Arula-7 powder improves diarrhea and intestinal epithelial tight junction function associated with its regulation of intestinal flora in calves infected with pathogenic Escherichia coli O1

BACKGROUND

The effects of Arula-7 powder (ASP) on diarrhea and intestinal barrier function associated with its regulation of intestinal microflora in calves infected with pathogenic Escherichia coli O1 (E. coli O1) were studied.

METHOD

Twenty Holstein calves were randomly divided into four treatment groups: normal control (NC), model control (MC), 0.5 mg/kg ciprofloxacin (CIP) and 2.50 g/kg ASP groups.

RESULTS

ASP inhibited the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Selenomonadales, and Enterobacteriales, and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Alloprevotella. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time that the ASP and CIP promoted weight gain, reduced the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05), and enhanced antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05) due to the increase in average daily gain (ADG), total protein (TP), and albumin (ALB). In addition, ASP and CIP increased the expression of Zunola occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in the ileum (P < 0.05), and improved immunity due to increase levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum, strengthened CD4+T levels in the ileal mucosa and reducing CD8+T and CD11c+T (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Hence, The intestinal microbiota environment formed by early intervention of ASP powder has a protective effect on the intestinal mucosal function of calves infected with pathogenic E. coli. Video Abstract.

The effect of extruded multigrain powder on metabolism and intestinal flora of high-fat-diet induced C57BL/6J mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extruded multigrain (Tartary buckwheat, oat and black bean) powder product (MG) fed with a high-fat-diet (HFD) on metabolism and gut microbiota modulation of mice. Thirty C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (n = 10), HFD (n = 10) or HFD replacing 40% MG (HFMG, n = 10) for six weeks. The results showed that MG reduced the weight gain of HFD-induced mice, alleviated the accumulation of epididymal- and perirenal fat, improved the glucose tolerance, and reduced the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Histopathological observation showed that the number and size of fat vacuoles in liver cytoplasm were significantly reduced, the thickness of colon muscle was increased, and the cells were closely arranged after the intervention of HFMG. Moreover, the intervention of HFMG could promote the release of butyric acid in short chain fatty acids, improve the disorder of intestinal flora in HFD-induced mice, increase the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, while reduce the relative abundance of Firmicutes, which may have a positive effect on inhibiting obesity induced by HFD. This study could provide a theoretical basis for improving the economic added value of extruded MG powder-based products and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity.

Integration of gut microbiota and metabolomics for the hematopoiesis of Siwu paste on anemia rats

Background

To investigate the regulation mechanism of hematopoiesis of Siwu paste (SWP) in anemia rats, which is a classic Chinese prescription used for nourishing blood or blood deficiency over 1000 years.

Methods

Blood cell and biochemical analysis were used to evaluate the hematopoietic function of SWP in anemia rats. The intestinal microbial composition was analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the metabolites were profiled using UPLC-TripleTOF system nontargeting metabolomics.

Results

SWP can improve the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelet, hematocrit value, white blood cells, lymphocyte, EPO, TPO, and GM-CSF in anemia rats, and significantly change the microbial community and its metabolites. The correlation analysis of intestinal microbiota-hematopoietic efficacy shows that 13 kinds of different intestinal flora were related to hematopoietic efficacy, in which Prevotella_1, Prevotella_9, Lactobacillus, and norank_f__Muribaculaceae were significantly positively correlated with hematopoiesis, nine kinds of intestinal flora are negatively correlated with hematopoietic effect. Compared with anemia rats, 218 potential metabolic biomarkers and 36 metabolites with significant differences were identified in the SWP treatment group, and the key metabolites were mainly amino acids and lipids. An in-depth analysis of metabolic pathways showed that SWP mainly affected 7 metabolic pathways, including aminobenzoic acid degradation and tryptophan metabolism.

Conclusion

The study provides novel insights into the regulation of hematopoiesis of SWP in anemia rats that were correlated with gut microbiota and the metabolites, which through the restoration of the firmicutes/bacteroidetes ratio.

Probiotics and Immunostimulant modulate intestinal flora diversity in Reeves pond tortoise (Mauremys reevesii) and effects of Clostridium butyricum on its spleen transcriptome

In this study, we investigated the effects of Clostridium butyricum (group A), Bacillus subtilis (group B), and the immune enhancer algal β-1,3 glucan (group C) on the intestinal flora of Mauremys reevesii and the effects of C. butyricum on the transcriptome of M. reevesii splenic immune tissues. M. reevesii were assigened to four groups, each containing three replicates from 18 samples. Juvenile turtles with an initial weight of 106.35 ± 0.03 g were fed a basic diet containing no probiotics (control group D), or a basic diet containing the A, B, or C supplement. After the turtles had been fed for 60, 90, and 120 d of the experimental period, high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed no significant difference in alpha diversity among the four groups at 60 days of feeding (P > 0.05), and at 90 days, the alpha diversity in group A was significantly different (P < 0.05), with an increase of 26.62% in the Shannon index and a decrease of 83.33% in the Simpson index; at 120 d, the alpha diversity (Shannon index)showed a decreasing trend in order for groups A, B, and C, At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria in group A increased significantly with increasing feeding time (P < 0.05)，At the genus level, the abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Anaerotruncus in group A increased significantly compared with that in the other three groups (P < 0.05). Transcriptome analysis showed that 384 genes were differentially expressed in the spleen of M. reevesii, 195 genes were upregulated and 189 genes were downregulated, and C. butyricum TF201120 regulated the hematopoietic cell lineage signaling pathway in the spleen of M. reevesii (P < 0.05). The regulation of several identified immune-related genes was confirmed by qPCR, These results showed that C. butyricum, B. subtilis and the immune enhancer algal β-1,3 glucan can improve the intestinal flora of M. reevesii, with C. butyricum TF20 being the most effective and significantly enhancing the immunity of M. reevesii.

[Research Progress on the Protective Effect of Intestinal Flora on Radiation-induced Lung Injury in Thoracic Tumors]

Radiation therapy is one of the main treatment methods for patients with thoracic malignant tumors, which can effectively improve the survival rate of the patients. However, radiation therapy can also cause damage to normal tissues while treating tumors, leading to radiation-induced lung injury such as radiation pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. Radiation-induced lung injury is a complex pathophysiological process involving many factors, and its prevention and treatment is one of the difficult problems in the field of radiation medicine. Therefore, the search for sensitive predictors of radiation-induced lung injury can guide clinical radiotherapy and reduce the incidence of radiation-induced lung injury. With the in-depth study of intestinal flora, it can drive immune cells or metabolites to reach lung tissue through the circulatory system to play a role, and participate in the occurrence, development and treatment of lung diseases. At present, there are few studies on intestinal flora and radiation-induced lung injury. Therefore, this paper will comprehensively elaborate the interaction between intestinal flora and radiation-induced lung injury, so as to provide a new direction and strategy for studying the protective effect of intestinal flora on radiation-induced lung injury.
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Assessments of the effects of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) on human intestinal health from the aspects of intestinal flora changes and cytotoxicity to human cells

Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) are now drawing the public's attention due to their potential toxicity. Given that contaminated food may result in the ingestion of OPFRs to the human intestine, further investigation is required to determine the potential adverse effects of these compounds on human intestinal health. The present study aimed to comprehensively assess the effect of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), a typical OPFR, on human intestinal health by evaluating both intestinal flora and human cell Caco-2. Based on the results, TDCPP exposure altered the composition of intestinal flora and increased the proportion of pathogenic bacteria. PICRUSt2 analysis revealed that certain pathways were affected by TDCPP, and the resulting metabolic disorders might cause health problems. Orthologous genes of glutathione S-transferase and multidrug efflux system were up-regulated, demonstrating that the bacteria resisted TDCPP to maintain their vitality. Compared to the other two OPFRs, TDCPP induced greater cytotoxicity, and the results were consistent with the dose-effect relationship. Three OPFRs, especially TDCPP, caused the release of lactate dehydrogenase, accumulation of ROS, decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in intracellular Ca²⁺, which could consequently induce cell death. The simultaneous effects of TDCPP on both intestinal cells and intestinal flora are likely to engender more severe intestinal health issues.

Polysaccharide alleviates depression in CUMS mice by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway and affecting the composition of their intestinal flora

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (PL) has been commonly used to de-stressing the liver and relieve depression in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years. Recently, it has been widely used in studies on anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory and regulation of intestinal flora. However, the polysaccharide component has received less attention than the saponin component of PL.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Paeonia lactiflora polysaccharide (PLP) on depressive behavior in mice in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model and its possible action mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A model of chronic depression induced by the CUMS approach. Behavioral experiments were used to assess the success of the CUMS model and the therapeutic impact of PLP. Then the extent of damage to the colonic mucosa was assessed by H&E staining; the extent of neuronal damage was assessed by Nissler staining. Inflammatory factor expression was assessed at different sites in the mouse by enzyme-linked immunoassay (Elisa). The alterations of fecal microflora were detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In the colonic tissues, NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA and protein levels detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot(WB).

RUSULTS

PLP can improve depressive behavior in CUMS mice, and colonic mucosal and neuronal damage. Elisa assay showed that PLP could reduce interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and increase 5-Hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) levels in CUMS mice. 16S sequencing analysis showed that PLP could regulate the intestinal flora of CUMS mice and increase their species richness. In addition, PLP significantly inhibited NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signalling pathways activation in the colonic tissues of CUMS mice.

CONCLUSIONS

PLP modulates depression-related intestinal ecological dysregulation, increases species richness, and inhibits inflammatory factors levels and NLRP3 inflammasome activation to reduce colonic mucosal and neurons damage, thereby improving depression-like behavior and neurotransmitter release in CUMS mice.

Mycotoxin deoxynivalenol-induced intestinal flora disorders, dysfunction and organ damage in broilers and pigs

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common environmental contaminant that causes food refusal and growth retardation in animals. DON targets the intestine and is hazardous to animal, however, it is not clear whether its effect on animals is consistent. Chickens and pigs are the two main animals affected by DON exposure with different susceptibilities. In this study, we found that DON inhibited animal growth and caused damage to the intestine, liver and kidney. DON caused intestinal flora disorders in both chickens and pigs, such as changes of flora diversity and the relative abundance of dominant phyla. Functional analysis showed that changes in the intestinal flora induced by DON were mainly related to metabolic and digestive functions, indicated that the intestinal flora may be associated with the DON-induced intestinal dysfunction. Comparative analysis of differentially altered bacteria suggested that Prevotella may play an important role in maintaining intestinal health, and the presence of differentially altered bacteria in the two animals suggested that DON may have different toxicity modes in animals. In summary, we confirmed the multi-organ toxicity of DON in two major livestock and poultry animals, and speculated that the intestinal flora may be related to the toxic damage caused by DON through species comparison analysis.

Bacillus coagulans (Weizmannia coagulans) XY2 attenuates Cu-induced oxidative stress via DAF-16/FoxO and SKN-1/Nrf2 pathways and gut microbiota regulation

Copper (Cu) pollution has become a serious environmental problem especially in recent decades. In this study, the mechanisms of Bacillus coagulans (Weizmannia coagulans) XY2 against Cu-induced oxidative stress were explored through a dual model. In mice, Cu disturbed microbial community structure, revealing an increased level of Enterorhabdus abundance and decreased levels of Intestinimonas, Faecalibaculu, Ruminococcaceae and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 abundance. Meanwhile, B. coagulans (W. coagulans) XY2 intervention reversed this trend along with alleviated Cu-induced metabolic disturbances by increasing levels of hypotaurine and L-glutamate and declining levels of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. In Caenorhabditis elegans, nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and SKN-1 was inhibited by Cu, which in turn suppressed antioxidant-related enzymes activities. XY2 mitigated biotoxicity associated with oxidative damage caused by Cu exposure via regulating DAF-16/FoxO and SKN-1/Nrf2 pathways and intestinal flora to eliminate excess ROS. Our study provides a theoretical basis formulating future strategy of probiotics against heavy metal contamination.

Cinnamon oil solid self-microemulsion mediates chronic mild stress-induced depression in mice by modulating monoamine neurotransmitters, corticosterone, inflammation cytokines, and intestinal flora

Cinnamon oil (CO) is a classic Chinese medicine with excellent soothing effects on exhaustion, weakness and depression. Cinnamaldehyde is the main active ingredient of cinnamic oil. Although CO have antidepression-like effects, limited information is available. Furthermore, the disadvantages of CO, such as low oral availability and difficult portability, limit its development. In this study, a Cinnamon Oil Solid Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System (CO-S-SME) was designed, prepared. In addition, we explored the effects and mechanisms of CO-S-SME on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression-like behavior, monoamine neurotransmitters, inflammatory factors, intestinal flora in mice. Mice were subjected CUMS to establish the depression model. The antidepressant effect of CO-S-SME was evaluated by behavioral tests. In addition, the expression levels of neurotransmitters, corticosterone (CORT) and inflammatory factors in CUMS mice were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, we explored the effects of CO-S-SME on the diversity and richness of intestinal flora of mice in each group. Behavioral tests showed that CO-S-SME could effectively improve depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice. Specifically, CO-S-SME treatment effectively increased neurotransmitter levels and reduced the expressions of corticosterone and inflammatory factors in CUMS mice. CO-S-SME also changed the intestinal flora composition, decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, reduced relative abundances of Lactobacillus, modulated Alpha diversity and beta diversity. These results suggest that CO-S-SME an act as a good antidepressant, exhibiting effects via monoamine neurotransmitters, CORT, inflammation cytokines, and intestinal flora.

Regulatory mechanisms of the edible alga Ulva lactuca polysaccharide via modulation of gut microbiota in diabetic mice

In this study, Ulva lactuca polysaccharide (ULP) antihyperglycemic effect was assessed by monitoring changes in the gut microbiota of aging diabetic mice. The results showed that ULP alleviated type 2 diabetes by improving insulin tolerance, increasing SOD and CAT activities, and thus lowering blood glucose level. Moreover, ULP regulated the expressions of INSR and AMPK concurrent with inhibition the expression of JNK, JAK, STAT3, p16 and p38 to improve glucose metabolism dysfunction. Interestingly, the abundance of Alloprevotella and Pediococcus change might the key factor for ULP antihyperglycemic effectiveness in aging-related diabetes. These results suggest that ULP can exert a mechanism of blood glucose regulation by improving intestinal diversity composition asides from direct insulin mimetic actions.

Structural Characterization, Simulated Digestion and Anti-Aging Activities of an Acidic Polysaccharide from Salvia Miltiorrhiza

An acidic polysaccharide (SMP) with a molecular weight (Mw) of 1.28 × 10⁶ Da was isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza. The monosaccharide composition in molar percentages was rhamnose (Rha): galacturonic acid (GalA): galactose (Gal): arabinose (Ara) = 6.15: 55.98: 21.27: 16.69. The results of simulated digestion in vitro showed that SMP was not degraded in saliva, gastric juice or intestinal juice. The Y maze test and new object recognition test showed that SMP could improve the working memory impairment of aging mice. SMP could also increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum and brain tissue, decrease the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), decrease the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in brain tissue, and increase the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the intestine. In addition, SMP could also regulate the intestinal flora structure, including increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and decreasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria. This work lays a foundation for the development of functional foods related to Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide improves the Alzheimer's disease by regulating intestinal microbiota

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease, and the intestinal flora and its metabolites play an important role in the amelioration of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as AD through a bidirectional interaction between the gut-brain axis (GBA). Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), one of the precursors for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) synthesis, reduces the brain features of AD, including neuroinflammation, mitochondrial abnormalities, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. However, the impact of NMN on the gut flora of AD is still unknown. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between gut flora and NMN treatment in APP/PS1 transgenic (AD) mice through the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) high-throughput sequencing analysis of mouse feces after being treated with NMN for 16 weeks. The results show that the NMN significantly changed the intestinal microbial community composition in AD mice. The NMN also increased the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bacteroides at the genus level by protecting intestinal health and improving AD. The overall results suggest novel therapeutic strategies for treating AD and highlight the critical role of gut microbiota in AD pathology, and layout the further research.

Carbon dots induce pathological damage to the intestine via causing intestinal flora dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation

BACKGROUND

Carbon dots (CDs), as excellent antibacterial nanomaterials, have gained great attention in treating infection-induced diseases such as periodontitis and stomatitis. Given the eventual exposure of CDs to the intestine, elucidating the effect of CDs on intestinal health is required for the safety evaluation of CDs.

RESULTS

Herein, CDs extracted from ε-poly-L-lysine (PL) were chosen to explore the modulation effect of CDs on probiotic behavior in vitro and intestinal remodeling in vivo. Results verify that PL-CDs negatively regulate Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) growth via increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reducing the antioxidant activity, which subsequently destroys membrane permeability and integrity. PL-CDs are also inclined to inhibit cell viability and accelerate cell apoptosis. In vivo, the gavage of PL-CDs is verified to induce inflammatory infiltration and barrier damage in mice. Moreover, PL-CDs are found to increase the Firmicutes to Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio and the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae while decreasing that of Muribaculaceae.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these evidences indicate that PL-CDs may inevitably result in intestinal flora dysbiosis via inhibiting probiotic growth and simultaneously activating intestinal inflammation, thus causing pathological damage to the intestine, which provides an effective and insightful reference for the potential risk of CDs from the perspective of intestinal remodeling.

Gut microbiota and integrative traditional Chinese and western medicine in prevention and treatment of heart failure

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is the terminal stage of multiple cardiovascular diseases, with high mortality and morbidity. More and more studies have proved that gut microbiota may play a role in the process of HF, which is expected to become a new therapeutic target. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has vast therapeutic potential of complementation against HF.

PURPOSE

This manuscript expounds on the research progress of mechanisms of gut microbiota participating in the occurrence and prognosis of HF and the role of integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine from 1987 to 2022. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the prevention and treatment of HF from the perspective of gut microbiota has been discussed.

METHODS

Studies focusing on the effects and their mechanisms of gut microbiota in HF and the role of integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine were identified and summarized, including contributions from February 1987 until August 2022. The investigation was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases up to April 2023 by using the relevant keywords and operators.

RESULTS

A total of 34 articles were finally included in this review.16 RCTs and 13 basic researches, and 3 clinical research studies involving 7 relevant outcome indicators(cardiac function evaluation index, changes in gut microbiota, inflammatory factors, metabolites of gut microbiota, serum nutritional index protein, quality of life score, intestinal permeability and all-cause mortality). Compared with healthy controls, serum TNF-α and TMAO levels were significantly higher in patients with heart failure [MD = 5.77, 95%CI(4.97, 6.56), p < 0.0001; SMD = 1.92, 95%CI(1.70, 2.14), p < 0.0001]. Escherichia coli and Thick-walled bacteria increased significantly [SMD = -0.99, 95%CI(-1.38, -0.61), p < 0.0001, SMD = 2.58, 95%CI(2.23, 2.93), p < 0.0001];The number of bacteroides and lactobacillus decreased [SMD = -2.29, 95%CI(-2.54, -2.04), p < 0.0001; SMD = -1.55, 95%CI(-1.8, -1.3), p < 0.0001]. There was no difference in bifidobacterium [SMD = 0.16, 95%CI(-0.22, 0.54), p = 0.42]. In the published literature, it is not difficult to see that most of the results are studied and proved based on animal experiments or clinical trials, involving the cellular level, while the mechanism and mode of action of the molecular biology of traditional Chinese medicine are less elaborated, which is related to the characteristics of multi-components and multi-targets of traditional Chinese medicine. The above are the shortcomings of published literature, which can also be the direction of future research.

CONCLUSION

Heart failure patients have decreased beneficial bacteria such as Bacillus mimics and Lactobacillus in the intestinal flora and increased harmful flora like thick-walled flora. And increase the inflammatory response of the body and the expression of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) in the serum. And The prevention and treatment of integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine against heart failure based on gut microbiota and its metabolites is a promising research direction.

Effects of Bifido, Yijunkang, Siliankang, and Golden Bifid on loperamide induced constipation

BACKGROUND

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder and a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Probiotics are the most widely used microecological agents for the treatment of constipation in clinical practice. Common intestinal microecological drugs include Bifido, Yijunkang, Siliankang, Golden Bifid, etc. They have different composition and may have different therapeutic effects on constipation.

AIM

To compare the effects of the four microecological agents in a rat model of constipation and to assess the effects of these probiotics on constipation-related indicators.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control group, model group, Bifido group, Yijunkang group, Siliankang group, and Golden Bifid group, with 10 rats in each group. The body weight, fecal quantity, shape, and water content, and intestinal transit rate of rats in each group were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the intestine of rats in each group. The expression level of intestinal mucin was analyzed by Alcian blue staining.

RESULTS

There were no significant changes in body weight and fecal water content of rats in each group. Compared to the model group, the quantity of feces (P < 0.01), intestinal transit rate (P < 0.05), intestinal mucosal thickness (P < 0.01), and mucin expression level (P < 0.01) were significantly increased in the Bifido group. Intestinal transit rate (P < 0.05) and mucin expression (P < 0.001) were significantly increased in the Yijunkang group. Increased intestinal transit rate and mucin level were observed in the Siliankang group (P < 0.05), and increased mucin expression was observed in the Golden Bifid group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The four microecological preparations improve constipation to varying degrees, of which Bifido has the best effect. Bifido can significantly increase the quantity of feces and intestinal transit rate of constipation rats, increase the expression level of mucin, promote the secretion of intestinal mucus, improve gastrointestinal peristalsis, and relieve constipation related symptoms.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Y12 play positive roles regulating larval gut communities when housefly encountered copper stress

Heavy metal contamination has become a global concern that threatens the lives of animals and insects throughout the food chain. Pseudomonas is a commonly found genus of bacteria that colonizes the intestines of insects and constitutes a necessary part of the insect gut microbiota. This research analyzed the influence of different concentrations of Cu²⁺ on housefly larval development, gut microbial structure and antioxidant defense system, and investigated the regulatory mechanism of P. aeruginosa Y12 on the gut microbiota when houseflies were exposed to Cu²⁺. We found that adding Cu²⁺ to the larval diet inhibited larval growth, while the mixed addition of P. aeruginosa Y12 and Cu²⁺ to the diet reduced the inhibitory effects of Cu²⁺ on larval growth. Oral administration of Cu²⁺ significantly changed the gut community structure and increased larval gut bacterial diversity. In vitro analysis revealed that P. aeruginosa Y12 showed Cu²⁺ adsorption effects and increased Cu²⁺ aggregation. The mixed addition of low concentrations of P. aeruginosa Y12 and Cu²⁺ to the larval diet caused a dynamic shift in the gut microbiota and resulted in a novel gut community structure with an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, P. aeruginosa Y12 treatment influenced the activity of antioxidant enzymes in housefly larvae, indicating that the addition of P. aeruginosa Y12 to the larval diet could further influence the antioxidant system through P. aeruginosa Y12-Cu²⁺ interactions. In conclusion, our research revealed that intestinal flora dysbiosis was the essential reason why copper inhibits housefly larval growth. However, proper supplementation with P. aeruginosa Y12 played positive roles in regulating larval gut communities and protecting insects from toxic heavy metals.

Nano-pesticide carrier O-Carboxymethyl chitosan is indigestible in Apis cerana cerana and affects intestinal flora

O-Carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (O-CMC-NPs), which are organic pesticide carriers, have excellent application potential. Exploring the effects of O-CMC-NPs on non-target organisms, such as Apis cerana cerana, is critical for their effective application; however, such studies are limited. This study investigated the stress response of A. cerana Fabricius after O-CMC-NPs ingestion. The administration of high O-CMC-NP concentrations enhanced the activities of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes in A. cerana, with the activity of glutathione-S-transferase increasing by 54.43 %-64.33 % after one day. The transit of O-CMC-NPs into the A. cerana midgut resulted in their deposition and adherence to the intestinal wall, as they cluster and precipitate in acidic conditions. The population of Gillianella bacteria in the middle intestine was remarkably reduced after 6 d of administration of high O-CMC-NP concentrations. Contrastingly, the abundance of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus in the rectum significantly increased. These results indicate that the intake of high concentrations of O-CMC-NPs causes a stress response in A. cerana and affects the relative abundance of crucial intestinal flora, which may pose a potential risk to the colony. This implies that even nanomaterials with favorable biocompatibility should be applied reasonably within a specific range to avoid adverse effects on the environment and non-target organisms in the context of large-scale research and promotion of nanomaterials.

Structural characteristics of mixed pectin from ginseng berry and its anti-obesity effects by regulating the intestinal flora

Ginseng berry is the mature berry of ginseng and its polysaccharide has hypolipidaemic effect, but its mechanism remains unclear. A pectin (GBPA) with a molecular weight of 3.53 × 10⁴ Da was isolated from ginseng berry, it was mainly composed of Rha (25.54 %), GalA (34.21 %), Gal (14.09 %) and Ara (16.25 %). Structural analysis showed that GBPA is a mixed pectin containing rhamnogalacturonan-I and homogalacturonan domains and has a triple helix structure. GBPA distinctly improved lipid disorders in obese rats, and changed intestinal flora with enrichments of Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides and Prevotella, improved the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. Serum metabolites which involved in the lipid regulation-related pathway, including cinnzeylanine, 10-Hydroxy-8-nor-2-fenchanone glucoside, armillaribin, 24-Propylcholestan-3-ol, were also greatly changed after GBPA treatment. GBPA activated AMP-activated protein kinase, phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and reduced the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c and fatty acid synthases. The regulatory effects of GBPA on lipid disorders in obese rats are related to the regulation of intestinal flora and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Ginseng berry pectin could be considered in the future as a health food or medicine to prevent obesity.

Therapeutic effects of microecological agents combined with metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the role of intestinal flora in the occurrence and progression of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been gradually recognized, and, as recommended agents for the treatment of IBS, probiotics, which can promote intestinal motility and correct and maintain the balance of flora, have been proven effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

AIM

To investigate the therapeutic effects of microecological agents combined with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with IBS and their modulatory effect on the intestinal flora and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD8)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

METHODS

Two hundred patients with T2DM with IBS treated at our hospital from August 2018 to August 2022 were selected and randomly divided into either a control group or an observation group, with 100 cases in each group. The control group was treated with metformin alone, and the observation group was treated with microecological agents combined with metformin. Intestinal sensitivity, intestinal flora (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), blood glucose levels [fasting blood glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG)], and serum levels of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The incidence of adverse effects was recorded.

RESULTS

After 4 wk and 8 wk of treatment, the numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were higher, and the numbers of E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis, intestinal sensitivity, and serum MyD88, TLR4, and NF-κBp65 levels were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After 8 wk of treatment, the levels of butyric acid and total SCFAs were higher, and the levels of FPG, HbA1c, and 2hPG were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions did not differ significantly between the observation group (9.00%) and the control group (14.00%).

CONCLUSION

Microecological agents combined with metformin can effectively reduce intestinal sensitivity, alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, and enhance glucose control in patients with T2DM with IBS, which may be related to their ability to correct flora dysbiosis, regulate intestinal flora metabolites, and modulate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway by increasing the abundance of probiotics.

Ameliorating role of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharides in antibiotic-induced intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in mice based on microbiome and metabolome analyses

The intestinal mucosal barrier is one of the important barriers to prevent harmful substances and pathogens from entering the body environment and to maintain intestinal homeostasis. This study investigated the reparative effect and possible mechanism of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharides (THP) on ceftriaxone-induced intestinal mucosal damage. Our results suggested that THP repaired the mechanical barrier damage of intestinal mucosa by enhancing the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, reducing intestinal mucosal permeability and improving the pathological state of intestinal epithelial cells. Intestinal immune and chemical barrier was further restored by THP via the increment of the body's cytokine levels, intestinal SIgA levels, intestinal goblet cell number, intestinal mucin-2 levels, and short-chain fatty acid levels. In addition, THP increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria (such as Lactobacillus), reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (such as Enterococcus) to repair the intestinal biological barrier, restored intestinal mucosal barrier function, and maintains intestinal homeostasis. The possible mechanisms were related to sphingolipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and d-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism. Our results demonstrated the potential therapeutic effect of THP against intestinal flora disorders and intestinal barrier function impairment caused by antibiotics.

Occurrence, risk assessment, and in vitro and in vivo toxicity of antibiotics in surface water in China

Antibiotics have been widely detected in the water environment and thus pose a potential threat to human health. Although antibiotics have health-promoting properties, whether and how they affect health at environmental concentrations remains uncharacterised. We detected antibiotics in surface water and groundwater in China. Sulfonamides (851 ng/L) and tetracyclines (1322 ng/L) showed the highest concentrations in surface water, while the highest concentration of sulfonamides detected in groundwater was 250 ng/L. We analysed the distribution of four classes of antibiotics (sulfonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, and quinolones) and evaluated the associated health risks in the surface water of seven cities. We found that antibiotic pollution caused health risks to the 0-3-months age group, but not to other age groups. We further demonstrated that simulated long-term exposure to environmental concentrations of antibiotics had concentration-dependent toxic effects on L-02 hepatocytes, affected cell proliferation, and induced oxidative damage and DNA damage. Chronic exposure to mixed sulfonamides affected growth, caused liver damage, and reduced the abundance of intestinal flora in mice. Under exposure to antibiotics, the abundance of Helicobacter pylori in the gut flora significantly increased and posed a health risk to humans. These results indicated that exposure to antibiotics at environmental concentrations can cause oxidative damage and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. These findings add to the body of basic data on the distribution of antibiotics in the water environment, and provide a scientific basis for the evaluation of antibiotic toxicity.

Investigation of therapeutic effects of rhubarb decoction retention enema on minimal hepatic encephalopathy in rats based on 16S rDNA gene sequencing and bile acid metabolomics

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is an early stage of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), with high incidence and a high rate of clinically missed diagnosis. Early diagnosis of MHE and effective clinical intervention are of great importance. Rhubarb decoction (RD)-induced retention enema can effectively improve the cognitive function of patients with MHE, whereas disturbances in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acid (BAs) can induce MHE. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of RD have not been examined from the perspective of intestinal microbiota and bile metabolomics. In this study, we investigated the effects of RD-induced retention enema on intestinal microbiota and bile metabolites in rats with CCl₄- and TAA-induced MHE. RD-induced retention enema significantly improved liver function, reduced blood ammonia levels, alleviated cerebral oedema and restored cognitive function in rats with MHE. In addition, it increased the abundance of intestinal microbes; partially reversed the disorder in the composition of intestinal microbiota, including the Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides genera; and regulated BA metabolism, such as taurine combined with increased BA synthesis. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential importance of BA enterohepatic circulation for RD to improve cognitive function in MHE rats, providing a new perspective on the mechanism of this herb. The findings of this study will facilitate experimental research on RD and help to develop RD-based strategies for clinical application.

Acute toxic effects of microcystin-LR on crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): Insights from antioxidant system, histopathology and intestinal flora

To study the toxic effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on crayfish, adult male Procambarus clarkii were exposed to different concentrations of MC-LR for 96 h. In the meantime, the accumulation characteristics of MC-LR and the alternations of antioxidant system, histopathology and intestinal flora of P. clarkii were investigated. The results demonstrated that the hepatopancreas, gills and intestines of P. clarkii could effectively accumulate MC-LR. Antioxidant-related genes such as Mn-sod, cat, gst, gpx, mt and hsp70 showed different expression trends in different organs to respond to MC-LR-induced oxidative stress. MC-LR led to histological changes in the hepatopancreas, gills and intestines, thus affecting their corresponding physiological functions. Additionally, the abundances of bacterial phyla including Firmicutes and Planctomycetes and genera including Dysgonomonas, Brevundimonas and Anaerorhabdus in the intestine were significantly changed after MC-LR exposure, and the disruption of intestinal flora might further cause abnormal intestinal microbial metabolism and genetics in P. clarkii. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into the toxic impacts of microcystins on aquatic crustaceans. HIGHLIGHTS: • MC-LR was significantly accumulated in the hepatopancreas, gills and intestines of P. clarkii. • MC-LR induced the differential expression of antioxidant-related genes of P. clarkii. • MC-LR caused histological alterations in the hepatopancreas, gills and intestines of P. clarkii. • MC-LR affected the intestinal microbial composition and function of P. clarkii.

Empagliflozin ameliorates atherosclerosis via regulating the intestinal flora

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) has been reported to attenuate atherosclerosis. Further, it has been suggested that intestinal flora influences atherosclerosis progression. Herein we aimed to investigate whether SGLT2i can alleviate atherosclerosis through intestinal flora.

METHODS

Six-week-old male ApoE^-/- mice fed a high-fat diet were gavaged either empagliflozin (SGLT2i group, n = 9) or saline (Ctrl group, n = 6) for 12 weeks. Feces were collected from both groups at the end of the experiment for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Another 12 six-week-old male ApoE^-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and received FMT with feces either from SGLT2i (FMT-SGLT2i group, n = 6) or from Ctrl (FMT-Ctrl group, n = 6) groups. Blood, tissue, and fecal samples were collected for subsequent analyses.

RESULTS

In comparison with Ctrl group, atherosclerosis was less severe in the SGLT2i group (p < 0.0001), and the richness of probiotic, such as f_Coriobacteriaceae, f_S24-7, f_Lachnospiraceae, and f_Adlercreutzia, was higher in feces. Besides, empagliflozin resulted in a significant reduction in the inflammatory response and altered intestinal flora metabolism. Interestingly, compared with FMT-Ctrl, FMT-SGLT2i also showed a reduction in atherosclerosis and systemic inflammatory response, as well as changes in the component of intestinal flora and pertinent metabolites similar to SGLT2i group.

CONCLUSIONS

Empagliflozin seems to mitigate atherosclerosis partly by regulating intestinal microbiota, and this anti-atherosclerotic effect can be transferred through intestinal flora transplantation.

[Research progress on the correlation between changes in gut microbiota and sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis]

Sarcopenia is one of the common complications of cirrhosis. Studies have demonstrated that patients with cirrhosis combined with sarcopenia have a high mortality rate. The occurrence of sarcopenia may be associated with inflammatory states and metabolic abnormalities caused by changes in the gut microbiota environment, but such studies are currently relatively lacking. This article elaborates on the correlation between changes in the gut microbiota environment, as well as the diagnosis and treatment, in order to provide reference and assistance for the treatment of patients with cirrhosis and sarcopenia.

Selenium-Enriched and Ordinary Black Teas Regulate the Metabolism of Glucose and Lipid and Intestinal Flora of Hyperglycemic Mice

Black tea is one of the six major tea categories and has a variety of bioactivities. However, little is known about its comprehensive evaluation of hypoglycemic effects and potential mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the in vivo hypoglycemic activity and potential mechanism for aqueous extracts of ordinary black tea (BT) and selenium-enriched black tea (Se-BT) by using an established high-fat diet together with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic mouse model. Additionally, we also explored their α-glucosidase inhibition activity. The results show that both BT and Se-BT had a favorable glycosidase inhibitory activity. Moreover, the intervention of BT and Se-BT could regulate the mRNA expression and the level of serum parameters related to glucose and lipid metabolisms. Accordingly, they could activate the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway and alleviate insulin resistance (IR) and hyperglycemia. Moreover, supplementation of BT and Se-BT increased the richness and diversity of intestinal flora and altered the abundance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. Both BT and Se-BT could regulate glucose metabolism, alleviate tissue damage, and restore intestinal flora dysbiosis, suggesting that they could be used as a natural functional food for preventing hyperglycemia.

Compound Danshen Dripping Pills moderate intestinal flora and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in alleviating cognitive dysfunction in type 2 diabetic KK-Ay mice

BACKGROUD

Bidirectional communications between the gut microbiota and the brain may play a critical role in diabetes-related cognitive impairment. Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP) treatment has shown remarkable improvement in cognitive impairment in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical settings, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

PURPOSE

An extensive detailed strategy via in vivo functional experiments, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology was adopted to investigate the CDDP-treatment mechanism in diabetic cognitive dysfunction.

METHODS

For 12 weeks, KK-Ay mice, a spontaneous T2DM model, were intragastrically administered various doses of CDDP solution or an equivalent volume of water, and the nootropic drug piracetam was orally administered as a positive control. At the 12th week, cognition was assessed using Morris water maze tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology analyses were applied to reveal novel molecular mechanisms of CDDP-treatment in diabetic cognitive dysfunction of KK-Ay mice, which were then validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTS

Here we verified that CDDP can suppress inflammatory response and alleviate the cognitive dysfunction in KK-Ay mice. Also, as demonstrated by 16S rRNA sequencing and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis, CDDP attenuated intestinal flora disorder as well as increases of metabolites including butyric acid, hexanoic acid, and isohexic acid. Given the integrated analyses of network pharmacology, transcriptomic, metabolomic data, and molecular biology, the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated in diabetes, which could be reversed by CDDP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that CDDP restructures the gut microbiota composition and increased the intestinal SCFAs in KK-Ay mice, which might inhibit neuroinflammation, and thus improve diabetic mice cognitive disorder.

Qi-Long-Tian capsule alleviates pulmonary fibrosis development by modulating inflammatory response and gut microbiota

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive, and fibrotic interstitial lung disease with a high mortality rate. Qi-Long-Tian (QLT) capsule is an herbal formula with great potential for antifibrotic effects, consisting of San Qi (Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Di Long [Pheretima aspergillum (E. Perrier)], and Hong Jingtian (Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma), and has been used in clinical practice for many years. To explore the relationship between the effects of Qi-Long-Tian capsule and gut microbiota of PF mice, pulmonary fibrosis model were established by tracheal drip injection of bleomycin. Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (control), model group (model), QLT capsule low dose group (QL), QLT capsule medium dose group (QM), QLT capsule high dose group (QH), and pirfenidone group (PFD). After 21 days of treatment, after pulmonary function tests, the lung tissues, serums, and enterobacterial samples were collected for further analysis. HE staining and Masson's staining were used to detect changes as the main indicators of PF in each group, and the expression of hydroxyproline (HYP) related to collagen metabolism was detected by and alkaline hydrolysis method. qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of pro-inflammatory factors include interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lung tissues and serums, and the inflammation-mediating factors include tight junction protein (ZO-1, Claudin, Occludin). ELISA was used to detect the protein expressions of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in colonic tissues. 16sRNA gene sequencing was used to detect changes in the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in the control, model, and QM groups, to search for differential genera, and analyze the correlation with inflammatory factors. QLT capsule effectively improved the status of pulmonary fibrosis and reduced HYP. In addition, QLT capsule significantly reduced the abnormal levels of pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β in lung tissue and serum, while improving the levels of pro-inflammatory related factors ZO-1, Claudin, Occludin, sIgA, SCFAs, and reducing LPS in the colon. The comparison between the alpha diversity and beta diversity in enterobacteria suggested that the composition of the gut flora in the control, model, and QLT capsule groups were different. QLT capsule significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidia (which might limit the onset of inflammation) and decreased the relative abundance of Clostridia (which might promote inflammation). In addition, these two enterobacteria were closely associated with pro-inflammatory-related indicators and pro-inflammatory factors in PF. All these results suggest that QLT capsule intervenes in pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the differential genera of intestinal flora, increasing immunoglobulin secretion, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, reducing LPS entry into the blood, and decreasing inflammatory factor secretion in the serum, which in turn alleviates pulmonary inflammation. This study clarifies the therapeutic mechanism of QLT capsule in PF and provides a theoretical basis for it. It provides a theoretical basis for its further clinical application.

Dietary nucleotides influences intestinal barrier function, immune responses and microbiota in 3-day-old weaned piglets

Nucleotides (NTs) play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the intestine. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nucleotides supplementation on the intestinal barrier function, immune responses and microbiota in 3-day-old weaned piglets. Ninety-six piglets weaned at 3-days after birth were randomly assigned to 2 treatments (6 replicates/treatment, 8 piglets/replicate) according to the average body weight. The dietary treatments consisted of the control (CON; fed a basal artificial milk) and nucleotides groups (NT; fed a basal artificial milk with 0.035 % nucleotides, the contents of CMP, UMP, AMP, GMP, and IMP were 1:1:1:1:1, respectively). Diarrhea rates were recorded, and blood and intestinal samples were collected on day 35 of the piglets. The current study showed that NTs supplementation tended to decrease the diarrhea rate of weaned piglets (P < 0.10). NTs increased villus height and the villus height-to-crypt depth (V/C) ratio in the ileum (P < 0.05). Dietary NTs up-regulated protein expression of ZO-1 in ileal mucosa (P < 0.05), and the protein expression of Occludin tended to increase. Furthermore, NTs up-regulated the mRNA expression of Mucin (MUC)2, while the mRNA expression of MUC4 was down-regulated in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). Besides, supplementation with NTs increased the ileal mucosa genes expression of IL-21, INF-γ, IL-10, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary NTs increased the protein expression of NF-κB, IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.05), and the proteins expression of Occludin and p-NF-κB tended to be up-regulated in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.10). Furthermore, NTs supplementation increased short chain fatty acid in the colonic (P < 0.05). And NTs supplementation reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio in the colon, at the genus level, NTs enriched the relative abundance of Prevotella, Faecalibacterium and Olsenella (P < 0.05). These data indicate that NTs could increase the villus height, increase the V/C, regulate the expression of tight junction protein and mucin, improve the intestinal barrier of piglets, regulate the secretion of cytokines, improve the biological immunity, increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and thus reduce the diarrhea of piglets.

Deoxycholic acid exacerbates intestinal inflammation by modulating interleukin-1β expression and tuft cell proportion in dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine colitis

Background

The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. However, intestinal metabolism is known to be critical in the pathogenesis of IBD. Bile acid is one of the main intestinal metabolites, and its role in the pathogenesis of IBD is worthy of investigation. This study investigated the role of deoxycholic acid (DCA), a bile acid, in the pathogenesis of IBD.

Methods

Peripheral serum metabolomics, fecal metabolomics, and microbiome analyses were performed on patients with IBD and healthy controls. Flow cytometry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence analysis were used to evaluate cytokines in the inflamed colonic mucosa and immune cells and tuft cells in the intestine of mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.

Results

In total, 156 patients with IBD and 58 healthy controls were enrolled. DCA levels in the serum and feces of patients with IBD were significantly decreased compared to the controls. This decrease was associated with a decrease in the abundance of intestinal flora, including Firmicutes, Clostridia, Ruminnococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae. Additionally, interleukin (IL)-1β levels in the serum of patients with active Crohn's disease were significantly increased compared with the healthy controls. Moreover, in DCA-treated DSS-induced mice, the expression of IL-1β and the proportion of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells increased while the number of intestinal tuft cells decreased, compared with the DSS group.

Conclusion

In IBD patients, the decreased DCA levels in serum and fecal samples are associated with disturbances in gut microflora diversity and abundance. Possible mechanisms by which DCA affects immunity in DSS-induced murine colitis include increasing IL-1β secretion, reducing the number of tuft cells in the mucosa, and activating CD4⁺ and CD3⁺ T cells to exaggerate immune responses, consequently worsening intestinal inflammation.

Effects of five carbohydrate sources on cat diet digestibility, postprandial glucose, insulin response, and gut microbiomes

Cat obesity has become a serious problem that affects cats' lives and welfare. Knowing how to control obesity in pet cats and its mechanism is urgently needed. Here, by feeding 30 cats different diets for 28 days, we explored the effects of 5 cat foods with potato, sweet potato, cassava, rice, and wheat as the main carbohydrate sources on the glycolipid metabolism of pet cats. The results showed that dietary carbohydrate sources did not affect the normal growth performance and stool scores of cats. Notably, we found that the starch gelatinization degree of sweet potato and cassava cat food were higher than those of other groups, while the rice diets had the highest digestibility, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Furthermore, cats fed cassava diets had lower postprandial glucose responses. The mean glucose value, maximum glucose value, AUC0-360 min, AUC≤30 min, and AUC≥30 min in the cassava group were lower than those in other dietary groups (P>0.05). In addition, we found that the carbohydrate source had a minimal effect on serum biochemical immune indices, but the blood lipid indices, such as TG, TC, HDL, and LDL of cats fed the cassava diet were maintained at a low level compared with other groups (P>0.05). In addition, diets with different carbohydrate sources affect the gut microbial composition, and sweet potato and cassava diets tend to increase the diversity of gut microbiota with a higher Shannon index and Simpson index. The abundance of Fusobacterium, Veillonella, and Actinobacillus was significantly higher in sweet potato diet-fed cats (P<0.05), while the abundance of Delftia, Shinella, Rothia, and Hydrogenophage was highest in cassava diet-fed cats (P<0.05). Collectively, this study revealed that cassava and sweet potato diets have a better effect on feeding value, controlling blood glucose and blood lipids, and improving the intestinal flora of pet cats, which is worth developing dietary formulations to alleviate pet obesity.

Chemical and pharmacological difference between honey-fried licorice and fried licorice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to textual research of books from ancient times till now, there are three main preparation methods of "fried licorice", including frying licorice without excipients (F), frying licorice after dipping with water (W), and frying licorice with honey (H). However, with the development over many successive generations, honey frying has gradually become the main processing form of licorice, whereas the fried licorice is nowadays rarely used.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objectives of this study were to clarify the differences of the three forms of "fried licorice" in chemical composition and pharmacological activities, and to screen quality markers for differently processed licorice. It is expected to provide a scientific basis for the rational choice of "fried licorice" as medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Non-target metabolomic analysis based on UHPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS was conducted to compare the chemical differences between the differently processed licorice material. Pharmacodynamically, the differences in immunomodulatory activity (including intestinal flora experiment), anti-inflammatory activity, and hepatoprotective activity of the differently processed licorice were evaluated. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis was performed to screen potential quality markers of honey-fried licorice. The serum concentration of selected markers was determined by UHPLC-QqQ-MS.

RESULTS

Metabolomic analysis showed no difference in the chemical composition of F and W, whereas the chemical composition of H was significantly different from that of F and R. The immunomodulatory activity, anti-acute inflammatory effect, and hepatoprotective effect of licorice were significantly improved after frying with honey; No significant differences were observed between F and H in term of immunomodulatory activity and anti-acute inflammatory effect, whereas, H is better than F in terms of liver-protective activity. The intestinal flora experiment confirmed that H does have immunomodulatory activity, while F may induce an increased abundance of certain pathogenic bacteria in the intestine. Multivariate statistical analysis suggests that the content of liquiritin (2), liquiritigenin (3), isoliquiritin (5), isoliquiritigenin (6) and glycyrrhizic acid (7) plusing glycyrrhetinic acid (8) in H group is closely correlated with its improved effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a scientific rational for the selection of "fried licorice" processing methods. In addition, it provides a scientific basis for the selection of quality markers of differently processed licorice.

Chondroitin sulfate alleviates osteoporosis caused by calcium deficiency by regulating lipid metabolism

The use of non-drug intervention for calcium deficiency has attracted attention in recent years. Although calcium carbonate is the preferred raw material for calcium supplementation, there are few reports on the mechanism of the combined action of chondroitin sulfate and calcium to alleviate osteoporosis from the perspective of gut microbiota and metabolomics. In this study, a rat model of osteoporosis was established by feeding a low-calcium diet. The intestinal microbiota abundance, fecal and plasma metabolite expression levels of rats fed a basal diet, a low-calcium diet, a low-calcium diet plus calcium carbonate, and a low-calcium diet plus chondroitin sulfate were compared. The results showed that compared with the low calcium group, the calcium content and bone mineral density of femur were significantly increased in the calcium carbonate and chondroitin sulfate groups. 16 S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis showed that chondroitin sulfate intervention could reduce short-chain fatty acid synthesis of intestinal flora, slow down inflammatory response, inhibit osteoclast differentiation, promote calcium absorption and antioxidant mechanism, and alleviate osteoporosis in low-calcium feeding rats. Correlation analysis showed that the selected intestinal flora was significantly correlated with metabolites enriched in feces and plasma. This study provides scientific evidence of the potential impact of chondroitin sulfate as a dietary supplement for patients with osteoporosis.

Hypoglycemic effect of the Phellinus baumii extract with α-glucosidase-inhibited activity and its modulation to gut microbiota in diabetic patients

Phellinus baumii extract (PBE) possesses considerable α-glucosidase-inhibited activity. This study investigated the hypoglycemic effect in vitro and in vivo using a glucose consumption assay in HepG2 cells, intragastric administration for ten weeks in STZ-induced mice, and intestinal flora fermentation in patients with type 2 diabetes to reveal the possible underlying mechanisms. PBE was prepared, including α-glucosidase-inhibited ethanol extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE). In vitro, PBE promoted glucose consumption and enhanced glycogen content and hexokinase activity but lowered phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase activity in HepG2 cells. In vivo, PBE treatment significantly reduced the body weight (p < 0.05) and fasting blood glucose levels of diabetic mice (p < 0.01), with the lowest blood glucose level observed in the EE+AE group. Furthermore, the serum insulin levels and insulin resistance index (HOMA) of PBE-treated groups decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Moreover, gene expression levels of the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT pathway were significantly upregulated by PBE treatment (p < 0.01). In vitro fermentation demonstrated that EE significantly inhibited the production of H₂S and NH₃ in the intestinal flora fermentation model in diabetic patients (p < 0.05). In addition, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was reduced, the growth of Lactobacillus and Prevotella 9 was promoted, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was inhibited. This study provides new insights and clues for using PBE as a functional food and clinical drug for glycemic control.

Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine in acute severe stroke patients

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a common and frequently occurring disease of the nervous system and one of the three major diseases leading to human death. The incidence and mortality of stroke in China increase with age. Overall, 70 % of patients with stroke have serious disability, which results in heavy burden to their families and the society.

AIM

To analyze the effects of Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine on immune indexes and digestive tract function in patients with acute severe stroke.

METHODS

A total of 68 patients with acute severe stroke admitted to Lanzhou Second People’s Hospital between March 2018 and September 2021 were selected and divided into the control and observation groups according to a random number table method. The control group was administered routine Western medicine treatment, such as dehydration, lowering intracranial pressure, anticoagulation, improving cerebral blood circulation and cerebral nerve protection according to the “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China.” The observation group was administered Qixue Shuangbu decoction via nasal feeding tube on the basis of the routine Western medicine treatment with simultaneous acupuncture. The two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II, organ dysfunction syndrome score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores of the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those measured before treatment, and the complements C3 and C4, and immunoglobulins (Ig) M and G were significantly increased compared with those observed before treatment (P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, and the complement and Ig levels were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid (D-LA), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, while the levels of lipopolysaccharide, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCH-L1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -2, and IL-8 were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). After treatment, DAO, D-LA, and CGRP were higher in the observation group than in the control group, while lipopolysaccharide, UCH-L1, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-8 were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The hospitalization time of individuals in the observation group was shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine for the treatment of acute severe stroke can regulate intestinal flora, reduce inflammation, improve intestinal mucosal barrier function and immune function related indicators, and promote recovery.

Effects of breviscapine on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and intestinal flora imbalance by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plant Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz.,a Chinese herbal medicine with multiple pharmacological effects and clinical applications, has been traditionally used in the treatment of paralysis caused by stroke and joint pain from rheumatism by the Yi minority people of Southwest China for generations.However, its mechanism involves many factors and has not been fully clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Taking intestinal flora as the target, the protective effect of extract(breviscapine) of E. breviscapus on cerebral ischemia and its possible mechanism were discussed from the perspective of brain inflammatory pathway and intestinal CYP3A4, which depends on intestinal flora.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we first verified the binding ability between major active ingredient of Erigeron breviscapus and the core target TLR4 protein by molecular docking using Vina software.We established a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo.The neurological function of rats was scored by Bederson score table, the cerebral infarction volume was detected by TTC staining, and the serum NSE level was detected by ELASA. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect the intestinal flora of rats in each group.The expression levels of cerebral TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and CYP3A4 mRNA and protein in different intestinal segments were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the neurological injury score, infarct volume and serum NSE concentration of breviscapine low, medium and high dose groups and nimodipine groups decreased significantly. Meanwhile, breviscapine could significantly reduce the expression level of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB in brain tissue and CYP3A4 in different intestinal segments of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, breviscapine also significantly ameliorated intestinal flora dysbiosis of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Breviscapine can protect rats from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating intestinal flora, inhibiting brain TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory pathway and intestinal CYP3A4 expression.

Role of natural products and intestinal flora on type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complicated, globally expanding disease that is influenced by hereditary and environmental variables. Changes in modern society's food choices, physical inactivity, and obesity are significant factors in the development of type 2 DM (T2DM). The association between changes in intestinal flora and numerous disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, has been studied in recent years. The purpose of this review is to analyze the mechanisms underlying the alteration of the diabetic patients' intestinal flora, as well as their therapeutic choices. Also included is a summary of the anti-diabetic benefits of natural compounds demonstrated by studies. The short-chain fatty acids theory, the bile acid theory, and the endotoxin theory are all potential methods by which intestinal flora contributes to the establishment and progression of T2DM. Due to an intestinal flora imbalance, abnormalities in short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids have been found in diabetic patients. Additionally, metabolic endotoxemia with altering flora induces a systemic inflammatory response by stimulating the immune system via bacterial translocation. The agenda for diabetes treatment includes the use of short-chain fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics in the diet, fecal bacteria transplantation, and antibiotics. Animal studies have proven the antidiabetic benefits of numerous bioactive substances, including Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponin, and Allicin. However, further research is required to contribute to the treatment of diabetes.

Antimicrobial peptide hepcidin contributes to restoration of the intestinal flora after Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Acrossocheilus fasciatus

Hepcidin is a cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide that serves an important role in the immunity system of fishes. It exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor activities. However, the exact role of fish hepcidin in the regulation of the intestinal flora still remains a mystery. In our study, we sequenced and characterized hepcidin from the liver of Acrossocheilus fasciatus. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that A. fasciatus hepcidin and Gobiocypris rarus hepcidin were the most closely related, and both belonged to the fish HAMP1 cluster. Studies conducted on in vivo tissue distribution showed that the expression of hepcidin was highest in healthy A. fasciatus liver. Aeromonas hydrophila infection was confirmed by the increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and bacterial loads in A. fasciatus tissues. After A. hydrophila infection, hepcidin expression significantly increased in the liver, spleen, and head kidney. In vitro antibacterial assays showed that hepcidin exhibits strong broad spectrum antibacterial activity. Furthermore, we examined the regulatory effect of hepcidin on the intestinal flora and found that A. fasciatus hepcidin restored the reduced diversity and compositional changes in intestinal flora caused by A. hydrophila infection. Our results suggest that hepcidin could regulate the intestinal flora in fishes; however, the underlying mechanisms need to be explored in greater detail.

Evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine fitness' effect on improving the health of adults' intestinal flora: An optical tool based on ultrasensitive bioluminescent imaging and applications

The design of the probes is based on bioluminescence imaging, which has been widely adopted in studies of many important biological processes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fitness could improve the state of health of adults' intestinal flora. The research aims at analyzing the impact of TCM fitness on the intestinal probiotics (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) and opportunistic pathogen (Enterococcus, Enterobacteriaceae) by the noninvasive imaging. In accordance with the searching results, the researchers have found that TCM fitness has a significant impact on improving Bifidobacterium (SDM = 1.55; P = 0.02) and Lactobacillus (SDM = 1.26; P <0.01), while the impact could not be seen on Enterococcus (SDM = 0.29;P = 0.68) and Enterobacteriaceae (SDM = 0.05;P = 0.94). And there is no significant difference between the two interventions of Tai Chi and Fitness Qigong. The results of the present review show that TCM fitness could significantly better the probiotics of intestinal flora while the influence on opportunistic pathogen needs to be further investigated with the precise and reasonable proof of scientific studies.The findings suggest that TCM fitness can be used as an effective intervention, and there is no significant difference between the two interventions on the improvement of the intestinal flora. The using of optical tool based on ultrasensitive bioluminescent imaging may lead to better precision medicine treatments in the future.

Effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata on the intestinal flora of rats with functional dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) is one of the most commonly used traditional fermented Chinese medicines. MMF is widely used for the treatment of digestive diseases such as dyspepsia and flatulence in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the therapeutic mechanism of MMF is not well understood.

METHOD

In this study, SD rats received 0.1% iodoacetamide either alone or in combination with water platform sleep deprivation to induce functional dyspepsia and were administered MMF (1 or 3 g/kg/d, ig), mosapride citrate (Mosa., 2 mg/kg/d, ig) or saline for 21 days. After treatment, the sucrose preferences and gastric emptying rates of the rats were assessed; HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes in the rat duodenum; ELISA kits were used to detect motilin (MTL) in the rat duodenum and the serum contents of Interferon-λ (IFN-λ), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). An approach based on 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was utilized to explore the intestinal microflora in the colon contents of rats and the metabolism of the microflora to assess the potential mechanisms of MMF in ameliorating functional dyspepsia (FD). In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to detect changes in short fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon contents of rats.

RESULTS

MMF reduced the serum levels of TNF-α, and IFN-λ, improved the morphology of duodenal intestinal villi and ameliorated intestinal mucosal lamina propria injury in FD rats, and the sucrose preference increased and the gastric emptying rate decreased in FD rats. MMF alleviated intestinal microflora disturbance and exerted a regulatory effect on Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, reduced total SCAFs, Butyric Acid, Propionic acid-2-methyl, Butanoic Acid-3-methyl, and Hexanoic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that the effect of MMF on the intestinal flora and its metabolites may provide a new treatment strategy for FD.

Human gut microbiota influences drug-metabolizing enzyme hepatic Cyp3a: A human flora-associated mice study

Several studies revealed that gut microbiota affects the hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 (Cyp). We hypothesized that individual gut microbiota variations could contribute to CYP activity. Human flora-associated (HFA) mice are established from germ-free mice using human feces and are often used to determine the effect of the human gut microbiota on the host. This study generated two groups of HFA mice using feces from two healthy individuals. Then, the composition of gut microbiota and hepatic Cyp activity was compared to analyze the effects of gut microbiota in healthy individuals on hepatic Cyp activity. A principal coordinate analysis based on the UniFrac distance for the composition of the cecal and fecal microbiota revealed apparent differences between the recipient groups. Hepatic Cyp, which is a marked difference in Cyp3a activity and Cyp3a11 gene expression, was observed between the recipient groups. Cyp2c and Cyp1a activities did not differ between recipient groups, with significantly lower enzymatic activities in recipients than in germ-free mice. These results indicate that the human gut microbiota affects hepatic Cyp activity. Especially, human gut microbiota composition differences have a pronounced effect on Cyp3a activity via Cyp3a11 gene expression regulation. Therefore, human gut microbiota variations among individuals may affect numerous drug metabolism, leading to drug efficacy and toxicity.

α-D-1,3-glucan from Radix Puerariae thomsonii improves NAFLD by regulating the intestinal flora and metabolites

Radix Puerariae thomsonii, the root of the botanical family Fabaceae species Pueraria montana var. thomsonii (Benth.) MR Almeida, can be used as food or medicine. Polysaccharides are important active constituents of this root. A low molecular weight polysaccharide, RPP-2 having α-D-1,3-glucan as the main chain, was isolated and purified. RPP-2 could promote the growth of probiotics in-vitro. Therefore, the effects of RPP-2 on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) C57/BL6J mouse models were investigated. RPP-2 could reduce HFD-induced liver injury by reducing inflammation, glucose metabolism, and steatosis, thereby improving NAFLD. RPP-2 regulated the abundances of intestinal floral genera Flintibacter, Butyricicoccus, and Oscillibacter, and their metabolites Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), bile acids, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), thereby improving inflammation, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism signaling pathways. These results confirmed that RPP-2 play a prebiotic role by regulating intestinal flora and microbial metabolites, playing a multi-pathway and multi-target role in improving NAFLD.

Progress in understanding of relationship between duodenal mucosal microecology and hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure

According to statistics, the rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still high in China, and the mortality of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is also high. In recent years, studies on the fecal flora of patients with HBV related ACLF have found that intestinal microecology affects the occurrence, development, and prognosis of HBV related ACLF. However, fecal flora cannot completely replace the whole intestinal microecology, and duodenal mucosal microecology may be a new research direction. This review discusses the influence of duodenal mucosal flora on the clinical outcome of HBV-ACLF with regard to mechanism, physiology, and anatomical characteristics.

3,6-dichlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid alleviates ulcerative colitis by suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activation and regulating intestinal microbiota

BACKGROUND

3,6-dichlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (BT2) is a benzothiophene carboxylate derivative that can suppress the catabolism of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-associated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation. Previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of BT2 on arthritis, liver cancer, and kidney injury. However, the effects of BT2 on ulcerative colitis (UC) are unknown.

AIM

To investigate the anti-UC effects of BT2 and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Mouse UC models were created through the administration of 3.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 d. The mice in the treated groups were administered salazosulfapyridine (300 mg/kg) or BT2 (20 mg/kg) orally from day 1 to day 7. At the end of the study, all of the mice were sacrificed, and colon tissues were removed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunoblot analyses, and immunohistochemical assays. Cytokine levels were measured by flow cytometry. The contents of BCAAs including valine, leucine, and isoleucine, in mouse serum were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the abundance of intestinal flora was analyzed by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that BT2 significantly ameliorated the inflammatory symptoms and pathological damage induced by DSS in mice. BT2 also reduced the production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-9, and IL-2 and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 level. In addition, BT2 notably improved BCAA catabolism and suppressed mTORC1 activation and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in the colon tissues of UC mice. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing revealed that BT2 restored the gut microbial abundance and diversity in mice with colitis. Compared with the DSS group, BT2 treatment increased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and decreased the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia-Shigella.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that BT2 significantly ameliorated DSS-induced UC and that the latent mechanism involved the suppression of BCAA-associated mTORC1 activation and modulation of the intestinal flora.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protects against atherosclerosis by improving ketone body synthesis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major cause of death and morbidity worldwide. There is an increasing amount of evidence that the gut microbiota plays an important role in disorders associated with lipid metabolism, such as AS, and alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota and its metabolic potential have been identified as contributing factors in the development of AS. Recently, probiotics have attracted great interest for their excellent cholesterol-lowering ability, their capacity to improve vascular endothelial function, and their participation in the remodeling of the intestinal flora to prevent AS. The incidental findings of our other study suggest that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may be associated with slowing the progression of AS. Thus, we delivered strain GG into mice by oral feeding and found that strain GG could effectively inhibit AS plaque generation. We analyzed the differences in gut microbiota composition and the peripheral blood metabolome in mice after oral feeding of strain GG by 16S DNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics, respectively. The results showed that strain GG changed the composition of the gut microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet; elevated the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bilophila and Alistipes, and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Deltaproteobacteria. The results of enrichment analysis of the gut microbiota and the peripheral blood metabolome both indicated that the antiatherosclerotic effect of strain GG might be associated with the biosynthesis pathway of ketone bodies. In addition, strain GG attenuated endothelial injury and elevated peripheral blood ketone body content in mice but did not significantly affect low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) content. In conclusion, our study provides new evidence that strain GG slows the progression of AS, which may be associated with its improvement of the gut microbiome and peripheral blood metabolome, its ability to increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and its participation in unsaturated fatty acid and ketone body synthesis and degradation. KEY POINTS: • L. rhamnosus GG attenuated endothelial injury and atherosclerotic plaque formation • L. rhamnosus GG elevated the abundance of beneficial bacteria • L. rhamnosus GG elevated peripheral blood ketone body content in mice.

Fecal microbiota transplantation improves intestinal inflammation in mice with ulcerative colitis by modulating intestinal flora composition and down-regulating NF-kB signaling pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine. It is characterized with recurrent. The pathogenesis is mainly associated with environmental factors, genetic susceptibility, dysbiosis of the intestinal flora and autoimmunity. The role of intestinal flora disorders in the pathogenesis and progression of UC is becoming increasingly prominent. More and more studies have confirmed that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could reshape the composition of UC intestinal flora and it is expected to be a new strategy for UC treatment. In this study, we used 2% Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days to induce acute colitis model in mice, and interfere with FMT and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). ELISA and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect the concentration and expression of NF-κB p65, STAT3 and IL-6. 16SrRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed to explore the composition of intestinal flora. The aim was to study the treatment effect of FMT on UC mice and explore its potential mechanism by observing the changes of intestinal flora composition and diversity, and its relationship with NF-κB p65, STAT3 and IL-6 expression. We conclude that FMT could improve intestinal flora disorder in mice with ulcerative colitis, regulate NF-κB signaling pathway, and significantly reduce intestinal inflammation in UC mice.

Astragaloside IV ameliorates diet-induced hepatic steatosis in obese mice by inhibiting intestinal FXR via intestinal flora remodeling

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major clinical and public health burden worldwide with no established pharmacological therapy. Changes in the intestinal flora and associated metabolite bile acids (BAs) have been described in NAFLD. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a low drug permeability saponin with protective effects against multiple diseases. However, the specific mechanism underlying the involvement of AS-IV in the regulation of NAFLD is yet to be clarified.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of AS-IV on NAFLD and explore whether intestinal flora was involved.

METHODS

The effect of AS-IV was evaluated on high-fat diet-fed mice. Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and biochemical analyses were performed. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and UPLC-TQMS were used to determine the alterations in the intestinal flora and concentration of BAs. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and intestine-specific farnesoid X receptor (FXR) knockout were also performed.

RESULTS

AS-IV treatment alleviated diet-induced metabolic impairments, particularly hepatic steatosis. These changes occurred in the setting of decreased intestinal bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-expressing flora. Further analysis showed that the reduced BSH activity increased intestinal tauro-β-muricholic acid levels, an inhibitor of intestinal FXR. Inhibition of intestinal FXR signaling by AS-IV was accompanied by decreased expression of intestinal fibroblast growth factor 15 and subsequent hepatic FXR activation as well as increased glucagon-like peptide-1 and decreased ceramide production, all of which contribute to the inhibition of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c-mediated hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, intestine-specific Fxr knockout and FMT further demonstrated an FXR- and intestinal flora-dependent preventive effect of AS-IV on hepatic steatosis.

CONCLUSION

These results show that the changes in intestinal flora and BAs serve an essential role in the remission of hepatic steatosis by AS-IV, thereby suggesting that AS-IV may be used as a prebiotic agent to provide viable treatment for NAFLD.

Advances in research of microbiome regulation as a therapy for liver failure

The intestinal flora of the human body is complex and diverse, and the structure and composition of the intestinal micro-ecosystem formed by the intestinal flora are complicated. Studies have shown that the imbalance of the intestinal micro-ecosystem is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver failure, and the degree of intestinal microecological imbalance is significantly correlated with the severity of liver failure. Therefore, the role of intestinal microbiome regulation in the treatment of liver failure and the improvement of prognosis has increasingly attracting the attention of scholars. However, due to the complexity of the composition and structure of the intestinal flora and its mechanism of action involved in the development of liver failure, the application of intestinal microbiome regulation in the clinic is limited to a certain extent. In this paper, we review the research progress of microbiome regulation as a therapy for liver failure.

Role of intestinal flora in primary sclerosing cholangitis and its potential therapeutic value

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic cholestasis, a persistent inflammation of the bile ducts that leads to sclerotic occlusion and cholestasis. Gut microbes, consisting of microorganisms colonized in the human gut, play an important role in nutrient intake, metabolic homeostasis, immune regulation, and immune regulation; however, their presence might aid PSC development. Studies have found that gut-liver axis interactions also play an important role in the pathogenesis of PSC. Patients with PSC have considerably reduced intestinal flora diversity and increased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Dysbiosis of the intestinal flora leads to increased intestinal permeability, homing of intestinal lymphocytes, entry of bacteria and their associated metabolites, such as bile acids, into the liver, stimulation of hepatic immune activation, and promotion of PSC. Currently, PSC effective treatment is lacking. However, a number of studies have recently investigated the targeted modulation of gut microbes for the treatment of various liver diseases (alcoholic liver disease, metabolic fatty liver, cirrhosis, and autoimmune liver disease). In addition, antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and probiotics have been reported as successful PSC therapies as well as for the treatment of gut dysbiosis, suggesting their effectiveness for PSC treatment. Therefore, this review briefly summarizes the role of intestinal flora in PSC with the aim of providing new insights into PSC treatment.