Probiotic nanocomposite materials with excellent resistance, inflammatory targeting, and multiple efficacies for enhanced treatment of colitis in mice

The occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is relevant to impaired intestinal mucosal barrier and disordered gut microbiota, subsequently leading to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elevated levels of inflammatory factors. Traditional therapies focus on inhibiting inflammation, but the vast majority involve non-targeted systemic administration, whose long-term use may result in potential side effects. Oral microbial therapy has exhibited great application prospects currently in IBD treatment; however, its progress has been slowed by issues with deficient bioavailability, poor targeting of colitis, and low therapeutic efficacy. Consequently, it is exceedingly desirable to develop a strategy by which probiotics can be endowed with additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as enhanced targeting of the inflamed intestine. Herein, we present an innovative therapeutic strategy for encapsulating probiotic Bacillus coagulans spores with rosmarinic acid (RA) and silk fibroin (SF). Probiotics in spore morphology possessed strong gastrointestinal environmental resistance; RA alleviated oxidative damage by scavenging ROS and inhibited inflammatory responses; SF assisted probiotics release and colonize in the inflamed intestine. We demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of probiotic composite materials in a colitis mouse model, which significantly alleviated a series of colitis symptoms, inhibited inflammatory cytokine storms, restored the balance of the gut microbiota, and downregulated inflammation-related signaling pathways. We are optimistic that the utilization of therapeutic nanocoating to modify probiotics will open up novel avenues for future microbial therapy targeting IBD.

Azo-linked 5-ASA-coumarin prodrug: Fluorescent tracking for colonic drug release in UC treatment

Theranostic prodrugs that enable real-time, non-invasive monitoring of drug release and biodistribution are highly desirable for optimizing therapeutic efficacy and guiding personalized medication. Herein, we report a colon-targeted theranostic prodrug system (P1) for the simultaneous delivery and tracking of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). P1 comprises a fluorescent 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (7-AMC) reporter covalently linked to 5-ASA via an azo bond, which quenches the fluorescence of 7-AMC until P1 is activated by azoreductases in the colonic microenvironment. This selective activation triggers the release of 5-ASA and the revival of 7-AMC fluorescence, enabling real-time monitoring of drug delivery. To improve the solubility and targeted delivery of P1, it was encapsulated within polymeric micelles (PM) that selectively adhere to the positively charged, inflamed colonic tissues. In vitro studies confirmed the stability, biocompatibility, and selective activation of P1 under simulated colonic conditions. Notably, in a mouse model of UC, the P1-loaded PM achieved targeted delivery of 5-ASA to the inflamed colon, resulting in effective attenuation of colitis symptoms. Importantly, the in situ activation of P1 allowed for the real-time, non-invasive visualization of drug release and biodistribution, providing valuable insights for treatment optimization. This theranostic prodrug approach offers a promising strategy for the simultaneous therapy and tracking of 5-ASA delivery in UC treatment, with the potential to facilitate personalized medication and improve therapeutic outcomes.

The link between obesity and the gut microbiota and immune system in early-life

In early-life, the gut microbiota is highly modifiable, being modulated by external factors such as maternal microbiota, mode of delivery, and feeding strategies. The composition of the child's gut microbiota will deeply impact the development and maturation of its immune system, with consequences for future health. As one of the main sources of microorganisms to the child, the mother represents a crucial factor in the establishment of early-life microbiota, impacting the infant's wellbeing. Recent studies have proposed that dysbiotic maternal gut microbiota could be transmitted to the offspring, influencing the development of its immunity, and leading to the development of diseases such as obesity. This paper aims to review recent findings in gut microbiota and immune system interaction in early-life, highlighting the benefits of a balanced gut microbiota in the regulation of the immune system.

A review of chitosan role in milk bioactive-based drug delivery, smart packaging and biosensors: Recent advances and developments

Chitosan, a versatile biopolymer derived from chitin, is increasingly recognized in the milk industry for its multifunctional applications in drug delivery, smart packaging, and biosensor development. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in chitosan production techniques. These include chemical, biological, and novel methods such as deep eutectic solvents (DES), microwave-assisted approaches, and laser-assisted processes. Surface modification strategies to enhance its functional properties are also discussed. The review highlights the development of various chitosan-based nanocarriers, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanogels, and nanocomposites. It emphasizes their stability when combined with milk bioactive ingredients like lipids, peptides, lactose, and minerals. The gastrointestinal fate and safety of chitosan nanoparticles are critically evaluated, showcasing their potential for safe consumption in dairy-related applications. In drug delivery systems, chitosan exhibits excellent compatibility with milk-derived carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, enabling the development of innovative drug delivery platforms. Additionally, its incorporation into smart packaging materials enhances the shelf-life and quality of dairy products. Chitosan-based biosensors offer precise contaminant detection in the milk industry by enabling precise detection of contaminants such as Bisphenol A, melamine, bacteria, drugs, antibiotics, toxins, heavy metals, and allergens, thus ensuring food safety and quality. Emerging trends, including the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced gene editing, and multifunctional chitosan, are discussed, offering insights into future personalized delivery systems and merging food and drug technologies. The review concludes by highlighting gaps in current research and offering recommendations for future exploration. These suggestions aim to optimize chitosan's unique properties to address key challenges in the milk industry. This article serves as a valuable resource for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers aiming to innovate within the dairy sector using chitosan-based technologies.

Epicatechin protects mice against OVA-induced asthma through inhibiting airway inflammation and modulating gut microbiota

Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory reaction that seriously affects people's quality of life and even endangers their lives. The aim of this study was to explore the role of epicatechin (EC) on asthma and its potential mechanism. A mice model of allergic asthma was established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) with aluminum hydrogen solution, and nebulized inhalation of OVA to stimulate. EC (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before nebulization for three consecutive days. The results showed that EC attenuated OVA-induced lung injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, IgE, and inflammatory cytokine production. EC also inhibited OVA-induced NF-κB activation and increased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that at genus level, EC significantly increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ligilactobacillus, Alloprevotella. Meanwhile, EC inhibited the abundance of Clostridia UCG-014, Helicobacter, Paramuribaculum, and Escherichia-Shigella. In conclusion, EC can effectively alleviate the symptoms of asthma in mice, which may through regulating the composition of gut microbiota and inhibiting inflammatory response.

A DNA Nanopatch-Bacteriophage System Targeting Streptococcus Gallolyticus for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment and Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Persistent inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases Streptococcus gallolyticus (Sg) colonization, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer progression via the Sg-activated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway and β-catenin upregulation. This study presents Sg-specific bacteriophages modified with DNA nanopatches (DNPs@P) designed to treat IBD and prevent Sg-induced malignancy. The DNPs are composed of DNA origami nanosheets and phage capture strands. The DNPs scavenge reactive oxygen species, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of the phages while targeting and lysing pathogenic bacteria. Coating with an enteric polymer, DNPs@P ensures effective delivery in the gastrointestinal tract. These findings demonstrate significant restoration of colonic length, reduced inflammation, and improved gut microbiota diversity compared with current clinical treatments. Additionally, DNPs@P effectively prevents colonic tumourigenesis in mouse models. This approach presents a promising strategy for treating gastrointestinal diseases by remodeling the gut microenvironment, addressing a critical gap in current therapies.

Polyphenols in wound healing: unlocking prospects with clinical applications

Wound healing is a multifaceted, complex process that factors like aging, metabolic diseases, and infections may influence. The potentiality of polyphenols, natural compounds, has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in promoting wound healing and their potential applications in wound management. The studies reviewed indicate that polyphenols have multiple mechanisms that promote wound healing. This involves enhancing antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory responses, improving healing times, reducing infection rates, and enhancing tissue regeneration in clinical trials and in vivo and in vitro studies. Polyphenols have been proven to be effective in managing hard-to-heal wounds, especially in diabetic and elderly populations. Polyphenols have shown significant benefits in promoting angiogenesis and stimulating collagen synthesis. Polyphenol treatment has been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects in wound healing and chronic wound management. Their ability to regulate key healing processes makes them suitable for new wound care products and treatments. Future research should enhance formulations and delivery methods to optimize polyphenols' bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in wound management approaches.

Design and advances in antioxidant hydrogels for ROS-induced oxidative disease

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in human physiological processes, but oxidative stress caused by excessive ROS may lead to a variety of acute and chronic diseases. Despite the development of various strategies and biomaterials, an efficiently and broadly applied method for treatment of ROS-induced oxidative disease remains a bottleneck. Aiming to improve the local oxidative stress environment, numerous bioactive hydrogels with antioxidant properties have emerged and are proven to quickly and continuously eliminate excessive ROS. To deeply understand the design principles and applications of antioxidant hydrogels is highly beneficial for designing antioxidant hydrogels for treatment of oxidative disease. This review provides a detailed summary of recent advances in design and applications of antioxidant hydrogels for various ROS-induced oxidative diseases. In this review, the kinds of antioxidant components in antioxidant hydrogels are outlined in detail. Additionally, the crosslinking methods and the biomedical applications of antioxidant hydrogels are widely summarized and discussed, especially focusing on their usage in different types of diseases and the attention given to the treatment of diseases such as skin wounds, myocardial infarction, and osteoarthritis. Finally, the future development direction of antioxidant hydrogel is further proposed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Oxidative stress is a pivotal biochemical process that plays a critical role in cellular homeostasis. Excessive cellular oxidative stress triggers an inflammatory response, which is implicated in a spectrum of associated diseases. Given the critical need for managing oxidative stress, antioxidant therapies have become a vital focus in medical research. Hydrogels have garnered substantial interest among biomaterial scientists due to their hydrophilic nature and biocompatibility. The review delves into the realm of antioxidant hydrogels, encompassing the classification of antioxidant components, the synthesis and fabrication of hydrogels, and a comprehensive overview of the biological applications and challenges of these antioxidant hydrogels. Aiming to provide new perspectives for researchers in developing cutting-edge therapeutic approaches that leverage antioxidant hydrogels.

Intestinal mucosal immunity and type 1 diabetes: Non-negligible communication between gut and pancreas

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated pancreatic β cell loss, resulting in lifelong absolute insulin deficiency and hyperglycaemia. Environmental factors are recognized as a key contributor to the development of T1D, with the gut serving as a primary interface for environmental stimuli. Recent studies have revealed that the alterations in the intestinal microenvironment profoundly affect host immune responses, contributing to the aetiology and pathogenesis of T1D. However, the dominant intestinal immune cells and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of the possible mechanisms of the intestinal mucosal system that underpin the pathogenesis of T1D, shedding light on the roles of both non-classical and classical immune cells in T1D. Our goal is to gain insights into how modulating these immune components may hold potential implications for T1D prevention and provide novel perspectives for immune-mediated therapy.

Metal-Protein Hybrid Materials: Unlocking New Frontiers in Biomedical Applications

Metal-protein hybrid materials represent a novel class of functional materials that exhibit exceptional physicochemical properties and tunable structures, rendering them remarkable applications in diverse fields, including materials engineering, biocatalysis, biosensing, and biomedicine. The design and development of multifunctional and biocompatible metal-protein hybrid materials have been the subject of extensive research and a key aspiration for practical applications in clinical settings. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the design strategies, intrinsic properties, and biomedical applications of these hybrid materials, with a specific emphasis on their potential in cancer therapy, drug and vaccine delivery, antibacterial treatments, and tissue regeneration. Through rational design, stable metal-protein hybrid materials can be synthesized using straightforward methods, enabling them with therapeutic, delivery, immunomodulatory, and other desired functionalities. Finally, the review outlines the existing limitations and challenges associated with metal-protein hybrid materials and evaluates their potential for clinical translation, providing insights into their practical implementation within biomedical applications.

Carboxylated Zn-phthalocyanine attenuates brain Aβ in AD model mouse

The deposition of aggregated amyloid β (Aβ) is considered as a key factor for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Previously, we demonstrated that a carboxylated Zn-phthalocyanine (ZnPc) inhibits Aβ fibril formation, consequently protects neurons in culture. This study evaluated the effects of ZnPc on pathological changes in an AD mouse model (J20). Nine-month-old J20 mice received weekly intraperitoneal injection of ZnPc (2 and 4 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed using Y-maze and open field tests. ZnPc levels in the tissues were evaluated using near-infrared microscopy and spectroscopy. ZnPc accumulated primarily in the liver and kidney. A considerable amount was also detected in brain tissue, where it co-localized with neurons, microglia, and extracellularly deposited Aβ. ZnPc treatment (2 mg/kg) significantly improved cognitive functions of J20 mice. Immunostaining results showed that Aβ was positive intracellularly in neurons, and extracellularly around the vessels and parenchyma in the cortex and hippocampus of PBS-treated J20 mice, which was significantly decreased in ZnPc-treated J20 mice in a dose-dependent manner. Nissl staining demonstrated that neuronal numbers were increased both in the cortex and hippocampus. GFAP-positive astrocytes and Iba-1 positive microglia were decreased by ZnPc treatment. Also, vessel numbers were increased in ZnPc-treated groups. In PBS-treated group, aquaporin 4 immunopositive area extended beyond STL-positive vessels into the parenchyma, which was confined primarily around the vessels in the ZnPc-treated group. Claudin 5 levels were increased in ZnPc-treated group. Therefore, ZnPc can decrease brain Aβ deposition in J20 mice, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

Oral Antioxidant-Engineered Probiotics for the Treatment of Radiation-Induced Colitis

Radiation colitis is an inflammatory response induced by damage to colonic tissue from radiation therapy that primarily affects patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic radiation treatments. In this study, we designed a selenium-loaded probiotic (EcN-Se@SA) encapsulated in sodium alginate gel for the oral treatment of radiation colitis. Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ferroptosis, and tissue repair-promoting properties. To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of Se NPs for radiation-induced colitis, we combined Se NPs with Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and encapsulated them in sodium alginate hydrogel. The resulting EcN-Se@SA formulation not only withstands gastric acid and intestinal fluids but also remains in the colon and cecum for extended periods. Oral administration of EcN-Se@SA attenuates X-ray-induced colitis in mice through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, macrophage reprogramming, and inhibition of ferroptosis in histiocytes. This work introduces a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of radiation colitis.

Intestinal mucus: the unsung hero in the battle against viral gastroenteritis

Intestinal mucus plays a crucial role in defending against enteric infections by protecting the vulnerable intestinal epithelial cells both physically and through its various constituents. Despite this, numerous gastroenteritis-causing viruses, such as rotavirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, calicivirus, and enterovirus, continue to pose significant threats to humans and animals. While several studies have examined the interactions between these viruses and intestinal mucus, significant gaps remain in understanding the full protective potential of intestinal mucus against these pathogens. This review aims to elucidate the protective role of intestinal mucus in viral gastroenteritis. It begins with a comprehensive literature overview of (i) intestinal mucus, (ii) enteric viruses of medical and veterinary importance, and (iii) the known interactions between various enteric viruses and intestinal mucus. Following this, a case study is presented to highlight the age-dependent blocking effect of porcine intestinal mucus against transmissible gastroenteritis virus, a porcine coronavirus. Finally, the review discusses future investigation directions to further explore the potential of intestinal mucus as a defense mechanism against viral gastroenteritis to stimulate further research in this dynamic and critical area.

The combination of Clostridium butyricum and Akkermansia muciniphila mitigates DSS-induced colitis and attenuates colitis-associated tumorigenesis by modulating gut microbiota and reducing CD8+ T cells in mice

The gut microbiota is closely associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Probiotics such as Clostridium butyricum (CB) or Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) have the potential to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal cancer (CRC). However, research on the combined therapeutic effects and immunomodulatory mechanisms of CB and AKK in treating IBD or CRC has never been studied. This study evaluates the potential of co-administration of CB and AKK in treating DSS/AOM-induced IBD and colitis-associated CRC. Our results indicate that compared to mono-administration, the co-administration of CB and AKK not only significantly alleviates symptoms such as weight loss, colon shortening, and increased Disease Activity Index in IBD mice but also regulates the gut microbiota composition and effectively suppresses colonic inflammatory responses. In the colitis-associated CRC mice model, a combination of CB and AKK significantly alleviates weight loss and markedly reduces inflammatory infiltration of macrophages and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the colon, thereby regulating anti-tumor immunity and inhibiting the occurrence of inflammation-induced CRC. In addition, we found that the combined probiotic therapy of CB and AKK can enhance the sensitivity of colitis-associated CRC mice to the immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-mouse PD-L1 (aPD-L1), significantly improving the anti-tumor efficacy of immunotherapy and the survival rate of colitis-associated CRC mice. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation therapy showed that transplanting feces from CRC mice treated with the co-administration of CB and AKK into other CRC mice alleviated the tumor loads in the colon and significantly extended their survival rate. Our study suggests that the combined use of two probiotics, CB and AKK, can not only alleviate chronic intestinal inflammation but also inhibit the progression to CRC. This may be a natural and relatively safe method to support the gut microbiota and enhance the host's immunity against cancer.

IMPORTANCE

Our study suggests that the combined administration of CB and AKK probiotics, as opposed to a single probiotic strain, holds considerable promise in preventing the advancement of IBD to CRC. This synergistic effect is attributed to the ability of this probiotic combination to more effectively modulate the gut microbiota, curb inflammatory reactions, bolster the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches, and optimize treatment results via fecal microbiota transplantation.

A prospective, single-blinded, non-inferiority, randomized controlled study comparing the effectiveness and safety of oral lactulose combined with carbohydrate-containing clear liquids versus 3-L polyethylene glycol electrolyte for colonoscopy bowel preparation

BACKGROUND

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS) is the standard for bowel preparation but often suffers from poor patient compliance and tolerability due to its high-volume requirement. This prospective, single-blinded, non-inferiority, randomized control trial aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of a lactulose-based regimen as an alternative for bowel preparation.

METHODS

Two hundred nine patients were randomly allocated to receive either a combination regimen consisting of 133.4 g lactulose in 200 mL, 800 mL carbohydrate-containing clear liquid, 2L additional water, and 5 g simethicone (n = 104) or 3L PEG-ELS with 5 g simethicone (n = 105), both administered in a split-dose format. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate bowel preparation, measured by the Boston bowel preparation score (BBPS). Adequate bowel preparation was defined as a BBPS score of 2 or 3 in all colon segments. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of high-quality bowel preparation (defining as a total BBPS score of 8 or 9), polyp detection rate (defining as the percentage of procedures where at least one polyp was detected), willingness to repeat the bowel preparation, adverse events, and changes in blood glucose and electrolyte levels.

RESULTS

The rate of adequate bowel preparation (96.2% vs. 97.1%, p = 0.691), the percentage of high-quality preparation (62.5% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.529), average total BBPS scores (p = 0.607), polyp detection rates (66.3% vs. 77.1%, p = 0.083), and tolerability and acceptability outcomes, including satisfaction (p = 0.729) and willingness to repeat preparation (p = 0.744), were not statistically different between the two arms. Adverse events and changes in blood glucose and electrolytes showed no significant differences (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of oral lactulose and carbohydrate-containing clear fluids was non-inferior to 3L PEG-ELS for bowel preparation adequacy and polyp detection, without statistically significant differences in terms of tolerability and safety.

Characteristics, pathogenic and therapeutic role of gut microbiota in immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most prevalent glomerulonephritis in the world, and it is one of the leading causes of end-stage kidney disease. It is now believed that the pathogenesis of IgAN is the mesangial deposition of immune complex containing galactose-deficient IgA1, resulting in glomerular injury. Current treatments for IgAN include supportive care and immunosuppressive therapy. A growing number of studies found that the gut microbiota in IgAN was dysregulated. Gut microbiota may be involved in the development and progression of IgAN through three main aspects: destruction of intestinal barrier, changes in metabolites and abnormal mucosal immunity. Interestingly, therapies by modulating the gut microbiota, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, antibiotic treatment, probiotic treatment, Chinese herbal medicine Zhen Wu Tang treatment, gluten-free diet, and hydroxychloroquine treatment, can improve IgAN. In this review, the alteration of gut microbiota in IgAN, potential pathogenic roles of gut microbiota on IgAN and potential approaches to treat IgAN by modulating the gut microbiota are summarized.

Engineered Living Systems Based on Gelatin: Design, Manufacturing, and Applications

Engineered living systems (ELSs) represent purpose-driven assemblies of living components, encompassing cells, biomaterials, and active agents, intricately designed to fulfill diverse biomedical applications. Gelatin and its derivatives have been used extensively in ELSs owing to their mature translational pathways, favorable biological properties, and adjustable physicochemical characteristics. This review explores the intersection of gelatin and its derivatives with fabrication techniques, offering a comprehensive examination of their synergistic potential in creating ELSs for various applications in biomedicine. It offers a deep dive into gelatin, including its structures and production, sources, processing, and properties. Additionally, the review explores various fabrication techniques employing gelatin and its derivatives, including generic fabrication techniques, microfluidics, and various 3D printing methods. Furthermore, it discusses the applications of ELSs based on gelatin in regenerative engineering as well as in cell therapies, bioadhesives, biorobots, and biosensors. Future directions and challenges in gelatin fabrication are also examined, highlighting emerging trends and potential areas for improvements and innovations. In summary, this comprehensive review underscores the significance of gelatin-based ELSs in advancing biomedical engineering and lays the groundwork for guiding future research and developments within the field.

Chitosan and its derivatives: A novel approach to gut microbiota modulation and immune system enhancement

Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from the deacetylation of chitin found in crustacean shells and certain fungi, has attracted considerable attention for its promising health benefits, particularly in gut microbiota maintenance and immune system modulation. This review critically examines chitosan's multifaceted role in supporting gut health and enhancing immunity, beginning with a comprehensive overview of its sources, chemical structure, and its dual function as a dietary supplement and biomaterial. Chitosan's prebiotic effects are highlighted, with a focus on its ability to selectively stimulate beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, while enhancing gut barrier integrity and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The review delves deeply into chitosan's immunomodulatory mechanisms, including its impact on antigen-presenting cells, cytokine profiles, and systemic immune responses. A detailed comparative analysis assesses chitosan's efficacy relative to other prebiotics and immunomodulatory agents, examining challenges related to bioavailability and metabolic activity. Beyond its role in gut health, this review explores chitosan's potential as a dual-action agent that not only supports gut microbiota but also fortifies immune resilience. It introduces emerging research on novel chitosan derivatives, such as chitooligosaccharides, and evaluates their enhanced bioactivity for functional food applications. Special attention is given to sustainability, with an exploration of alternative, plant-based sources of chitosan and their implications for both health and environmental stewardship. Also, the review identifies new research avenues, such as the growing interest in chitosan's role in the gut-brain axis and its potential mental health benefits through microbial interactions. By addressing these innovative areas, the review aims to shift the focus from basic health effects to chitosan's broader impact on public health. The findings encourage further exploration, particularly through human trials, and emphasize chitosan's untapped potential in revolutionizing health and disease management.

Sodium butyrate prevents lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation and restores the expression of tight junction protein in human epithelial Caco-2 cells

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is susceptible to damage under high altitude hypoxic conditions, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort and intestinal barrier injury. Sodium butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid present as a metabolite in the gut, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent due to its ability to act as an immunomodulatory agent and restore intestinal barrier integrity. This study aimed to explore the mechanism by which sodium butyrate exhibits anti inflammatory effect on intestinal epithelial cells. In vitro, Caco-2 epithelial cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to investigate the protective role of sodium butyrate on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation. Cell viability assays demonstrated that 1 mM (110.86 μg/mL) of sodium butyrate did not exhibit cytotoxicity on cells in vitro. Treatment with sodium butyrate suppressed reactive oxygen species levels and TNF-α production in LPS-stimulated macrophages, indicating its efficacy in mitigating inflammatory responses. Western blot analysis revealed that sodium butyrate attenuated the expression of iNOS in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Moreover, sodium butyrate also reversed the LPS induced over expression of HIF-1α, NLRP3, IL-1β as well as NF-kB in Caco-2 epithelial cells and also had a suppressive effect on IL-8 secretion after LPS stimulation. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that sodium butyrate enhanced tight junction protein occludin expression in Caco-2 cells while also restoring the decreased permeability of the Caco-2 monolayer due to LPS. These results indicate that sodium butyrate may influence immune responses by suppressing inflammatory mediators and improving the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Understanding the intricate interactions between gut metabolites and host immune responses may help in the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to alleviate intestinal inflammation in high altitude environments.

Navigating a challenging path: precision disease treatment with tailored oral nano-armor-probiotics

Oral probiotics have significant potential for preventing and treating many diseases. Yet, their efficacy is often hindered by challenges related to survival and colonization within the gastrointestinal tract. Nanoparticles emerge as a transformative solution, offering robust protection and enhancing the stability and bioavailability of these probiotics. This review explores the innovative application of nanoparticle-armored engineered probiotics for precise disease treatment, specifically addressing the physiological barriers associated with oral administration. A comprehensive evaluation of various nano-armor probiotics and encapsulation methods is provided, carefully analyzing their respective merits and limitations, alongside strategies to enhance probiotic survival and achieve targeted delivery and colonization within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the review explores the potential clinical applications of nano-armored probiotics in precision therapeutics, critically addressing safety and regulatory considerations, and proposing the innovative concept of 'probiotic intestinal colonization with nano armor' for brain-targeted therapies. Ultimately, this review aspires to guide the advancement of nano-armored probiotic therapies, driving progress in precision medicine and paving the way for groundbreaking treatment modalities.

Dual-action microparticles for ulcerative colitis: Cellulose nanofibers-enhanced delivery of 5-ASA and probiotics

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease initially treated with mesalazine (5-ASA). However, its effectiveness is limited by rapid absorption, low colonic concentration, and exacerbation of dysbiosis. Probiotics can mitigate dysbiosis if they survive the acidic conditions of the stomach. In this study, colon-specific microparticles (MPs) based on RS/P and reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were used to co-encapsulate 5-ASA and L. rhamnosus. MPs prepared by spray-drying demonstrated a spherical shape, with sizes ranging from 1 to 10 μm, high encapsulation efficiency (up to 81.5 %), and maintenance of L. rhamnosus viability (5.74 log CFU/g of sample) even after 30 days of storage at 4 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated a reduction in the melting peak of 5-ASA after microencapsulation, suggesting a decrease in its crystallinity. The samples also exhibited high mucoadhesivity, with the presence of CNF significantly increasing the speed of establishing interactions with mucin. In vitro release profiles showed lower release rates in acidic media, resulting in the majority of 5-ASA being released in intestinal and colonic media. These MPs represent a promising strategy for promoting specific release in the colon, minimizing side effects associated with conventional treatment, and potentially improving therapeutic efficacy in the context of UC.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Lactobacillus rhamnosus bioactive metabolites: Preparation, characterization, and antifungal activity

Aspergillus flavus is a severe danger to worldwide maize (Zea mays) cultivation, due to its extreme toxicity of aflatoxins produced by the fungi, and its ability to cause economic losses while also posing a health concern to humans and animals. Among the measures that may be considered for A. flavus control, applying coatings based on natural ingredients appears to be the most promising. The current work examines the antagonistic ability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus bioactive metabolites added to chitosan nanoparticles against A. flavus on maize kernels. The chitosan nanoparticles loaded with L. rhamnosus bioactive metabolites were characterized using the transmission electron microscope (TEM), zeta potential, size distribution, polydiversity index (PDI), pH, encapsulation efficiency and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The TEM revealed that the chitosan nanoparticles loaded with bioactive metabolites were spherical and smooth on the surface, and by increasing the concentration of bioactive metabolites added to the chitosan nanoparticles, the diameter of the chitosan nanoparticle grew. The zeta potential and size distribution values increased as the quantity of L. rhamnosus bioactive metabolites increased in the chitosan nanoparticles. The FTIR analysis indicated the presence of several functional groups, including alkynes, alkene, aliphatic primary amines, and other functional groups. The chitosan nanoparticles loaded with L. rhamnosus bioactive metabolites at a concentration of 7 mg/mL showed significant antifungal activity against A. flavus, reducing their growth in maize kernels by 89.42 % after 10 days of storage. They also reduced the percentage of germination inhibition rate and viability percentage. It could be concluded that adding L. rhamnosus bioactive metabolites to chitosan nanoparticles might have significant implications for food safety by using it in the industry to reduce the fungal contamination of grains.

Facile Formulation of a Resveratrol-Mediated Multibond Network Hydrogel with Efficient Sustainable Antibacterial, Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging, Pro-Angiogenesis, and Immunomodulation Activities for Accelerating Infected Wound Healing

The management of chronic infected wounds remains a significant clinical challenge, largely due to the deficiency of optimal wound dressings with adequate mechanical strength, appropriate adhesiveness, and efficient sustainable antibacterial, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, pro-angiogenesis, and immunomodulation properties. To address such a dilemma, we employed a simple and facile strategy to utilize resveratrol (RSV) as a functional component to mediate hydrogel gelation in this study. The structure of this obtained hydrogel was supported by a multibond network, which not only endowed the resultant product with superior mechanical strength and moderate adhesiveness but also effectively prolonged the bioavailability of RSV. This strategy successfully integrated the entire system with sustainable antibacterial, ROS scavenging, pro-angiogenesis, and immunomodulation properties. Subsequent in vivo evidence has verified that this material was capable to accelerate the healing of chronic infected wounds. The underlying mechanism can be explained that this hydrogel is capable of propelling macrophage polarization from the M1 to M2 phenotype through modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling as well as maintaining the mitochondrial membrane potential level in the normal state under excessive inflammatory and oxidative stimulus. In summary, this multifunctional hydrogel wound dressing provides a feasible way to promote the bioavailability of RSV, which is conducive for preparing a promising candidate for chronic infected wound healing. What is more important, it is also beneficial to reveal the correlative mechanisms to establish advanced therapeutic platform for targeting other complex infection microenvironment.

Enhancing Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Health in Mice Through Administration of Presumptive Probiotic Strain Lactiplantibacillus pentosus PE11

Background: Over the past decade, probiotics have gained increasing recognition for their health benefits to the host. While most research has focused on the therapeutic effects of probiotics in the treatment of various diseases, recent years have seen a shift towards exploring their role in enhancing and supporting overall health. Methods: In this work, we have studied the effects of a novel potential probiotic strain, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus PE11, in healthy mice following a six-week dietary intervention. The assessment included monitoring the general health of the animals, biochemical analyses, profiling of the gut and fecal microbial communities, and gene expression analysis. Results: Our results showed that the administration of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus PE11 led to changes in the composition of the fecal microbiome, specifically an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and in the relative abundance of the Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Rikenellaceae families. Reduced Tnf expression and elevated Zo1 expression were also observed in the cecum, pointing to anti-inflammatory properties and improved intestinal barrier integrity. Additionally, a significant reduction in triglycerides and alanine aminotransferase levels-within physiological ranges-was observed, along with a trend toward decreased total cholesterol levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that in healthy mice, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus PE11 has the potential to positively influence gut microbiome structure and metabolism, thereby supporting improved overall health.

Engineered Therapeutic Bacteria with High-Yield Membrane Vesicle Production Inspired by Eukaryotic Membrane Curvature for Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) are emerging as powerful natural nanoparticles with transformative potential in medicine and industry. Despite their promise, scaling up BMV production and ensuring stable isolation and storage remain formidable challenges that limit their broader application. Inspired by eukaryotic mechanisms of membrane curvature, we engineered Escherichia coli DH5α to serve as a high-efficiency BMV factory. By fusing the ethanolamine utilization microcompartment shell protein EutS with the outer membrane via the ompA signal peptide, we induced dramatic membrane curvatures that drove enhanced vesiculation. Simultaneously, overexpression of fatty acyl reductase led to the production of amphiphilic fatty alcohols, further amplifying the BMV yield. Dynamic modulation of peptidoglycan hydrolase (PGase) expression facilitated efficient BMV release, resulting in a striking 149.11-fold increase in vesicle production. Notably, the high-yield BMVs from our engineered strain, without the need for purification, significantly bolstered innate immune responses and demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study presents a strategy to overcome BMV production barriers, showcasing the therapeutic potential of engineered bacteria and BMVs for IBD treatment, while highlighting their potential applications in diverse biomedical fields.

Layer-by-layer coated probiotics with tannic acid-Ca2+ and casein phosphopeptide complexes for caries prevention and enamel remineralization

Dental caries is a common disease resulting from tooth demineralization caused by bacterial plaque. Probiotics have shown great potential against caries by regulating the balance of oral flora. However, obstacles such as poor colonization and lysozyme sensitivity in oral cavity hinder their further application. In this study, an efficient layer-by-layer surface coating of tannic acid (TA)-Ca2+ and casein phosphopeptide (CPP) was applied to the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis (BI) with potential anti-caries activity. Multi-functionalized probiotics thus prepared (called BI@TA-Ca2+@CPP) exhibited similar growth pattern, resistance to lysozyme and enhanced colonization potential. The ability of BI@TA-Ca2+@CPP in inhibiting cariogenic biofilm formation was improved. Moreover, BI@TA-Ca2+@CPP showed excellent remineralization efficacy. In a caries-induced rat model, BI@TA-Ca2+@CPP significantly prevented the occurrence and progression of tooth decay, meanwhile showing good biocompatibility. In summary, this study underlines the importance of probiotics coating in antibiofilm and remineralization activity as a promising strategy against dental caries.

Cordycepin improves liver fibrosis and the intestinal flora disturbance induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydroxylidine in mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Studies have shown that improving the intestinal flora can alleviate the progression of liver fibrosis. Cordycepin has shown potential anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of cordycepin on liver fibrosis and how it affects the intestinal flora composition to determine a potentially effective therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

C57BL/6 mice were fed a special diet containing 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydroxylidine (DDC) to induce liver fibrosis. The histopathological changes in liver tissue and intestinal mucosa were determining via immunohistochemical staining. Serum transaminase levels were determined using biochemical test kits. Faecalibaculum samples were sequenced via 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Cordycepin reduced DDC-induced liver collagen deposition, improved serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and reduced the levels of endothelial dysfunction markers vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM) and thrombomodulin (TM). Our analysis of the intestinal flora composition showed that Dubosiella, Faecalibaculum, and Bifidobacterium were significantly increased in the cordycepin-treated group (P < 0.05). The Dubosiella level was significantly negatively correlated with TM and VCAM levels, and serum levels of ALT and AST (P < 0.05). After treatment with cordycepin, the microvilli length in the intestinal mucosa, the density of goblet cells, and the expressions of occludin and zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) were significantly increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We discovered that cordycepin improves liver fibrosis in vivo. We found that Dubosiella levels were considerably increased in the cordycepin-treated group and were significantly negatively correlated with liver sinusoidal endothelial damage.

Biodegradable and Stimuli-Responsive Nanomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery in Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases present complex therapeutic challenges due to their chronic nature, systemic impact, and requirement for precise immunomodulation to avoid adverse side effects. Recent advancements in biodegradable and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials have opened new avenues for targeted drug delivery systems capable of addressing these challenges. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art biodegradable nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels engineered for targeted delivery in autoimmune therapies. These nanomaterials are designed to degrade safely in the body while releasing therapeutic agents in response to specific stimuli, including pH, temperature, redox conditions, and enzymatic activity. By achieving localized and controlled release of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, these systems minimize systemic toxicity and enhance therapeutic efficacy. We discuss the underlying mechanisms of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, recent applications in treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease, and the design considerations essential for clinical translation. Additionally, we address current challenges, including biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory hurdles, as well as future directions for integrating advanced nanotechnology with personalized medicine in autoimmune treatment. This review highlights the transformative potential of biodegradable and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, presenting them as a promising strategy to advance precision medicine and improve patient outcomes in autoimmune disease management.

Butyrate: A potential mediator of obesity and microbiome via different mechanisms of actions

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is a crucial product of gut microbial fermentation with significant implications for various metabolic and physiological processes. Dietary sources of butyrate are limited, primarily derived from the fermentation of dietary fibers by butyrate-producing gut bacteria. Butyrate exerts its effects primarily as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and through signaling pathways involving G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Its diverse benefits include promoting gut health, enhancing energy metabolism, and potentially alleviating complications associated with obesity. However, the exact role of butyrate in obesity is still under investigation, with a limited number of human trials necessitating further research to determine its efficacy and safety profile. Moreover, butyrate impact on the gut-brain axis and its modulation of microbiome effect on behavior highlight its broader importance in regulating host physiology. A thorough understanding of the metabolic pathways and mechanisms of butyrate is essential for developing targeted interventions for metabolic disorders. Continued research is crucial to fully realize its therapeutic potential and optimize its clinical applications in human health. In summary, this review illuminates the multifaceted role of butyrate as a potential mediator of obesity and related metabolic changes.

The Intricate Interplay: Microbial Metabolites and the Gut-Liver-Brain Axis in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the depletion of dopaminergic neurons. Recent studies highlight the gut-liver-brain (GLB) axis and its role in PD pathogenesis. The GLB axis forms a dynamic network facilitating bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and central nervous system. Dysregulation within this axis, encompassing gut dysbiosis and microbial metabolites, is emerging as a critical factor influencing PD progression. Our understanding of PD was traditionally centered on neurodegenerative processes within the brain. However, examining PD through the lens of the GLB axis provides new insights. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), kynurenine, serotonin, bile acids, indoles, and dopamine, which are integral to PD pathogenesis by modulation of the GLB axis. Our extensive research included a comprehensive literature review and database searches utilizing resources such as gutMGene and gutMDisorder. These databases have been instrumental in identifying specific microbes and their metabolites, shedding light on the intricate relationship between the GLB axis and PD. This review consolidates existing knowledge and underscores the potential for targeted therapeutic interventions based on the GLB axis and its components, which offer new avenues for future PD research and treatment strategies. While the GLB axis is not a novel concept, this review is the first to focus specifically on its role in PD, highlighting the importance of integrating the liver and microbial metabolites as central players in the PD puzzle.

Bacteria/Nanozyme Composites: New Therapeutics for Disease Treatment

Bacterial therapy is recognized as a cost-effective treatment for several diseases. However, its development is hindered by limited functionality, weak inherent therapeutic effects, and vulnerability to harsh microenvironmental conditions, leading to suboptimal treatment activity. Enhancing bacterial activity and therapeutic outcomes emerges as a pivotal challenge. Nanozymes have garnered significant attention due to their enzyme-mimic activities and high stability. They enable bacteria to mimic the functions of gene-edited bacteria expressing the same functional enzymes, thereby improving bacterial activity and therapeutic efficacy. This review delineates the therapeutic mechanisms of bacteria and nanozymes, followed by a summary of strategies for preparing bacteria/nanozyme composites. Additionally, the synergistic effects of such composites in biomedical applications such as gastrointestinal diseases and tumors are highlighted. Finally, the challenges of bacteria/nanozyme composites are discussed and propose potential solutions. This study aims to provide valuable insights to offer theoretical guidance for the advancement of nanomaterial-assisted bacterial therapy.

Responses of intestinal microbiota to inulin was initial microbiota context dependent and affected by the supplementation dosage

Intestinal microbiota could respond to dietary fibres that are fermented by the gut microbiota, like prebiotics. Nevertheless, the dynamics of intestinal microbial community longitudinally after prebiotics intake, are still largely unknown. The current study unrevealed the successional process of intestinal microbial community after inulin supplementation, and the effect of supplementation dosage thereof, based on analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences in C57BL/6 mice. We found that independent of supplementation dosage, intake of inulin could affect the intestinal microbial community within a day. Thereafter, the intestinal microbial community kept evolving until the last day of the supplementation (day 14) as a successional process, which was represented by the succession between intermediate and sluggish inulin responders. Remarkably, the successional process was initial microbial community context dependent and affected by the supplementation dosage. Specifically, the supplementation dosage affected the successional speed and the composition of the intermediate and sluggish inulin responders. Decreasing the relative abundance of previously identified intermediate responders, altered the successional process during inulin supplementation. Collectively, independent of supplementation dosage, the response of intestinal microbial community was rapid and the inulin induced temporal dynamics was represented by the succession between the intermediate and sluggish inulin responders. Nevertheless, the inulin induced successional process was initial microbial community context dependent and affected by the supplementation dosage. Findings of the current study would aid in the understanding of intestinal microbes' assembly during inulin supplementation and provide valuable support for dietary recommendations regarding to the use of prebiotics from the intestinal microbiota point of view.

Gut microbiota contributes to the intestinal and extraintestinal immune homeostasis by balancing Th17/Treg cells

Gut microbiota is generally considered to play an important role in host health due to its extensive immunomodulatory activities. Th17 and Treg cells are two important CD4+ T cell subsets involved in immune regulation, and their imbalance is closely tied to many immune diseases. Recently, abundant researches have highlighted the importance of gut microbiota in supporting intestinal and extraintestinal immunity through the balance of Th17 and Treg cells. Here, we presented a comprehensive review of these findings. This review first provided an overview of gut microbiota, along with Th17/Treg cell differentiation and cytokine production. Subsequently, the review summarized the regulatory effects of gut microbiota (in terms of species, components, and metabolites) on the Th17/Treg cell balance in the local intestines and extraintestinal organs, such as lung, liver, brain, kidney, and bone. Specifically, the Th17 and Treg cells that can be modulated by gut microbiota originate not only from the gut and extraintestinal organs, but also from peripheral blood and spleen. Then, the microbial therapeutics, including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), were also reviewed because of their therapeutic potentials in addressing intestinal and extraintestinal diseases via the Th17/Treg axis. Finally, the review discussed the clinical applications and future study prospects of microbial therapeutics by targeting the Th17/Treg cell balance. In conclusion, this review focused on elucidating the regulatory effects of gut microbiota in balancing Th17/Treg cells to maintain intestinal and extraintestinal immune homeostasis, contributing to the further development and promotion of microbial therapeutics.

Insights into the Relationship Between the Gut Microbiome and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Solid Tumors

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a revolutionary approach to the treatment of solid tumors, including malignant melanoma, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal malignancies. Anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PDL-1 therapies provide prolonged survival for cancer patients, but their efficacy and safety are highly variable. This review focuses on the crucial role of the gut microbiome in modulating the efficacy and toxicity of immune checkpoint blockade. Studies suggest that the composition of the gut microbiome may influence the response to immunotherapy, with specific bacterial strains able to promote an anti-tumor immune response. On the other hand, dysbiosis may increase the risk of adverse effects, such as immune-mediated colitis. Interventions aimed at modulating the microbiome, including the use of probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, or dietary modifications, represent promising strategies to increase treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity. The combination of immunotherapy with the microbiome-based strategy opens up new possibilities for personalized treatment. In addition, factors such as physical activity and nutritional supplementation may indirectly influence the gut ecosystem and consequently improve treatment outcomes in refractory patients, leading to enhanced patient responses and prolonged survival.

Dietary Porphyra tenera ameliorated dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice via modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis

Bioactive components from Porphyra tenera (PT) have been reported to confer various health benefits. The role of PT in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory properties of PT on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated mice. PT supplementation attenuated the severity of colitis in DSS-treated mice, evidenced by the reduction of disease activity index (DAI), restoration of colonic histological damage and suppression of abnormal inflammatory response. Sequencing analysis indicated that intake of PT alleviated DSS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, accompanied by reversing the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs). Overall, our findings demonstrated that supplementation of PT attenuated the severity of intestinal inflammation and ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis in a murine colitis model, which provided a rationale for further application of edible seaweeds for preventing inflammation-related disorders in humans.

The Role of Diet, Additives, and Antibiotics in Metabolic Endotoxemia and Chronic Diseases

Background/Objectives: Dietary patterns, including high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets (HFDs and HCDs), as well as non-dietary factors such as food additives and antibiotics, are strongly linked to metabolic endotoxemia, a critical driver of low-grade chronic inflammation. This review explores the mechanisms through which these factors impair intestinal permeability, disrupt gut microbial balance, and facilitate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation into the bloodstream, contributing to metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: The analysis integrates findings from recent studies on the effects of dietary components and gut microbiota interactions on intestinal barrier function and systemic inflammation. Focus is given to experimental designs assessing gut permeability using biochemical and histological methods, alongside microbiota profiling in both human and animal models. Results: HFDs and HCDs were shown to increase intestinal permeability and systemic LPS levels, inducing gut dysbiosis and compromising barrier integrity. The resulting endotoxemia promoted a state of chronic inflammation, disrupting metabolic regulation and contributing to the pathogenesis of various metabolic diseases. Food additives and antibiotics further exacerbated these effects by altering microbial composition and increasing gut permeability. Conclusions: Diet-induced alterations in gut microbiota and barrier dysfunction emerge as key mediators of metabolic endotoxemia and related disorders. Addressing dietary patterns and their impact on gut health is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Further research is warranted to standardize methodologies and elucidate mechanisms for translating these findings into clinical applications.

Effects of dietary paddy rice on the growth, serum biochemistry, intestinal development, microbiota, and metabolism of young laying ducks in a rice-duck-crayfish farming system

This study investigated the effects of feeding paddy rice on the physiology, metabolism, and gut microbiota of ducks in a rice-duck-crayfish (RDC) system. A total of 540 ducks (20-days-old) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 3 replicates and 60 ducks per replicate. The 40-d experiment involved 3 diet treatments: a complete diet (CD), 50% paddy rice + 50% complete diet (RCD), and 100% paddy rice diet (RD). Results show that feeding paddy rice did not significantly affect duck growth, the final weight in the RD group was reduced by 5%, and the feed-to-gain ratio increased by 7% compared to the CD group. Additionally, compared with the CD group, the keel length, gizzard and proventriculus indices, and serum high-density lipoprotein levels increased (P < 0.05), and duodenal villus height and ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05) reduced in the RD group and ileal villus height decreased in the RCD group (P < 0.05). Compared with the CD group, the cecal abundance of Bacteroidota, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group decreased in the RD group (P < 0.05) while the abundance of Firmicutes, Megamonas and Faecalibacterium increased (P < 0.05). Metabolome analysis revealed that serum citric acid increased (P < 0.05) in the RCD and RD groups, whereas cytidine, cytosine, and 4-aminobutyric acid decreased (P < 0.05) in the RD group. In conclusion, these preliminary results suggest that paddy rice supplementation under an RDC system had no significant effect on duck growth, but it did cause changes in intestinal morphology, microbiota, and serum metabolic profiles. However, it is important to note that the limited overall number of replicates in this study contributed to a certain degree of high variance. While the growth differences among groups were not statistically significant, the full replacement of paddy rice still poses potential performance losses. In practical applications, this finding provides a reference for the RDC system, but further validation through larger-scale trials is required.

Oat anthranilamides regulates high-fat diet-induced intestinal inflammation by the TLR4/NF-κb signalling pathway and gut microbiota

Oat anthranilamides have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; however, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of oat anthranilamide B (AVN B) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced intestinal inflammation in mice and its underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that AVN B supplementation mitigated weight gain and reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in serum, liver, and intestines. It improved intestinal barrier dysfunction by upregulating the expression levels of Occludin and MUC2 while simultaneously reducing intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway. Additionally, AVN B treatment improved gut microbiota composition. It increased the abundance of beneficial flora and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially propionate and butyrate, associated with reduced production of pro-inflammatory factors and enhanced intestinal protection. The findings provide scientific evidence for the potential of AVN B as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Development of Saccharomyces cerevisiae accumulating excessive amount of glycogen and its effects on gut microbiota in a mouse model

Saccharomyces cerevisiae accumulates glycogen, a hyperbranched glucose polymer with multiple bio-functionalities. In this study, mutants of S. cerevisiae that accumulate excessive amounts of glycogen were developed through UV mutagenesis. From over 30,000 mutants, the mutant strain CEY1, which exhibited the highest glycogen production, was selected using iodine vapor screening. The glycogen structures of wild type (WT) and CEY1 were analyzed and found to be relatively similar in molecular weight, hydrodynamic diameter, and side-chain distribution. The glycogen from CEY1 contained long branches (DP >12) 23.6 % greater than those in Escherichia coli TBP38. In addition, WT and CEY1 glycogen showed 32 %-34 % digestibility, which is significantly lower than E. coli glycogen. The glycogen content in dried CEY1 cells was increased to 21.7 % during laboratory-scale fed-batch fermentation. Glycogen with a homogeneous structure was accumulated to 17.5 % (w/w dried cell), and the total glucan content was increased by 33.2 % during large-scale fed-batch fermentation. In a mouse model, a diet containing 30 % CEY1 increased the production of butyrate and populations of beneficial bacteria, including Bacteroides and Parabacteroides. Therefore, glycogen from CEY1 exhibits a distinct structure from other polysaccharides, with notably slow and low digestibility, thereby indicating its potential application as a dietary supplement.

Microglial DBP Signaling Mediates Behavioral Abnormality Induced by Chronic Periodontitis in Mice

Several lines of evidence implicate that chronic periodontitis (CP) increases the risk of mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, yet, the associated molecular mechanism for this remains poorly defined. Here, it is reported that mice subjected to CP exhibited depression-like behaviors and hippocampal memory deficits, accompanied by synapse loss and neurogenesis impairment in the hippocampus. RNA microarray analysis disclosed that albumin D-site-binding protein (DBP) is identified as the most prominently upregulated target gene following CP, and in vivo and in vitro immunofluorescence methods showed that DBP is preferentially expressed in microglia but not neurons or astrocytes in the hippocampus. Interestingly, it is found that the expression of DBP is significantly increased in microglia after CP, and knockdown of microglial DBP ameliorated the behavioral abnormality, as well as reversed the synapse loss and hippocampal neurogenesis damage induced by CP. Furthermore, DBP knockdown improved the CP-induced hippocampal inflammation and microglial polarization. Collectively, these results indicate a critical role of DBP in orchestrating chronic periodontitis-related behavioral abnormality, hippocampal synapse loss and neurogenesis deficits, in which the microglial activation may be indispensably involved.

Butyrate modulates gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory response in attenuating cisplatin-induced kidney injury

In our previous research, we reported that administering probiotics Lactobacillus reuteri and Clostridium butyricum (LCs) before cisplatin treatment effectively modifies structures of the gut microbiota and restore ecological balance and significantly increases butyrate levels, a process closely associated with reducing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. This study aims to investigate further whether the elevation of metabolite butyrate in the gut, promoted by probiotics LCs, can effectively mitigate the nephrotoxic effects of cisplatin and the progression of renal senescence in rats. Results show that butyrate administration significantly improved kidney function and decreased renal fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner compared to the cisplatin group. Its effects were associated with reductions in inflammatory responses, evidenced by decreased levels of key inflammatory markers, including KIM-1, MPO, NOX2, F4/80, and TGF-β1, alongside increased production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, the butyrate intervention ameliorated cisplatin-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, preserving the structure and diversity of healthy microbial communities. Specifically, we observed a decrease in the abundance of Escherichia_Shigella and Blautia, alongside an increase in the abundance of the butyrate-producing genus Roseburia. Notably, Escherichia_Shigella exhibited a positive correlation with the pro-inflammatory factor MPO, while displaying a negative correlation with the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Butyrate also attenuated the cisplatin-induced expression of senescence markers p21 and p16 in kidney tissue. It alleviated the cisplatin-increased senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity and reactive oxygen species production in SV40 MES-13 cells. These results indicate that butyrate, derived from the gut microbiota, may exert a protective effect against cisplatin-induced kidney damage by regulating microbiota balance and anti-inflammatory effects.

Multiple-Effect Combined Hydrogels: "Temporal Regulation" Treatment of Osteosarcoma-Associated Bone Defects with Switchable Hyperthermia and Bioactive Agents

Achieving the clinically staged treatment of osteosarcoma-associated bone defects encounters the multiple challenges of promptly removing postoperative residual tumor cells and bacterial infection, followed by bone reconstruction. Herein, a core/shell hydrogel with multiple-effect combination is designed to first exert antitumor and antibacterial activities and then promote osteogenesis. Specifically, doxorubicin (DOX) is loaded by magnesium-iron-based layered double hydroxide (LDH) to prepare LDOX, which is introduced into a thermo-sensitive hydrogel to serve as an outer shell of the core/shell hydrogel, meanwhile, LDH-contained liquid crystal hydrogel, abbreviated as LCgel-L, is served as an inner core. At the early stage of treatment, the dissociation of the outer shell triggered by moderate hyperthermia led to the thermo-sensitive release of LDOX, which can be targeted for the release of DOX within tumor cells, thereby promptly removing postoperative residual tumor cells based on the synergistic effect of photothermal therapy (PTT) and DOX, and postoperative bacterial infection can also be effectively prevented by PTT simultaneously. More importantly, the dissociation of the outer shell prompted the full exposure of the inner core, which will exert osteogenic activity based on the synergy of liquid crystal hydrogel as well as LDH-induced mild hyperthermia and ion effects, thereby enabling "temporal regulation" treatment of osteosarcoma-associated bone defects. This study provides a valuable insight for the development of osteosarcoma-associated bone repair materials.

Molecular patterns of microbial and metabolic interactions in septic patients with persistent lymphopenia

BACKGROUND

Persistent lymphopenia can be regarded as an important index of acquired immune dysfunction in sepsis. Whether the specific immune factor changes in septic patients with lymphopenia and the correlation to gut microbiota and metabolites remain unclear.

METHODS

This single-center prospective observation conducted lymphocyte subgroup analysis of blood samples and 16S rRNA gene amplicons sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis of fecal samples from 36 subjects with the persistent (≥3d) (n = 21) and non-persistent lymphopenia (<3d) (n = 15).

RESULTS

The persistent lymphopenia showed higher the 28d mortality and 90d mortality, while significantly lower CD3+T/LY, CD3+T cells, CD3+CD4+T cells, CD3+CD8+T cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, CD45RA + Treg cells. The 16S rRNA results showed that Staphylococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Bulleidia, Leuconostoc were significant enriched in the persistent lymphopenia. The metabolomics analysis showed that α-Ketoisovaleric acid was increased and 7-DHCA, α-MCA, β-MCA, HCA, LCA-3S, CA, UCA and Citramalic acid were decreased in the persistent lymphopenia.

CONCLUSION

In the process of interaction between host receptors and gut microbiota in patients with persistent lymphopenia sepsis, with a significant reduction in gut microbiota diversity and bile acid metabolites. That can affect various inflammatory pathways of gut immune cells, causing immune dysfunction in the body, which may be one of the main causes of death.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRa05 alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and intestinal microbiota disorder in mice

Probiotics play a crucial role in regulating the gut microbiota and enhancing immune response. Oral administration of probiotics modulates intestinal microbiota composition and immune homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the immunoregulatory effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRa05 on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressive mice. The results showed that oral administration of LRa05 reduced weight loss, restored immune organ indices, and maintained the structural integrity of the intestinal tissue in CTX-treated mice. Moreover, oral administration of LRa05 exhibited immune-modulating properties by promoting the secretion of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, and secretory immunoglobulin A) in serum. Moreover, the analysis of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that LRa05 increased gut microbiota diversity and regulated its composition. In detail, LRa05 intervention restored the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Oscillibacter, Alloprevotella, Parasutterella, and Roseburia in immunocompromised mice. Conversely, the abundances of Helicobacter, Bacteroides, and unclassified_Desulfovibrionaceae were significantly decreased after administration of LRa05. Based on these findings, orally administered LRa05 could effectively maintain intestinal microbiota homeostasis and regulate immunity, suggesting the potential of L. rhamnosus LRa05 as a candidate probiotic strain in the application of dietary supplement. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Supplement with L. rhamnosus LRa05 can improve immunity, regulate gut microbiota and promote body health.

Dysregulation of T cell response in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprised of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are gut inflammatory diseases that were earlier prevalent in the Western Hemisphere but now are on the rise in the East, with India standing second highest in the incidence rate in the world. Inflammation in IBD is a cause of dysregulated immune response, wherein helper T (Th) cell subsets and their cytokines play a major role in the pathogenesis of IBD. In addition, gut microbiota, environmental factors such as dietary factors and host genetics influence the outcome and severity of IBD. Dysregulation between effector and regulatory T cells drives gut inflammation, as effector T cells like Th1, Th17 and Th9 subsets Th cell lineages were found to be increased in IBD patients. In this review, we attempted to discuss the role of different Th cell subsets together with other T cells like CD8+ T cells, NKT and γδT cells in the outcome of gut inflammation in IBD. We also highlighted the potential therapeutic candidates for IBD.

Probiotics: a promising intervention for osteoporosis prevention and management

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic skeletal disease that is characterized by low bone mass and increased fracture risk. This article explores the potential of probiotics as an adjunctive approach for the prevention and management of OP. It has been well established that the gut microbiota (GM), a complex community of microbes, plays an important role in bone health. The gut dysbiosis is linked with a higher risk of OP. However, the consumption of probiotics in adequate amounts restores gut health thus improving bone health. Probiotics may influence bone metabolism through enhanced calcium absorption, reduced inflammation, and increased bone formation. The animal and human studies demonstrate the positive effects of probiotics on bone health parameters like reduced osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption markers, osteoblast, osteocyte apoptosis, and increased bone mineral density and expression of osteoprotegerin. The current evidence suggests that probiotics can be used as an adjunctive approach along with the existing therapies for the prevention and management of OP.

The Gut-Heart Axis: Molecular Perspectives and Implications for Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the leading cause of death globally, imposing a significant burden on healthcare systems and patients. The gut-heart axis, a bidirectional network connecting gut health to cardiovascular outcomes, has recently emerged as a critical factor in MI pathophysiology. Disruptions in this axis, including gut dysbiosis and compromised intestinal barrier integrity, lead to systemic inflammation driven by gut-derived metabolites like lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), both of which exacerbate MI progression. In contrast, metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from a balanced microbiota exhibit protective effects against cardiac damage. This review examines the molecular mediators of the gut-heart axis, considering the role of factors like sex-specific hormones, aging, diet, physical activity, and alcohol consumption on gut health and MI outcomes. Additionally, we highlight therapeutic approaches, including dietary interventions, personalized probiotics, and exercise regimens. Addressing the gut-heart axis holds promise for reducing MI risk and improving recovery, positioning it as a novel target in cardiovascular therapy.

Chondroitin sulfate sponge scaffold for slow-release Mg2+/Cu2+ in diabetic wound management: Hemostasis, effusion absorption, and healing

The management of diabetic wounds presents significant challenges due to persistent inflammation, microenvironmental disruptions, and impaired angiogenesis. To address these issues, this study developed a multifunctional chondroitin sulfate sponge (CSP@Cu-Mg) with anti-inflammatory properties, hemostatic effects, effusion absorption, and enhanced healing promotion. Through ion crosslinking, MgO and CuO were incorporated into the interpenetrating network structure of chondroitin sulfate and acellular dermal matrix, resulting in a sponge with impressive liquid absorption capacity (3450 %) and porosity (83 %). This sponge enabled sustained release of Mg2+/Cu2+ ions, with approximately 40 % cumulative release over 7 days. This release helped reduce inflammation, promote the proliferation and migration of skin repair-related cells, and stimulate angiogenesis. In vivo studies demonstrated that the CSP@Cu-Mg sponge significantly improved diabetic wound healing by modulating inflammation and accelerating collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization. This extracellular matrix sponge, which synergistically releases Mg2+/Cu2+, presents a promising strategy for comprehensive diabetic wound management with substantial clinical implications.

Supplementation with inulin reverses cognitive flexibility alterations and modulates the gut microbiota in high-fat-fed mice

Introduction

Alterations in cognitive performance are associated with inadequate nutritional states and diet composition. Prebiotics, such as inulin, are substances that can modulate the gut microbiome and, consequently, brain function by producing metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with inulin on cognitive flexibility, body composition, and gut microbiota in a murine model exposed to a high-fat (HF) diet.

Methods

CD1 mice were divided into five groups: control fed a standard diet (C), high-fat diet (HF), inulin (I), high-fat diet with inulin (HFI), and manipulation control (M). Dietary supplementation was administered for 6 weeks. Cognitive flexibility was assessed using the Attentional Set-Shifting Test (AST). In addition, body composition was measured via electrical bioimpedance and adipose tissue compartments of each mouse were removed and weighed. Finally, gut microbiota metataxonomic was analyzed through metataxonomic bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

We observed that HF group required more AST trials than the C, HFI, and I groups in the compound discrimination (CD) and extra-dimensional (ED) stages. Notably, the HFI group required fewer trials than the HF group in the ED stage (p = 0.0187). No significant differences in overall body composition were observed between the groups. However, the percentage of gonadal and peritoneal adipose tissue was significantly higher in the HF and I groups compared to the C group. Statistically significant differences in alpha diversity for gut microbiota were observed using the Shannon, Simpson, and Chao1 indices. The I group showed a decrease in bacterial diversity compared to the HF group. While no differences were observed between groups in the phyla Bacillota and Bacteroidotes, Clostridium bacteria represented a lower proportion of sequences in the I group compared to the C group. Additionally, Lactobacillus represented a lower proportion of sequences in the HF group compared to the C and I groups.

Discussion

These findings suggest that supplementation with inulin could be a useful approach to mitigate the negative effects of an HF diet on cognitive flexibility and modulate gut microbiota composition.