAP-3K as key components for anti-obesity effects, offering new evidence for developing natural weight-loss drugs from sika deer velvet.

Modulation of Gut Mycobiome and Serum Metabolome by a MUFA-Rich Diet in Sprague Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fructose, High-Fat Diet

The intake of oleic acid-rich fats, a hallmark of the Mediterranean diet, has well-documented beneficial effects on human metabolic health. One of the key mechanisms underlying these effects is the regulation of gut microbiota structure and function. However, most existing studies focus on gut bacteria, while gut fungi, as a vital component of the gut microbiota, remain largely unexplored. This study compared the effects of regular peanut oil (PO) and high-oleic acid peanut oil (HOPO) on the gut mycobiome and serum metabolome employing ITS high-throughput sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics to explore how dietary fatty acid composition influences gut microecology. Both HOPO and PO effectively reversed high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFFD)-induced reductions in gut fungal diversity, with HOPO showing superior efficacy in restoring gut microbiome balance, as reflected by an improved fungal-to-bacterial diversity ratio and reduced abundance of pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida. Furthermore, HOPO demonstrated a greater ability to normalize serum bile acid levels, including taurochenodesoxycholic acid, and to reverse elevated pantothenol levels, suggesting its potential role in maintaining bile acid metabolism and CoA biosynthesis. In summary, HOPO is more effective than PO in maintaining the normal structure and function of gut mycobiome in HFFD-fed SD rats.

Primary Prevention Strategy for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Their Risk Factors: The Role of Intestinal Microbiota

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These conditions have numerous health consequences and significantly impact patients' lifestyles. Effective long-term treatment is essential since NCDs are irreversible. Therefore, primary healthcare must be both exclusive and of the highest quality, ensuring comprehensive care. The primary goal should be to improve quality of life with a focus on patients, families, and communities, as most of these diseases can be prevented and controlled, although not cured. Several factors have been linked to individual health, including social, cultural, and economic aspects, lifestyle, and certain environmental factors, including work, that can have positive or negative effects. More of these variables may contribute to the onset of NCDs, which are defined by their chronic nature, propensity for prolongation, and generally slow rate of progression. Examples of NCDs include hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, and fatty liver disease linked to metabolic dysfunction. The onset of these diseases has been associated with an imbalance in certain microbial niches, such as the gut, which hosts billions of microorganisms performing multiple metabolic functions, such as the production of metabolites like bile acids (BAs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Therefore, lifestyle changes and personal habits can significantly impact the gut microbiota (GM), potentially preventing chronic diseases associated with metabolism. NCDs are highly prevalent worldwide, prompting increased attention to strategies for modifying the intestinal microbiota (IM). Approaches such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal transplantation (FMT) have demonstrated improvements in the quality of life for individuals with these conditions. Additionally, lifestyle changes and the adoption of healthy habits can significantly impact IM and may help prevent chronic diseases related to metabolism. Therefore, the main aim of this review is to analyze and understand the importance of microbiota intervention in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. R3:A1.

Effects of Hawthorn Flavonoids on Intestinal Microbial Community and Metabolic Phenotype in Obese Rats

Obesity (OB) is a prevalent metabolic disorder. With the advancement of the economy, the prevention and treatment of obesity is a big problem for the global community. The methods to lose weight include exercise, diet, medicine, and surgery. Compared with other methods, diet regulation is safer and more effective. Hawthorn fruit has the effect of reducing weight, but the mechanism of effectiveness are not clear. In this study, obesity model rats are used to conduct scientific pharmacological research on hawthorn flavonoids. Hawthorn flavonoids can effectively improve the body weight, lipid accumulation, and lipid levels of obese rats. The contents of the colon of rats are analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing technology. The intestinal microflora in obese rats changed significantly after flavonoids treatment, and they tended to be the control group. Based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, serum metabolomics showed that the metabolites in the serum changed significantly, after hawthorn flavonoids treatment. Hawthorn flavonoids are especially involved in the biological processes of grade bile acid biosynthesis, histidine metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the disorder of intestinal microorganisms is connected to changes in serum metabolites. These findings give a new idea about how hawthorn flavonoids help with obesity.

[Features of the relationship of intestinal microbiota indicators with clinical and biochemical parameters in obese young people]

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity is rising dramatically worldwide. Recently, there is increasing evidence linking obesity with the functional state of the intestinal microbiota. The understanding of this relationship may provide new approaches to the treatment of obesity by manipulating the qualitative and quantitative parameters of intestinal bacterial-fungal associations.

AIM

To study the features of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the colon microbiota and to evaluate associations with anamnestic, anthropometric and biochemical parameters in young obese patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center, cross-sectional, single-stage, controlled study was conducted with the participation of 118 young people, of whom 87 were obese, and 31 people with normal body weight formed the control group. All participants underwent a biochemical blood test (total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein), as well as an assessment of the state of the colon microbiota using polymerase chain reaction in real time using a set of Colonoflor-16 (premium) reagents. The Microsoft Excel 2010 and IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 application software package was used for statistical calculations. The results were evaluated as statistically significant at a level of p<0.05.

RESULTS

Analyzing the result of Colonoflor-16 premium, the discrepancy between the obtained data of the control group and the reference values of the analysis was revealed. There was a clear tendency to decrease the content of Lactobacillus spp and Bifidobacterium spp in the obesity group. In addition, in comparison with the control group (10.3%), in the obesity group Fusobacterium nucleatum significantly prevailed (37.6%) (p=0.005), with a significant decrease in the bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (p=0.030), and an increase in the bacteria Prevotella spp (p=0.029). A lot of associations of representatives of the colon microbiota with the most important anamnestic, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were revealed in young obese patients.

CONCLUSION

There is a redistribution of microbiota phylotypes characterized by a decrease in apathogenic microorganisms and the appearance and increase of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms, which generally indicates the formation of the pro-inflammatory potential of dominants and associates in young obese patients. The presence of statistically significant correlations strongly indicates of existence of close and diverse relationships between the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the microbiota and the metabolic parameters of patients.

Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption in Energy-Restricted Intervention Decreases Proinflammatory Markers and Intestinal Permeability of Women with Overweight/Obesity: A Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study)

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (IP). The Brazil nut (BN) (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) appears to be a promising dietary intervention to control inflammation by enhancing antioxidant defenses.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the effect of daily BN consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and IP in the context of an energy-restricted intervention. Furthermore, we evaluated the correlation between the changes in these inflammatory markers and the changes in serum selenium and IP.

METHODS

In this 8-wk nonrandomized controlled trial, 56 women with overweight or obesity were allocated into 2 groups, both following an energy-restricted diet (-500 kcal/d). The control group (CO) consumed a nut-free diet, while the BN group consumed 8 g BN/d, providing 347.2 μg selenium (Se). Inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in plasma and Se in serum. IP was assessed using the lactulose/mannitol test (LM ratio).

RESULTS

Forty-six women completed the intervention. Both groups achieved similar energy restriction (CO Δ= -253.7 ± 169.4 kcal/d; BN Δ= -265.8 ± 141.8 kcal/d) and weight loss (CO Δ= -2.5 ± 0.5 kg; BN Δ= -3.5 ± 0.5 kg). The BN group showed lower values of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)1-β, IL-8, percentage lactulose excretion, and LM ratio than the CO group. Additionally, changes in serum Se concentration were predictive of changes in IL-8 concentration (β: -0.054; adjusted R2: 0.100; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.100; -0.007; P = 0.025), and changes in IL-8 were predictive of changes in the LM ratio (β: 0.006; adjusted R2: 0.101; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.011; P = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Regular intake of BNs can be a promising complementary dietary strategy for controlling low-grade inflammation and improving IP in women with overweight/obesity undergoing energy-restricted treatment. However, the effects of BNs seem to be Se status-dependent. This trial was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3ntxrm/.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of gut peptides expression during fasting and postprandial states in individuals with obesity

Gut peptides play a role in signaling appetite control in the hypothalamus. Limited knowledge exists regarding the release of these peptides in individuals with obesity before and during external stimuli. We hypothesize that the expression of gut peptides is different in the fasting and postprandial states in the scenario of obesity. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Science Direct electronic databases were searched. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Software. Randomized controlled trials that measured gut peptides in both obese and lean subjects were included in the analysis. A total of 552 subjects with obesity were enrolled in 25 trials. The gut peptide profile did not show any significant difference between obese and lean subjects for glucagon-like peptide 1 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.21 to 0.38; P = .30), peptide YY (95% CI, -1.47 to 0.18; P = .13), and cholecystokinin (95% CI, -1.25 to 1.28; P = .98). Gut peptides are decreased by an increased high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and by decreased chewing. There is no statistically significant difference in gut peptides between individuals with obesity and leanness in a fasting state. However, the release of gut peptides is affected in individuals with obesity following external stimuli, such as dietary interventions and chewing. Further studies are necessary to investigate the relationship between various stimuli and the release of gut peptides, as well as their impact on appetite regulation in subjects with obesity.

Melatonin-mediated corrective changes in gut microbiota of experimentally chronodisrupted C57BL/6J mice

Chronic consumption of a high-calorie diet coupled with an altered sleep-wake cycle causes disruption of circadian clock that can impact the gut microbiome leading to metabolic syndrome and associated diseases. Herein, we investigate the effects of a high fat high fructose diet (H) alone or in combination with photoperiodic shifts induced chronodisruption (CD) on gut microbiota of C57BL/6J male mice. Further, the merits of daily evening intraperitoneal administration of melatonin in restoring gut microbiota are studied herein. Experimental groups viz. H, CD and HCD mice recorded higher levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and lower levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. These findings correlate with a concomitant increase in the transcripts of TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-6 in small intestine of the said groups. A decrement in mRNA levels of Ocln, ZO-1 and Vdr in these groups implied towards an altered gut permeability. These results were in agreement with the observed decrement in percentage abundance of total gut microflora and Firmicutes: Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. Melatonin administration accounted for lower-level inflammation (serum and gut) along with an improvement in gut permeability markers. The total abundance of gut microflora and F/B ratio showed an improvement in all the melatonin-treated groups and the same is the highlight of this study. Taken together, our study is the first to report perturbations in gut microbiota resulting due to a combination of photoperiodic shifts induced CD and a high fat high calorie diet-induced lifestyle disorder. Further, melatonin-mediated rejuvenation of gut microbiome provides prima facie evidence of its role in improving gut dysbiosis that needs a detailed scrutiny.

Integrated Analysis of the Transcriptome and Microbial Diversity in the Intestine of Miniature Pig Obesity Model

Obesity, a key contributor to metabolic disorders, necessitates an in-depth understanding of its pathogenesis and prerequisites for prevention. Guangxi Bama miniature pig (GBM) offers an apt model for obesity-related studies. In this research, we used transcriptomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to discern the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within intestinal (jejunum, ileum, and colon) tissues and variations in microbial communities in intestinal contents of GBM subjected to normal diets (ND) and high-fat, high-carbohydrate diets (HFHCD). After a feeding duration of 26 weeks, the HFHCD-fed experimental group demonstrated notable increases in backfat thickness, BMI, abnormal blood glucose metabolism, and blood lipid levels alongside the escalated serum expression of pro-inflammatory factors and a marked decline in intestinal health status when compared to the ND group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a total of 1669 DEGs, of which 27 had similar differences in three intestinal segments across different groups, including five immune related genes: COL6A6, CYP1A1, EIF2AK2, NMI, and LGALS3B. Further, we found significant changes in the microbiota composition, with a significant decrease in beneficial bacterial populations within the HFHCD group. Finally, the results of integrated analysis of microbial diversity with transcriptomics show a positive link between certain microbial abundance (Solibacillus, norank_f__Saccharimonadaceae, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and unclassified_f__Butyricicoccaceae) and changes in gene expression (COL6A6 and NMI). Overall, HFHCD appears to co-contribute to the initiation and progression of obesity in GBM by aggravating inflammatory responses, disrupting immune homeostasis, and creating imbalances in intestinal flora.

Reappraisal of Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Obesity

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a central component in the pathogenesis of obesity-related expansion of adipose tissue and complications in other metabolic tissues. Five different signaling pathways are defined as dominant determinants of adipose tissue inflammation: These are increased circulating endotoxin due to dysregulation in the microbiota-gut-brain axis, systemic oxidative stress, macrophage accumulation, and adipocyte death. Finally, the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD) leucine-rich repeat family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway is noted to be a key regulator of metabolic inflammation. The NLRP3 inflammasome and associated metabolic inflammation play an important role in the relationships among fatty acids and obesity. Several highly active molecules, including primarily leptin, resistin, adiponectin, visfatin, and classical cytokines, are abundantly released from adipocytes. The most important cytokines that are released by inflammatory cells infiltrating obese adipose tissue are tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) (CCL-2), and IL-1. All these molecules mentioned above act on immune cells, causing local and then general inflammation. Three metabolic pathways are noteworthy in the development of adipose tissue inflammation: toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase (PI3K)/Protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-derived unfolded protein response (UPR), and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase beta (IKKβ)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In fact, adipose tissue inflammation is an adaptive response that contributes to a visceral depot barrier that effectively filters gut-derived endotoxin. Excessive fatty acid release worsens adipose tissue inflammation and contributes to insulin resistance. However, suppression of adipose inflammation in obesity with anti-inflammatory drugs is not a rational solution and paradoxically promotes insulin resistance, despite beneficial effects on weight gain. Inflammatory pathways in adipocytes are indeed indispensable for maintaining systemic insulin sensitivity. Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) is important in obesity-induced pro-inflammatory response; however, blockade of CB1R, contrary to anti-inflammatory drugs, breaks the links between insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. Obesity, however, could be decreased by improving leptin signaling, white adipose tissue browning, gut microbiota interactions, and alleviating inflammation. Furthermore, capsaicin synthesized by chilies is thought to be a new and promising therapeutic option in obesity, as it prevents metabolic endotoxemia and systemic chronic low-grade inflammation caused by high-fat diet.

Unveiling the role of gut dysbiosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial complicated condition, reflected by the accumulation of extra fat in the liver. A detailed study of literature throws light on the fascinating connection between gut dysbiosis and NAFLD. The term 'gut dysbiosis' describes an imbalance in the harmony and operation of the gut microflora, which can upshoot a number of metabolic disorders. To recognize the underlying mechanisms and determine treatment options, it is essential to comprehend the connection between gut dysbiosis and NAFLD. This in-depth review discusses the normal gut microflora composition and its role in health, alterations in the gut microflora composition that leads to disease state focusing on NAFLD. The potential mechanisms influencing the advent and aggravation of NAFLD suggested disturbance of microbial metabolites, changes in gut barrier integrity, and imbalances in the composition of the gut microflora. Furthermore, it was discovered that gut dysbiosis affected immune responses, liver inflammation, and metabolic pathways, aggravating NAFLD.

The relationship between weight-adjusted-waist index and total bone mineral density in adults aged 20-59

Introduction

According to reports, obesity has a significant impact on bone health. And the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), superior to BMI and waist circumference (WC), is a new obesity indicator arising in recent years. This research investigated the relationship between WWI and total bone mineral density (BMD) for adults aged 20 to 59.

Methods

Using data from the 2011-2018 NHANES, we looked into the independent link between WWI and total BMD as well as its nonlinearity using weighted multiple linear regression and smooth curve fitting. Two-stage linear regression models were employed to calculate the threshold effects. There were additional subgroup analyses and testing for interactions.

Results

Multiple linear regression studies on a total of 10,372 individuals showed a significant inverse link between WWI and total BMD in adults between 20 and 59 [β = -0.04, 95% CI: (-0.04, -0.03), P<0.0001]. And smoking, race, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) had no significant effect on this negative connection (P for interaction >0.05). In addition, we found a nonlinear relationship between WWI and total BMD in diabetic and CKD patients, for which the saturation point was 11.38 cm/√kg in the CKD patient group and 10.29 cm/√kg in the diabetic patient group.

Conclusion

Our analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association between WWI and total BMD in adults aged 20-59.

The Role of Intestinal Barrier Function in Overweight Patients with IBS with Diarrhea Undergoing a Long-Term Low Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, and Monosaccharide and Polyol Diet

Overweight and obesity have been suggested as significant factors in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) development. However, the relationship between overweight/obesity and IBS is unclear. It is known that a modified intestinal barrier, especially the permeability of the small intestine (s-IP), can play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both obesity and IBS. Moreover, dietary interventions are essential for treating both pathologies. We evaluated the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the urinary and circulating markers of GI barrier function and integrity, the markers of intestinal dysbiosis and bacterial translocation, in 40 IBS patients with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) (32 females and 8 males; mean age = 43.5 ± 1.4 years), categorized using their Body Mass Index levels as normal (NW) and overweight (OW). Evaluations were performed before and after 12 weeks of a Low FODMAP Diet (LFD). At the baseline, OW patients showed a significantly higher s-IP than NW. After an LFD, a significant improvement of s-IP in OW patients occurred, along with a significant decrease in markers of epithelial integrity and bacterial translocation. Our findings highlight the close relationship between overweight and the intestinal barrier and support their involvement in IBS-D pathophysiology. Furthermore, the positive role of an LFD in managing overweight IBS-D was highlighted.

Associations between the gut microbiome and metabolic, inflammatory, and appetitive effects of sleeve gastrectomy

The complex and multifactorial etiology of obesity creates challenges for its effective long-term management. Increasingly, the gut microbiome is reported to play a key role in the maintenance of host health and wellbeing, with its dysregulation associated with chronic diseases such as obesity. The gut microbiome is hypothesized to contribute to obesity development and pathogenesis via several pathways involving food digestion, energy harvest and storage, production of metabolites influencing satiety, maintenance of gut barrier integrity, and bile acid metabolism. Moreover, the gut microbiome likely contributes to the metabolic, inflammatory, and satiety benefits and sustained weight-loss effects following bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy. While the field of gut microbiome research in relation to obesity and sleeve gastrectomy outcomes is largely in its infancy, the gut microbiome nonetheless holds great potential for understanding some of the mechanisms behind sleeve gastrectomy outcomes as well as for optimizing post-surgery benefits. This review will explore the current literature within the field as well as discuss the current limitations, including the small sample size, variability in methodological approaches, and lack of associative data, which need to be addressed in future studies.

Gut microbiota interactions with antitumor immunity in colorectal cancer: From understanding to application

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of highly prevalent cancer. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has dramatically changed the landscape of treatment for many advanced cancers, but CRC still exhibits suboptimal response to immunotherapy. The gut microbiota can affect both anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune responses, and further modulate the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the context of therapy with ICIs. Therefore, a deeper understanding of how the gut microbiota modulates immune responses is crucial to improve the outcomes of CRC patients receiving immunotherapy and to overcome resistance in nonresponders. The present review aims to describe the relationship between the gut microbiota, CRC, and antitumor immune responses, with a particular focus on key studies and recent findings on the effect of the gut microbiota on the antitumor immune activity. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences host antitumor immune responses as well as the prospective role of intestinal flora in CRC treatment. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential and limitations of different modulation strategies for the gut microbiota are also discussed. These insights may facilitate to better comprehend the interplay between the gut microbiota and the antitumor immune responses of CRC patients and provide new research pathways to enhance immunotherapy efficacy and expand the patient population that could be benefited by immunotherapy.

Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) Improve Neuroinflammation and Cognition By Up-regulating IRS/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Diet-induced Obese Mice

Increasing evidence has indicated that prebiotics as an alternative treatment for neuropsychiatric diseases. This study evaluated the prebiotics Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) on the modulation of neuroinflammation and cognition in an experimental model of mice high-fat diet fed. Initially, mice were distributed in the following groups: (A) control standard diet (n = 15) and (B) HFD for 18 weeks (n = 30). In the 13th week, the mice were later divided into the following experimental groups: (A) Control (n = 15); (B) HFD (n = 14); and (C) HFD + Prebiotics (n = 14). From the 13th week, the HFD + Prebiotics group received a high-fat diet and a combination of FOS and GOS. In the 18th week, all animals performed the T-maze and Barnes Maze, and were later euthanized. Biochemical and molecular analyzes were performed to assess neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and intestinal inflammation. Mice fed HFD had higher blood glucose, triglyceridemia, cholesterolemia, and higher serum IL-1β associated with impaired learning and memory. These obese mice also showed activation of microglia and astrocytes and significant immunoreactivity of neuroinflammatory and apoptosis markers, such as TNF-α, COX-2, and Caspase-3, in addition to lower expression of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity markers, such as NeuN, KI-67, CREB-p, and BDNF. FOS and GOS treatment significantly improved the biochemistry profile and decreased serum IL-1β levels. Treatment with FOS and GOS also reduced TNF-α, COX-2, Caspase-3, Iba-1, and GFAP-positive cells in the dentate gyrus, decreasing neuroinflammation and neuronal death caused by chronic HFD consumption. In addition, FOS and GOS promoted synaptic plasticity by increasing NeuN, p-CREB, BDNF, and KI-67, restoring spatial learning ability and memory. Moreover, FOS and GOS on HFD modulated the insulin pathway, which was proved by up-regulating IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, followed by a decreasing Aβ plate and Tau phosphorylation. Furthermore, the prebiotic intervention reshaped the HFD-induced imbalanced gut microbiota by modulating the composition of the bacterial community, markedly increasing Bacteroidetes. In addition, prebiotics decreased intestinal inflammation and leaky gut. In conclusion, FOS and GOS significantly modulated the gut microbiota and IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, decreased neuroinflammation, and promoted neuroplasticity improving spatial learning and memory. Schematic summarizing of the pathways by FOS and GOS improves memory and learning through the gut-brain axis. FOS and GOS improve the microbial profile, reducing intestinal inflammation and leaky gut in the distal colon. Specifically, the administration of FOS and GOS decreases the expression of TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP9 and increases the expression of occludin and IL-10. Prebiotics inhibit neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and reactive gliosis in the hippocampus but restore synaptic plasticity, neuronal proliferation, and neurogenesis.

Microbiota dysbiosis caused by dietetic patterns as a promoter of Alzheimer's disease through metabolic syndrome mechanisms

Microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic syndrome, consequences of a non-adequate diet, generate a feedback pathogenic state implicated in Alzheimer's disease development. The lower production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) under dysbiosis status leads to lipid homeostasis deregulation and decreases Angptl4 release and AMPK activation in the adipose tissue, promoting higher lipid storage (adipocyte hypertrophy) and cholesterol levels. Also, low SCFA generation reduces GPR41 and GPR43 receptor activation at the adipose tissue (increasing leptin release and leptin receptor resistance) and intestinal levels, reducing the release of GLP-1 and YPP. Therefore, lower satiety sensation and energy expenditure occur, promoting a weight gaining environment mediated by higher food intake and lipid storage, developing dyslipemia. In this context, higher glucose levels, together with higher free fatty acids in the bloodstream, promote glycolipotoxicity, provoking a reduction in insulin released, insulin receptor resistance, advanced glycation products (AGEs) and type 2 diabetes. Intestinal dysbiosis and low SCFAs reduce bacterial biodiversity, increasing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing bacteria and intestinal barrier permeability. Higher amounts of LPS pass to the bloodstream (endotoxemia), causing a low-grade chronic inflammatory state characterized by higher levels of leptin, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, together with a reduced release of adiponectin and IL-10. At the brain and neuronal levels, the generated insulin resistance, low-grade chronic inflammation, leptin resistance, AGE production and LPS increase directly impact the secretase enzymes and tau hyperphosphorylation, creating an enabling environment for β-amyloid senile plaque and tau tangled formations and, as a consequence, Alzheimer's initiation, development and maintenance.

Anthocyanin-Rich Butterfly Pea Flower Extract Ameliorating Low-Grade Inflammation in a High-Fat-Diet and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mouse Model

This study aimed to explore the enhancive effects of butterfly pea flower (BF) extracts on metabolic and immune homeostasis in a low-grade inflammation mouse model. The BF extract was found to contain mainly anthocyanins among other flavonoids. BF supplementation alleviated metabolic endotoxemia by lowering the plasma glucose, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and restored lipid metabolism and the balance between Treg and Th17 cells, thereby inhibiting the dysfunctional liver and abdominal white adipose tissues. BF extract increased the tight junction protein expression and reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, therefore sustaining the colonic mucosa structure. Furthermore, BF extracts reshaped the gut microbiota structure characterized by significantly promoted SCFA-producing gut microbiota such as Akkermansia and Butyricicoccaceae. Additionally, BF extracts enhanced fecal primary bile acid (BA) levels and modulated bile acid signaling in the liver and ileum to facilitate BA synthesis for the restoration of lipid metabolism. In summary, anthocyanin-enriched BF extracts alleviated the profound negative dietary alterations and helped maintain the metabolic health by modulating the various aspects of the gut microenvironment and enhancing hepatic bile acid synthesis.

Diabetes-related perturbations in the integrity of physiologic barriers

One of the hallmarks of health is the integrity of barriers at the cellular and tissue levels. The two cardinal functions of barriers include preventing access of deleterious elements of the environment (barrier function) while facilitating the transport of essential ions, signaling molecules and nutrients needed to maintain the internal milieu (transport function). There are several cellular and subcellular barriers and some of these barriers can be interrelated. The principal physiologic barriers include blood-retinal barrier, blood-brain barrier, blood-testis barrier, renal glomerular/tubular barrier, intestinal barrier, pulmonary blood-alveolar barrier, blood-placental barrier and skin barrier. Tissue specific barriers are the result of the vasculature, cellular composition of the tissue and extracellular matrix within the tissue. Uncontrolled diabetes and acute hyperglycemia may disrupt the integrity of physiologic barriers, primarily through altering the vascular integrity of the tissues and may well contribute to the clinically recognized complications of diabetes. Although diabetes is a systemic disease, some of the organs display clinically significant deterioration in function while others undergo subclinical changes. The pathophysiology of the disruption of these barriers is not entirely clear but it may be related to diabetes-related cellular stress. Understanding the mechanisms of diabetes related dysfunction of various physiologic barriers might help identifying novel therapeutic targets for reducing clinically significant complications of diabetes.

Akkermansia muciniphila Cell-Free Supernatant Improves Glucose and Lipid Metabolisms in Caenorhabditis elegans

To explore the mechanism by which Akkermansia muciniphila cell-free supernatant improves glucose and lipid metabolisms in Caenorhabditis elegans, the present study used different dilution concentrations of Akkermansia muciniphila cell-free supernatant as an intervention for with Caenorhabditis elegans under a high-glucose diet. The changes in lifespan, exercise ability, level of free radicals, and characteristic indexes of glucose and lipid metabolisms were studied. Furthermore, the expression of key genes of glucose and lipid metabolisms was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that A. muciniphila cell-free supernatant significantly improved the movement ability, prolonged the lifespan, reduced the level of ROS, and alleviated oxidative damage in Caenorhabditis elegans. A. muciniphila cell-free supernatant supported resistance to increases in glucose and triglyceride induced by a high-glucose diet and downregulated the expression of key genes of glucose metabolism, such as gsy-1, pygl-1, pfk-1.1, and pyk-1, while upregulating the expression of key genes of lipid metabolism, such as acs-2, cpt-4, sbp-1, and tph-1, as well as down-regulating the expression of the fat-7 gene to inhibit fatty acid biosynthesis. These findings indicated that A. muciniphila cell-free supernatant, as a postbiotic, has the potential to prevent obesity and improve glucose metabolism disorders and other diseases.

Interactions between gut microbes and NLRP3 inflammasome in the gut-brain axis

The role of the gut-brain axis in maintaining the brain's and gut's homeostasis has been gradually recognized in recent years. The connection between the gut and the brain takes center stage. In this scenario, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome promotes inflammatory cell recruitment. It plays a crucial role in coordinating host physiology and immunity. Recent evidence shows how vital the gut-brain axis is for maintaining brain and gut homeostasis. However, more research is needed to determine the precise causal link between changed gut microbiota structure and NLRP3 activation in pathogenic circumstances. This review examines the connection between gut microbiota and the NLRP3 inflammasome. We describe how both dynamically vary in clinical cases and the external factors affecting both. Finally, we suggest that the crosstalk between the gut microbiota and NLRP3 is involved in signaling in the gut-brain axis, which may be a potential pathological mechanism for CNS diseases and intestinal disorders.

Kombuchas from Green and Black Tea Modulate the Gut Microbiota and Improve the Intestinal Health of Wistar Rats Fed a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet

The Western diet can negatively affect the gut microbiota and is associated with metabolic disorders. Kombucha, a tea fermented by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), is known for its bioactive properties and has become popular in the last years. In this study, we evaluated the effects of regular kombucha consumption on the gut microbiota and on outcomes related to the intestinal health of Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet. After eight weeks receiving a standard diet (AIN-93M) (n = 10) or a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFHF) (n = 30) to induce metabolic disorders, the animals were subdivided into four groups: AIN-93M (n = 10); HFHF (n = 10); GTK (HFHF + green tea kombucha (n = 10); and BTK (HFHF + black tea kombucha; n = 10) for 10 weeks. Although body composition did not differ among the groups, the HFHF diet was associated with metabolic alterations, and stimulated the growth of gram-negative bacteria such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroides. Kombucha ingestion could somewhat modulate the gut microbiota, attenuating the effects of a Western diet by increasing propionate production and favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Adlercreutzia in the GTK group. Our results suggest that regular kombucha consumption may be beneficial to intestinal health, which can be mostly attributed to its high content and diversity of phenolic compounds.

Analysis of the Relationship between Gut Flora Levels in Childhood Obese Population and Normal Healthy Population Based on Machine Learning

Aims

To explore the study of the relationship between the level of gut flora in childhood obese people and normal healthy people based on the analysis of machine learning.

Materials and Methods

The stools of 54 normal weight, 53 overweight, and 59 obese children from May 2021 to May 2022 were selected. And DNA was extracted, and primers specific for the four bacteria were designed according to the specificity of the four bacteria to the 16 S rDNA gene sequences of the bacteria to be tested, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR reactions were performed to compare whether there was any difference in the number of the four bacteria between the three groups. Results. The results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the PCR amplification products of all four target bacteria showed clear bands at the corresponding positions, and no nonspecific bands appeared. When compared with the marker, the size matched with the target fragment, indicating good primer specificity. The comparison between normal body recombinant, super recombinant, and obese groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05) for rectal eubacteria, polymorphic anaplasma, bifidobacteria spp., and lactobacilli. The median number of bifidobacteria in the three groups was significantly higher than the median number of rectal eubacteria, polymorphomycetes, and lactobacilli. The difference in comparison was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis of children's age revealed that normal body composition of Lactobacillus decreased with increasing age, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

An increase in rectal eubacteria and a decrease in polymorphomycetes, bifidobacteria spp., and lactobacilli may be associated with the development of obesity. The numbers of rectal eubacteria, polymorphic methanobacteria, bifidobacteria spp., and lactobacilli in the intestine of normal weight and obese children were less affected by sex and age.

Importance of the endometrial immune environment in endometrial cancer and associated therapies

Endometrial cancer is rising in prevalence. The standard treatment modality of hysterectomy is becoming increasingly inadequate due primarily to the direct link between endometrial cancer and high BMI which increases surgical risks. This is an immunogenic cancer, with unique molecular subtypes associated with differential immune infiltration. Despite the immunogenicity of endometrial cancer, there is limited pre-clinical and clinical evidence of the function of immune cells in both the normal and cancerous endometrium. Immune checkpoint inhibitors for endometrial cancer are the most well studied type of immune therapy but these are not currently used as standard-of-care and importantly, they represent only one method of immune manipulation. There is limited evidence regarding the use of other immunotherapies as surgical adjuvants or alternatives. Levonorgestrel-loaded intra-uterine systems can also be effective for early-stage disease, but with varying success. There is currently no known reason as to what predisposes some patients to respond while others do not. As hormones can directly influence immune cell function, it is worth investigating the immune compartment in this context. This review assesses the immunological components of the endometrium and describes how the immune microenvironment changes with hormones, obesity, and in progression to malignancy. It also describes the importance of investigating novel pathways for immunotherapy.

Codonopsis pilosula oligosaccharides modulate the gut microbiota and change serum metabolomic profiles in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Obesity has become a major health problem worldwide, linked to gut microbiota imbalance and chronic inflammation. This study aims to evaluate whether Codonopsis pilosula oligosaccharides (CPOs) can alleviate obesity and related metabolic complications in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a HFD for 16 weeks and treated daily with CPOs (500 mg kg^-1). CPO supplementation decreased body weight and fat accumulation and improved glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice. CPOs also reversed the effects of the HFD on inflammatory markers and improved macrophage infiltration. The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that CPOs could also regulate gut microbiota composition, significantly increasing the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae spp., Alistipes and Clostridium and decreasing the abundance of the harmful bacteria Rikenella, Enterobacteriaceae spp., Collinsella and Megasphaera in HFD mice. Based on serum non-targeted metabolomics analysis, 20 key metabolites responding to CPO treatment were identified, and their biological functions were mainly related to tryptophan and bile acid metabolism. The results demonstrate that CPO supplementation can ameliorate HFD-induced obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders. It can be used as a novel gut microbiota modulator to prevent HFD-induced gut dysbiosis.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Impact of Early Metabolic Impairment: Interplay between Dysbiosis and Adipose Inflammation

The evolving view of gut microbiota has shifted toward describing the colonic flora as a dynamic organ in continuous interaction with systemic physiologic processes. Alterations of the normal gut bacterial profile, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to a wide array of pathologies. Of particular interest is the cardiovascular-metabolic disease continuum originating from positive energy intake and high-fat diets. Accumulating evidence suggests a role for sex hormones in modulating the gut microbiome community. Such a role provides an additional layer of modulation of the early inflammatory changes culminating in negative metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, we will shed the light on the role of sex hormones in cardiovascular dysfunction mediated by high-fat diet-induced dysbiosis, together with the possible involvement of insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. Insights into novel therapeutic interventions will be discussed as well. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Increasing evidence implicates a role for dysbiosis in the cardiovascular complications of metabolic dysfunction. This minireview summarizes the available data on the sex-based differences in gut microbiota alterations associated with dietary patterns leading to metabolic impairment. A role for a differential impact of adipose tissue inflammation across sexes in mediating the cardiovascular detrimental phenotype following diet-induced dysbiosis is proposed. Better understanding of this pathway will help introduce early approaches to mitigate cardiovascular deterioration in metabolic disease.

Anti-Obesity and Gut Microbiota Regulation Effects of Phospholipids from the Eggs of Crab, Portunus Trituberculatus, in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice

There are resourceful phospholipids in the eggs of the crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Pt-PL). However, their components and bioactivities regarding obesity were unclear. Here, we investigated the composition of Pt-PL and their fatty acids. Moreover, its effects on obesity and gut microbiota were also evaluated in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The results showed that Pt-PL contained 12 kinds of phospholipids, mainly including phosphatidylcholine (PC, 32.28%), phosphatidylserine (PS, 26.51%), phosphatidic acid (PA, 19.61%), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 8.81%), and phosphatidylinositol (PI, 7.96%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) predominated in the fatty acids components of Pt-PL, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Animal experiments demonstrated that Pt-PL significantly alleviated body weight gain, adipose gain, hepatic gain, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid levels in serum and the liver, and systematic inflammation in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, Pt-PL regulated gut microbiota, especially in a dramatic reduction in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at phylum level, as well as significant amelioration in their subordinate categories. Pt-PL reduced fecal lipopolysaccharide and total bile acids, and elevated fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, particularly acetate and butyrate. These findings suggest that Pt-PL possesses anti-obesity effects and can alter gut microbiota owing to the abundance of PUFAs. Therefore, Pt-PL may be developed as an effective food supplement for anti-obesity and regulation of human gut health.

From Gut Microbiota through Low-Grade Inflammation to Obesity: Key Players and Potential Targets

During the last decades, the gut microbiota has gained much interest in relation to human health. Mounting evidence has shown a strict association between gut microbiota and obesity and its related diseases. Inflammation has been appointed as the driving force behind this association. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which gut microbiota might influence inflammation in the host could pave for the identification of effective strategies to reduce inflammation-related diseases, such as obesity and obesity-related diseases. For this purpose, we carried out an extensive literature search for studies published in the English language during the last 10 years. Most relevant studies were used to provide a comprehensive view of all aspects related to the association of gut microbiota and low-grade inflammation with obesity. Accordingly, this narrative review reports the evidence on the key players supporting the role of gut microbiota in the modulation of inflammation in relation to obesity and its complications. Moreover, therapeutic approaches to reduce microbiota-related inflammation are discussed to provide potential targets for future research.

Gut microbiota in bariatric surgery

Gut microbes share a symbiotic relationship with humans and perform several metabolic and physiological functions essential for human survival. It has been established in several scientific studies that obesity and other metabolic complications are always associated with disturbed gut microbiota profile, also called gut dysbiosis. In recent years, bariatric surgery has become a treatment of choice for weight loss, and it forms an important part of obesity management strategies across the globe. Interestingly, bariatric surgery has been shown to alter gut microbiota profile and synthesize short-chain fatty acids by gut microbes. In other words, gut microbes play a crucial role in better clinical outcomes associated with bariatric surgery. In addition, gut microbes are important in reducing weight and lowering the adverse events post-bariatric surgery. Therefore, several prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are recommended for patients who underwent bariatric surgery procedures for better clinical outcomes. The present review aims to understand the possible association between gut microbes and bariatric surgery and present scientific evidence showing the beneficial role of gut microbes in improving therapeutic outcomes of bariatric surgery.

Changes in gut microbiota, metabolite SCFAs, and GPR43 expression in obese diabetic mice after sleeve gastrectomy

AIMS

To evaluate changes in short-chain fatty acid levels and G protein-coupled receptor 43 expression and distribution in gut microbiota and explore their relationships in obese diabetic mice after sleeve gastrectomy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Diet-induced obese mice and obese diabetic ob/ob mice were established. Changes in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, metabolite short-chain fatty acids, and G protein-coupled receptor 43 expression were assessed in both models 10 weeks postoperatively. Mice that underwent sleeve gastrectomy exhibited sustained weight loss and reduced glucose, insulin, leptin, and cholesterol levels. Metagenomic sequencing revealed significant characteristic alterations in gut microbiota after sleeve gastrectomy, which were correlated with changes in fecal short-chain fatty acid levels. Postoperatively, G protein-coupled receptor 43 expression in the colon tissue was upregulated in both models, whereas its expression in the adipose tissue was downregulated in the diet-induced obese mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic improvement in obese and diabetic mice after sleeve gastrectomy is associated with alterations in gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acid levels, and G protein-coupled receptor 43 expression.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

Our findings reveal a possible mechanism through which sleeve gastrectomy improves obesity and diabetes via changes in bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids and G protein-coupled receptor 43.

Role of metabolites derived from gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease

Over the past two decades, it is improved gut microbiota plays an important role in the health and disease pathogenesis. Metabolites, small molecules produced as intermediate or end products of microbial metabolism, is considered as one of the major interaction way for gut microbiota with the host. Bacterial metabolisms of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules or bacteria are the major source of metabolites. Signals from microbial metabolites affect immune maturation and homeostasis, host energy metabolism as well as mucosal integrity maintenance. Based on many researches, the composition and function of the microbiota can be changed, which is also seen in the metabolite profiles of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, some specific classes of metabolites also can trigger IBD. In this paper, definition of the key classes of microbial-derived metabolites which are changed in IBD, description of the pathophysiological basis of association and identification of the precision therapeutic modulation in the future are the major contents.

Role of metabolites derived from gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease

Over the past two decades, it is improved gut microbiota plays an important role in the health and disease pathogenesis. Metabolites, small molecules produced as intermediate or end products of microbial metabolism, is considered as one of the major interaction way for gut microbiota with the host. Bacterial metabolisms of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules or bacteria are the major source of metabolites. Signals from microbial metabolites affect immune maturation and homeostasis, host energy metabolism as well as mucosal integrity maintenance. Based on many researches, the composition and function of the microbiota can be changed, which is also seen in the metabolite profiles of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, some specific classes of metabolites also can trigger IBD. In this paper, definition of the key classes of microbial-derived metabolites which are changed in IBD, description of the pathophysiological basis of association and identification of the precision therapeutic modulation in the future are the major contents.

The Association of Inflammatory Gut Diseases with Neuroinflammatory and Auditory Disorders

Disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease (CeD) result in intestinal hyperpermeability or 'leaky' gut. The increased permeability of the intestinal barrier allows microbial metabolites, toxins, and pathogens to infiltrate the bloodstream and extraintestinal tissues, causing systemic inflammation. Despite differences in aetiology and pathophysiology, IBD and CeD share several extraintestinal manifestations such as neuroinflammation, neurological and psychiatric manifestations, and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This narrative review focuses on the association between intestinal hyperpermeability with the brain and inner ear diseases. We postulate that the microbial metabolites and pathogens released from the gut increase the permeability of natural barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB). The barrier breakdown allows the spreading of inflammatory processes to the brain and inner ear, leading to disease.

Role of the dietary components in food allergy: A comprehensive review

Currently, the increasing incidence of food allergy is considered a major public health and food safety concern. Importantly, food-induced anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening, systemic reaction with varied clinical presentations and severity that results from the release of mediators from mast cells and basophils. Many factors are blamed for the increasing incidence of food allergy, including hygiene, microbiota (composition and diversity), inopportune complementary foods (a high-fat diet), and increasing processed food consumption. Studies have shown that different food components, including lipids, sugars, polyphenols, and vitamins, can modify the immunostimulating properties of allergenic proteins and change their bioavailability. Understanding the role of the food components in allergy might improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of food allergy. This review considers the role of the dietary components, including lipids, sugars, polyphenols, and vitamins, in the development of food allergy as well as results of mechanistic investigations in in vivo and in vitro models.

The Herb Pair Radix Rehmanniae and Cornus Officinalis Attenuated Testicular Damage in Mice With Diabetes Mellitus Through Butyric Acid/Glucagon-Like Peptide-1/Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Pathway Mediated by Gut Microbiota

Growing body of research indicates that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interact with gut microbiota (GM) after oral administration. Radix Rehmanniae and Cornus Officinalis (RR-CO), a well-known TCM pair, is often used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. The current study aimed to explore the protective effects of RR-CO on DM induced testicular damage by modulating GM. The RR-CO treatments significantly reduced hyperglycemia, ameliorated testicular ultrastructural damage and inflammation in DM model to varying degrees. Additionally, 16S-ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing results showed that RR-CO treatment increased the amount of butyric acid-producing GM, such as Clostridiaceae_1 family, and decreased the abundance of Catabacter, Marvinbryantia, and Helicobacter genera. RR-CO fecal bacteria transplantation (RC-FMT) increased the abundance of Clostridiaceae_1 in the Model FMT (M-FMT) group and ameliorated testicular damage. Furthermore, treatment with RR-CO increased the fecal butyric acid level, serum Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level, and testicular GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) expression compared to those in DM mice. Finally, intraperitoneal administration of sodium butyrate (SB) significantly improved the pathological damage to the testis and reduced inflammation in the DM group. These data demonstrated a protective effect of RR-CO on DM-induced testicular damage by modulation of GM, which may be mediated by the butyric acid/GLP/GLP-1R pathway.

Lactobacillus alleviated obesity induced by high-fat diet in mice

Obesity is closely related to dyslipidaemia, diabetes and other metabolic syndromes. Long-term consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) is an important risk factor that can lead to obesity. In the current research, three Lactobacillus strains, namely, Loigolactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens T3 (T3), Lacticasebacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei M5 (M5), and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei X12 (X12), were tested to determine their inhibitory effects on HFD-induced obesity. The results showed that M5, T3, and X12 significantly decreased the body weight gain, Lee's index and adipose index. T3 showed significant effects on reducing serum TG levels to 0.92 mmol/ml and increasing HDL-C levels to 2.18 mmol/ml. The M5 treatment significantly reduced the serum TG level and leptin content to 1.11 mmol/ml and 3.7 ng/ml, respectively, and it increased the HDL-C level and adiponectin content to 2.35 mmol/ml and 7 ng/ml, respectively. M5 and T3 dramatically ameliorated hepatic steatosis in HFD-treated mice by reducing the liver index, lipid droplet number in the liver and TC levels in the liver. Gene expression of PPAR-γ and TNF-α was notably downregulated and FAS was upregulated by T3 and M5 treatment. Additionally, administration of M5 and T3 modified the diversity of the gut microbiota with increased OTU number, ACE index, and Chao1, and decreased the Shannon index and the Bacteroidetes /Firmicutes ratio. Overall, our results indicate that Lactobacillus may be used to prevent obesity and gut dysbiosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Lactobacillus from traditional Chinese foods showed strong anti-obesity effects on high-fat diet-fed mice through the regulation of adipocytokines. Additionally, administration of certain Lactobacilli modified the diversity of the gut microbiota. The results indicate that Lactobacillus may be promising functional materials in healthy foods.

Effect of kombucha intake on the gut microbiota and obesity-related comorbidities: A systematic review

Kombucha is a fermented nonalcoholic tea-based beverage produced through a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. In vitro studies have demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-carcinogenic properties of kombucha. However, no systematic reviews have evaluated the effects of kombucha in vivo. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the evidence that exists so far about kombucha consumption on comorbidities associated with obesity as well as on the gut microbiota. The search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020158917). The MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were used in the search considering the following terms: "kombucha" OR "kombucha tea" OR "kombucha teas" OR "tea, kombucha" OR "teas, kombucha" NOT "review." Fifteen studies were included in this review. The results suggest that kombucha consumption attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation, improves the liver detoxification process, and reduces intestinal dysbiosis. There is evidence that kombucha consumption is beneficial for the control and treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities, as well as for the modulation of the gut microbiota in vivo.

The effect of lipid metabolism regulator anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and C57BL/6 mice via activating AMPK signaling and gut microbiota

This study investigated lipid metabolism regulation by anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa (AAM) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high fat diet (HFD) mice. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis identified the constituents of AAM, which decreased lipid content and inflammation in 3T3-L1 cells without cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, taking normal diet and orlistat mice as references, AAM supplementation improved blood lipid levels and adipocyte degeneration, promoted beneficial gut microbial growth, and maintained lipid metabolism in HFD mice. Furthermore, AAM activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, accompanied by the regulation of adipogenic transcription factors and their target genes in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrated that AAM exhibits anti-adipogenic activities that were partially mediated by the AMPK pathway and gut microbiota regulation. This study provides new insight into the regulation of lipid metabolism by AAM and suggests that AAM has potential therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia.