Gut flora in health and disease

Increasing degree of substitution inhibits acetate while promotes butyrate production during in vitro fermentation of citric acid-modified rice starch

Citric acid-modified starch functions as a resistant starch, while the combined effects of its fine molecular structure and degree of substitution on gut microbiota are not well understood. To this end, citric acid-modified starches with varying degrees of substitution were synthesized from rice starches with distinct molecular structures and their impact on gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was analyzed. Notably, rice starch with a higher degree of substitution significantly reduced acetate production, while promoted butyrate production. Correlation analysis further suggested that amylopectin chains with 12 < DP ≤ 36 and amylose chains with 100 < DP ≤ 500 alter the growth of Faecalibacterium_prausnitzii and Bacteroides_vulgatus, consequentially determining the production of SCFAs. Collectively, these findings indicate that citric acid-modified rice starch with different degrees of substitution can target specific gut bacteria and SCFA production, thus conferring beneficial impact on human health.

Holistic Evaluation of the Gut Microbiota through Data Envelopment Analysis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, but maintaining a healthy gut microbiome remains challenging. Current approaches often focus on individual components rather than providing a holistic assessment.

Objectives

To introduce and evaluate a novel approach using data envelopment analysis (DEA) for assessing gut microbiota efficiency and identifying potential targets for personalized interventions.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 577 participants from the Kanagawa "ME-BYO" Prospective Cohort Study. Lifestyle factors and gut microbiota composition were assessed. DEA was employed to calculate an efficiency score for each participant, incorporating multiple inputs (lifestyle factors) and outputs (gut microbiotas). This score represents how efficiently an individual's lifestyle factors contribute to their gut microbiota composition. Tobit regression analysis was used to assess associations between efficiency scores and demographic and health-related factors.

Results

The mean efficiency score was 0.86, with 14.2% of participants classified as efficient. Efficiency scores showed positive correlations with alcohol intake and Faith's phylogenetic diversity. Tobit regression analysis revealed significant associations between efficiency scores and sex, fat intake, and yogurt consumption. DEA identified specific targets for improving gut microbiota composition in inefficient individuals.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential of DEA as a tool for evaluating gut microbiota efficiency and providing personalized recommendations for microbiota optimization. This approach could lead to more effective strategies for optimizing gut health across diverse populations.

2-Bromopalmitate-Induced Intestinal Flora Changes and Testicular Dysfunction in Mice

2-Bromopalmitate (2-BP) is a palmitoylation inhibitor that can prevent the binding of palmitic acid to proteins, thereby exhibiting significant effects in promoting inflammation and regulating the immune system. However, limited research has been conducted regarding the direct effects of 2-BP on the animal organism. Therefore, we probed mice injected with 2-BP for altered expression of inflammatory genes, with a focus on demonstrating changes in the intestinal flora as well as damage to the reproductive system. Our findings indicate that 2-BP can induce substantial inflammatory responses in visceral organs and cause testicular dysfunction. The key changes in the gut microbiota were characterized by an abundance of Firmicutes, Clostridiales, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Desulfovibrio, Muribaculaceae, and Alistipes, and their metabolism has been intricately linked to visceral inflammation. Overall, the findings of this study provide a sound scientific basis for understanding the impact of high doses of 2-BP in mammals, while also offering crucial support for the development of preclinical models to suppress palmitoylation.

The effect of probiotics on select cognitive domains in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are progressive neurodegenerative disorders, and probiotics may offer therapeutic benefits by modulating gut microbiota and reducing inflammation.

Objective

This study systematically evaluated the impact of probiotics on cognitive function in MCI and AD through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases were searched for RCTs (January 2000-January 2024) on probiotic interventions lasting 8-24 weeks. Cognitive outcomes included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), language, naming, visual-spatial, memory, and attention. Data were analyzed using R with a random-effects model to calculate pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk of bias was rigorously assessed.

Results

Out of 2000 articles, 500 full texts were screened, and 10 studies were included. The meta-analysis showed varied effect sizes: MMSE (SMD: 0.28, 95%CI -0.35-0.91, p = 0.38), MoCA (SMD: 0.51, 95%CI -0.49-1.52, p = 0.33), language (SMD: -0.12, 95% CI -0.54-0.29, p = 0.56), naming (SMD: 0.02, 95%CI -0.69-0.74, p = 0.95), visual-spatial (SMD: 0.38, 95%CI -0.13-0.88, p = 0.14), memory (SMD: 0.20, 95%CI -0.15-0.55, p = 0.26), and attention (SMD: -0.07, 95%CI -0.44-0.30, p = 0.71). Positive SMDs suggest cognitive improvement, while non-significant negative SMDs indicate trends toward decline, inclined by probiotic strains, duration, and participant characteristics.

Conclusions

Probiotics did not significantly improve cognitive function in MCI and AD patients, with variability in effects across cognitive domains, suggesting the need for tailored interventions and future studies.

Impact of Bifidobacterium longum Subspecies infantis on Pediatric Gut Health and Nutrition: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Background: the intestinal microbiota, a complex community vital to human health, is shaped by microbial competition and host-driven selective pressures. Among these microbes, Bifidobacterium plays a crucial role in early gut colonization during neonatal stages, where Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis) predominates and is particularly prevalent in healthy breastfed infants. Objectives: as we embark on a new era in nutrition of the pediatric population, this study seeks to examine the existing understanding regarding B. infantis, encompassing both preclinical insights and clinical evidence. Methods: through a narrative disceptation of the current literature, we focus on its genetic capacity to break down various substances that support its survival and dominance in the intestine. Results: using "omics" technologies, researchers have identified beneficial mechanisms of B. infantis, including the production of short-chain fatty acids, serine protease inhibitors, and polysaccharides. While B. infantis declines with age and in various diseases, it remains a widely used probiotic with documented benefits for infant and child health in numerous studies. Conclusions: the current scientific evidence underscores the importance for ongoing research and clinical trials for a deeper understanding of B. infantis's role in promoting long-term health.

Comparative Study of an Antioxidant Compound and Ethoxyquin on Feed Oxidative Stability and on Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health in Starter Broiler Chickens

Concerns over the safety of ethoxyquin (EQ) highlight the need for safer, more effective feed antioxidants. This study investigated a healthier antioxidant compound (AC) as a potential alternative to EQ in broilers. A total of 351 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus male broilers were randomly assigned to three treatments for 21 days: control (CON), EQ group (200 g/ton EQ at 60% purity), and AC group (200 g/ton AC containing 18% butylated hydroxytoluene, 3% citric acid, and 1% tertiary butylhydroquinone). AC supplementation reduced the acid value, peroxide value, and malondialdehyde content in stored feed, decreased feed intake and the feed conversion ratio without affecting body weight gain, and enhanced antioxidant capacity (liver total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase; intestinal catalase and glutathione peroxidase 7). It improved intestinal morphology and decreased barrier permeability (lower diamine oxidase and D-lactate), potentially by promoting ZO-1, Occludin, and Mucin2 expression. The AC also upregulated NF-κB p50 and its inhibitor (NF-κB p105), enhancing immune regulation. Additionally, the AC tended to increase beneficial gut microbiota, including Lactobacillus, and reduced Bacteroides, Corprococcus, and Anaeroplasma. Compared to EQ, the AC further enhanced feed oxidative stability, the feed conversion ratio, intestinal morphology and barrier functions, and inflammatory status, suggesting its potential as a superior alternative to EQ for broiler diets.

Arterial Hypertension: Novel Pharmacological Targets and Future Perspectives

Arterial hypertension (HTN) is one of the major global contributors to cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality, particularly due to its impact on vital organs and the coexistence of various comorbidities such as chronic renal disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, and obesity. Regardless of the accessibility of several well-established pharmacological treatments, the percentage of patients achieving adequate blood pressure (BP) control is still significantly lower than recommended levels. Therefore, the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of HTN is currently the major focus of healthcare systems. Various strategies are being applied, such as the development of new pharmacological agents that target different underlying physiopathological mechanisms or associated comorbidities. Additionally, a novel group of interventional techniques has emerged in recent years, specifically for situations when blood pressure is not properly controlled despite the use of multiple antihypertensives in maximum doses or when patients are unable to tolerate or desire not to receive antihypertensive medications. Nonetheless, reducing the focus on antihypertensive medication development by the pharmaceutical industry and increasing recognition of ineffective HTN control due to poor drug adherence demands ongoing research into alternative approaches to treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize the potential novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of arterial hypertension as well as the future perspectives of the treatment strategy.

A Study on Hollow Viscus Perforation in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Introduction Hollow viscus perforation refers to the perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, or other hollow organs, leading to leakage of the contents into the peritoneal cavity. This paper aims to explore the disease burden of hollow viscus perforation in Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital in Chennai, India, and its relation to patients' age and sex and analyze the etiology of hollow viscus perforation. Materials and methods This single-center retrospective study was conducted between May 2022 and August 2023, with a sample size of 100 patients. Data were extracted from the hospital's medical records based on the study's parameters. Results Our study shows that among the study group, hollow viscus perforation was more common in males (n = 78; 78%) than females. The highest incidence was observed in the 41-50 age group (n = 35; 35%), with the mean age being 43 years. The most common cause of perforation was a duodenal ulcer. Wound infection was the most frequent postoperative complication, affecting less than one-third of the patients (n = 29; 29%), followed by pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Although large intestinal pathology affected only eight patients in the sample, it showed a high case fatality rate, with one-quarter of the patients (n = 2; 25%) succumbing to the condition. Conclusion Hollow viscus perforation is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment. The etiology is diverse, ranging from peptic ulcer disease and malignancy to trauma and inflammatory conditions. Early diagnosis and aggressive management are essential for improving the outcome for patients with this condition.

Psychobiotic Properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders are the main cause of cognitive and physical disabilities, affect millions of people worldwide, and their incidence is on the rise. Emerging evidence pinpoints a disturbance of the communication of the gut-brain axis, and in particular to gut microbial dysbiosis, as one of the contributors to the pathogenesis of these diseases. In fact, dysbiosis has been associated with neuro-inflammatory processes, hyperactivation of the neuronal immune system, impaired cognitive functions, aging, depression, sleeping disorders, and anxiety. With the rapid advance in metagenomics, metabolomics, and big data analysis, together with a multidisciplinary approach, a new horizon has just emerged in the fields of translational neurodegenerative disease. In fact, recent studies focusing on taxonomic profiling and leaky gut in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders are not only shedding light on an overlooked field but are also creating opportunities for biomarker discovery and development of new therapeutic and adjuvant strategies to treat these disorders. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LBP) strains are emerging as promising psychobiotics for the treatment of these diseases. In fact, LBP strains are able to promote eubiosis, increase the enrichment of bacteria producing beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, boost the production of neurotransmitters, and support the homeostasis of the gut-brain axis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders with a particular focus on the benefits of LBP strains in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, anxiety, and depression.

High-Salt Diet and Intestinal Microbiota: Influence on Cardiovascular Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Salt, or sodium chloride, is an essential component of the human diet. Recent studies have demonstrated that dietary patterns characterized by a high intake of salt can influence the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota, and may play a pivotal role in the etiology and exacerbation of certain diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this review is to synthesize the effects of elevated salt consumption on the gut microbiota, including its influence on gut microbial metabolites and the gut immune system. Additionally, this review will investigate the potential implications of these effects for the development of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The findings of this study offer novel insights and avenues for the management of two common conditions with significant clinical implications.

Oral probiotic administration attenuates postexercise inflammation in horses

Probiotics are commonly incorporated into equine diets to impart health and performance benefits; however, peer-reviewed evidence supporting their efficacy in horses is limited. Interestingly, bacteria from the Bacillus genus are gaining interest for their unique ability to impact metabolic, immune, and inflammatory pathways. The objective of this trial was to evaluate a selection of Bacilli for their role in altering the inflammatory response in horses to exercise. Eighteen horses were utilized in a randomized cross-over trial. Horses were randomly assigned to one of 6 starting treatments including a negative and positive control, and groups that received one of 4 probiotics (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, Bacillus subtilis-1, Bacillus subtilis-2, or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) top dressed to their daily ration at a rate of 8 billion CFU/d mixed into dried whey powder. All horses received a similar base diet of grass hay offered at 2.0% of bodyweight daily along with 4.54 kg of a commercially available textured horse feed. Each 3-wk phase of the trial consisted of a 2-wk dietary acclimation followed by a 1-wk exercise challenge and sample collection. Between phases, horses were offered only their base diet. On the day of exercise, horses were offered their 0700 ration and then subjected to a 2-h standardized exercise test. Blood samples were obtained prior to starting exercise and then again at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48, and 72-h postexercise. Horses in the positive control group were administered 0.23 mg/kg BW flunixin meglumine immediately following the 0-h sampling. Samples were analyzed for serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations. Data were evaluated via ANOVA using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. Exercise-induced inflammation as evidenced by SAA, IL-6, and PGE2 increases postexercise. Horses consuming B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 had reduced production of SAA, IL-6, and PGE2 compared to all other probiotic-fed groups and the negative control (P < 0.001). The positive control successfully ameliorated the postexercise inflammatory response. These data highlight the potential for B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 to be incorporated into equine rations as a method to support optimal response to exercise or other inflammation-inducing challenges. Additional research is ongoing to elucidate the methodology by which these results occur.

Functional modification of gut bacteria for disease diagnosis and treatment

Intestinal bacteria help keep humans healthy by regulating lipid and glucose metabolism as well as the immunological and neurological systems. Oral treatment using intestinal bacteria is limited by the high acidity of stomach fluids and the immune system's attack on foreign bacteria. Scientists have created coatings and workarounds to overcome these limitations and improve bacterial therapy. These preparations have demonstrated promising outcomes, with advances in synthetic biology and optogenetics improving their focused colonization and controlled release. Engineering bacteria preparations have become a revolutionary therapeutic approach that converts intestinal bacteria into cellular factories for medicinal chemical synthesis. The present paper discusses various aspects of engineering bacteria preparations, including wrapping materials, biomedical uses, and future developments.

The comparison of gut microbiota between wild and captive Asian badgers (Meles leucurus) under different seasons

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the immunology, physiology and growth and development of animals. However, currently, there is a lack of available sequencing data on the gut microbiota of Asian badgers. Studying the gut microbiota of Asian badgers could provide fundamental data for enhancing productivity and immunity of badgers' breeding, as well as for the protection of wild animals. In this study, we first characterized the composition and structure of the gut microbiota in the large intestines of wild and captive Asian badgers during summer and winter by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. A total of 9 dominant phyla and 12 genera among the bacterial communities of the large intestines exhibited significant differences. Our results showed that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the most predominant in both wild and captive badgers, regardless of the season. Romboutsia, Streptococcus and Enterococcus may represent potential sources of zoonoses, warranting further attention and study. Our findings indicated that the diversity and availability of food resources were the most important influencing factors on the gut microbiota of Asian badgers, providing fundamental data for the protection and conservation of wild animals. Variation in the gut microbiota due to season, age and sex in both wild and captive Asian badgers should be considered in future research directions. Furthermore, combined multi-omics studies could provide more information for wild animal conservation, and enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanism between the microbiota and host.

Mapping the geographical distribution of the mucosa-associated gut microbiome in GI-symptomatic children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and communication impairments. In the past few years, it has been proposed that alterations in the gut microbiota may contribute to an aberrant communication between the gut and brain in children with ASD. Consistent with this notion, several studies have demonstrated that children with ASD have an altered fecal microbiota compared with typically developing (TD) children. However, it is unclear where along the length of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract these alterations in microbial communities occur. In addition, the variation between specific mucosa-associated communities remains unknown. To address this gap in knowledge of the microbiome associated with ASD, biopsies from the antrum, duodenum, ileum, right colon, and rectum of children with ASD and age- and sex-matched TD children were examined by 16S rRNA sequencing. We observed an overall elevated abundance of Bacillota and Bacteroidota and a decreased abundance of Pseudomonadota in all GI tract regions of both male and female children with ASD compared with TD children. Further analysis at the genera level revealed unique differences in the microbiome in the different regions of the GI tract in children with ASD compared with TD children. We also observed sex-specific differences in the gut microbiota composition in children with ASD. These data indicate that the microbiota of children with ASD is altered in multiple regions of the GI tract and that different anatomic locations have unique alterations in mucosa-associated bacterial genera.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Analysis in stool samples has shown gut microbiota alterations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with typically developing (TD) children. However, it is unclear which segment(s) of the gut exhibit alterations in microbiome composition. In this study, we examined microbiota composition along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in the stomach, duodenum, ileum, right colon, and rectum. We found site-specific and sex-specific differences in the gut microbiota of children with ASD, compared with controls.

Overview of cloning in lactic acid bacteria: Expression and its application of probiotic potential in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) imposes a significant impact on the quality of life for affected individuals. However, there was a current lack of a systematic summary regarding the latest epidemic trends and the underlying pathogenesis of IBD. This highlights the need for a thorough examination of both the epidemiological aspects of IBD and the specific mechanisms by which lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contribute to mitigating this condition. In developed countries, higher incidences and death rates of IBD have been observed, influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. LAB offer significant advantages and substantial potential for enhancing IBD treatment. LAB's capabilities include the production of bioactive metabolites, regulation of gut immunity, protection of intestinal mechanical barriers, inhibition of oxidative damage, and restoration of imbalanced gut microbiota. The review suggests that screening effective LAB using cell models and metabolites, optimizing LAB intake through dose-effect studies, enhancing utilization through nanoencapsulation and microencapsulation, investigating mechanisms to deepen the understanding of LAB, and refining clinical study designs. These efforts aim to contribute to comprehending the epidemic trend, pathogenesis, and treatment of IBD, ultimately fostering the development of targeted therapeutic products, such as LAB-based interventions.

A computational model for potential microbe-disease association detection based on improved graph convolutional networks and multi-channel autoencoders

Introduction

Accumulating evidence shows that human health and disease are closely related to the microbes in the human body.

Methods

In this manuscript, a new computational model based on graph attention networks and sparse autoencoders, called GCANCAE, was proposed for inferring possible microbe-disease associations. In GCANCAE, we first constructed a heterogeneous network by combining known microbe-disease relationships, disease similarity, and microbial similarity. Then, we adopted the improved GCN and the CSAE to extract neighbor relations in the adjacency matrix and novel feature representations in heterogeneous networks. After that, in order to estimate the likelihood of a potential microbe associated with a disease, we integrated these two types of representations to create unique eigenmatrices for diseases and microbes, respectively, and obtained predicted scores for potential microbe-disease associations by calculating the inner product of these two types of eigenmatrices.

Results and discussion

Based on the baseline databases such as the HMDAD and the Disbiome, intensive experiments were conducted to evaluate the prediction ability of GCANCAE, and the experimental results demonstrated that GCANCAE achieved better performance than state-of-the-art competitive methods under the frameworks of both 2-fold and 5-fold CV. Furthermore, case studies of three categories of common diseases, such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and type 2 diabetes (T2D), confirmed the efficiency of GCANCAE.

The Human Microbiome as a Therapeutic Target for Metabolic Diseases

The human microbiome functions as a separate organ in a symbiotic relationship with the host. Disruption of this host-microbe symbiosis can lead to serious health problems. Modifications to the composition and function of the microbiome have been linked to changes in host metabolic outcomes. Industrial lifestyles with high consumption of processed foods, alcoholic beverages and antibiotic use have significantly altered the gut microbiome in unfavorable ways. Therefore, understanding the causal relationship between the human microbiome and host metabolism will provide important insights into how we can better intervene in metabolic health. In this review, I will discuss the potential use of the human microbiome as a therapeutic target to improve host metabolism.

Association Between Gut and Nasal Microbiota and Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic non-infectious inflammation of the nasal mucosa mediated by specific IgE. Recently, the human microbiome has drawn broad interest as a potential new target for treating this condition. This paper succinctly summarizes the main findings of 17 eligible studies published by February 2024, involving 1044 allergic rhinitis patients and 954 healthy controls from 5 countries. These studies examine differences in the human microbiome across important mucosal interfaces, including the nasal and intestinal areas, between patients and controls. Overall, findings suggest variations in the gut microbiota between allergic rhinitis patients and healthy individuals, although the specific bacterial taxa that significantly changed were not always consistent across studies. Due to the limited scope of existing research and patient coverage, the relationship between the nasal microbiome and allergic rhinitis remains inconclusive. The article discusses the potential immune-regulating role of the gut microbiome in allergic rhinitis. Further well-designed clinical trials with large-scale recruitment of allergic rhinitis patients are encouraged.

Exploring the gut microbiome: probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics as key players in human health and disease improvement

The human gut microbiome accompanies us from birth, and it is developed and matured by diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. During aging, the bacterial composition evolves in reciprocal communication with the host's physiological properties. Many diseases are closely related to the gut microbiome, which means the modulation of the gut microbiome can promote the disease targeting remote organs. This review explores the intricate interaction between the gut microbiome and other organs, and their improvement from disease by prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics. Each section of the review is supported by clinical trials that substantiate the benefits of modulation the gut microbiome through dietary intervention for improving primary health outcomes across various axes with the gut. In conclusion, the review underscores the significant potential of targeting the gut microbiome for therapeutic and preventative interventions in a wide range of diseases, calling for further research to fully unlock the microbiome's capabilities in enhancing human health.

Sequential Sampling of the Gastrointestinal Tract to Characterize the Entire Digestive Microbiome in Japanese Subjects

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors trillions of microorganisms known to influence human health and disease, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) now enables the in-depth analysis of their diversity and functions. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted on the GI microbiome, comprehensive metagenomic datasets covering the entire tract are scarce due to cost and technical challenges. Despite the widespread use of fecal samples, integrated datasets encompassing the entire digestive process, beginning at the mouth and ending with feces, are lacking. With this study, we aimed to fill this gap by analyzing the complete metagenome of the GI tract, providing insights into the dynamics of the microbiota and potential therapeutic avenues. In this study, we delved into the complex world of the GI microbiota, which we examined in five healthy Japanese subjects. While samples from the whole GI flora and fecal samples provided sufficient bacteria, samples obtained from the stomach and duodenum posed a challenge. Using a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), clear clustering patterns were identified; these revealed significant diversity in the duodenum. Although this study was limited by its small sample size, the flora in the overall GI tract showed unwavering consistency, while the duodenum exhibited unprecedented phylogenetic diversity. A visual heat map illustrates the discrepancy in abundance, with Fusobacteria and Bacilli dominating the upper GI tract and Clostridia and Bacteroidia dominating the fecal samples. Negativicutes and Actinobacteria were found throughout the digestive tract. This study demonstrates that it is possible to continuously collect microbiome samples throughout the human digestive tract. These findings not only shed light on the complexity of GI microbiota but also provide a basis for future research.

Encapsulated Mn-Saturated Lactoferrin as a Safe Source of Manganese Ions for Restoring Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum

The growth of Lactobacillus plantarum, a member of the Lactobacillus genus, which plays a crucial role in the bacterial microbiome of the gut, is significantly influenced by manganese ions. They can be safely delivered to the intestines by exploiting the chelating abilities of lactoferrin. The aim of this work was to encapsulate lactoferrin saturated with manganese ions (MnLf) in a system based on the Eudragit® RS polymer to protect protein from degradation and manganese release in the gastric environment. The entrapment efficiency was satisfactory, reaching about 95%, and most importantly, manganese ions were not released during microparticles (MPs) formation. The release profile of the protein from the freshly prepared MPs was sustained, with less than 15% of the protein released within the first hour. To achieve similar protein release efficiency, freeze-drying was carried out in the presence of 10% (w/v) mannitol as a cryoprotectant for MPs frozen at -20 °C. MPs with encapsulated MnLf exhibited prebiotic activity towards Lactobacillus plantarum. More importantly, the presence of equivalent levels of manganese ions in free form in the medium, as well as chelating by lactoferrin encapsulated in MPs, had a similar impact on stimulating bacterial growth. This indicates that the bioavailability of manganese ions in our prepared system is very good.

Gut microbiome in the Graves' disease: Comparison before and after anti-thyroid drug treatment

While several studies have proposed a connection between the gut microbiome and the pathogenesis of Graves's disease (GD), there has been a lack of reports on alteration in microbiome following using anti-thyroid drug treatment (ATD) to treat GD. Stool samples were collected from newly diagnosed GD patients provided at baseline and after 6 months of ATD treatment. The analysis focused on investigating the association between the changes in the gut microbiome and parameter including thyroid function, thyroid-related antibodies, and the symptom used to assess hyperthyroidism before and after treatment. A healthy control (HC) group consisting of data from 230 healthy subjects (110 males and 120 females) sourced from the open EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database was included. Twenty-nine GD patients (14 males and 15 females) were enrolled. The analysis revealed a significant reduction of alpha diversity in GD patients. However, after ATD treatment, alpha diversity exhibited a significant increase, restored to levels comparable to the HC levels. Additionally, GD patients displayed lower levels of Firmicutes and higher levels of Bacteroidota. Following treatment, there was an increased in Firmicutes and a decrease in Bacteroidota, resembling levels found in the HC levels. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism were negatively associated with Firmicutes and positively associated with Bacteroidota. GD had significantly lower levels of Roseburia, Lachnospiraceaea, Sutterella, Escherichia-shigella, Parasuterella, Akkermansia, and Phascolarctobacterium compared to HC (all p < 0.05). Post-treatment, Subdoligranulum increased (p = 0.010), while Veillonella and Christensenellaceaea R-7 group decreased (p = 0.023, p = 0.029, respectively). Anaerostipes showed a significant association with both higher smoking pack years and TSHR-Ab levels, with greater abundantce observed in smokers among GD (p = 0.16). Although reduced ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was evident in GD, this ratio recovered after treatment. This study postulates the involvement of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of GD, suggesting potential restoration after treatment.

Antidiabetic Potential of Tea and Its Active Compounds: From Molecular Mechanism to Clinical Evidence

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder that poses a long-term risk to human health accompanied by serious complications. Common antidiabetic drugs are usually accompanied by side effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. There is an urgent need for natural dietary alternatives for diabetic treatment. Tea (Camellia sinensis) consumption has been widely investigated to lower the risk of diabetes and its complications through restoring glucose metabolism homeostasis, safeguarding pancreatic β-cells, ameliorating insulin resistance, ameliorating oxidative stresses, inhibiting inflammatory response, and regulating intestinal microbiota. It is indispensable to develop effective strategies to improve the absorption of tea active compounds and exert combinational effects with other natural compounds to broaden its hypoglycemic potential. The advances in clinical trials and population-based investigations are also discussed. This review primarily delves into the antidiabetic potential and underlying mechanisms of tea active compounds, providing a theoretical basis for the practical application of tea and its active compounds against diabetes.

Role of sulfidogenic members of the gut microbiota in human disease

The human gut flora comprises a dynamic network of bacterial species that coexist in a finely tuned equilibrium. The interaction with intestinal bacteria profoundly influences the host's development, metabolism, immunity, and overall health. Furthermore, dysbiosis, a disruption of the gut microbiota, can induce a variety of diseases, not exclusively associated with the intestinal tract. The increased consumption of animal protein, high-fat and high-sugar diets in Western countries has been implicated in the rise of chronic and inflammatory illnesses associated with dysbiosis. In particular, this diet leads to the overgrowth of sulfide-producing bacteria, known as sulfidogenic bacteria, which has been linked to inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer, among other disorders. Sulfidogenic bacteria include sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfovibrio spp.) and Bilophila wadsworthia among others, which convert organic and inorganic sulfur compounds to sulfide through the dissimilatory sulfite reduction pathway. At high concentrations, sulfide is cytotoxic and disrupts the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and mucus barrier, triggering inflammation. Besides producing sulfide, B. wadsworthia has revealed significant pathogenic potential, demonstrated in the ability to cause infection, adhere to intestinal cells, promote inflammation, and compromise the integrity of the colonic mucus layer. This review delves into the mechanisms by which taurine and sulfide-driven gut dysbiosis contribute to the pathogenesis of sulfidogenic bacteria, and discusses the role of these gut microbes, particularly B. wadsworthia, in human diseases.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in a Domestic Ferret Suffering from Chronic Diarrhea and Maldigestion-Fecal Microbiota and Clinical Outcome: A Case Report

This case report describes the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) administered via enema in a 4-year-old spayed, champagne Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with chronic diarrhea, maldigestion and weight loss. We aimed to establish a protocol for FMT as a novel therapeutic treatment for chronic diarrhea in domestic ferrets. We mapped the fecal microbiome by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to track the patient's fecal microbiota throughout the treatment and observation period. Initial oral FMTs were associated with temporary weight improvement but subsequent treatments, via enema and oral delivery, showed varied outcomes. Molecular analysis highlighted distinct gut microbiota composition profiles between the healthy donor and the diseased ferret. The diseased ferret initially exhibited high abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia, and Enterobacter, which ultimately normalized to level like those found in the donor ferret. Overall, the gut microbiota of the recipient became more similar to the donor microbiota using a Yue-Clayton theta coefficients analysis. After a restoration of the gut microbiota and clinical improvement, the recipient's symptoms returned indicating that repeated FMTs might be required for long-term resolution of symptoms and complete restructuring of the gut microbiota. Future studies are warranted to map the microbiome of a larger population of domestic ferrets to investigate a potential correlation between fecal microbiota profiles and chronic/acute gastrointestinal disorders.

Fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy: A perspective

Due to its complex pathogenesis, treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) continues to be a therapeutic challenge. Of late, gut microbiome has garnered much attention for its role in the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal and liver diseases and its potential therapeutic use. New evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays a significant role in cerebral homeostasis. Alteration in the gut microbiota has been documented in patients with HE in a number of clinical and experimental studies. Research on gut dysbiosis in patients with HE has opened newer therapeutic avenues in the form of probiotics, prebiotics and the latest fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Recent studies have shown that FMT is safe and could be effective in improving outcomes in advanced liver disease patients presenting with HE. However, questions over the appropriate dose, duration and route of administration for best treatment outcome remains unsettled.

Unraveling the Microbiome-Human Body Axis: A Comprehensive Examination of Therapeutic Strategies, Interactions and Implications

This review scrutinizes the intricate interplay between the microbiome and the human body, exploring its multifaceted dimensions and far-reaching implications. The human microbiome, comprising diverse microbial communities inhabiting various anatomical niches, is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of human health and disease. Through an extensive examination of current research, this review elucidates the dynamic interactions between the microbiome and host physiology across multiple organ systems. Key topics include the establishment and maintenance of microbiota diversity, the influence of host factors on microbial composition, and the bidirectional communication pathways between microbiota and host cells. Furthermore, we delve into the functional implications of microbiome dysbiosis in disease states, emphasizing its role in shaping immune responses, metabolic processes, and neurological functions. Additionally, this review discusses emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the microbiome to restore host-microbe homeostasis and promote health. Microbiota fecal transplantation represents a groundbreaking therapeutic approach in the management of dysbiosis-related diseases, offering a promising avenue for restoring microbial balance within the gut ecosystem. This innovative therapy involves the transfer of fecal microbiota from a healthy donor to an individual suffering from dysbiosis, aiming to replenish beneficial microbial populations and mitigate pathological imbalances. By synthesizing findings from diverse fields, this review offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between the microbiome and the human body, highlighting avenues for future research and clinical interventions.

The gut-brain-axis: A positive relationship between gut microbial dysbiosis and glioblastoma brain tumour

The glioblastoma brain tumour (GBM) stands out as the most aggressive and resistant-to-treatment malignancy. Nevertheless, the gut-brain connection plays a pivotal role in influencing the growth and activation of the central nervous system. In this particular investigation, we aimed to assess and characterize the gut microbial ecosystem in GBM patients, both quantitatively and qualitatively. We collected faecal samples from 15 healthy volunteers and 25 GBM patients. To delve into the microbial content, we employed PCR-DGGE, targeting the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and conducted qPCR to measure the levels of crucial intestinal bacteria. For a more in-depth analysis, high-throughput sequencing was performed on a selection of 20 random faecal samples (10 from healthy individuals and 10 from GBM patients), targeting the V3+V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Our findings from examining the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota unveiled that GBM patients exhibited significantly higher microbial diversity compared to healthy individuals. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria saw a significant increase, while Firmicutes experienced a noteworthy decrease in the GBM group. Moving down to the family level, we observed significantly elevated levels of Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Lachnospiraceae in GBM patients, while levels of Veillonellaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Prevotellaceae were notably lower. Delving into genera statistics, we noted a substantial increase in the abundance of Parasutterella, Escherichia-Shigella, and Bacteroides, alongside significantly lower levels of Ruminococcus 2, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella_9 in the GBM group compared to the control group. Furthermore, when examining specific species, we found a significant increase in Bacteroides vulgatus and Escherichia coli in the GBM group. These observations collectively indicate a marked dysbiosis in the gut microbial composition of GBM patients. Additionally, the GBM group exhibited notably higher levels of alpha diversity when compared to the control group. This increase in diversity suggests a significant bacterial overgrowth in the gut of GBM patients in contrast to the controls. As a result, this research opens up potential avenues to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, pathways, and potential treatments for GBM, stemming from the significant implications of gut microbial dysbiosis in these patients.

Advances and optimization strategies in bacteriophage therapy for treating inflammatory bowel disease

In the advancement of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) treatment, existing therapeutic methods exhibit limitations; they do not offer a complete cure for IBD and can trigger adverse side effects. Consequently, the exploration of novel therapies and multifaceted treatment strategies provides patients with a broader range of options. Within the framework of IBD, gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in disease onset through diverse mechanisms. Bacteriophages, as natural microbial regulators, demonstrate remarkable specificity by accurately identifying and eliminating specific pathogens, thus holding therapeutic promise. Although clinical trials have affirmed the safety of phage therapy, its efficacy is prone to external influences during storage and transport, which may affect its infectivity and regulatory roles within the microbiota. Improving the stability and precise dosage control of bacteriophages-ensuring robustness in storage and transport, consistent dosing, and targeted delivery to infection sites-is crucial. This review thoroughly explores the latest developments in IBD treatment and its inherent challenges, focusing on the interaction between the microbiota and bacteriophages. It highlights bacteriophages' potential as microbiome modulators in IBD treatment, offering detailed insights into research on bacteriophage encapsulation and targeted delivery mechanisms. Particular attention is paid to the functionality of various carrier systems, especially regarding their protective properties and ability for colon-specific delivery. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for using bacteriophages as microbiome modulators in IBD treatment, paving the way for enhanced regulation of the intestinal microbiota.

A comparative study of the gut microbiome in Indian children with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls

INTRODUCTION

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) occurs in genetically susceptible individuals due to certain environmental triggers causing destruction of insulin secreting beta cells. One of the environmental triggers studied recently in the pathogenesis and progression of T1DM is the role of gut microbiome.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To compare the gut microbiome profile of T1DM children with healthy age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) matched controls. (2) To assess the relationship of abundance of genera with glycemic control in children with T1DM.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, case-control study. Sixty-eight children with T1DM and 61 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched healthy controls were enrolled. QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini kit protocol and reagents were used for DNA isolation and Miseq sequencing platform for targeted gene sequencing.

RESULTS

Alpha and beta diversity analysis showed no significant differences in the abundance of microbes between the groups. At phylum level, Firmicutes was the dominant phylum followed by Actinobacteria and Bacteroidota in both groups. Analysis of microbiome at the genera level showed that percentage abundance for Parasutterella was higher in children with T1DM as compared to the healthy group (p < .05). A linear regression analysis showed that increase in abundance of Haemophilus (adjusted R2 = -1.481 p < .007) was associated with a significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Our comparative study of gut microbiome profile showed significant differences in the taxonomial composition between Indian children with T1DM and healthy controls. Short chain fatty acid producers may play an important role in glycemic control.

Ingesting yeast extract causes excitation of neurogenic and myogenic colonic motor patterns in the rat

Fermented foods play a significant role in the human diet for their natural, highly nutritious and healthy attributes. Our aim was to study the effect of yeast extract, a fermented substance extracted from natural yeast, on colonic motility to better understand its potential therapeutic role. A yeast extract was given to rats by gavage for 3 days, and myogenic and neurogenic components of colonic motility were studied using spatiotemporal maps made from video recordings of the whole colon ex vivo. A control group received saline gavages. The yeast extract caused excitation of the musculature by increasing the propagation length and duration of long-distance contractions, the major propulsive activity of the rat colon. The yeast extract also evoked rhythmic propulsive motor complexes (RPMCs) which were antegrade in the proximal and mid-colon and retrograde in the distal colon. RPMC activity was evoked by distention-induced neural activity, but it was myogenic in nature since we showed it to be generated by bethanechol in the presence of tetrodotoxin. In conclusion, ingestion of yeast extract stimulates rat colon motility by exciting neurogenic and myogenic control mechanisms.

The interactions between traditional Chinese medicine and gut microbiota in cancers: Current status and future perspectives

The gut microbiota, known as the "forgotten organ" and "human second genome," comprises a complex microecosystem. It significantly influences the development of various tumors, including colorectal, liver, stomach, breast, and lung cancers, through both direct and indirect mechanisms. These mechanisms include the "gut-liver" axis, the "lung-intestine" axis, and interactions with the immune system. The intestinal flora exhibits dual roles in cancer, both promoting and suppressing its progression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can alter cancer progression by regulating the intestinal flora. It modifies the intestinal flora's composition and structure, along with the levels of endogenous metabolites, thus affecting the intestinal barrier, immune system, and overall body metabolism. These actions contribute to TCM's significant antitumor effects. Moreover, the gut microbiota metabolizes TCM components, enhancing their antitumor properties. Therefore, exploring the interaction between TCM and the intestinal flora offers a novel perspective in understanding TCM's antitumor mechanisms. This paper succinctly reviews the association between gut flora and the development of tumors, including colorectal, liver, gastric, breast, and lung cancers. It further examines current research on the interaction between TCM and intestinal flora, with a focus on its antitumor efficacy. It identifies limitations in existing studies and suggests recommendations, providing insights into antitumor drug research and exploring TCM's antitumor effectiveness. Additionally, this paper aims to guide future research on TCM and the gut microbiota in antitumor studies.

Molecular detection of ruminal micro-flora and micro-fauna in Saudi Arabian camels: Effects of season and region

This study investigated and explored the availability of micro-flora and micro-fauna in the ruminal contents of Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) from three different regions in Saudi Arabia along with two seasons. Samples were prepared and tested by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This study confirmed that the bacterial flora were dominating over other microbes. Different results of the availability of each microbe in each region and season were statistically analyzed and discussed. There was no significant effect of season on the micro-flora or micro-fauna however, the location revealed a positive effect with Ruminococcus flavefaciens (p < 0 0.03) in the eastern region. This study was the first to investigate the abundance of micro-flora and micro-fauna in the ruminal contents of camels of Saudi Arabia. This study underscores the significance of camel ruminal micro-flora and micro-fauna abundance, highlighting their correlation with both seasonality and geographic location. This exploration enhances our comprehension of camel rumination and digestion processes. The initial identification of these microbial communities serves as a foundational step, laying the groundwork for future in-depth investigations into camel digestibility and nutritional requirements.

Exploring causality in the association between gut microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome risk: a large Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

In the past, some observational studies have highlighted the correlation between gut microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it is still unknown if the composition of gut microbiota shows a causal effect on the risk of IBS.

AIM

To conduct Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of the samples to study the probable causal relationship between the gut microbiota, their taxonomic groups, and the risk of IBS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the summarized data regarding 211 gut microbiota and their IBS genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were collected from public databases. The causal estimates were determined using five MR techniques, where Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) regression was employed as the major MR technique. Herein, MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger intercept tests were conducted to prevent horizontal pleiotropy. Cochran's Q test was used to evaluate heterogeneity using the IVW and MR-Egger techniques.

RESULTS

IVW results showed that gut microbes, belonging to Class Gammaproteobacteria (P = 0.04; OR = 1.45), Family XIII (P = 0.03; OR = 1.34), Family Prevotellaceae (P = 0.003; OR =1.24), and Lachnospiraceae UCG004 (P = 0.049; OR = 1.19) increased the risk of IBS, while Alcaligenaceae (P = 0.03; OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69-0.98) and Coprobacter (P = 0.02; OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98) decreased the risk of IBS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presented novel insights that highlighted the causal relationship between gut microbiota and IBS, and offered new treatment strategies for preventing or treating IBS.

Influence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Supplementation on the Glycaemic Index, Lipid Profile, and Microbiome of Healthy Elderly Subjects: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Trial

Aging is a time-dependent complex biological process of organisms with gradual deterioration of the anatomical and physiological functions. The role of gut microbiota is inevitable in the aging process. Probiotic interventions improve gut homeostasis and support healthy aging by enhancing beneficial species and microbial biodiversity in older adults. The present preliminary clinical trial delves into the impact of an 8-week Lactobacillus rhamnosus intervention (10 × 109 CFU per day) on the glycaemic index, lipid profile, and microbiome of elderly subjects. Body weight, body fat, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are assessed at baseline (Week 0) and after treatment (Week 8) in placebo and probiotic groups. Gaussian regression analysis highlights a significant improvement in LDL cholesterol in the probiotic group (p = 0.045). Microbiome analysis reveals numeric changes in taxonomic abundance at various levels. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria increases its relative frequency (RF) from 14.79 ± 5.58 at baseline to 23.46 ± 8.02 at 8 weeks, though statistically insignificant (p = 0.100). Compared to the placebo group, probiotic supplementations significantly increased the proteobacteria abundance. Genus-level analysis indicates changes in the abundance of several microbes, including Escherichia-Shigella, Akkermansia, and Bacteroides, but only Butyricimonas showed a statistically significant level of reduction in its abundance. Probiotic supplementations significantly altered the Escherichia-Shigella and Sutterella abundance compared to the placebo group. At the species level, Bacteroides vulgatus substantially increases after probiotic treatment (p = 0.021). Alpha and beta diversity assessments depict subtle shifts in microbial composition. The study has limitations, including a small sample size, short study duration, single-strain probiotic use, and lack of long-term follow-up. Despite these constraints, the study provides valuable preliminary insights into the multifaceted impact of L. rhamnosus on elderly subjects. Further detailed studies are required to define the beneficial effect of L. rhamnosus on the health status of elderly subjects.

The relationship between gastric microbiome features and responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer

Background

Emerging evidence demonstrates that the gastrointestinal microbiome has the potential to be a biomarker in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). Yet studies on the impact of the gastric microbiome (GM) on the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) are still scarce.

Methods

Forty-eight patients with gastric cancer participated in this retrospective study, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to evaluate formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue biospecimens and fresh-frozen tissues.

Results

In this study, 16 bacterial taxa at different levels, including Bacillus, Anaerococcus, and Chloroflexi, were identified to be enriched before NACT in response (R) patients in group FFPE. In contrast, 6 bacterial taxa, such as Haemophilus, Veillonellaceae (Veillonella), etc. were enriched after NACT, in which we reported for the first time that the phylum Chloroflexi was enriched before NACT in R patients. Thirty-one bacterial taxa of Coriobacteriaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Lachnospiraceae were identified in group mucosa as being enriched in R patients. In comparison, 4 bacterial taxa dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria were enriched in NR patients. Notably, the family Veillonellaceae was found in both tissue samples, and the metabolic pathways, including the citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and various amino acids, including alanine, were found to be potentially predictive in both sample species.

Conclusion

There are differences in the features of the GM for different NACT response results. The causal relationship deserves to be confirmed by further investigations.

In vitro co-culture of Clostridium scindens with primary human colonic epithelium protects the epithelium against Staphylococcus aureus

A complex and dynamic network of interactions exists between human gastrointestinal epithelium and intestinal microbiota. Therefore, comprehending intestinal microbe-epithelial cell interactions is critical for the understanding and treatment of intestinal diseases. Primary human colonic epithelial cells derived from a healthy human donor were co-cultured with Clostridium scindens (C. scindens), a probiotic obligate anaerobe; Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a facultative anaerobe and intestinal pathogen; or both bacterial species in tandem. The co-culture hanging basket platform used for these experiments possessed walls of controlled oxygen (O2) permeability to support the formation of an O2 gradient across the intestinal epithelium using cellular O2 consumption, resulting in an anaerobic luminal and aerobic basal compartment. Both the colonic epithelial cells and C. scindens remained viable over 48 h during co-culture. In contrast, co-culture with S. aureus elicited significant damage to colonic epithelial cells within 24 h. To explore the influence of the intestinal pathogen on the epithelium in the presence of the probiotic bacteria, colonic epithelial cells were inoculated sequentially with the two bacterial species. Under these conditions, C. scindens was capable of repressing the production of S. aureus enterotoxin. Surprisingly, although C. scindens converted cholic acid to secondary bile acids in the luminal medium, the growth of S. aureus was not significantly inhibited. Nevertheless, this combination of probiotic and pathogenic bacteria was found to benefit the survival of the colonic epithelial cells compared with co-culture of the epithelial cells with S. aureus alone. This platform thus provides an easy-to-use and low-cost tool to study the interaction between intestinal bacteria and colonic cells in vitro to better understand the interplay of intestinal microbiota with human colonic epithelium.

Transplantation of gut microbiota derived from patients with schizophrenia induces schizophrenia-like behaviors and dysregulated brain transcript response in mice

Schizophrenia (SCZ), as a neurodevelopmental disorder and devastating disease, affects approximately 1% of the world population. Although numerous studies have attempted to elucidate the causes of SCZ occurrence, it is not clearly understood. Recently, the emerging roles of the gut microbiota in a range of brain disorders, including SCZ, have attracted much attention. While the molecular mechanism of gut microbiota in regulating the pathogenesis of SCZ is still lacking. Here, we first confirmed the difference of gut microbiome between SCZ patients and healthy controls, and then, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to clarify the roles of SCZ patients-derived microbiota in a specific pathogen free (SPF) mice model. 16 S rDNA sequencing confirmed that a significant difference of gut microbiome was present between two groups of FMT mice, which has a similar trend with the above human gut microbiome. Furthermore, we found that transplantation of fecal microbiota from SCZ patients into SPF mice was sufficient to induce schizophrenia-like (SCZ-like) symptoms, such as deficits in sociability and hyperactivity. Furthermore, the brains of mice colonized with SCZ microbiota displayed dysregulated transcript response and alternative splicing of SCZ-relevant genes. Moreover, 10 key genes were identified to be correlated with SCZ by an integrative transcriptome data analysis. Finally, 4 key genes were identified to be correlated with the 12 differential genera between two groups of FMT mice. Our results thus demonstrated that the gut microbiome might modify the transcriptomic profile in the brain, thereby modulating social behavior, and our present study can help better understand the link between gut microbiota and SCZ pathogenesis through the gut-brain axis.

Age and aging process alter the gut microbes

BACKGROUND

Gut microbes and age are both factors that influence the development of disease. The community structure of gut microbes is affected by age.

OBJECTIVE

To plot time-dependent gut microbe profiles in individuals over 45 years old and explore the correlation between age and gut microbes.

METHODS

Fecal samples were collected from 510 healthy individuals over 45 years old. Shannon index, Simpson index, Ace index, etc. were used to analyze the diversity of gut microbes. The beta diversity analysis, including non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), was used to analyze community distribution. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and random forest (RF) algorithm were used to analyze the differences of gut microbes. Trend analysis was used to plot the abundances of characteristic gut microbes in different ages.

RESULTS

The individuals aged 45-49 had the highest richness of gut bacteria. Fifteen characteristic gut microbes, including Siphoviridae and Bifidobacterium breve, were screened by RF algorithm. The abundance of Ligiactobacillus and Microviridae were higher in individuals older than 65 years. Moreover, the abundance of Blautia_A massiliensis, Lubbockvirus and Enterocloster clostridioformis decreased with age and the abundance of Klebsiella variicola and Prevotella increased with age. The functional genes, such as human diseases and aging, were significantly different among different aged individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The individuals in different ages have characteristic gut microbes. The changes in community structure of gut microbes may be related to age-induced diseases.

Microbiota and Immunity during Respiratory Infections: Lung and Gut Affair

Bacterial and viral respiratory tract infections are the most common infectious diseases, leading to worldwide morbidity and mortality. In the past 10 years, the importance of lung microbiota emerged in the context of pulmonary diseases, although the mechanisms by which it impacts the intestinal environment have not yet been fully identified. On the contrary, gut microbial dysbiosis is associated with disease etiology or/and development in the lung. In this review, we present an overview of the lung microbiome modifications occurring during respiratory infections, namely, reduced community diversity and increased microbial burden, and of the downstream consequences on host-pathogen interaction, inflammatory signals, and cytokines production, in turn affecting the disease progression and outcome. Particularly, we focus on the role of the gut-lung bidirectional communication in shaping inflammation and immunity in this context, resuming both animal and human studies. Moreover, we discuss the challenges and possibilities related to novel microbial-based (probiotics and dietary supplementation) and microbial-targeted therapies (antibacterial monoclonal antibodies and bacteriophages), aimed to remodel the composition of resident microbial communities and restore health. Finally, we propose an outlook of some relevant questions in the field to be answered with future research, which may have translational relevance for the prevention and control of respiratory infections.

Microbial Dynamics in Ophthalmic Health: Exploring the Interplay between Human Microbiota and Glaucoma Pathogenesis

The human microbiome has a crucial role in the homeostasis and health of the host. These microorganisms along with their genes are involved in various processes, among these are neurological signaling, the maturation of the immune system, and the inhibition of opportunistic pathogens. In this sense, it has been shown that a healthy ocular microbiota acts as a barrier against the entry of pathogens, contributing to the prevention of infections. In recent years, a relationship has been suggested between microbiota dysbiosis and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In patients with glaucoma, it has been observed that the microbiota of the ocular surface, intraocular cavity, oral cavity, stomach, and gut differ from those observed in healthy patients, which may suggest a role in pathology development, although the evidence remains limited. The mechanisms involved in the relationship of the human microbiome and this neurodegenerative disease remain largely unknown. For this reason, the present review aims to show a broad overview of the influence of the structure and composition of the human oral and gut microbiota and relate its dysbiosis to neurodegenerative diseases, especially glaucoma.

Gut microbiota and acute kidney injury: immunological crosstalk link

The gut microbiota, often called the "forgotten organ," plays a crucial role in bidirectional communication with the host for optimal physiological function. This communication helps regulate the host's immunity and metabolism positively and negatively. Many factors influence microbiota homeostasis and subsequently lead to an immune system imbalance. The correlation between an unbalanced immune system and acute diseases such as acute kidney injury is not fully understood, and the role of gut microbiota in disease pathogenesis is still yet uncovered. This review summarizes our understanding of gut microbiota, focusing on the interactions between the host's immune system and the microbiome and their impact on acute kidney injury.

Resistant starch and the gut microbiome: Exploring beneficial interactions and dietary impacts

The intricate relationship between resistant starch (RS) and the gut microbiome presents a dynamic frontier in nutrition science. This review synthesizes current understandings of how RS, an indigestible form of starch found naturally in certain foods and also enhanced through various modification methods, interacts with the gut microbiome. We particularly focus on how RS fermentation in the colon contributes to the production of beneficial volatile fatty acids (VFAs) such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate. These VFAs have been recognized for their vital roles in maintaining gut barrier integrity, modulating inflammation, and potentially influencing systemic health. Additionally, we discuss the dietary implications of consuming foods rich in RS, both in terms of gut health and broader metabolic outcomes. By consolidating these insights, we emphasize the significance of RS in the context of dietary strategies aimed at harnessing the gut microbiome's potential to impact human health.

Early prediction and prevention of infected pancreatic necrosis

Approximately 20%-30% of patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis develop infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN), a highly morbid and potentially lethal complication. Early identification of patients at high risk of IPN may facilitate appropriate preventive measures to improve clinical outcomes. In the past two decades, several markers and predictive tools have been proposed and evaluated for this purpose. Conventional biomarkers like C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, lymphocyte count, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8, and newly developed biomarkers like angiopoietin-2 all showed significant association with IPN. On the other hand, scoring systems like the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Pancreatitis Activity Scoring System have also been tested, and the results showed that they may provide better accuracy. For early prevention of IPN, several new therapies were tested, including early enteral nutrition, antibiotics, probiotics, immune enhancement, etc., but the results varied. Taken together, several evidence-supported predictive markers and scoring systems are readily available for predicting IPN. However, effective treatments to reduce the incidence of IPN are still lacking apart from early enteral nutrition. In this editorial, we summarize evidence concerning early prediction and prevention of IPN, providing insights into future practice and study design. A more homogeneous patient population with reliable risk-stratification tools may help find effective treatments to reduce the risk of IPN, thereby achieving individualized treatment.

Probiotic supplementation as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler chickens

Introduction

The broiler chicken digestive tract microbiome maintains the bird's immunity. Its composition has been shown to be important not only for the immune system but also for the gastrointestinal function and productivity of broiler chickens. If the microbiome is populated by supplementation with Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Saccharomyces spp. - microorganisms with probiotic properties and alternatives to antibiotics - the immune system is stimulated. The use of probiotic supplements in the broiler production cycle can boost bird immunity and prevent adenovirus infection. The resilience of broiler chickens in different feeding schemes including supplementation with these microorganisms was assessed.

Material and Methods

Four groups of Ross 308 chickens vaccinated on the standard scheme were investigated over 42 days. Group P received probiotics, prebiotics and vitamins; group AO received antibiotics; group P&AO received probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and antibiotics; and the control group C received none of these. The birds' immunocompetence against common viral poultry pathogens and their immune response to an experimental challenge with a field strain of infectious bronchitis was evaluated by ELISA and production parameters were recorded.

Results

Mortality was only observed in the control group and was 10%. All birds from the P, P&AO and AO groups responded to the challenge as would be expected of appropriately immunised chickens.

Conclusion

The obtained results indicated that supplementation with synbiotic products and vitamins can enhance broiler chicken immunity and result in better production parameters.

The role of the gut microbiome in gastrointestinal cancers

The gut microbiota present in the human digestive system is incredibly varied and is home to trillions of microorganisms. The gut microbiome is shaped at birth, while numerous genetic, dietary, and environmental variables primarily influence the microbiome composition. The importance of gut microbiota on host health is becoming more widely acknowledged. Digestion, intestinal permeability, and immunological and metabolism responses can all be affected by changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiota. There is mounting evidence that the microbial population's complex traits are important biomarkers and indicators of patient outcomes in cancer and its therapies. Numerous studies have demonstrated that changed commensal gut microorganisms contribute to the development and spread of cancer through various routes. Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal cancer, accumulating evidence points to a potentially far more intricate connection than a simple cause-and-effect relationship. SIMPLE SUMMARY: Due to their high frequency and fatality rate, gastrointestinal cancers are regarded as a severe public health issue with complex medical and economic burdens. The gut microbiota may directly or indirectly interact with existing therapies like immunotherapy and chemotherapy, affecting how well a treatment works. The gut microbiome influences the immune response's activity, function, and development. Generally, certain gut bacteria impact the antitumor actions during cancer by creating particular metabolites or triggering T-cell responses. Yet, certain bacterial species have been found to promote cellular proliferation and metastasis in cancer, and comprehending these interactions in the context of cancer may help identify possible treatment targets. Notwithstanding the improvements in the field, additional research is still required to comprehend the underlying processes, examine the effects on existing therapies, and pinpoint certain bacteria and immune cells that can cause this interaction.

Probiotics in Allergy and Immunological Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Allergy and immunological disorders like autoimmune diseases are vastly prevalent worldwide. These conditions account for a substantial amount of personal and social burden. Such illnesses have lengthy, uncertain, and spotted courses with unpredictable exacerbations. A definite tendency for improving the overall quality of life of individuals suffering from such diseases is crucial to tackling these diseases, especially through diet or lifestyle modification. Further, interventions like microbiome-based therapeutics such as prebiotics or probiotics were explored. Changes in the microbial population were evident during the flare-up of autoimmune and allergic conditions. The realization that the human microbiome is a central player in immunological diseases is a hallmark of its potential usefulness in therapy for such illnesses. This review focuses on the intricate symphony in the orchestra of the human microbiome and the immune system. New therapeutic strategies involving probiotics appear to be the future of personalized medicine. Through this review, we explore the narrative of probiotics and reaffirm their use as therapeutic and preventive agents in immunological disorders.

A study on the relationship between gut microbiota and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disease associated with a high incidence of complications in the mid and late stages of gestation. This study investigates differences in the composition of intestinal flora among pregnant women diagnosed with ICP, employing Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology.

Methods

This case-control study obtained patient data from the hospital information system (HIS) and the laboratory information system (LIS). Fecal samples were collected from 25 pregnant women who did not undergo intestinal preparation before delivery between December 2020 and March 2021. Whole-genome analysis was performed. PCR was used to amplify the 16S rRNA V3-V4 variable region, which was then sequenced. Alpha and beta diversity were computed, and the maternal intestinal flora's abundance and composition characteristics were analyzed. Differences in intestinal flora between the two sample groups were examined.

Results

Bacteroides and Proteobacteria exhibited positive correlations with TBIL and IBIL. Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Erysipeiotrichi showed positive correlations with TBIL, IBIL, and DBIL, while Lactobacillus, Delftia, and Odoribacter demonstrated positive correlations with ALT.

Conclusion

The ICP group displayed significantly higher levels of total bile acid and ALT compared to the control group. The intestinal flora composition comprised four primary phyla: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. ICP patients exhibited a lower relative abundance of intestinal flora across different levels of community composition when compared to the control group. Specific correlations between certain intestinal flora and clinical liver parameters were identified.

Transcriptome-wide association studies associated with Crohn's disease: challenges and perspectives

Crohn's disease (CD) is regarded as a lifelong progressive disease affecting all segments of the intestinal tract and multiple organs. Based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and gene expression data, transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) can help identify susceptibility genes associated with pathogenesis and disease behavior. In this review, we overview seven reported TWASs of CD, summarize their study designs, and discuss the key methods and steps used in TWAS, which affect the prioritization of susceptibility genes. This article summarized the screening of tissue-specific susceptibility genes for CD, and discussed the reported potential pathological mechanisms of overlapping susceptibility genes related to CD in a certain tissue type. We observed that ileal lipid-related metabolism and colonic extracellular vesicles may be involved in the pathogenesis of CD by performing GO pathway enrichment analysis for susceptibility genes. We further pointed the low reproducibility of TWAS associated with CD and discussed the reasons for these issues, strategies for solving them. In the future, more TWAS are needed to be designed into large-scale, unified cohorts, unified analysis pipelines, and fully classified databases of expression trait loci.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Curative Exponent of Probiotics: A Comprehensive and Authentic Ingredient for the Sustained Functioning of Major Human Organs

Several billion microorganisms reside in the gastrointestinal lumen, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Among them, probiotics were primarily used to cure digestive disorders such as intestinal infections and diarrhea; however, with a paradigm shift towards alleviating health through food, their importance is large. Moreover, recent studies have changed the perspective that probiotics prevent numerous ailments in the major organs. Probiotics primarily produce biologically active compounds targeting discommodious pathogens. This review demonstrates the implications of using probiotics from different genres to prevent and alleviate ailments in the primary human organs. The findings reveal that probiotics immediately activate anti-inflammatory mechanisms by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-11, and IL-13, and hindering pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α by involving regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper cells (Th cells). Several strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium breve have been listed among the probiotics that are excellent in alleviating various simple to complex ailments. Therefore, the importance of probiotics necessitates robust research to unveil the implications of probiotics, including the potency of strains, the optimal dosages, the combination of probiotics, their habitat in the host, the host response, and other pertinent factors.