Dietary short-chain fatty acid intake improves the hepatic metabolic condition via FFAR3

Fighting the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic requires a global approach to understanding the heterogeneity of vaccine responses

Host genetic and environmental factors including age, biological sex, diet, geographical location, microbiome composition and metabolites converge to influence innate and adaptive immune responses to vaccines. Failure to understand and account for these factors when investigating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine efficacy may impair the development of the next generation of vaccines. Most studies aimed at identifying mechanisms of vaccine-mediated immune protection have focused on adaptive immune responses. It is well established, however, that mobilization of the innate immune response is essential to the development of effective cellular and humoral immunity. A comprehensive understanding of the innate immune response and environmental factors that contribute to the development of broad and durable cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other vaccines requires a holistic and unbiased approach. Along with optimization of the immunogen and vectors, the development of adjuvants based on our evolving understanding of how the innate immune system shapes vaccine responses will be essential. Defining the innate immune mechanisms underlying the establishment of long-lived plasma cells and memory T cells could lead to a universal vaccine for coronaviruses, a key biomedical priority.

Ganoderic acids-rich ethanol extract from Ganoderma lucidum protects against alcoholic liver injury and modulates intestinal microbiota in mice with excessive alcohol intake

Alcoholic liver injury is mainly caused by excessive alcohol consumption and has become a global public health problem threatening human health. It is well known that Ganoderma lucidum possesses various excellent beneficial effects on liver function and lipid metabolism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the underlying protective effect and action mechanism of ganoderic acids-rich G. lucidum ethanol extract (GLE) on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice with excessive alcohol intake. Results showed that oral administration of GLE could obviously inhibit the abnormal increases of serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and also significantly protect the liver against alcohol-induced excessive hepatic lipid accumulation and pathological changes. In addition, alcohol-induced oxidative stress in liver was significantly ameliorated by the dietary intervention of GLE through reducing the hepatic levels of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and increasing the hepatic levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Compared with the model group, GLE intervention significantly ameliorated the intestinal microbial disorder by elevating the relative abundance of Ruminiclostridium_9, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Oscillibacter, [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group, norank_f_Clostridiates_vadinBB60_group, GCA-900066225, Bilophila, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-009, norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae and Hydrogenoanaerobacterium, but decreasing the proportion of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. Furthermore, liver metabolomic profiling suggested that GLE intervention had a significant regulatory effect on the composition of liver metabolites in mice with excessive alcohol intake, especially the levels of some biomarkers involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis, riboflavin metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fructose and mannose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Additionally, dietary supplementation with GLE significantly regulated the mRNA levels of key genes related to fatty acids metabolism, ethanol catabolism and inflammatory response in liver. Conclusively, these findings indicate that GLE has a potentially beneficial effect on alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury and may be developed as a promising functional food ingredient.

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Phytochemical analysis revealed that ethanol extract of Gaoderma lucidum (GLE) is rich in ganoderic acids.

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GLE ameliorated lipid metabolism, antioxidant function and inflammatory response in mice with excessive alcohol intake.

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Liver metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF/MS was performed to reveal the underlying hepatoprotective effect of GLE.

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GLE intervention alleviated alcoholic liver injury partly through regulating the “gut-liver-metabolite”axis.

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Hepatic gene transcriptions related to lipid metabolism and inflammation were remarkablyinfluenced by GLE intervention.

The Association Between Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Gut Microbiota, and Visceral Fat in Monozygotic Twin Pairs

PURPOSE

To examine the association of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gut microbiota and obesity in individual twins and to control for genetic and shared environmental effects by studying monozygotic intrapair differences.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study recruited 20 pairs of monozygotic twins. Body composition measurements were performed by using the multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance technique. SCFAs were extracted from feces and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Gut microbiota was evaluated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

Fecal SCFAs were negatively correlated with adiposity parameters including body mass index, visceral adipose tissue and waist circumference (all P < 0.05). Metastat analysis showed that the top 5 relatively abundant bacterial taxa of viscerally obese and non-obese groups were Bacteroides, Collinsella, Eubacterium rectale group, Lachnoclostridium, and Tyzzerella. Participants with visceral obesity had lower abundance of Bacteroides and Collinsella compared to non-obese patients (P < 0.05). Among them, the abundance of Collinsella was positively correlated with acetic acid concentrations (r = 0.63, P = 0.011). There were no significant intrapair differences in each SCFA concentrations between the twins in our study (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Low fecal concentrations of SCFAs were associated with visceral obesity, and the gut microbiota might be involved in the underlying mechanism.

Short-chain fatty acids-microbiota crosstalk in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) still remains a major challenge to the health-care systems worldwide, inciting ongoing search for pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions which could benefit patients already infected with SARS-CoV-2 or at increased risk thereof. Although SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, it may also infect other organs and systems, including gastrointestinal tract, where it results in microbial dysbiosis. There is an emerging understanding of the role the gut microbiota plays in maintaining immune homeostasis, both inside the gastrointestinal tract and beyond (i.e. through gut-lung and gut-brain axes). One family of compounds with recognized immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties are short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are believed that they have a protective effect in case of gastrointestinal diseases. Moreover, they are responsible for maintaining proper intestinal barrier and they take part in relevant immune functions. This review presents mechanisms of action and potential benefits of SCFA-based probiotics and direct SCFA supplementation as a strategy to support immune function amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fatty acid metabolism and acyl-CoA synthetases in the liver-gut axis

Fatty acids are energy substrates and cell components which participate in regulating signal transduction, transcription factor activity and secretion of bioactive lipid mediators. The acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSs) family containing 26 family members exhibits tissue-specific distribution, distinct fatty acid substrate preferences and diverse biological functions. Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism in the liver-gut axis, designated as the bidirectional relationship between the gut, microbiome and liver, is closely associated with a range of human diseases including metabolic disorders, inflammatory disease and carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. In this review, we depict the role of ACSs in fatty acid metabolism, possible molecular mechanisms through which they exert functions, and their involvement in hepatocellular and colorectal carcinoma, with particular attention paid to long-chain fatty acids and small-chain fatty acids. Additionally, the liver-gut communication and the liver and gut intersection with the microbiome as well as diseases related to microbiota imbalance in the liver-gut axis are addressed. Moreover, the development of potentially therapeutic small molecules, proteins and compounds targeting ACSs in cancer treatment is summarized.

Multispecies probiotics alter fecal short-chain fatty acids and lactate levels in weaned pigs by modulating gut microbiota

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolic products produced during the microbial fermentation of non-digestible fibers and play an important role in metabolic homeostasis and overall gut health. In this study, we investigated the effects of supplementation with multispecies probiotics (MSPs) containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, and Levilactobacillus brevis on the gut microbiota, and fecal SCFAs and lactate levels of weaned pigs. A total of 38 pigs weaned at 4 weeks of age were fed either a basal diet or a diet supplemented with MSPs for 6 weeks. MSP administration significantly increased the fecal concentrations of lactate (2.3-fold; p < 0.01), acetate (1.8-fold; p < 0.05), and formate (1.4-fold; p < 0.05). Moreover, MSP supplementation altered the gut microbiota of the pigs by significantly increasing the population of potentially beneficial bacteria such as Olsenella, Catonella, Catenibacterium, Acidaminococcus, and Ruminococcaceae. MSP supplementation also decreased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia and Chlamydia. The modulation of the gut microbiota was observed to be strongly correlated with the changes in fecal SCFAs and lactate levels. Furthermore, we found changes in the functional pathways present within the gut, which supports our findings that MSP modulates the gut microbiota and SCFAs levels in pigs. The results support the potential use of MSPs to improve the gut health of animals by modulating SCFAs production.

A new paradigm for a new simple chemical: butyrate & immune regulation

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play an important role in the host system. Among SCFAs, butyrate has received particular attention for its large effect on host immunity, particularly in supplying energy to enterocytes and producing immune cells. Butyrate enters the cells through the Solute Carrier Family 5 Member 8 (SLC5A8) transporters, then works as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAC) that inhibits the activation of Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which down-regulates the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α. Meanwhile, butyrate acts as a ligand to activate G protein-coupled receptors GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109, promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory factors. Besides, it inhibits the proinflammatory factors. Further, it can also suppress the expression of chemokines and reduce inflammation to maintain host homeostasis. This paper reviews the research progress highlighting the potential function of butyrate as a factor impacting intestinal health, obesity and brain disorders.

Xanthohumol Requires the Intestinal Microbiota to Improve Glucose Metabolism in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

SCOPE

The polyphenol xanthohumol (XN) improves dysfunctional glucose and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obesity animal models. Because XN changes intestinal microbiota composition, the study hypothesizes that XN requires the microbiota to mediate its benefits.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To test the hypothesis, the study feeds conventional and germ-free male Swiss Webster mice either a low-fat diet (LFD, 10% fat derived calories), a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat derived calories), or a high-fat diet supplemented with XN at 60 mg kg-1 body weight per day (HXN) for 10 weeks, and measure parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism. In conventional mice, the study discovers XN supplementation decreases plasma insulin concentrations and improves Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). In germ-free mice, XN supplementation fails to improve these outcomes. Fecal sample 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis suggests XN supplementation changes microbial composition and dramatically alters the predicted functional capacity of the intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, the intestinal microbiota metabolizes XN into bioactive compounds, including dihydroxanthohumol (DXN), an anti-obesogenic compound with improved bioavailability.

CONCLUSION

XN requires the intestinal microbiota to mediate its benefits, which involves complex diet-host-microbiota interactions with changes in both microbial composition and functional capacity. The study results warrant future metagenomic studies which will provide insight into complex microbe-microbe interactions and diet-host-microbiota interactions.

Dietary Bacillus subtilis supplementation alleviates alcohol-induced liver injury by maintaining intestinal integrity and gut microbiota homeostasis in mice

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a worldwide health problem with limited therapeutic options, which is associated with gut-derived endotoxins, particularly lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. Recently, probiotics, synbiotics and other food additive interventions have been shown to be effective in decreasing or preventing the progression of ALD. Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and its metabolic products are widely used as food additives to maintain intestinal health, but the protective effects of B. subtilis against alcohol-induced liver injury are poorly understood. In the present study a chronic alcohol-induced liver injury model was constructed based on the Lieber-DeCarli diet and it aimed to determine whether dietary B. subtilis supplementation may alleviate alcohol-induced liver injury. Results revealed that prophylactic B. subtilis supplementation partially restored gut microbiota homeostasis and relieved alcohol-induced intestinal barrier injury, which significantly decreased the translocation of bacterial endotoxins to the blood. In addition, the decreased serum LPS alleviated hepatic inflammation via the toll-like receptor 4 pathway, resulting in improved hepatic structure and function. These results demonstrated that dietary B. subtilis supplementation imparts novel hepatoprotective functions by improving intestinal permeability and homeostasis.

Neuropsychiatric Ramifications of COVID-19: Short-Chain Fatty Acid Deficiency and Disturbance of Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Signaling

COVID-19-associated neuropsychiatric complications are soaring. There is an urgent need to understand the link between COVID-19 and neuropsychiatric disorders. To that end, this article addresses the premise that SARS-CoV-2 infection results in gut dysbiosis and an altered microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis that in turn contributes to the neuropsychiatric ramifications of COVID-19. Altered MGB axis activity has been implicated independently as a risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. A review of the changes in gut microbiota composition in individual psychiatric and neurological disorders and gut microbiota in COVID-19 patients revealed a shared "microbial signature" characterized by a lower microbial diversity and richness and a decrease in health-promoting anti-inflammatory commensal bacteria accompanied by an increase in opportunistic proinflammatory pathogens. Notably, there was a decrease in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing bacteria. SCFAs are key bioactive microbial metabolites with anti-inflammatory functions and have been recognized as a critical signaling pathway in the MGB axis. SCFA deficiency is associated with brain inflammation, considered a cardinal feature of neuropsychiatric disorders. The link between SARS-CoV-2 infection, gut dysbiosis, and altered MGB axis is further supported by COVID-19-associated gastrointestinal symptoms, a high number of SARS-CoV-2 receptors, angiotensin-cleaving enzyme-2 (ACE-2) in the gut, and viral presence in the fecal matter. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the receptor results in ACE-2 deficiency that leads to decreased transport of vital dietary components, gut dysbiosis, proinflammatory gut status, increased permeability of the gut-blood barrier (GBB), and systemic inflammation. More clinical research is needed to substantiate further the linkages described above and evaluate the potential significance of gut microbiota as a diagnostic tool. Meanwhile, it is prudent to propose changes in dietary recommendations in favor of a high fiber diet or supplementation with SCFAs or probiotics to prevent or alleviate the neuropsychiatric ramifications of COVID-19.

Proteome changes upon in ovo stimulation with Lactobacillus synbiotic in chicken liver

The liver, as the main metabolic organ, plays a key role in many vital processes, including nutrient metabolism, fat digestion, blood protein synthesis, and endocrine management. As one of the immune organs, it has a remarkable ability to adequately activate the immune cells in response to metabolic signals. The anatomy of the liver ensures its close interaction with the gut so that nutrients and gut microbiota contribute to normal metabolism. In chickens, the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in supporting health and improving production parameters. The most effective method of stimulating the microbiota is to administer an appropriate bioactive compound during embryonic development. In ovo stimulation on d 12 of egg incubation involves the delivery of the substance into the air chamber. The aim of the study was to analyze the changes at the protein level after in ovo administration of the synbiotic on d 12 of egg incubation. Our study is the first to conduct a proteome analysis in liver after the administration of a Lactobacillus synbiotic in ovo. Eggs of broiler chickens were injected with a synbiotic—Lactobacillus plantarum with raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO). On d 21 posthatching liver was collected. We performed analyses based on two-dimensional electrophoresis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight, and MALDI Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance to obtain a global view of the hepatic proteome changes in response to in ovo injection. A representative pattern of significantly altered liver proteins was observed after stimulation with the synbiotic. A total of 16 protein spots were differentially expressed, with 5 downregulated and 11 upregulated spots. We conclude that the in ovo synbiotic treatment had the potential to accelerate the major energy-yielding metabolic pathways in the liver of adult broilers.

Relevance of organ(s)-on-a-chip systems to the investigation of food-gut microbiota-host interactions

The ever greater understanding of the composition and function of the gut microbiome has provided new opportunities with respect to understanding and treating human disease. However, the models employed for in vitro and in vivo animal studies do not always provide the required insights. As a result, one such alternative in vitro cell culture based system, organ-on-a-chip technology, has recently attracted attention as a means of obtaining data that is representative of responses in humans. Organ-on-a-chip systems are designed to mimic the interactions of different tissue elements that were missing from traditional two-dimensional tissue culture. While they do not traditionally include a microbiota component, organ-on-a-chip systems provide a potentially valuable means of characterising the interactions between the microbiome and human tissues with a view to providing even greater accuracy. From a dietary perspective, these microbiota-organ-on-a-chip combinations can help researchers to predict how the consumption of specific foods and ingredients can impact on human health and disease. We provide an overview of the relevance and interactions of the gut microbiota and the diet in human health, we summarise the components involved in the organ-on-a-chip systems, how these systems have been employed for microbiota based studies and their potential relevance to study the interplay between food-gut microbiota-host interactions.

Grape pomace reduces the severity of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and the development of steatohepatitis by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing ectopic fat deposition in mice

While non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the common cause of chronic liver disease, specific therapies are currently unavailable. The wine industry produces millions of tons of residue (pomace), which contains high levels of bioactive phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to clarify the potential benefits of grape pomace for the treatment of NAFLD at different levels of severity, and to clarify the mechanism of action. C57Bl/6 mice were given high fat diet (HFD) or western diet (WD) as models of obesity and hepatic steatosis or steatohepatitis, respectively, with or without pomace supplementation (50-250 mg/day). Pomace inhibited food intake, and reduced serum leptin and body weight gain. Ectopic fat deposition was reduced, while white adipose tissue mass was preserved. In addition, pomace improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, prevented the development of adipose tissue inflammation, and reduced hepatic steatosis. Higher expression of genes involved in fatty acids transport and oxidation was observed in adipose tissue, while lipogenic genes were attenuated in the liver of pomace-treated mice. In WD-fed mice, pomace reduced the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammation and improved blood lipid profile, but was ineffective in reversing hepatic damage of advanced NASH. In conclusion, pomace improved insulin sensitivity and reduced ectopic fat deposition, leading to a healthier metabolic profile. Pomace may hold the potential as a supplement with beneficial health outcomes for the prevention and treatment of hepatic steatosis and other obesity-related pathologies.

Effects of ad libitum free-choice access to freshly squeezed domestic white asparagus juice on intestinal microbiota composition and universal biomarkers of immuno-metabolic homeostasis and general health in middle-aged female and male C57BL/6 mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Asparagus contains different bioactive and volatile components including pyrazines, sulphur-containing compounds, and polyphenols. Asparagus juice is a new low-calorie LAB-containing natural juice product, the usage of which is expanding. Pyrazines and sulphur-containing compounds are degraded by bacteria on one hand, but on the other hand, dietary polyphenols prevent human colorectal diseases as modulators of the composition and/or activity of gut microbiota. However, the utility of these asparagus compounds for reversal of age-associated microbial dysbiosis and the immunometabolic disorders that dysbiosis incites body inflammatory reactions was not much explored so far. Hence, using middle-aged mice, we conducted the current study to verify the effect of freshly squeezed domestic white asparagus juice on the biomarkers reflecting immuno-metabolic pathways linking age-related dysbiosis and metabolic events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two conventional Harlan Laboratories C57BL/6 mice aged between 11-12 months were randomly divided into two groups (n=16). Mice in control group 1 received sterile tap water. Animals in group 2 had 60 days ad libitum free-choice access to sterile tap water supplemented with 5% (v/v) freshly squeezed domestic white asparagus juice. Clinical signs of general health, hydration, and inflammation were monitored daily. Caecal content samples were analysed by qPCR for microbial composition. Histology of relevant organs was carried out on day 60 after sacrificing the mice. Universal markers of metabolic- and liver function were determined in serum samples. Caecal SCFAs contents were measured using HPLC.

RESULTS

Overall, no significant differences in general health or clinical signs of inflammation between the two groups were observed. The liver to body weight ratio in asparagus juice-drank mice was lowered. The qPCR quantification showed that asparagus juice significantly decreased the caecal Clostridium coccoides group while causing an enhancement in Clostridium leptum, Firmicutes, and bifidobacterial groups as well as total caecal bacterial count. Asparagus juice significantly elevated the caecal contents of SCFAs. Enhanced SCFAs (acetate, butyrate, and propionate) in mice receiving asparagus juice, however, did coincide with altered lipid levels in plasma or changes in the abundance of relevant bacteria for acetate-, butyrate-, and propionate production.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aiming at evaluating the effect of freshly squeezed German domestic white asparagus juice on universal markers of metabolic- and liver function in middle-aged mice and the role of gut microbiota in this regard. The effectiveness of asparagus juice to improve metabolism in middle-aged mice was associated with alterations in intestinal microbiota but maybe also due to uptake of higher amounts of SCFAs. Hence, the key signal pathways corresponding to improved immune-metabolic homeostasis will be an important research scheme in the future.

New Approaches to Profile the Microbiome for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disease

Progressive neurodegenerative diseases represent some of the largest growing treatment challenges for public health in modern society. These diseases mainly progress due to aging and are driven by microglial surveillance and activation in response to changes occurring in the aging brain. The lack of efficacious treatment options for Alzheimer's disease (AD), as the focus of this review, and other neurodegenerative disorders has encouraged new approaches to address neuroinflammation for potential treatments. Here we will focus on the increasing evidence that dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is characterized by inflammation that may carry over to the central nervous system and into the brain. Neuroinflammation is the common thread associated with neurodegenerative diseases, but it is yet unknown at what point and how innate immune function turns pathogenic for an individual. This review will address extensive efforts to identify constituents of the gut microbiome and their neuroactive metabolites as a peripheral path to treatment. This approach is still in its infancy in substantive clinical trials and requires thorough human studies to elucidate the metabolic microbiome profile to design appropriate treatment strategies for early stages of neurodegenerative disease. We view that in order to address neurodegenerative mechanisms of the gut, microbiome and metabolite profiles must be determined to pre-screen AD subjects prior to the design of specific, chronic titrations of gut microbiota with low-dose antibiotics. This represents an exciting treatment strategy designed to balance inflammatory microglial involvement in disease progression with an individual's manifestation of AD as influenced by a coercive inflammatory gut.

Investigations of the maintenance system of the Konik Polski horse and its effects on fecal microbiota activity during the winter and summer seasons

Gastrointestinal microbiota play a key role in the nutrients digestion and hence maintaining animal health and welfare. The diet offered to the animals in captivity may differ considerably from that on natural pastures. In a stabled maintenance system, horses have a limited choice of habitat and feed. Time spend for feeding is relevant for equine welfare because the reduction of the time devoted for foraging may be responsible for inducing gastric inflammation and ulceration. Therefore, in the present study, it was hypothesized that fecal bacterial fermentative processes differ between free-roaming and stabled Konik Polski Horses (KPHs) with respect to microbial enzymatic activity, and thus the fecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which can be further utilized for assessing the feeding behavior and welfare in free-roaming versus stabled horses. The SCFA concentration and profile, as well as the extracellular and intracellular activities of selected bacterial enzymes, were characterized in horse feces collected during the winter and summer feeding seasons. The results showed higher enzymatic activity and SCFA production in the feces excreted by free-roaming versus stabled horses, especially during summer. An increase in pasture plant diversity may be beneficial for the gastrointestinal microbiota and hence for maintaining health and welfare.

The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Bile Acids in Intestinal and Liver Function, Inflammation, and Carcinogenesis

During the past decade, researchers have investigated the role of microbiota in health and disease. Recent findings support the hypothesis that commensal bacteria and in particular microbiota-derived metabolites have an impact on development of inflammation and carcinogenesis. Major classes of microbial-derived molecules such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and secondary bile acids (BAs) were shown to have immunomodulatory potential in various autoimmune, inflammatory as well as cancerous disease models and are dependent on diet-derived substrates. The versatile mechanisms underlying both beneficial and detrimental effects of bacterial metabolites comprise diverse regulatory pathways in lymphocytes and non-immune cells including changes in the signaling, metabolic and epigenetic status of these. Consequently, SCFAs as strong modulators of immunometabolism and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been investigated as therapeutic agents attenuating inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Moreover, BAs were shown to modulate the microbial composition, adaptive and innate immune response. In this review, we will discuss the recent findings in the field of microbiota-derived metabolites, especially with respect to the molecular and cellular mechanisms of SCFA and BA biology in the context of intestinal and liver diseases.

The Role of Fatty Acids in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Progression: An Update

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health problem worldwide. NAFLD (both simple steatosis and steatohepatitis) is characterized by alterations in hepatic lipid metabolism, which may lead to the development of severe liver complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, an exhaustive examination of lipid disorders in the liver of NAFLD patients is much needed. Mass spectrometry-based lipidomics platforms allow for in-depth analysis of lipid alterations in a number of human diseases, including NAFLD. This review summarizes the current research on lipid alterations associated with NAFLD and related complications, with special emphasis on the changes in long-chain and short-chain fatty acids levels in both serum and liver tissue, as well as in the hepatic expression of genes encoding the enzymes catalyzing lipid interconversions.

The Divergent Immunomodulatory Effects of Short Chain Fatty Acids and Medium Chain Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are derived from diet and fermentative processes by the intestinal flora. Two to five carbon chain fatty acids, termed short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are increasingly recognized to play a role in intestinal homeostasis. However, the characteristics of slightly longer 6 to 10 carbon, medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), derived primarily from diet, are less understood. Here, we demonstrated that SCFA and MCFA have divergent immunomodulatory propensities. SCFA down-attenuated host pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα response predominantly through the TLR4 pathway, whereas MCFA augmented inflammation through TLR2. Butyric (C4) and decanoic (C10) acid displayed most potent modulatory effects within the SCFA and MCFA, respectively. Reduction in TRAF3, IRF3 and TRAF6 expression were observed with butyric acid. Decanoic acid induced up-regulation of GPR84 and PPARγ and altered HIF-1α/HIF-2α ratio. These variant immune characteristics of the fatty acids which differ by just several carbon atoms may be attributable to their origins, with SCFA being primarily endogenous and playing a physiological role, and MCFA exogenously from the diet.

Implications of SCFAs on the Parameters of the Lipid and Hepatic Profile in Pregnant Women

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the product of the anaerobic intestinal bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and resistant starch. An abnormal intestinal microbiota may cause a reduction in the production of SCFAs, which stimulate the development of intestinal epithelial cells, nourish enterocytes, influence their maturation and proper differentiation, reduce the pH, and are an additional source of energy for the host. There have been reports of the special role of SCFAs in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy.

AIM

The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation of SCFAs with lipid and hepatic metabolism during pregnancy in relation to the body weight of pregnant women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was conducted in pregnant women divided into two groups: Obese (OW-overweight and obese women; n = 48) and lean (CG-control group; n = 48) individuals. The biochemical plasma parameters of lipid metabolism (TG, CH, LDL, HDL), inflammation (CRP), and liver function (ALT, AST, GGT) were determined in all of the subjects. SCFA analysis was performed in the stool samples to measure acetic acid (C 2:0), propionic acid (C 3:0), isobutyric acid (C 4:0 i), butyric acid (C 4:0 n), isovaleric acid (C 5:0 i) valeric acid (C 5:0 n), isocaproic acid (C 6:0 i), caproic acid (C 6:0 n), and heptanoic acid (C 7:0).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of C 3:0 and C 6:0 n were found between women in the OW group compared to the CG group. The other SCFAs tested did not differ significantly depending on BMI. The C 2:0, C 3:0, and C 4:0 n ratios showed differences in both OW and CG groups. In the OW group, no relationship was observed between the concentrations of the SCFAs tested and CRP, ALT, AST. A surprising positive relationship between C 5:0 n and all fractions of the tested lipids and branched C 5:0 with CHL, HDL, and LDL was demonstrated. In the OW group, HDL showed a positive correlation with C 3:0. However, lower GGT concentrations were accompanied by higher C 4:0 and C 5:0 values, and this tendency was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our research show that some SCFAs are associated with hepatic lipid metabolism and CRP concentrations, which may vary with gestational weight. Obesity in pregnancy reduces the amount of SCFAs in the stool, and a decrease in the level of butyrate reduces liver function.

Probiotics, Photobiomodulation, and Disease Management: Controversies and Challenges

In recent decades, researchers around the world have been studying intensively how micro-organisms that are present inside living organisms could affect the main processes of life, namely health and pathological conditions of mind or body. They discovered a relationship between the whole microbial colonization and the initiation and development of different medical disorders. Besides already known probiotics, novel products such as postbiotics and paraprobiotics have been developed in recent years to create new non-viable micro-organisms or bacterial-free extracts, which can provide benefits to the host with additional bioactivity to probiotics, but without the risk of side effects. The best alternatives in the use of probiotics and postbiotics to maintain the health of the intestinal microbiota and to prevent the attachment of pathogens to children and adults are highlighted and discussed as controversies and challenges. Updated knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the balance between microbiota and immune system for the introspection on the gut-lung-brain axis could reveal the latest benefits and perspectives of applied photobiomics for health. Multiple interconditioning between photobiomodulation (PBM), probiotics, and the human microbiota, their effects on the human body, and their implications for the management of viral infectious diseases is essential. Coupled complex PBM and probiotic interventions can control the microbiome, improve the activity of the immune system, and save the lives of people with immune imbalances. There is an urgent need to seek and develop innovative treatments to successfully interact with the microbiota and the human immune system in the coronavirus crisis. In the near future, photobiomics and metabolomics should be applied innovatively in the SARS-CoV-2 crisis (to study and design new therapies for COVID-19 immediately), to discover how bacteria can help us through adequate energy biostimulation to combat this pandemic, so that we can find the key to the hidden code of communication between RNA viruses, bacteria, and our body.

The Concept of Pathogenic TH2 Cells: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum Update 2021

T helper (TH) cells have evolved into distinct subsets that mediate specific immune responses to protect the host against a myriad of infectious and noninfectious challenges. However, if dysregulated, TH-cell subsets can cause inflammatory disease. Emerging evidence now suggests that human allergic disease is caused by a distinct subpopulation of pathogenic TH2 cells. Pathogenic TH2 cells from different type-2-driven diseases share a core phenotype and show overlapping functional attributes. The unique differentiation requirements, activating signals, and metabolic characteristics of pathogenic TH2 cells are just being discovered. A better knowledge of this particular TH2 cell population will enable the specific targeting of disease-driving pathways in allergy. In this review, we introduce a rational for classifying TH cells into distinct subsets, discuss the current knowledge on pathogenic TH2 cells, and summarize their involvement in allergic diseases.

Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Maternal Microbiota and Metabolism in Pregnancy

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as products of intestinal bacterial metabolism, are particularly relevant in the diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis. The most common studies of microbiome metabolites include butyric acid, propionic acid and acetic acid, which occur in varying proportions depending on diet, age, coexisting disease and other factors. During pregnancy, metabolic changes related to the protection of energy homeostasis are of fundamental importance for the developing fetus, its future metabolic fate and the mother’s health. SCFAs act as signaling molecules that regulate the body’s energy balance through G-protein receptors. GPR41 receptors affect metabolism through the microflora, while GPR43 receptors are recognized as a molecular link between diet, microflora, gastrointestinal tract, immunity and the inflammatory response. The possible mechanism by which the gut microflora may contribute to fat storage, as well as the occurrence of gestational insulin resistance, is blocking the expression of the fasting-induced adipose factor. SCFAs, in particular propionic acid via GPR, determine the development and metabolic programming of the fetus in pregnant women. The mechanisms regulating lipid metabolism during pregnancy are similar to those found in obese people and those with impaired microbiome and its metabolites. The implications of SCFAs and metabolic disorders during pregnancy are therefore critical to maternal health and neonatal development. In this review paper, we summarize the current knowledge about SCFAs, their potential impact and possible mechanisms of action in relation to maternal metabolism during pregnancy. Therefore, they constitute a contemporary challenge to practical nutritional therapy. Material and methods: The PubMed database were searched for “pregnancy”, “lipids”, “SCFA” in conjunction with “diabetes”, “hypertension”, and “microbiota”, and searches were limited to work published for a period not exceeding 20 years in the past. Out of 2927 publication items, 2778 papers were excluded from the analysis, due to being unrelated to the main topic, conference summaries and/or articles written in a language other than English, while the remaining 126 publications were included in the analysis.

Pineapple consumption reduced cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation in high cholesterol diet-fed rats

BACKGROUND

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It has been reported that pineapple contains healthy nutrients and phytochemicals associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. No investigation exists concerning the effect of pineapple consumption modulating hypercholesterolemia-induced cardiac damage in high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed rats. This study evaluated the effect of pineapple consumption on lipid-lowering, cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation in HCD-fed rats.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with HCD, in the presence and absence of Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cv. Pattavia powder for 8 weeks. Then, serum lipid profiles, liver and renal function tests, cardiac oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined.

RESULTS

Daily pineapple consumption reduced weight gain, serum lipid profiles, atherogenic coefficient (AC), cardiac risk ratio (CRR), and liver enzyme activity, without causing renal dysfunction. Pineapple consumption also restores cardiac protein carbonyl (cPC) content, reduces cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), cardiac pro-inflammation cytokine IL-6 and IL-1β levels.

CONCLUSION

Pineapple possesses antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties and daily consumption alleviates hypercholesterolemia-induced cardiac lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammation elevation in an in vivo model. This study demonstrates that pineapple is a potential candidate for cardioprotection against hypercholesterolemia.

Free Fatty Acid Receptors as Mediators and Therapeutic Targets in Liver Disease

Free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) are a class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that have wide-ranging effects on human physiology. The four well-characterized FFARs are FFAR1/GPR40, FFAR2/GPR43, FFAR3/GPR41, and FFAR4/GPR120. Short-chain (<6 carbon) fatty acids target FFAR2/GPR43 and FFAR3/GPR41. Medium- and long-chain fatty acids (6-12 and 13-21 carbon, respectively) target both FFAR1/GPR40 and FFAR4/GPR120. Signaling through FFARs has been implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), and a variety of other liver disorders. FFARs are now regarded as targets for therapeutic intervention for liver disease, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. In this review, we provide an in-depth, focused summary of the role FFARs play in liver health and disease.

The Protective Role of Butyrate against Obesity and Obesity-Related Diseases

Worldwide obesity is a public health concern that has reached pandemic levels. Obesity is the major predisposing factor to comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The common forms of obesity are multifactorial and derive from a complex interplay of environmental changes and the individual genetic predisposition. Increasing evidence suggest a pivotal role played by alterations of gut microbiota (GM) that could represent the causative link between environmental factors and onset of obesity. The beneficial effects of GM are mainly mediated by the secretion of various metabolites. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate and butyrate are small organic metabolites produced by fermentation of dietary fibers and resistant starch with vast beneficial effects in energy metabolism, intestinal homeostasis and immune responses regulation. An aberrant production of SCFAs has emerged in obesity and metabolic diseases. Among SCFAs, butyrate emerged because it might have a potential in alleviating obesity and related comorbidities. Here we reviewed the preclinical and clinical data that contribute to explain the role of butyrate in this context, highlighting its crucial contribute in the diet-GM-host health axis.

Impact of Intestinal Microbiota on Growth and Feed Efficiency in Pigs: A Review

This review summarises the evidence for a link between the porcine intestinal microbiota and growth and feed efficiency (FE), and suggests microbiota-targeted strategies to improve productivity. However, there are challenges in identifying reliable microbial predictors of host phenotype; environmental factors impact the microbe–host interplay, sequential differences along the intestine result in segment-specific FE- and growth-associated taxa/functionality, and it is often difficult to distinguish cause and effect. However, bacterial taxa involved in nutrient processing and energy harvest, and those with anti-inflammatory effects, are consistently linked with improved productivity. In particular, evidence is emerging for an association of Treponema and methanogens such as Methanobrevibacter in the small and large intestines and Lactobacillus in the large intestine with a leaner phenotype and/or improved FE. Bacterial carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolism pathways are also generally enriched in the large intestine of leaner pigs and/or those with better growth/FE. Possible microbial signalling routes linked to superior growth and FE include increased intestinal propionate production and reduced inflammatory response. In summary, the bacterial taxa and/or metabolic pathways identified here could be used as biomarkers for FE/growth in pigs, the taxa exploited as probiotics or the taxa/functionality manipulated via dietary/breeding strategies in order to improve productivity in pigs.

Effects of β-glucan Rich Barley Flour on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in the Ileum, Liver, and Adipose Tissues of High-Fat Diet Induced-Obesity Model Male Mice Analyzed by DNA Microarray

We evaluated whether intake of β-glucan-rich barley flour affects expression levels of genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism in the ileum, liver, and adipose tissues of mice fed a high-fat diet. C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with high β-glucan barley, for 92 days. We measured the expression levels of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in the ileum, liver, and adipose tissues using DNA microarray and q-PCR. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum was analyzed by GC/MS. The metabolic syndrome indices were improved by barley flour intake. Microarray analysis showed that the expression of genes related to steroid synthesis was consistently decreased in the liver and adipose tissues. The expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism did not change in these organs. In liver, a negative correlation was showed between some SCFAs and the expression levels of mRNA related to lipid synthesis and degradation. Barley flour affects lipid metabolism at the gene expression levels in both liver and adipose tissues. We suggest that SCFAs are associated with changes in the expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism in the liver and adipose tissues, which affect lipid accumulation.

Impact of gut microbiota: How it could play roles beyond the digestive system on development of cardiovascular and renal diseases

In recent years, a significant interest in gut microbiota-host crosstalk has increased due to the involvement of gut bacteria on host health and diseases. Gut dysbiosis, a change in the gut microbiota composition alters host-microbiota interactions and induces gut immune dysregulation that have been associated with pathogenesis of several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Gut microbiota affect the host, mainly through the immunological and metabolism-dependent and metabolism-independent pathways. In addition to these, the production of trimethylamine (TMA)/trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), uremic toxins and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) by gut microbiota are involved in the pathogenesis of CVD and CKD. Given the current approaches and challenges that can reshape the bacterial composition by restoring the balance between host and microbiota. In this review, we discuss the complex interplay between the gut microbiota, and the heart and the kidney, and explain the gut-cardiovascular axis and gut-kidney axis on the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney diseases. In addition, we discuss the interplay between gut and kidney on hypertension or cardiovascular pathology.

Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Their Association with Signalling Pathways in Inflammation, Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate, propionate and butyrate, are mainly produced by anaerobic fermentation of gut microbes. SCFAs play an important role in regulating energy metabolism and energy supply, as well as maintaining the homeostasis of the intestinal environment. In recent years, many studies have shown that SCFAs demonstrate physiologically beneficial effects, and the signalling pathways related to SCFA production, absorption, metabolism, and intestinal effects have been discovered. Two major signalling pathways concerning SCFAs, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRCs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), are well recognized. In this review, we summarize the recent advances concerning the biological properties of SCFAs and the signalling pathways in inflammation and glucose and lipid metabolism.

The impact of antibiotics on the metabolic status of obese adults without bacterial infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiota is involved in the pathophysiology of obesity. It is known that oral antibiotics manipulate the gut microbiota; however, the impact on host metabolism of obese adults without bacterial infection has not been systematically summarized.

METHODS

We searched for randomized, placebo-controlled trials that investigated the effects of oral antibiotics on the metabolic status in obese adults via Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Primary outcomes were homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body weight, and rate of diarrhea. Additional outcomes included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), waist circumference, fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and all adverse events. We assessed the certainty of evidence based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations.

RESULTS

Among 1,762 articles screened, four studies were eligible for quantitative analysis, two of which were applied to meta-analysis. Oral antibiotics had low influence on HOMA-IR [mean difference (MD) 0.09 (95% CI: -0.96 to 1.13)], body weight [MD 4.1 kg (95% CI: -23.77 to 31.97)], FPG [MD -0.12 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.47 to 0.23)], and GLP-1 [MD 0.20 pmol/L (95% CI: -2.36 to 2.76)] compared to placebo. Antibiotics treatment altered fecal acetate and butyrate levels, but resulted in little difference in propionate levels [MD -13.60 µmol/g (95% CI: -22.43 to -4.77), MD -7.60 µmol/g (-10.97 to -4.23), MD -1.10 µmol/g (95% CI: -4.18 to 1.98), respectively]. Several adverse events, such as sun sensitivity and gastrointestinal discomfort, were reported following antibiotics treatment, but no diarrhea. The certainty of evidence for most outcomes was very low to low, except for fecal SCFAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that oral antibiotics treatment is insufficient to ameliorate metabolic parameters in obese adults, suggesting that oral antibiotics treatment may not qualify as a therapeutic approach for obesity.

Free Fatty Acid Receptors 2 and 3 as Microbial Metabolite Sensors to Shape Host Health: Pharmacophysiological View

The role of the gut microbiome in human health is becoming apparent. The major functional impact of the gut microbiome is transmitted through the microbial metabolites that are produced in the gut and interact with host cells either in the local gut environment or are absorbed into circulation to impact distant cells/organs. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major microbial metabolites that are produced in the gut through the fermentation of non-digestible fibers. SCFAs are known to function through various mechanisms, however, their signaling through free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 (FFAR2/3; type of G-coupled protein receptors) is a new therapeutic approach. FFAR2/3 are widely expressed in diverse cell types in human and mice, and function as sensors of SCFAs to change several physiological and cellular functions. FFAR2/3 modulate neurological signaling, energy metabolism, intestinal cellular homeostasis, immune response, and hormone synthesis. FFAR2/3 function through Gi and/or Gq signaling, that is mediated through specific structural features of SCFAs-FFAR2/3 bindings and modulating specific signaling pathway. In this review, we discuss the wide-spread expression and structural homologies between human and mice FFAR2/3, and their role in different human health conditions. This information can unlock opportunities to weigh the potential of FFAR2/3 as a drug target to prevent human diseases.

Manipulation of Alcohol and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in the Metabolome of Commensal and Virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae by Linolenic Acid

Endogenous alcohol produced by the gut microbiome is transported via the bloodstream to the liver for detoxification. Gut dysbiosis can result in chronic excess alcohol production that contributes to the development of hepatic steatosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether linolenic acid can manipulate the production of harmful alcohol and beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the metabolome of commensal Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and the virulent K. pneumoniae K1 serotype. Glucose fermentation by the K. pneumoniae K1 serotype yielded increased production of alcohol and decreased SCFAs (especially acetate and propionate) compared to those of commensal K. pneumoniae. However, the use of linolenic acid instead of glucose significantly reduced alcohol and increased SCFAs in the fermentation media of the K. pneumoniae K1 serotype. The work highlights the value of shaping the microbial metabolome using linolenic acid, which can potentially regulate the gut–liver axis for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-induced liver diseases.

Gut-Muscle AxisExists and May Affect Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Training

Excessive training may limit physiological muscle adaptation through chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. Improper diet and overtraining may also disrupt intestinal homeostasis and in consequence enhance inflammation. Altogether, these factors may lead to an imbalance in the gut ecosystem, causing dysregulation of the immune system. Therefore, it seems to be important to optimize the intestinal microbiota composition, which is able to modulate the immune system and reduce oxidative stress. Moreover, the optimal intestinal microbiota composition may have an impact on muscle protein synthesis and mitochondrial biogenesis and function, as well as muscle glycogen storage. Aproperly balanced microbiome may also reduce inflammatory markers and reactive oxygen species production, which may further attenuate macromolecules damage. Consequently, supplementation with probiotics may have some beneficial effect on aerobic and anaerobic performance. The phenomenon of gut-muscle axis should be continuously explored to function maintenance, not only in athletes.