[Circadian clock and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

The circadian clock is a generator of self-sustaining physiological and behavioral rhythms, which can be guided by external environmental factors, so as to synchronize biological behaviors with external environmental changes. The modern lifestyles make the human body incapable of synchronization to the external time with the circadian rhythm, and thus form a social jet lag. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disorder closely related to metabolic abnormalities. The circadian clock is closely related to metabolic abnormalities and NAFLD and changes among them may be involved with feeding mode and ingredients, sleeping time, and intestinal flora. Molecules associated with the circadian clock are expected to become potential drugs for the treatment of NAFLD. This article mainly reviews the latest research progress of circadian clock and NAFLD.

Sanhuang Shu'ai decoction alleviates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via regulation of gut microbiota, inflammatory mediators and cytokines

BACKGROUND

Sanhuangshu'ai decoction (SH), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has been safely used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and other inflammatory diseases with little side effect and low cost for thousands of years. However, its mechanism remains elusive. This study was designed to investigate the anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) activity of SH and mechanism by detecting its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and intervention effects of intestinal flora with the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice.

METHODS

The DSS-induced colitis mice was orally administered SH for 1 week with 0.8 or 1.6 g kg^-1 d^-1 dosage. A clinical disease activity score was evaluated daily. The colonic tissues of the mice were collected and prepared to detect its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, intervention effects of intestinal flora and hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂) in vivo, cytotoxicity and ROS influencing effects in vitro. Histological colitis severity and expression of cytokines were also determined.

RESULTS

Oral administration of SH significantly prevented the development of colitis. It reduced the expression of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the colon. Moreover, SH administration alleviated the oxidative stress in the colon of DSS-induced colitis mice, evidenced by the decrease of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and increase of ROS level. Furthermore, SH can prevent the decrease ofLactobacillus sp. and population abundance of intestinal flora caused by DSS.

CONCLUSION

SH significantly ameliorates the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis mice and the potential mechanism of SH may involve in multiple kinds of metabolic pathway including the regulation of gut microbiota, inflammatory mediators and cytokines.

Effect of intestinal perfusion of Huangqi Jianzhong decoction on intestinal flora, mucosal function, and expression of inflammatory factors in patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea

BACKGROUND

Clinically, there is no specific treatment for antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Generally, supportive treatment and reconstruction of normal microbial flora with microbial preparations are used, but the curative effect is not satisfactory. Huangqi Jianzhong decoction, derived from Zhong-Jing Zhang's "Golden Chamber", is a typical recipe of warming Yang and strengthening spleen, which has the effects of regulating stomach to relieve pain and warming middle energizer to strengthen spleen.

AIM

To analyze the effect of Huangqi Jianzhong decoction on intestinal flora structure, intestinal mucosal function damage, and expression of inflammatory factors in patients with AAD.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-eight patients with AAD of spleen and stomach deficiency type who were treated at our hospital from December 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into either a control group or an observation group (n = 74 each). Both groups were given oral bifidobacteria, and the observation group was additionally given Huangqi Jianzhong decoction by intestinal perfusion. The clinical efficacy, serum inflammatory factor contents, T lymphocyte subsets, intestinal flora structure, and intestinal mucosal barrier function improvement were observed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.59%, which was higher than that of the control group (79.73%; P < 0.05). After treatment, serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly lower than those before treatment in both groups, and the decrease of these indicators was more significant in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the bifidobacteria, Enterobacter, and Lactobacillus in the feces of the two groups were higher than those before treatment, and the increase in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, serum endotoxin (BT), D-lactic acid (D-LC), and diamine oxidase (DAO) were significantly lower than those before treatment in both groups, and the decrease in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The effective rate of Huangqi Jianzhong decoction combined with bifidobacteria in the treatment of AAD is higher than that of bifidobacteria alone. The combination therapy can reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors in AAD patients, strengthen their body immunity, and improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function and intestinal flora structure.

Protective effects and mechanisms of Rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside on early kidney injury in db/db mice

The spontaneous db/db mice were used to elucidate the biological effects and mechanisms of Rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside (DHY) on kidney injury through biochemical indicators, kidney pathological section analysis, metabolic profiling, intestinal flora analysis and in vitro Human renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cell model induced by high glucose. It was found that DHY can decrease the blood sugar level (insulin, INS; fasting blood glucose, FBG), blood lipid level (Total Cholesterol, T-CHO; Triglyceride, TG) significantly and improve kidney injury level (blood urea nitrogen, BUN; urine microalbumin, mALB; serum creatinine, Scr). It can also alleviate kidney tubular epithelial cell oedema and reduce interstitial connective tissue hyperplasia of the injury kidney induced by high glucose. 13 endogenous metabolites were identified in serum, which involved of ether lipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism. High glucose can also lead to the disorder of intestinal flora, especially Firmicutes and Bacteroides. Meanwhile, DHY also inhibited the expression of α-SMA, TGF- β1, Smad3 and Smad4 in the kidney tissues of db/db mice and HK-2 cells. To sum up, DHY may restore the dysfunctional intestinal flora to normal and regulate glycolipid level of db/db mice as well as TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway regulation to improve early kidney damage caused by diabetes.

A review of antibiotics, depression, and the gut microbiome

Emerging evidence indicates that disruption of the intestinal flora play an important role in the pathogenesis of depression. As one of the causes of such disturbances, the role of antibiotics in depression risk is gradually being revealed. Herein, we review recent findings showing that the use of both single and multiple antibiotic regimens may be related to depression by changing the gut microbiota and the brain-gut axis. Based on recent discoveries, we also suggest that several brain-gut interactive mechanisms (particularly those involving nerve and glial cells, neurotransmitters, brain neurotrophic factors, inflammatory factors, short-chain fatty acids, circulating metabolites, blood-brain barrier, and oxidative stress) may help understand the effects of antibiotics on intestinal flora and its relationship with depression.

[Effects of Akkermansia muciniphila on the Proliferation, Apoptosis and Insulin Secretion of Rat Islet Cell Tumor Cells]

Objective

To investigate the effects of Akkermansia muciniphila ( A. muciniphila) on the proliferation, apoptosis and insulin secretion of rat pancreatic islet cell tumor cells (INS-1).

Methods

INS-1 cells were divided into three groups, normal, repair, and protect groups, and subsequently every group was subjected with A. muciniphila metabolites, live A. muciniphilaorpasteurized A. muciniphila for 48 h. A group that did not treat with anything was set as blank control. After intervention, the cell viability was determined by MTT method, the insulin secretion level stimulated by glucose was determined by ELISA, the expressions of the genes involved in insulin secretion and apoptosis were tested by qRT-PCR, and the expression of apoptosis related protein Bax was evaluated by Western blot.

Results

There was no significant change in INS-1 cell morphology after co-incubation with 3 types of A. Muciniphila interventions for 48 h. The proliferative activity of INS-1 cells was decreased in the repair group that treated with live A. muciniphila than that of control ( P<0.005). A. muciniphila intervention had no effect on insulin secretion in INS-1 cells in normal, repair or protection group ( P>0.05). A. muciniphila secretions promoted the expression of glucose transporter 2 ( Glut2) in 3 groups and the expression of glucokinase ( GCK) in repair group ( P<0.05). The expression of Baxof the INS-1 cell in the normal group was decreased after intervented with 3 kinds of A. muciniphila intervention materials ( P<0.001).The expression of Bax gene of the INS-1 cell in the repair group that treated with dead A. muciniphilawas decreased ( P<0.05). The expression of Bax protein of INS-1 cells that treated with A. muciniphila interventions was decreased.

Conclusion

A. muciniphila can promote the expression of insulin secretion-related genes in INS-1 cells, inhibit the expression of apoptotic genes and apoptosis protein Bax.This research provides a new direction for applying A. muciniphila in improving type 2 diabetes.

Efficacy of Bacillus methylotrophicus SY200 strain as feed additive against experimental Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice

To investigate the effects of Bacillus methylotrophicus SY200 on Salmonella typhimurium (STM) infection in mice, a total of 36 three-week-old male mice were selected and randomly divided into 3 equal groups (N = 12). Group A and group B were fed with basal diet while group C was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% (w/w) B. methylotrophicus SY200 during the 21 days experimental period. On the 14th day of the experiment, mice of group A were intragastrically administered with 0.5 ml of normal saline, group B and C were orally administered with 0.5 ml of STM suspension. On the first day and seventh day after STM challenge, the number of total white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils, relative weight of visceral organs, the number of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in ileum and cecum, and diversity of cecal microflora were measured. The results showed that: on the first day and seventh day after STM challenge, the number of WBCs and neutrophils in the blood of the mice was the highest in group B, then followed by group C, and group A. On the first day after STM challenge, the relative weight of spleen in group C was significantly higher than that in group B (p < 0.05), moreover, compared with group B, B. methylotrophicus SY200 significantly reduced the number of Salmonella spp. and E. coli (p < 0.05), and increased the number of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < 0.05) in the intestines of mice, and improved the Shannon-Wiener diversity (H), Simpson (E) and richness (S) indices of cecal flora of mice (p < 0.05). The results indicated that B. methylotrophicus SY200 could alleviate the inflammatory reaction after STM infection and resist the adverse effects of STM infection on mice intestinal flora.

High-throughput sequencing analysis of intestinal flora changes in ESRD and CKD patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disease affects gut flora by causing dysbiosis and lead to systemic inflammatory conditions. Here, we provide intestinal flora changes of CKD patients undertook different hemodialysis therapy.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2019, a total of 166 patients from Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital were recruited and divided into four groups with 17 cases in healthy control group, 47 cases in CKD non-dialysis group, 49 cases in HD group, and 53 cases in PD group. Intestinal flora genome 16S rDNA sequencing and further bio-informatic analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Decreased diversity and altered communities of intestinal flora in PD patients, in which microbial diversity was positive correlated with the albumin level were observed. A total of 20 intestinal flora phyla were detected in 166 fecal samples, divided into 3 dominant intestinal types including Bacteroides-dominant gut type, Firmicutes-dominant type and Proteobacteria-dominant gut type. Further analyses found 198 genera, the abundance of 86 genera were significantly different. Butyrate-producing taxa as Faecalibacterium in genera level and Bifidobacteriaceae and Prevotellaceae in family level were dominant genus in CT, CKD, and HD groups, while urease containing-, indole- and p-cresol-forming taxa as Escherichia in genera and Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae in family level was dominated genus in PD group. Number of differential expressed genes in KEGG enrichment pathways were significantly different in PD group in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, translation, and membrane transport.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest peritoneal dialysis therapy could result in reduced diversity and altered microbial communities, with reduced probiotic butyrate-producing taxa and increased urease containing-, indole- and p-cresol-forming taxa. The disordered intestinal flora can seriously affect the nutrition level in CKD patients with PD therapy.

Correlation between intestinal flora and gut immune system development

The gut contains a complex array of intestinal bacteria, especially in the colon. A large number of studies have proved that the amount of intestinal flora and the development of the intestinal immune system have a certain parallel relationship, which is vital for the regulation for the intestinal function. This article reviews the correlation between the gut microbiota and the development of the intestinal immune system as well as the regulation of intestinal function by intestinal microbiota and immune system, with an aim to provide new clues to the treatment of immune-related diseases.

The vanillin derivative VND3207 protects intestine against radiation injury by modulating p53/NOXA signaling pathway and restoring the balance of gut microbiota

The intestine is a highly radiosensitive tissue that is susceptible to structural and functional damage due to systemic as well as localized radiation exposure. Unfortunately, no effective prophylactic or therapeutic agents are available at present to manage radiation-induced intestinal injuries. We observed that the vanillin derivative VND3207 improved the survival of lethally irradiated mice by promoting intestinal regeneration and increasing the number of surviving crypts. Pre-treatment with VND3207 significantly increased the number of Lgr5⁺ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and their daughter cells, the transient Ki67⁺ proliferating cells. Mechanistically, VND3207 decreased oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation and maintained endogenous antioxidant status by increasing the level of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity. In addition, VND3207 maintained appropriate levels of activated p53 that triggered cell cycle arrest but were not sufficient to induce NOXA-mediated apoptosis, thus ensuring DNA damage repair in the irradiated small intestinal crypt cells. Furthermore, VND3207 treatment restores the intestinal bacterial flora structures altered by TBI exposure. In conclusion, VND3207 promoted intestinal repair following radiation injury by reducing reactive oxygen species-induced DNA damage and modulating appropriate levels of activated p53 in intestinal epithelial cells.

Therapeutic effect of n-butanol fraction of Huang-lian-Jie-du Decoction on ulcerative colitis and its regulation on intestinal flora in colitis mice

Huang-lian-Jie-du Decoction (HLJDD) is a classical prescription for clearing away heat and detoxification. In order to screen the effective fraction of HLJDD in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice and explore its effects on intestinal flora in UC mice, we prepared different polar fractions of HLJDD by system solvent extraction method. Subsequently, the contents of 13 active compounds in different polar fractions of HLJDD were determined by HPLC. Further, the UC model induced by dextran sodium sulfate was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of different polar fractions of HLJDD. Finally, cecal contents were used for sequencing and analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. The results showed that the yield of HLJDD-n-butanol (HLJDD-NBA) fraction was the highest, and the content or proportion of 13 active compounds in HLJDD-NBA fraction were the most similar to HLJDD. In addition, in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments showed that HLJDD-NBA intervention not only significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms of UC mice and ameliorated the pathological damage of colon tissue, but also showed significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects (p < 0.05), which were comparable to HLJDD (p > 0.05). Moreover, both HLDD and HLJDD-NBA treatments can restore the intestinal flora homeostasis of UC mice by inhibiting the growth of intestinal pathogens and preventing the decrease of beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, they can also significantly correct the dysfunction of intestinal flora in UC mice. In conclusion, we proved that HLJDD-NBA fraction is an effective fraction of HLJDD in treating UC in mice, and it can maintain the intestinal flora homeostasis of UC mice, which increases our understanding of the mechanism of HLJDD in treating UC and lays a foundation for the development of new anti-ulcer drugs.

Prebiotic effect of fructo-oligosaccharides on the inner ear of DBA/2 J mice with early-onset progressive hearing loss

Nutrition and dietary habits contribute to the onset and progression of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are non-digestible oligosaccharides and are known as prebiotics, which enhance short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and antioxidant activity. Although a substantial number of studies have shown that FOS play a role in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases as prebiotics, little is known about the effects on the inner ear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of FOS on gene expression and spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) protection in the inner ear of DBA/2 J mice, which is a model for early-onset progressive hearing loss. DBA/2 J mice were fed either control diet or FOS diet contained 10% (w/w) of FOS for 8 weeks. Analysis of mice fed the FOS diet revealed a change in intestinal flora including an inversion of the ratio of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, which was followed by a significant increase in SCFAs in the cecum and a decrease in an oxidative stress marker in the serum. In the inner ear, gene expression of neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), its receptor, tyrosine kinase receptor b (Trkb), and the SCFA receptor, free fatty acid receptor 3 (FFAR3), were increased by FOS. In addition, the survival rate of SGNs in the inner ear was maintained in FOS-fed mice. Altogether, these results suggest that a compositional variation of the intestinal flora due to a prebiotic effect may be involved in the progression of SNHL.

Neuroimmune crosstalk in central nervous system injury-induced infection and pharmacological intervention

Infection (such as pneumonia and urinary tract infection) is one of the leading causes of death in patients with acute central nervous system (CNS) injury, which also greatly affects the patients' prognosis and quality of life. Antibiotics are commonly used for the treatment of various infections, however, available evidence demonstrate that prophylactic antibiotic treatments for CNS injury-induced infection have been unsuccessful. Effective approaches for prevention of CNS injury induced-infection remain scarce, therefore, better understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of infection post-CNS injury may aid in the development of efficacious therapeutic options. CNS injury-induced infection is confirmed affected by the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and even brain-gut axis. In this review, we summarized the mechanisms of CNS injury- induced infection, crosstalk between the CNS and the immune system and current pharmacological intervention to provide ideas for the development of new anti- infective therapeutic strategies.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: A rare polyposis

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare non-genetic disease whose clinical manifestations are diffuse polyps of the gastrointestinal tract, finger-nail malnutrition, alopecia, skin pigmentation, diarrhea, weight loss, and taste disorders. The majority of CCS cases have a poor prognosis and often have life-threatening complications. The etiology of and appropriate treatments for CCS are still in the exploratory stage. This paper aims to improve the understanding of CCS and explore its best treatments by summarizing the common causes, clinical manifestations, endoscopic features, and treatment options of CCS.

Gut microbiota: an overlooked factor that plays a significant role in osteoporosis

Gut microbes are known as the body’s second gene pool. Symbiotic intestinal bacteria play a major role in maintaining balance in humans. Bad eating habits, antibiotic abuse, diseases, and a poor living environment have a negative effect on intestinal flora. Abnormal intestinal microbes are prone to cause a variety of diseases, affecting life expectancy and long-term quality of life, especially in older people. Several recent studies have found a close association between intestinal microorganisms and osteoporosis. The potential mechanism of intestinal flora affecting bone formation or destruction by mediating nitric oxide, the immune and endocrine systems, and other factors is briefly described in this review. All of these factors may be responsible for the intestinal flora that causes osteoporosis. Studying the relationship between intestinal flora and bone health not only provides new ideas for studying the role of intestinal microorganism in osteoporosis, but also provides a new therapeutic direction for clinically refractory osteoporosis. Study of the relationship between intestinal microbiota and osteoporosis is important for maintaining bone health and minimizing osteoporosis.

[Possibility of acupuncture treatment of ischemic stroke via regulating intestinal flora-immune response]

At present, intestinal flora has attracted more and more attention from scholars in China and foreign countries, and its association with ischemic stroke (IS) has gradually become a new research hotspot in the field of stroke. Studies also showed that intestinal flora may be a risk factor which directly or indirectly affects the occurrence and development of IS through bacterial metabolites and immune activities. In the present paper, we review the positive effect of acupuncture and moxibustion in alleviating the symptoms of limb locomotor, speech, swallowing dysfunction, cognition, etc. to improve the IS patients' daily life ability and in strengthening the cellular immune function of the body. In addition, acupuncture and moxibustion have a positive effect in regulating intestinal flora and immune inflammation. Hence, in the present paper, we discuss their relationship and the possibility of application of acupuncture and moxibustion therapies to the treatment of IS according to the theory of "intestinal flora-immune response". It is thus reasonable to speculate that acupuncture and moxibustion can be used to promote the recovery of brain tissue injury and neurological function after stroke via correcting intestinal flora disturbance and reducing immune inflammatory response. In-depth exploration of the role of "intestinal flora-immune response" in the treatment of IS and the specific regulatory function of acupuncture and moxibustion will provide new ideas and research approaches to reveal their mechanisms in the treatment of stroke from a new perspective.

Fecal microbiota transplantation for ulcerative colitis: a prospective clinical study

Background

Fecal microbiota transplantation may contribute to disease remission in ulcerative colitis; however, the factors that determine the effects of treatment remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to prospectively investigate the clinical efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with ulcerative colitis and identify the bacterial signatures associated with clinical remission.

Methods

A total of 20 patients with ulcerative colitis were included in this prospective and uncontrolled study. All patients underwent gastroscopy five times, once every 3 weeks. Clinical indices were used to assess the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation, as well as the Mayo score, a score used to evaluate the extent of intestinal mucosal lesions in patients with ulcerative colitis. The changes in intestinal flora were detected by 16S ribosomal RNA-sequencing, and the relationship between ulcerative colitis and intestinal flora was analyzed.

Results

After treatment, clinical index scores for diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood stool decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels had not changed significantly; however, the clinical index score for intestinal mucosal lesions and the Mayo score decreased significantly. In addition, 16S ribosomal RNA-sequencing revealed that the intestinal flora in patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis was different from that of donors.

Conclusion

Fecal microbiota transplantation has a potential therapeutic value for the treatment of ulcerative colitis as it changes the abundance of bacterial flora and improves the scores for diarrhea, abdominal pain, and mucous membrane lesions in patients with this disease.

Trial registration

The clinical trial was retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03016780) on January 11th, 2017.

[Analysis of research status and hotspots of snail intestinal flora based on bibliometrics]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the current research focus and trends in the field of snail intestinal flora.

METHODS

The literature focusing on snail intestinal flora and published from 1998 to 2017 were retrieved from the core database of Web of Science. The quantitative analysis of literature was then conducted by using CiteSpace software based on the bibliometricsmethod.The research trends were then summarized systematically, and the potential research fronts and focuses were explored.

RESULTS

Totally 139 articles were identified in the field of snail intestinal flora. The top three countries with highest publications included the United States of American, Brazil, and South Korea; while the top three institutions were Kyung Hee University, Osvaldo Cruz Foundation, and Oxford University. Five terms were identified as the key words in this field, including diversity, cellulose, Achatina fulica, lignocelluloses, and species nova. Meanwhile, 5 critical papers with the citation frequency over 15 were recognized, and 5 study clusters were formed including the application, diversity, and function of intestinal flora, difference of snail source and flora, and newly discovered bacteria in the snail intestine.

CONCLUSIONS

The current research focuses on intestinal flora of snails include the diversity, function and application of intestinal flora.

Research progress in the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and intestinal flora

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common clinical chronic disease, while its pathogenesis is still inconclusive. Intestinal flora, the largest micro-ecological system in the human body, is involved in, meanwhile has a major impact on the body's material and energy metabolism. Recent studies have shown that in addition to obesity, genetics, and islet dysfunction, the disturbance of intestinal flora may partly give rise to diabetes. In this paper, we summarized the current research on the correlation between T2DM and intestinal flora, and concluded the pathological mechanisms of intestinal flora involved in T2DM. Moreover, the ideas and methods of prevention and treatment of T2DM based on intestinal flora were proposed, providing theoretical basis and literature reference for the treatment of T2DM and its complications based on the regulation of intestinal flora.

Effect of capecitabine combined with docetaxel on intestinal flora, liver function, and clinical prognosis in patients with breast cancer liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of breast cancer is currently on the rise. Although the development of medical technology has resulted in effective control of breast cancer, lymphatic metastasis of breast cancer reduces the lifespan of patients to 9 mo to 2 years. Breast cancer liver metastasis is a common form of metastasis and is very serious. At present, chemotherapy as an effective treatment for liver metastasis, has many side effects, and adjuvant chemotherapy drugs are used clinically to reduce the side effects of the patients. Currently, capecitabine and endocrine drugs are commonly used in maintenance chemotherapy. Capecitabine, one of the effective drugs for the treatment of liver metastasis of breast cancer, can somewhat improve liver function parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and has a positive effect on patient survival.

AIM

To investigate the effect of capecitabine combined with docetaxel on intestinal flora, liver function, and clinical prognosis in patients with liver metastases from breast cancer.

METHODS

From August 2015 to August 2018, 72 patients with liver metastases from breast cancer were randomly divided into two groups (A and B), with 36 patients in each group. Group A was treated with capecitabine combined with docetaxel, and group B was treated with capecitabine combined with vinorelbine. The changes of intestinal flora and liver function and clinical prognosis were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, the changes in intestinal flora were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the pretreatment values, there were significant improvements in plasma endotoxin and liver function parameters (ALT and AST) in both groups A and B after treatment (P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of plasma endotoxin, ALT, and AST in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical prognosis between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Capecitabine combined with docetaxel has a slightly more active effect in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer than capecitabine combined with vinorelbine, because capecitabine combined with docetaxel has a positive effect on intestinal flora, liver function, and clinical prognosis in these patients.

Changes of IL-17 and related cytokines in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa of children with abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura

BACKGROUND

Intestinal mucosal barrier injury and immune system disorder may be important in the pathogenesis of abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). However, the relationship between immune factors and intestinal mucosal barrier injury remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate the role of changes of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and its related cytokines in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa in the pathogenesis of abdominal HSP, and to analyze the relationship between intestinal dysbacteriosis and the pathogenesis of abdominal HSP.

METHODS

Twenty-six children with acute abdominal HSP were included into an observation group and 16 healthy children were included into a healthy control group. Peripheral blood and fecal samples were collected from subjects of the two groups. Twenty children with acute abdominal HSP who underwent gastroscopy were selected as a case group, and eight children without obvious mucosal lesions were selected as a control group. The duodenal mucosal tissues of the two groups were collected. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of Th17 cells and Tc17 cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). ELISA was used to detect the contents of IL-17, IL-6, IL-23, and IFN-γ in plasma. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the duodenal mucosa. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-17, IL-6, IL-23, and IFN-γ in the duodenal mucosa, respectively. Bacterial 16S rDNA was used to detect the number of Bifidobacterium and Escherichia coli in feces.

RESULTS

The percentages of Th17 and Tc17 cells in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0. 05). Plasma concentrations of IL-17, IL-6, and IL-23 in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (P < 0. 05). The pathological changes in the duodenal mucosa in the case group were non-specific chronic inflammation, with vascular inflammatory lesions observed in some cases. The expression of IL-17, IL-6, and IFN-γ mRNAs and proteins in the duodenal mucosa in the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0. 05). The quantity of Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium/Escherichia coli ratio in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IL-17 and its related cytokines are involved in systemic and intestinal mucosal inflammation in children with abdominal HSP. Intestinal dysbacteriosis may promote the IL-17-mediated inflammatory reaction, which is related to the pathogenesis of abdominal HSP and intestinal mucosal barrier injury.

Role of intestinal flora characteristics in traditional Chinese medicine-based diagnosis and treatment of spleen and stomach diseases

Abnormal rise and fall of spleen and stomach Qi will lead to a series of spleen and stomach diseases. Spleen-deficiency syndrome and damp-heat syndrome are important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes of spleen-stomach diseases, and they also correlate with imbalance of intestinal flora. Given the correlation between spleen and stomach diseases and intestinal flora, this paper discusses the changes of intestinal flora in common spleen and stomach diseases by reviewing the relevant literature, in order to demonstrate the role of intestinal flora in the diagnosis and treatment of TCM syndromes and promote the objectification of TCM syndromes.

Effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on gastrointestinal function and intestinal flora in patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM

To analyze the gastrointestinal function and intestinal flora in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) after fecal microbiota transplantation.

METHODS

From April 2016 to May 2018, 100 patients with UC were randomly divided into either a control group or an observation group, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was given sulfasalazine tablets orally according to the condition of the disease, while the observation group underwent fecal microbiota transplantation. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared, and the related inflammatory factors [C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] were measured before and after treatment. The gastrointestinal function and intestinal bacteria of the two groups were compared by Sutherland index score, intestinal flora score, and enteroscopic score.

RESULTS

The total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (96.00% vs 70.00%, P < 0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the two groups were significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.05). The intestinal flora, enteroscopic score, and Surtherland index in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in intestinal flora, colonoscopic score, and Surtherland index between the two groups after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Fecal microbiota transplantation can significantly improve gastrointestinal function and intestinal flora score in patients with UC.

Alterations of intestinal flora and the effects of probiotics in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection

BACKGROUND

Recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) is a disease occurred frequently in preschool children.

METHODS

A total of 120 RRTI children were randomly divided into active group, remission group, intervention group and control group, meanwhile 30 healthy children were selected as the healthy group. Children in the intervention group were given oral Bifidobaeterium tetravaccine tablets (Live) for 2 months, while the control group received routine treatment. Stool sample were detected to analyze the bacterial strains. The occurrence of respiratory tract infection (RTI) was compared between different groups during 1 year follow-up.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy group, the number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the active group, remission group, intervention group and control group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the intervention group was significantly higher compared to other RRTI groups (P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, the average annual frequency of different acute RTI and use of antibiotics were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), the average duration of cough, fever and use of antibiotics at each episode were also significantly shortened (P < 0.05) in the intervention group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with RRTI are susceptible to intestinal flora imbalance. Oral probiotics can effectively improve the RRTI intestinal microecological balance in children and reduce the frequency of RTI.

Amelioration of whole abdominal irradiation-induced intestinal injury in mice with 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM)

Ionizing radiation-induced intestinal injury is a catastrophic disease with limited effective therapies. 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a potent antioxidant agent, has previously been shown to ameliorate hematopoietic injury in a murine model of total body radiation injury, but its effects on ionizing radiation-induced intestinal damage are not clear. Here, we demonstrate that administration of DIM not only protects mice against whole abdominal irradiation (WAI)-induced lethality and weight loss but also ameliorates crypt-villus structural and functional injury of the small intestine. In addition, treatment with DIM significant enhances WAI-induced reductions in Lgr5⁺ ISCs and their progeny cells, including lysozyme⁺ Paneth cells, Villin⁺ enterocytes and Ki67⁺ instantaneous amplifying cells, thus promoting small intestine repair following WAI exposure. Notably, the expression of Nrf2 increased, while the number of apoptotic cells and the expression of γH2AX decreased in the small intestines of DIM-treated mice compared to mice treated with vehicle following WAI. In vitro, we demonstrated that DIM protected human intestinal epithelial cell-6 (HIEC-6) against ionizing radiation, leading to increased cell vitality. Mechanistically, the radioprotective effect of DIM was likely attributable to its anti-DNA damage effects in irradiated HIEC-6 cells. Moreover, these changes were related to reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymatic in irradiated HIEC-6 cells. Additionally, the DIM radioprotective effects on the intestine resulted in the restoration of the WAI-shifted gut bacteria composition in mice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the beneficial properties of DIM mitigate intestinal radiation injury, which provides a novel strategy for improving the therapeutic effects of irradiation-induced intestinal injury.

Microbial treatment: the potential application for Parkinson's disease

Alterations in the composition of the intestinal flora are associated with the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). More importantly, the possible cause-effect links between gut flora and PD pathogenesis have been identified using PD animal models. Recent studies have found that probiotics improve the symptoms associated with constipation in PD patients. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was recently shown to provide a protective effect against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Effective microbial therapy for PD includes probiotics and FMT. Therefore, microbial therapy may be a useful and novel approach for treatment of PD. In this review, I discuss the use of microbial treatment in PD.

Mechanism of differentiation and regulation of CD4+ intraepithelial lymphocytes: Relationship with inflammatory bowel disease

CD4⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes are a special type of lymphocytes located in the lower layer of the intestinal epithelium. According to the difference of cell phenotypes and functions, CD4⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes can be divided into multiple subgroups, including Th1 cells, Th2 cells, and Th17 cells. The proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of CD4⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes can be regulated by a variety of transcription factors, intestinal microbes, and nutrients. CD4⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. In this article, we will review the mechanism of differentiation and regulation of CD4⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes and their relationship with inflammatory bowel disease, with an aim to provide some new clues to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.

Isolation and characterization of the Bacillus cereus BC7 strain, which is capable of zearalenone removal and intestinal flora modulation in mice

Zearalenone (ZEN) causes serious diseases in both animals and humans and thereby leads to substantial economic losses. The elimination of ZEN contamination from food and feed is an important concern worldwide. This study aimed to screen a bacterium that can efficiently detoxify ZEN both in vitro and in vivo. A bacterium (designated BC7) with high ZEN-removing capability was isolated from mouldy contaminated feeds and characterized as Bacillus cereus based on biochemical and 16S rRNA sequencing analyses. BC7 could remove 100% and 89.31% of 10 mg/L ZEN in Luria-Bertani (LB) medium and simulated gastric fluid (GSF), respectively, within 24 h at 37 °C. The effects of BC7 on ZEN detoxification and on the intestinal flora were further evaluated using four groups of mice that were intragastrically administered normal saline, BC7 culture (CFU = 3.45 × 10⁸/mL), ZEN (10 mg/kg BW) or BC7 culture (CFU = 3.45 × 10⁸/mL) + ZEN (10 mg/kg BW) for 2 weeks. ZEN showed distinct reproductive and hepatic toxicity, as characterized by increased weights of the uterus and liver, altered levels of oestradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH), increased secretion of the liver injury biomarkers alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), and abnormal histological phenotypes for the uterus, ovary and liver. However, BC7 could significantly reduce all the above-mentioned adverse effects caused by ZEN with no harmful effect on the reproductive system and liver in mice. Moreover, the addition of BC7 could efficiently renormalize the ZEN-induced perturbation of the gut microbiota and significantly increase the abundance of Lactobacillus to maintain the health of the intestinal flora in mice. In conclusion, Bacillus cereus BC7 could be used as a potential feed additive to efficiently remove ZEN in vitro or in vivo and to normalize the disordered gut microbiota in mice.

Recurrent bacterial translocation from gut and sepsis in Head and neck cancer patients and its prevention by probiotics

Head and neck cancers are the 6th most common cancer type in human malignant tumors and treated with chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Chemotherapy during these treatment modalities leads to damage of intestinal epithelial barriers and results in translocation of intestinal bacteria in bloodstream through invasion in these damaged regions. In this report, we report two cases of hypopharyngeal cancer patients, both of whom received chemotherapy before surgery. The patients demonstrated repeated sepsis before and after surgery, supporting translocation of intestinal bacteria. Proper continuous probiotic use prevented proliferation and intestinal bacterial translocation. Hypothesis of bacterial translocation and prevention by probiotics are discussed.

The influence of the intestinal microflora to the efficacy of Rosuvastatin

Background

Intestinal microflora has been shown to play essential roles in the clinical therapies of metabolic diseases. The present study is aiming to investigate the potential roles and mechanisms of how intestinal microflora mediates lipid-reduction efficacy of Rosuvastatin.

Methods

To investigate the correlation between the intestinal microflora and efficacy of Rosuvastatin, we analyzed the diversity of intestinal microflora using PCR-DGGE analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing approaches. Furthermore, we compared the blood lipid levels of rat models with dysbiosis of intestinal microflora and control rats upon the Rosuvastatin administration.

Results

The diversity of the intestinal flora was obviously decreased upon the antibiotic treatment, this effect could be maintained for 2 weeks after establishment of the models. Importantly, the results from 16S rDNA sequencing demonstrated that the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium was remarkably diminished upon the antibiotic treatment in antibiotic+Rosuvastatin-treated group compared to that of Rosuvastatin-treated group and control group. Correspondently, the lipid-reduction efficacy of Rosuvastatin was significantly compromised. However, the diversity of the intestinal flora was recovered 4 weeks after the antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, the lipid-reduction efficacy of Rosuvastatin was also recovered to level of the control rats treated with Rosuvastatin alone.

Conclusion

Intestinal flora could play an essential role in mediating the lipid-reduction efficacy of Rosuvastatin.

Efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation and 5-aminosalicylic acid in management of experimental colitis in mice

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in the treatment of experimental colitis in a mouse model.

METHODS

Forty 6-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into either a normal group (8 rats) or a model group (32 rats). After 2 wk of feeding, the model group was continuously treated with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 5 d to establish an experimental colitis model. After adaptive feeding for 3 d, the model group was further randomly divided into four groups (8 rats in each group): a model control group, an FMT group, a 5-ASA group, and a combination group (FMT + 5-ASA). The FMT group, 5-ASA group, and combination group were given fecal filtrate, 5-ASA enema solution, and fecal filtrate plus 5-ASA enema solution on the 9^th, 11^th, and 13^th days, respectively. The other two groups were given physiological salt solution enema. Mice were sacrificed on the 14^th day, and blood samples were collected for interleukin-10 (IL-10) detection. Colon length was measured, and colon tissues were harvested for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to evaluate histological index (HI).

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the 5-ASA group and the combination group achieved better curative effect. The disease activity index (DAI) score and HI score in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), but still higher than those in the normal control group (P < 0.05). The DAI score and HI score in the FMT group were improved compared with those before treatment, but there was no significant difference between the FMT group and the model control group (P > 0.05). The level of IL-10 in the FMT group was higher than that in the model control group (P < 0.05), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

FMT in the mouse colitis model does have a certain effect, but is still not as good as aminosalicylic acid formulations. The combined use of aminosalicylic acid formulations and FMT does not result in better results, which may be related to the treatment mode, treatment cycle and other factors.

Investigation of the Effects of Antibiotic Application on the Intestinal Flora in Elderly Hypertension Patients with Infectious Diseases

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effects of antibiotic application on the intestinal flora in elderly hypertension patients with infectious diseases.

METHODS

A total of 2350 infected patients treated in Ordos Central Hospital (Inner Mongolia, China) from January 2010 to August 2016 were retrospectively analyzed and 790 healthy hypertension patients were selected as the control group. The 2350 patients were assigned into group A and B based on the administration with narrow-spectrum antibiotic or broad-spectrum antibiotic. The feces specimens of patients at the 1st, 5th, 9th and 14th day after antibiotic treatment were collected to analyze the bacteriological data and the cases of intestinal flora imbalance after applying the narrow-spectrum and broad-spectrum antibiotic were compared and the differences in the bacterial colony compositions of intestinal floras from those of the healthy hypertension patients at the same period were analyzed.

RESULTS

The ratio of intestinal flora imbalance was 50.4% after applying antibiotic in patients from group A and 78.3% in group B. grade I and II imbalance were predominant in group A and grade III imbalance was the most severe one in group B (P<0.05). Compared with the intestinal flora in healthy elderly hypertension patients, the ratio of the primary composition flora of patients with imbalanced intestinal flora was changed obviously.

CONCLUSION

The application of narrow-spectrum antibiotic and shortening the application time of antibiotic can more effectively protect the normal intestinal flora of elderly hypertension patients.

Analysis of relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and ulcerative colitis based on 16S rRNA sequences

AIM

To detect the distribution of intestinal flora between ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and normal controls by high-throughput sequencing to discover the genus structures related to the formation and development of UC.

METHODS

Chromosomal DNA was extracted from each sample, and the length of DNA fragment was detected and quantified. Gene amplification and sequencing of the V3 region of 16S rRNA were then performed.

RESULTS

The structure of intestinal flora in UC patients exhibited a significant decrease in the numbers of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicute, compared with that of healthy controls. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mean abundance of 11 metabolic pathways between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

There is a strong correlation between the abnormal changes of the intestinal flora structure and the occurrence and development of UC. Multiple metabolic pathways are involved in the formation and development of UC. It is helpful to understand the molecular pathological basis of UC by analyzing the key structures of bacterial flora, which will provide a theoretical basis for the reasonable design of new drugs.

Immunoprotective effect of traditional Chinese medicine on intestinal mucosa

The intestinal mucosa has a large surface area, contacts with the external antigens directly, and is the part exposed to most microbes. Growing evidence indicates that the relationship between intestinal mucosa and diseases is close. Traditional Chinese medicine is rich in a variety of bioactive ingredients and nutrients, which can provide energy and nutrition to maintain mucosal structure integrity and realize its physiological function, regulate intestinal flora directly or indirectly, establish intestinal mucosal immunity and barrier, and treat intestinal mucosal immune-related diseases. In this paper, we summarize the effect of traditional Chinese medicine on intestinal mucosal structure, immunity, flora, and metabolism, with an aim to provide some clues to the treatment of intestinal diseases using traditional Chinese medicine.

Preventing subclinical necrotic enteritis through Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 by ameliorating lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens

Increasing studies have focused on the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii in certain diseases. Here, we studied the prevention ability of a probiotic strain, L. johnsonii BS15 on subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE), and its underlying mechanism. 180 male Cobb 500 chicks were randomly allotted into three groups and administrated with BS15 (1 × 10⁶ cfu/g) or Man Rogosa Sharpe liquid medium throughout a 28-day experimental period. With the exception of the normal group, SNE infection was treated for the remaining experimental period after the chicks were fed with normal diet 14 days. Results showed that BS15 notably suppressed the SNE-induced loss of average daily gain and liver functional abnormality. Additionally, BS15 facilitated lipid metabolism of SNE boilers when the contents of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ and adipose triglyceride lipase in adipose tissue and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased. BS15 also attenuated the hepatic lipid accumulation of stricken chicks by suppressing the genes expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c as well as stimulating the genes expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. Moreover, BS15 enhanced the development of SNE gut by improving the intestinal development and digestion as well as adjusting the gut microflora. Therefore, BS15 may provide a promising natural preventative strategy against SNE, which may be contributed to the amelioration of lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora.

16S rDNA analysis of the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on pulmonary and intestinal flora

This study aims to explore the effect of FMT on regulations of dysbacteriosis of pulmonary and intestinal flora in rats with 16S rDNA sequencing technology. A total of 27 SPF rats (3-4 weeks old) were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (K), model control group (MX), and fecal microbiota transplantation group (FMT); each group contained nine rats. The OTU values of the pulmonary and intestinal flora of the MX group decreased significantly compared with the normal control group. After FMT, the OTU value of pulmonary flora increased, while the value of OTU in intestinal flora declined. At the phylum level, FMT down-regulated Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes in the pulmonary flora. At the genus level, FMT down-regulated Pseudomonas, Sphingobium, Lactobacillus, Rhizobium, and Acinetobacter, thus maintaining the balance of the pulmonary flora. Moreover, FMT could change the structure and diversity of the pulmonary and intestinal flora by positively regulating the pulmonary flora and negatively regulating intestinal flora. This study may provide a scientific basis for FMT treatment of respiratory diseases.

Development of an XBP1 agonist, HLJ2, as a potential therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis

There is a severe lack of effective treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC), a recurrent and intractable inflammatory bowel disease. The identification of valid targets and new drugs is an urgent need. In this study, we identified the XBP-1 agonist HLJ2 as a promising treatment candidate. In an in vivo mouse model of DSS-induced colitis, HLJ2 decreased weight loss, colon contracture, disease activity index (DAI), colon mucosa damage index (CMDI) and histopathological index (HI). HLJ2 also decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and reduced production of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. HLJ2 improved intestinal mucosa damage induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and increased the expression of ZO-1 and claudin-1. Fecal 16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing demonstrated a significant improvement in UC intestinal dysbacteriosis in mice treated with HLJ2, including increased abundance of probiotics such as Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, and Lactobacillaceae. At the same time there was a reduction in the abundance of pathogenic or conditional pathogenic microorganisms such as Bacteroidaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Deferribacteraceae, and Pseudomonadaceae in HLJ2-treated mice compared with untreated mice. Our results demonstrated that the XBP1 agonist HLJ2 inhibits inflammation, regulates the intestinal flora, and protects the intestinal mucosa. It is thus a potential therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis.

Intestinal flora and obesity

Obesity is a complex chronic disease characterized by excessive intake of nutrients, excessive metabolism of the body, accumulation of fat in the body, and eventually overweight. Since the etiology of obesity is considered to be related to environment, heredity, physiology, metabolism, behavior, psychology and so on, it is a result of the interaction between internal and external causes. Previous studies focused mainly on factors such as lack of exercise and excessive diet; however, recent studies have found that intestinal flora is also an important external cause of obesity. By changing the intestinal flora in the body, the environment in the body can be altered to improve obesity. This article reviews the recent study on the relationship between obesity and intestinal flora.

[Role of probiotics in treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases in China and manifests as simple fatty liver, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies have shown that intestinal flora can affect the development and progression of NAFLD via the "gut-liver axis" . Probiotics are active microorganisms with beneficial effects on the host, and more and more studies have found that probiotics play a positive role in improving NAFLD. They are cheaper, less harmful, and safer compared with antibiotics and surgery, and therefore, it may become a new method for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. This article reviews the research advances in probiotics in the treatment of NAFLD, in order to provide a basis for the treatment of NAFLD using probiotics.

Effect of aminoglycosides on the pathogenic characteristics of microbiology

Infections caused by pathogen remain to be one of the most important global health issues, and scientists are devoting themselves to seeking effective treatments. Aminoglycoside antibiotics are one kind of widely used antibiotics because of the good efficiency and broad antimicrobial-spectrum. However, it causes some unexpected effects on the pathogenic characteristics of microbiology during the treatment, such as drug resistance and biofilm promotion. Drug resistance is partly due to antibiotics abuse. Simultaneously, aminoglycoside is documented to make divergent effects on biofilm based on their concentrations. Here, we review the mechanism of drug resistance caused by long-term use of aminoglycoside antibiotics, the effects of antibiotic concentration on biofilm formation and the negative effects on intestinal flora to provide theoretical supports for rational use of antibiotics.

Effects of curcumin plus Soy oligosaccharides on intestinal flora of rats with ulcerative colitis

To explore the therapeutic effect of curcumin (Cur) and soybean oligosaccharides (SBOS) on ulcerative colitis (UC) through testing the intestinal flora and ulcerative colitis (UC). 80 male SD rats were selected divided into four groups with 20 rats in each group: normal group, sulfasalazine (SASP) group, model group and group of curcumin plus soy oligosaccharide. All animals were treated for 4 weeks. In the fifth week rats were decapitated. Macroscopic damage scores of colonic mucosa were calculated. A 4mL blood sample was taken to detect the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) by the double antibody sandwich ABC-ELISA method (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Colonic tissues with the most obvious lesions were obtained using a surgical scissor. A routine hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to stain pathological specimens and images of staining results were obtained. Histological injury scores of colonic mucosa were calculated. Ulcerative colitis model rats had the highest macroscopic damage scores and histological injury scores of colonic mucosa. After treatment the contents of TNF-α and IL-8 decreased significantly in the group of curcumin plus soy oligosaccharide compared with the model group with statistical significance (P <0.01) while the contents were close to those in the SASP group. There was no statistical significance (P> 0.05). The treatment could decrease TNF-α and IL- 8 expression and reduce colonic mucosa inflammation and tissue damage.

[Microflora changes in upper digestive tract and bile in acute liver failure mice]

Objective: To study the changes of upper digestive tract and bile flora associated with acute liver failure in mice. Methods: Mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: control group and acute liver failure group (group M). Acute liver failure in group M was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (D-GaIN). The information of relative abundance and diversity were observed by high-throughput sequencing of V3 + V4 region in 16 S rDNA from bacteria of oral cavity, stomach, duodenal and bile.Bacterial translocation and changes associated with acute liver injury were identified by LEfSe (LDA effect size) analysis. Results: At the phylum level, compared with control group, the relative abundance of TM7 in oral cavity and stomach increased in group M. At the family level, compared with control group, group M resulted in a significant decrease in Pasteurellaceae in the stomach (P<0.05) and a increase in Lactobacillaceae in the bile (P<0.05). Conclusion: The diversity of bacteria and relative abundance of each bacterium in upper digestive tract and the bile are significantly changed during the process of acute liver injure in mice.

Relationship between intestinal flora microenvironment and colorectal cancer

Intestinal flora is a hot research topic. Studies suggest that intestinal flora is associated with the development of metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, cognitive and behavioral disorders, cancer and so on. In this paper, we retrieved and analyzed the literature published in the past ten years which studied the relationship between microbiota microenvironment and colorectal cancer. We discuss the definitions of intestinal flora, microbiota microenvironment and colorectal cancer, the composition of intestinal flora, imbalance of intestinal flora, correlation between microbiota microenvironment and colorectal cancer, and the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer associated with microbiota microenvironment, with an aim to reveal the role of intestinal flora microenvironment in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, and to provide ideas and clues for the development of new intestinal flora-targeted approaches for prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Fecal microbiota in pouchitis and ulcerative colitis

AIM

To investigate the changes in microbiota in feces of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and pouchitis using genomic technology.

METHODS

Fecal samples were obtained from UC patients with or without an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedure, as well as healthy controls. The touchdown polymerase chain reaction technique was used to amplify the whole V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene, which was transcribed from DNA extracted from fecal samples. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to separate the amplicons. The band profiles and similarity indices were analyzed digitally. The predominant microbiota in different groups was confirmed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene.

RESULTS

Microbial biodiversity in the healthy controls was significantly higher compared with the UC groups (P < 0.001) and IPAA groups (P < 0.001). Compared with healthy controls, the UC patients in remission and those in the mildly active stage, the predominant species in patients with moderately and severely active UC changed obviously. In addition, the proportion of the dominant microbiota, which was negatively correlated with the disease activity of UC (r = -6.591, P < 0.01), was decreased in pouchitis patients. The numbers of two types of bacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale, were reduced in UC. Patients with pouchitis had an altered microbiota composition compared with UC patients. The microbiota from pouchitis patients was less diverse than that from severely active UC patients. Sequencing results showed that similar microbiota, such as Clostridium perfringens, were shared in both UC and pouchitis.

CONCLUSION

Less diverse fecal microbiota was present in patients with UC and pouchitis. Increased C. perfringens in feces suggest its role in the exacerbation of UC and pouchitis.

Intestinal flora: Detection methods and research advances

There are a large number of microorganisms in the human intestine, and they play an important role in digestion and absorption, energy metabolism, immune regulation, disease-resistant ability and so on, and are associated with the development of many diseases. The intestinal flora is of important significance for clinical treatment. This review focuses on a variety of molecular biology technologies for intestinal flora research, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR-based 16 S rDNA fingerprinting, fluorescence in situ hybridization, gene chip, metagenome sequencing and so on, as well as the prospects for the research of intestinal flora.

Role of intestinal flora imbalance in pathogenesis of pouchitis

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the role of intestinal flora imbalance in the pathogenesis of pouchitis.

METHODS

The pouchitis rat model was established and the faeces sample and the mucous membrane sample were collected regularly, in which the bacterial nucleic acids were extracted for quantitative analysis of the intestinal flora in the samples through using the real-time quantitative PCR technique and high energy sequencing technology.

RESULTS

The disorder phenomenon of the intestinal flora appeared at the 7th day of the experiment, and the pouchitis was presented at the 21st day of the experiment. At the 31st day of the experiment, compared to control group and non-pouchitis group, the quantity of Bifidobacterium and the Lactobacillus of the pouchitis model rats in the mucous membrane sample and the faeces sample were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the Bacteroidetes, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and XIV Clostridium leptum subgroup in the mucous membrane of pouchitis were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The IV Clostridium coccoides group was the main flora in the mucous membrane of pouchitis, the bacterial diversity of non-pouchitis group and control group was significantly higher than that of the pouchitis group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The intestinal flora imbalance is one of the factors that cause the incidence of the pouchitis; this study provides a clue of the pathogenesis and treatment direction of the intestinal inflammatory disease.

Intricate interactions of obesity, intestinal flora and Toll-like receptors

The rapidly increasing incidence of obesity has resulted in a severe public problem globally. Obesity is associated with subclinical inflammation, causing elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, as well as disorders of the immune function, which are involved in the dysfunction of intestinal flora. Intestinal flora maintains a dynamic equilibrium with intestinal mucosal immunity. Obesity-related inflammation is mainly trigged by endoplasmic reticulum stress, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation and changes of gut flora. Among them, TLR4 plays a central role in sensing intestinal pathogens and inducing mucosal immunity. On the other hand, metabolism, genetics, gut flora and immune state are integrally regulating the TLR function. In the present paper we explore the intricate interactions of obesity, intestinal flora and TLRs, in order to find novel targets for the treatment of obesity.

Relationship between gastrointestinal flora and chronic atrophic gastritis

Large amounts of intestinal flora are living in the gastrointestinal tract and have a close relationship with human health. The imbalance of gastrointestinal flora can lead to various gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). CAG is a common gastrointestinal disease caused by a combination of many factors. In recent years, more and more studies have been performed to investigate the relationship between gastrointestinal flora and CAG. This paper summarizes their relationship in terms of the pathogenic mechanism and eradication of Helicobacter pylori, and the physiological function and anti-inflammatory mechanism of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with an aim to help better understand the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of CAG.

Bifidobacterium and irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder usually originated from gut dysfunction, and the mechanisms underlying IBS are not clear. IBS can seriously disrupt patient's normal routine, even though it is not life-threatening. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, a large number of studies have showed that intestinal flora imbalance does play an important role in the pathogenesis of IBS, especially Bifidobacterium. Bifidobacterium can resist the colonization and invasion of intestinal pathogenic bacteria, and enhance the intestinal epithelial barrier function. Besides, its metabolites also can improve the defense function of the intestinal tract. In the gut of patients with IBS, the number of Bifidobacteria is usually significantly reduced, suggesting that increasing the number of intestinal Bifidobacteria may play a positive role in the treatment of IBS. This paper summarizes the relationship between Bifidobacterium and IBS, and discusses the effect of Bifidobacterium in the adjuvant treatment of IBS.

Role of intestinal flora and defensins in colorectal carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. In recent years, the morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer in China have been rising continuously, causing heavy medical burden; however, the exact etiology is still unknown. Therefore, there is an urgent need to elucidate the etiology and pathogenesis of colorectal cancer to promote early prevention, effective screening and targeted therapy. At present, the research on the correlation between intestinal flora and colorectal cancer is being deepened constantly. Defensins, mediating interaction between intestinal flora and the intestinal mucosa, have attracted more and more attention because of their potential role in the development of colorectal cancer. Here we briefly introduce human intestinal flora and defensins, review new advances in our understanding of their role in colorectal carcinogenesis and the possible mechanism, and preliminarily explore their mutual interaction.