Probiotic Mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum Strains Improves Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota Structure in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Copper fabric improves the metabolic profile of obese mice: potential role of the gut microbiota

Copper and copper alloys have antimicrobial activity through the rapid contact killing of viruses, bacteria, and yeasts on their surface. Dysregulation of host microbiota can contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Anecdotal evidence noted improved overall wellbeing in individuals sleeping on copper-containing fabric bedding. We hypothesized that the beneficial effect of copper-infused fabric bedding on cardiometabolic health is linked to changes in gut microbiota composition. This study utilized a mouse model of diet-induced obesity to assess the beneficial effects of copper-infused fabric bedding on metabolic health. Body composition, inflammatory markers, metabolic and cardiovascular status, and changes in the faecal microbiota composition were evaluated for up to two months in mice fed a normal chow diet or high fat, high cholesterol diet in the presence of bedding made with and without copper-infused fabric. Results showed that mice subjected to diet-induced obesity and housed in cages with copper-infused fabric liner displayed less body weight gain than mice in cages with control fabric. Mice housed with copper-infused fabric also displayed improved glucose tolerance and reduced inflammation biomarker lipocalin-2. We also observed a beneficial shift in gut bacterial composition of obese mice housed with copper fabric bedding. Taken in conjunction, our study provides direct animal-based evidence supporting the beneficial effects of copper fabric on metabolic health.

Polyvinyl chloride microplastics induced gut barrier dysfunction, microbiota dysbiosis and metabolism disorder in adult mice

Microplastics (MPs) are a new kind of environmental pollutant that has attracted extensive attention in recent years. MPs can be ingested by multiple organisms and mainly accumulate in the intestine. However, there is still little known about the toxic effects of MPs on humans. Here, we chose the male adult mice as the research model, which were exposed to 2 µm polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs at a concentration of 100 mg/kg for consecutive 60 days, to study the toxicity of PVC-MPs. The changes in gut histology, enzymatic biomarkers, the intestinal microbiome, and metabolomic responses were monitored in mice. The results displayed that the PVC-MPs reduced intestinal mucus secretion and increased intestinal permeability. Moreover, PVC-MPs exposure decreased mRNA expression levels of colonic mucus secretion-related genes, indicating dysfunction of intestinal mucus secretion after exposure to PVC-MPs. With regard to the gut microbiota, high throughput sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated 15 and 17 kinds of gut microbes changed markedly after PVC-MPs exposure at the genus and species level, respectively. Furthermore, marked alterations in the gut microbiome and fecal metabolic profiles were observed, most of which were related to intestinal injury and barrier dysfunction. These results show that exposure to PVC-MPs leads to intestinal injury and changes gut microbiome composition and metabolome profiles, thus the health risk of PVC-MPs to animals needs more concern. This study helps to provide a new idea about the health risk of PVC-MPs to humans.

Characterization of Purified Mulberry Leaf Glycoprotein and Its Immunoregulatory Effect on Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

Mulberry leaf protein is a potentially functional food component and health care agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its composition, immunoregulatory effects, and gut microbial regulatory effects are unclear. Herein, ultra-filtrated and gel-fractionated mulberry leaf protein (GUMP) was characterized. Its effects on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice were further investigated. The results indicated that GUMP is a glycoprotein mainly containing glucose, arabinose, and mannose with 9.23% total sugar content. Its secondary structure is mainly β-sheet. LC–MS/MS analysis showed that GUMP closely matched with a 16.7 kDa mannose-binding lectin and a 52.7 kDa Rubisco’s large subunit. GUMP intervention significantly improved serous TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-2 contents; increased serum immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) levels; and reversed splenic damage prominently. Moreover, GUMP administration increased fecal shot-chain fatty acid concentration and up-regulated the relative abundance of Odoribacter, which was positively correlated with SCFAs and cytokine contents. Overall, GUMP alleviated immunosuppression through the integrated modulation of the gut microbiota and immune response. Therefore, GUMP could be a promising dietary supplement to help maintain gut health.

Altering Methane Emission, Fatty Acid Composition, and Microbial Profile during In Vitro Ruminant Fermentation by Manipulating Dietary Fatty Acid Ratios

This study evaluated the effects of different dietary n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios on in vitro ruminant fermentation. Methane production, fatty acid composition, and microbial profiles were compared after the in vitro fermentation of rumen fluid collected from cows that had been fed isoenergetic and isoproteic experimental diets at three different n-6/n-3 ratios: 3.04 (HN6, high n-6 source), 2.03 (MN6, medium n-6 source), and 0.8 (LN6, low n-6 source). The fermented rumen fluid pH and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the HN6 group as compared with those in the MN6 and LN6 groups. Additionally, the HN6 group produced a significantly lower (p < 0.05) proportion of methane than the MN6 group during in vitro fermentation. The MN6 and LN6 groups had significantly increased (p < 0.05) levels of C18:2n6 and C18:3n3 in the fermented rumen fluid, respectively, as compared with the HN6 group. The Chao 1 diversity index value was lower (p < 0.05) in the HN6 group than in the MN6 and LN6 groups. The observed species richness was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the HN6 group than in the MN6 group. The reduced relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae UCG-006 and Selenomonas in the HN6 group resulted in lower pH and VFA levels (i.e., acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total VFA) during in vitro fermentation. Furthermore, n-6 and n-3 PUFAs were toxic to Butyrivibrio_2 growth, resulting in high levels of incomplete biohydrogenation. Taken together, the study findings suggest that supplementation of high-forage diets with high levels of n-6 PUFAs could reduce methane emissions, whereas both VFA concentration and pH are reduced.

Postbiotic heat-killed lactobacilli modulates on body weight associated with gut microbiota in a pig model

For decades, Lactobacillus has been extensively used as beneficial probiotics because it positively effects on the intestinal health of the host and has been studying its possible serve to treat obesity as well as various diseases. This research aimed to investigate the effects of heat-killed Ligilactobacillus salivarius strain 189 (HK LS 189) supplementation on anti-obesity and gut microbiota. A total of 48 pigs were fed either a basal diet or a diet supplemented with HK LS 189 for 4 weeks. The impact of HK LS 189 supplementation on the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota was revealed by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. HK LS 189 supplementation significantly decreased growth performance. Moreover, HK LS 189 supplementation altered the gut microbiota of the pigs by decreasing the proportion of Prevotella and increasing the proportion of Parabacteroides. Beta-diversity analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups. The results support the potential use of HK LS 189 for its anti-obesity effect in pigs through modulation of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we found changes in the functional pathways of the gut microbiota. The functional pathway study indicated that metabolism and lipid metabolism differed between the two groups. Our data may contribute to understanding the potential use of postbiotic supplementation with HK LS 189 for improving the anti-obesity effects.

Lactobacillus plantarum 23-1 improves intestinal inflammation and barrier function through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in obese mice

As a natural active ingredient, lactic acid bacteria have potential anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, male C57BL/6J mice were given a high-fat diet (HFD) to establish an obese mouse model. Lactobacillus plantarum 23-1 (LP23-1) with prebiotic characteristics was intervened for 8 weeks to evaluate its remission effect on obese animals and related mechanisms. The effects of LP23-1 on lipid accumulation and intestinal inflammation in HFD-fed mice were systematically evaluated by detecting lipid accumulation, blood lipid level, pathological changes in the liver and small intestine, oxidative stress and inflammatory cell level, lipid transport-related gene expression, the inflammatory signaling pathway, and intestinal tight junction (TJ) mRNA and protein expression. The results showed that LP23-1 could significantly reduce the body weight and fat index of HFD-fed mice, improve the lipid levels of serum and liver, reduce the histopathological damage to the liver and small intestine, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory response caused by obesity. In addition, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis showed that LP23-1 could regulate the mRNA expression of lipid transport-related genes; activate the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway; reduce intestinal inflammation; improve the mRNA and protein expression of intestinal TJ proteins zona occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-1, and Muc2; repair intestinal mucosal injury; and enhance intestinal barrier function. The aforementioned results showed that LP23-1 through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and intestinal barrier function reduced obesity symptoms. This study provided new insights into the mechanism of LP23-1 in reducing obesity and provided a theoretical basis for developing new functional foods.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 alleviates the obesity of ob/ob mice and improves their intestinal microbiota and bile acid metabolism

Dietary interventions with probiotics have been widely reported to be effective in regulating obesity, and the intestinal microbiota is considered to be an important environmental factor. However, few reports focus on the interactions of microbiota-metabolites-phenotypic variables in ob/ob mice, and they have not been characterized in great detail. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 on obesity, the intestinal microbiota and the bile acid metabolism of ob/ob mice using biochemical testing, histochemical staining, high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, LC-MS/MS analysis and qRT-PCR. The results showed that SC06 ameliorated the fat mass percentage, hepatic steatosis and liver lipid metabolism disorders and reshaped the gut microbiota and metabolites in male ob/ob mice, specifically deceasing f_S24-7, p_TM7, s_Alistipes massiliensis, f_Rikenellaceae, f_Prevotellaceae, f_Lactobacillaceae, g_Alistipes, g_Flexispira, g_Lactobacillus, g_Odoribacter, g_AF12 and g_Prevotella and increasing f_Bacteroidaceae, g_Bacteroides and f_Desulfovibrionaceae. Meanwhile, SC06 treatment groups had lower ibuprofen and higher glycodeoxycholic acid and 7-dehydrocholesterol. Correlation analysis further clarified the relationships between compositional changes in the microbiota and alterations in the metabolites and phenotypes of ob/ob mice. Moreover, SC06 downregulated bile acid synthesis, export and re-absorption in the liver and increased ileum re-absorption into the blood in ob/ob mice, which may be mediated by the FXR-SHP/FGF15 signaling pathway. These results suggest that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 can ameliorate obesity in male ob/ob mice by reshaping the intestinal microbial composition, changing metabolites and regulating bile acid metabolism via the FXR signaling pathway.

Lactobacillus paracasei 24 Attenuates Lipid Accumulation in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice by Regulating the Gut Microbiota

Obesity has become a worldwide public health problem. Lactic acid bacteria have attracted extensive attention for alleviating obesity and fat accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the alleviating effects of Lactobacillus paracasei 24 (LP24) on lipid accumulation in an obese mouse model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that LP24 treatment significantly reduced body weight and fat deposition in HFD mice, improved blood lipid levels and liver steatosis, reduced liver oxidative stress injury and the inflammatory response, and regulated fat metabolism-related factors. Moreover, LP24 regulated the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota, reduced the abundance of Firmicutes and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and increased the abundance of Akkermansia. In summary, LP24 regulates lipid metabolism by activating the expression level of related genes and regulating the gut microbiota through the gut-liver axis to attenuate the development of obesity. This study provides a theoretical basis for probiotics to regulate gut microbiota to reduce lipid accumulation.

The Impacts of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the Functional Properties of Fermented Foods: A Review of Current Knowledge

One of the most varied species of lactic acid bacteria is Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lb. plantarum), formerly known as Lactobacillus plantarum. It is one of the most common species of bacteria found in foods, probiotics, dairy products, and beverages. Studies related to genomic mapping and gene locations of Lb. plantarum have shown the novel findings of its new strains along with their non-pathogenic or non-antibiotic resistance genes. Safe strains obtained with new technologies are a pioneer in the development of new probiotics and starter cultures for the food industry. However, the safety of Lb. plantarum strains and their bacteriocins should also be confirmed with in vivo studies before being employed as food additives. Many of the Lb. plantarum strains and their bacteriocins are generally safe in terms of antibiotic resistance genes. Thus, they provide a great opportunity for improving the nutritional composition, shelf life, antioxidant activity, flavour properties and antimicrobial activities in the food industry. Moreover, since some Lb. plantarum strains have the ability to reduce undesirable compounds such as aflatoxins, they have potential use in maintaining food safety and preventing food spoilage. This review emphasizes the impacts of Lb. plantarum strains on fermented foods, along with novel approaches to their genomic mapping and safety aspects.

Heart Failure Severity Closely Correlates with Intestinal Dysbiosis and Subsequent Metabolomic Alterations

Growing evidence suggests an altered gut microbiome in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the exact interrelationship between microbiota, HF, and its consequences on the metabolome are still unknown. We thus aimed here to decipher the association between the severity and progression of HF and the gut microbiome composition and circulating metabolites. Using a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC), gut bacterial diversity was found to be significantly lower in mice as early as day 7 post-TAC compared to Sham controls (p = 0.03), with a gradual progressive decrease in alpha-diversity on days 7, 14, and 42 (p = 0.014, p = 0.0016, p = 0.0021) compared to day 0, which coincided with compensated hypertrophy, maladaptive hypertrophy, and overtly failing hearts, respectively. Strikingly, segregated analysis based on the severity of the cardiac dysfunction (EF < 40% vs. EF 40−55%) manifested marked differences in the abundance and the grouping of several taxa. Multivariate analysis of plasma metabolites and bacterial diversity produced a strong correlation of metabolic alterations, such as reduced short-chain fatty acids and an increase in primary bile acids, with a differential abundance of distinct bacteria in HF. In conclusion, we showed that HF begets HF, likely via a vicious cycle of an altered microbiome and metabolic products.

Heat-Killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5314 Mitigates the Effects of Stress-Related Type 2 Diabetes in Mice via Gut Microbiome Modulation

The incidence of stress-related type 2 diabetes (stress-T2D), which is aggravated by physiological stress, is increasing annually. The effects of Lactobacillus, a key component of probiotics, have been widely studied in diabetes; however, studies on the effects of postbiotics are still limited. Here, we aimed to examine the mechanism through which heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5314 (HK-LRCC5314) alleviates stress-T2D in a cold-induced stress-T2D C57BL/6 mouse model. HK-LRCC5314 markedly decreased body weight gain, adipose tissue (neck, subcutaneous, and epididymal) weight, and fasting glucose levels. In the adipose tissue, mRNA expression levels of stress-T2D associated factors (NPY, Y2R, GLUT4, adiponectin, and leptin) and pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and CCL-2) were also altered. Furthermore, HK-LRCC5314 increased the abundance of Barnesiella, Alistipes, and butyrate-producing bacteria, including Akkermansia, in feces and decreased the abundance of Ruminococcus, Dorea, and Clostridium. Thus, these findings suggest that HK-LRCC5314 exerts protective effects against stress-T2D via gut microbiome modulation, suggesting its potential as a supplement for managing stress-T2D.

Characterising the Intestinal Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome Associated With Different Cytokine Profiles in Two Bifidobacterium strains Pre-Treated Rats With D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury

Multiple probiotics have protective effects against different types of liver injury. Different intestinal microbes could be beneficial to the protective effects of the probiotics on the treated cohorts in different aspects. The current study was designed to determine the intestinal bacterial and fungal microbiome associated with different cytokine profiles in the Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum LI09 and Bifidobacterium catenulatum LI10 pretreated rats with D-galactosamine-induced liver injury. In this study, partition around medoids clustering analysis determined two distinct cytokine profiles (i.e., CP1 and CP2) comprising the same 11 cytokines but with different levels among the LI09, LI10, positive control (PC), and negative control (NC) cohorts. All rats in PC and NC cohorts were determined with CP1 and CP2, respectively, while the rats with CP1 in LI09 and LI10 cohorts had more severe liver injury than those with CP2, suggesting that CP2 represented better immune status and was the “better cytokine profile” in this study. PERMANOVA analyses showed that the compositions of both bacterial and fungal microbiome were different in the LI10 cohorts with different cytokine profiles, while the same compositions were similar between LI09 cohorts with different cytokine profiles. The phylotype abundances of both bacteria and fungi were different in the rats with different cytokine profiles in LI09 or LI10 cohorts according to similarity percentage (SIMPER) analyses results. At the composition level, multiple microbes were associated with different cytokine profiles in LI09 or LI10 cohorts, among which Flavonifractor and Penicillium were the bacterium and fungus most associated with LI09 cohort with CP2, while Parabacteroides and Aspergillus were the bacterium and fungus most associated with LI10 cohort with CP2. These microbes were determined to influence the cytokine profiles of the corresponding cohorts. At the structure level, Corynebacterium and Cephalotrichiella were determined as the two most powerful gatekeepers in the microbiome networks of LI09 cohort CP2, while Pseudoflavonifractor was the most powerful gatekeeper in LI10 cohort with CP2. These identified intestinal microbes were likely to be beneficial to the effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium on the immunity improvement of the treated cohorts, and they could be potential microbial biomarkers assisting with the evaluation of immune status of probiotics-treated cohorts.

Usefulness of Probiotics in the Management of NAFLD: Evidence and Involved Mechanisms of Action from Preclinical and Human Models

The present review aims at analyzing the current evidence regarding probiotic administration for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) management. Additionally, the involved mechanisms of action modulated by probiotic administration, as well as the eventual limitations of this therapeutic approach and potential alternatives, are discussed. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the administration of single-strain probiotics and probiotic mixtures effectively prevents diet-induced NAFLD. In both cases, the magnitude of the described effects, as well as the involved mechanisms of action, are comparable, including reduced liver lipid accumulation (due to lipogenesis downregulation and fatty acid oxidation upregulation), recovery of gut microbiota composition and enhanced intestinal integrity. Similar results have also been reported in clinical trials, where the administration of probiotics proved to be effective in the treatment of NAFLD in patients featuring this liver condition. In this case, information regarding the mechanisms of action underlying probiotics-mediated hepatoprotective effects is scarcer (mainly due to the difficulty of liver sample collection). Since probiotics administration represents an increased risk of infection in vulnerable subjects, much attention has been paid to parabiotics and postbiotics, which seem to be effective in the management of several metabolic diseases, and thus represent a suitable alternative to probiotic usage.

Dysbiotic change in gastric microbiome and its functional implication in gastric carcinogenesis

Although there is a growing interest in the role of gastric microbiome on the development of gastric cancer, the exact mechanism is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the changes of gastric microbiome during gastric carcinogenesis, and to predict the functional potentials of the microbiome involved in the cancer development. The gastric microbiome was analyzed using gastric juice samples from 88 prospectively enrolled patients, who were classified into gastritis, gastric adenoma, or early/advanced gastric cancer group. Differences in microbial diversity and composition were analyzed with 16S rRNA gene profiling, using next-generation sequencing method. Metagenomic biomarkers were selected using logistic regression models, based on relative abundances at genus level. We used Tax4Fun to predict possible functional pathways of gastric microbiome involved in the carcinogenesis. The microbial diversity continuously decreased in its sequential process of gastric carcinogenesis, from gastritis to gastric cancer. The microbial composition was significantly different among the four groups of each disease status, as well as between the cancer group and non-cancer group. Gastritis group was differently enriched with genera Akkermansia and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 Group, whereas the cancer group was enriched with Lactobacillus and Veillonella. Predictive analysis of the functional capacity of the microbiome suggested enrichment or depletion of several functional pathways related to carcinogenesis in the cancer group. There are significant changes in the diversity and composition of gastric microbiome during the gastric carcinogenesis process. Gastric cancer was characterized with microbial dysbiosis, along with functional changes potentially favoring carcinogenesis.

Anti-Microbial Activity of Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids in the Light of Their Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles

Antibiotic resistance has become an increasing challenge in the treatment of various infectious diseases, especially those associated with biofilm formation on biotic and abiotic materials. There is an urgent need for new treatment protocols that can also target biofilm-embedded bacteria. Many secondary metabolites of plants possess anti-bacterial activities, and especially the phytocannabinoids of the Cannabis sativa L. varieties have reached a renaissance and attracted much attention for their anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities at concentrations below the cytotoxic threshold on normal mammalian cells. Accordingly, many synthetic cannabinoids have been designed with the intention to increase the specificity and selectivity of the compounds. The structurally unrelated endocannabinoids have also been found to have anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activities. Recent data suggest for a mutual communication between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiota. The present review focuses on the anti-microbial activities of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids integrated with some selected issues of their many physiological and pharmacological activities.

Antimetabolite Drugs Exhibit Distinctive Immunomodulatory Mechanisms and Effects on the Intestinal Microbiota in Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of antimetabolite drugs on T-cell responses and intestinal microbial composition in autoimmune uveitis.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) was induced in C57BL/6J mice treated with 0.00625 mg/mL methotrexate (MTX) or 0.625 mg/mL mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in drinking water for 4 weeks prior to immunization and 2 weeks thereafter. The effector T cell (Teff) and regulatory T cell (Treg) populations were identified using flow cytometry. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was applied for gut microbiome characterization. DESeq2 analysis was used to discriminate relative abundances of taxa and PLS-DA to integrate cytometric and microbiome data between groups.

Results

Both MTX and MMF abrogated uveitis in EAU without clinical signs of toxicity as compared to water-fed controls. MTX reduced Teff and Treg expansion in peripheral tissues and eyes. MTX decreased alpha diversity, increased Akkermansia, and reduced Lachnoclostridium abundances. Conversely, MMF enhanced Tregs in the mesenteric lymph node and the eyes. In parallel, MMF increased the gut alpha diversity, including an increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and a decreased abundance of Lachnospiraceae UCG-001. A significant congruent correlation among intestinal microbial changes, T-cell responses, and clinical scores was observed for both antimetabolites.

Conclusions

Although MTX and MMF both abrogated uveitis in EAU, they showed different effects on T-cell subsets and the intestinal bacterial composition. This work indicates unique immunomodulation by each drug and is the first to demonstrate potential microbiota-related mechanisms.

Objetivo

Investigar el efecto de los fármacos antimetabolitos sobre las respuestas de células T y la composición microbiana intestinal en la uveítis autoinmune.

Métodos

Se indujo uveítis autoinmune experimental (UAE) en ratones C57BL/6J tratados con 0.00625 mg/ml de metotrexato (MTX) o 0.625 mg/ml de micofenolato mofetilo (MFM) en agua de bebida durante 4 semanas antes de la inmunización y 2 semanas después. Las poblaciones de células T efectoras (Tef) y reguladoras (Treg) se identificaron por citometría de flujo. La caracterización del microbioma intestinal se realizó mediante secuenciación del gen 16S ARNr. El análisis discriminante de abundancias relativas en los taxones se llevó a cabo por DESeq2 y se usó un análisis PLS-DA para integrar los datos microbianos y citométricos entre grupos.

Resultados

MTX y MFM inhibieron la UAE sin signos clínicos de toxicidad comparado con los controles. MTX disminuyó la expansión de Tef y Treg en los tejidos periféricos y oculares. MTX redujo la alfa diversidad, incrementando la abundancia de Akkermansia, y reduciendo la de Lachnoclostridium. En cambio, MFM aumentó los Tregs en el ganglio mesentérico y en los ojos. Paralelamente, MFM aumentó la alfa diversidad, incluyendo un aumento de la abundancia del grupo Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 y un descenso de la de Lachnospiraceae UCG-001. Se observó una correlación congruente significativa, para ambos fármacos, entre los cambios en el microbioma, las respuestas de células T y los grados clínicos de uveítis.

Conclusiones

Aunque ambos, MTX y MFM, suprimieron la UAE, mostraron efectos diferentes sobre los subtipos de células T y sobre la composición del microbioma. Este estudio indica un efecto inmunomodulador único para cada fármaco y es el primero en demostrar potenciales mecanismos relacionados con el microbioma.

Nocturnal Light Pollution Induces Weight Gain in Mice and Reshapes the Structure, Functions, and Interactions of Their Colonic Microbiota

In mammals, the daily variation in the ecology of the intestinal microbiota is tightly coupled to the circadian rhythm of the host. On the other hand, a close correlation between increased body weight and light pollution at night has been reported in humans and animal models. However, the mechanisms underlying such weight gain in response to light contamination at night remain elusive. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that dim light pollution at night alters the colonic microbiota of mice, which could correlate with weight gain in the animals. By developing an experimental protocol using a mouse model that mimics light contamination at night in urban residences (dLAN, dim light at night), we found that mice exposed to dLAN showed a significant weight gain compared with mice exposed to control standard light/dark (LD) photoperiod. To identify possible changes in the microbiota, we sampled two stages from the resting period of the circadian cycle of mice (ZT0 and ZT10) and evaluated them by high-throughput sequencing technology. Our results indicated that microbial diversity significantly differed between ZT0 and ZT10 in both LD and dLAN samples and that dLAN treatment impacted the taxonomic composition, functions, and interactions of mouse colonic microbiota. Together, these results show that bacterial taxa and microbial metabolic pathways might be involved with the mechanisms underlying weight gain in mice subjected to light contamination at night.

Dietary intake of probiotic fermented milk benefits the gut and reproductive health in mice fed with an obesogenic diet

Probiotics have been suggested as alternatives to pharmacological drugs in the treatment of a variety of medical problems, including obesity management, which is often linked to low sperm production. Also, probiotic fermented products are known to boost host immune response, immunosenescence, infection tolerance, and redox homeostasis, but their direct role in male fertility has been less investigated. This study assessed the effect of two probiotic strains, L. fermentum NCDC 400 and L. rhamnosus NCDC 610, and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) fermented milk supplementation. We identified the significantly reduced oxidative stress markers in the plasma and liver of HF diet-fed animals. We determined the role of key testicular enzymes of steroidogenic pathway genes StAR, P450scc, and 17βHSD in maintaining the testosterone concentration and restoring testicular structures. In conclusion, the present work illustrated the ability of both probiotics L. fermentum NCDC 400 and L. rhamnosus NCDC 610 as regulatory agents with beneficial effects on weight loss and endogenous testosterone with substantially improved sperm motility in male diet-induced obesity (DIO) models. Our findings indicate that fermented milk supplementation may be an alternative treatment for preventing obesity and other related metabolic syndromes.

Lactobacillus johnsonii 3-1 and Lactobacillus crispatus 7-4 promote the growth performance and ileum development and participate in lipid metabolism of broilers

Long-term use of antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) in animal production is the main cause of antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, seeking alternatives to AGP is crucial for animal husbandry. Among all AGP alternatives, probiotics are promising candidates. In this study, two strains of lactic acid bacteria, L. johnsonii 3-1 and L. crispatus 7-4, were isolated from the feces of wild Gallus gallus, which exhibited obvious anti-pathogenic activity and improved the growth performance of broilers. Furthermore, we found that these two strains participated in the lipid metabolism of broilers by reducing the content of TC and TG in ileal epithelial cells and up-regulating the liver AMPKα/PPARα/CPT-1 pathway, which affects abdominal fat deposition. In summary, L. johnsonii 3-1 and L. crispatus 7-4 have the potential to be used as AGP substitutes and participate in the lipid metabolism of broilers to reduce abdominal fat deposition. Importantly, our study reveals for the first time that L. crispatus participates in liver lipid metabolism to reduce abdominal fat deposition in broilers.

The Use of Mushrooms and Spirulina Algae as Supplements to Prevent Growth Inhibition in a Pre-Clinical Model for an Unbalanced Diet

Today’s eating patterns are characterized by the consumption of unbalanced diets (UBDs) resulting in a variety of health consequences on the one hand, and the consumption of dietary supplements in order to achieve overall health and wellness on the other. Balanced nutrition is especially crucial during childhood and adolescence as these time periods are characterized by rapid growth and development of the skeleton. We show the harmful effect of UBD on longitudinal bone growth, trabecular and cortical bone micro-architecture and bone mineral density; which were analyzed by micro-CT scanning. Three point bending tests demonstrate the negative effect of the diet on the mechanical properties of the bone material as well. Addition of Spirulina algae or Pleurotus eryngii or Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, to the UBD, was able to improve growth and impaired properties of the bone. 16SrRNA Sequencing identified dysbiosis in the UBD rats’ microbiota, with high levels of pro-inflammatory associated bacteria and low levels of bacteria associated with fermentation processes and bone related mechanisms. These results provide insight into the connection between diet, the skeletal system and the gut microbiota, and reveal the positive impact of three chosen dietary supplements on bone development and quality presumably through the microbiome composition.

Latilactobacillus sakei WIKIM31 Decelerates Weight Gain in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice by Modulating Lipid Metabolism and Suppressing Inflammation

Obesity and related metabolic diseases are major problems worldwide. Some probiotics are currently considered potential therapeutic strategies for obesity. We aimed to investigate the antiobesity efficacy of Latilactobacillus sakei WIKIM31 in obese mice induced by a high fat diet. The administration of a high-fat diet with L. sakei WIKIM31 reduced body weight gain, epididymal fat mass, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the blood, and remarkably decreased the expression of lipogenesis-related genes in the epididymal adipose tissue and liver. Interestingly, intake of L. sakei WIKIM31 improved gut barrier function by increasing the gene expression of tight junction proteins and suppressing the inflammatory responses. Additionally, L. sakei WIKIM31 enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate and propionate, in the intestinal tract. These results showed that L. sakei WIKIM31 can be used as a potential therapeutic probiotic for obesity.

Weissella cibaria MG5285 and Lactobacillus reuteri MG5149 attenuated fat accumulation in adipose and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced C57BL/6J obese mice

Background

Excessive consumption of dietary fat is closely related to obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Recently, probiotics have been highly proposed as biotherapeutic to treat and prevent diseases. Previously, there are studies that demonstrated the beneficial effects of probiotics against metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes.

Objective

We investigated the anti-obesity effect and mechanism of action of four human-derived lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MG4502, Lactobacillus gasseri MG4524, Limosilactobacillus reuteri MG5149, and Weissella cibaria MG5285) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice.

Design

Obesity was induced in mice over 8 weeks, with a 60% HFD. The four human-derived LAB strains (2 × 10⁸ CFU/mouse) were orally administered to male C57BL/6J mice once daily for 8 weeks. Body weight, liver and adipose tissue (AT) weights, glucose tolerance, and serum biochemistry profiles were determined. After collecting the tissues, histopathological and Western blot analyses were conducted.

Results

Administration of these LAB strains resulted in decreased body weight, liver and AT weights, and glucose tolerance. Serum biochemistry profiles, including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and leptin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved. Hepatic steatosis and TG levels in liver tissue were significantly reduced. In addition, the size of adipocytes in epididymal tissue was significantly reduced. In epididymal tissues, Limosilactobacillus reuteri MG5149 and Weissella cibaria MG5285 groups showed a significantly reduced expression of lipogenic proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and adipocyte-protein 2. In addition, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1-c and its downstream protein FAS in the liver tissue were significantly decreased. These strains attenuated fat accumulation in the liver and AT by upregulating the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in HFD-fed mice.

Conclusion

We suggest that L. reuteri MG5149 and W. cibaria MG5285 could be used as potential probiotic candidates to prevent obesity.

The Relationship Between Mucosal Microbiota, Colitis, and Systemic Inflammation in Chronic Granulomatous Disorder

PURPOSE

Chronic granulomatous disorder (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency which is frequently complicated by inflammatory colitis and is associated with systemic inflammation. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of colitis and systemic inflammation.

METHODS

We performed 16S rDNA sequencing on mucosal biopsy samples from each segment of 10 CGD patients' colons and conducted compositional and functional pathway prediction analyses.

RESULTS

The microbiota in samples from colitis patients demonstrated reduced taxonomic alpha-diversity compared to unaffected patients, even in apparently normal bowel segments. Functional pathway richness was similar between the colitic and non-colitic mucosa, although metabolic pathways involved in butyrate biosynthesis or utilization were enriched in patients with colitis and correlated positively with fecal calprotectin levels. One patient with very severe colitis was dominated by Enterococcus spp., while among other patients Bacteroides spp. abundance correlated with colitis severity measured by fecal calprotectin and an endoscopic severity score. In contrast, Blautia abundance is associated with low severity scores and mucosal health. Several taxa and functional pathways correlated with concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in blood but not with colitis severity. Notably, dividing patients into "high" and "low" systemic inflammation groups demonstrated clearer separation than on the basis of colitis status in beta-diversity analyses.

CONCLUSION

The microbiome is abnormal in CGD-associated colitis and altered functional characteristics probably contribute to pathogenesis. Furthermore, the relationship between the mucosal microbiome and systemic inflammation, independent of colitis status, implies that the microbiome in CGD can influence the inflammatory phenotype of the condition.

Synbiotic (Lactiplantibacillus pentosus GSSK2 and isomalto-oligosaccharides) supplementation modulates pathophysiology and gut dysbiosis in experimental metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome a lifestyle disease, where diet and gut microbiota play a prodigious role in its initiation and progression. Prophylactic bio-interventions employing probiotics and prebiotics offer an alternate nutritional approach towards attenuating its progression. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy of a novel synbiotic (Lactiplantibacillus pentosus GSSK2 + isomalto-oligosaccharides) in comparison to orlistat in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome. It was observed that supplementation of synbiotic for 12 weeks to Sprague Dawley rats fed with high fat diet (HFD), ameliorated the morphometric parameters i.e. weight gain, abdominal circumference, Lee's index, BMI and visceral fat deposition along with significantly increased fecal Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio, elevated population of Lactobacillus spp., Akkermansia spp., Faecalibacterium spp., Roseburia spp. and decreased Enterobacteriaceae compared with HFD animals. Additionally, synbiotic administration to HFD animals exhibited improved glucose clearance, lipid biomarkers, alleviated oxidative stress, prevented leaky gut phenotype, reduced serum lipopolysaccharides and modulated the inflammatory, lipid and glucose metabolism genes along with restored histomorphology of adipose tissue, colon and liver compared with HFD animals. Taken together, the study highlights the protective potential of synbiotic in comparison with its individual components in ameliorating HFD-induced metabolic complications.

Oral Administration of Latilactobacillus sakei ADM14 Improves Lipid Metabolism and Fecal Microbiota Profile Associated With Metabolic Dysfunction in a High-Fat Diet Mouse Model

Effects of Latilactobacillus sakei ADM14 on changes in lipid metabolism and fecal microbiota composition were studied in high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model. The mice were divided into three groups: normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), and HFD plus L. sakei ADM14 (HDA). Oral administration of L. sakei ADM14 daily for 10weeks decreased body weight gain, fat tissue mass, and liver weight in mice and reduced the size of histologically stained liver adipocytes. In addition, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose decreased significantly. Latilactobacillus sakei ADM14 regulated the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue and liver and induced changes in the composition of fecal microbiota, thereby improving energy harvests and changing metabolic disorder-related taxa. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was found in the HDA group compared to the HD group, particularly due to the difference in the relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes between the two groups over 10weeks. Differences in proportions of some taxa reported to have correlation with obesity were also found between HD and HDA groups. These results suggest that L. sakei ADM14 can have a positive effect on metabolic disorders such as obesity and fatty liver through effective regulation of host lipid metabolism and gut microbiota.

Probiotics in hepatology: An update

The gut–liver axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. Probiotics are living bacteria that may be used to correct disorders of this axis. Notable progress has been made in the study of probiotic drugs for the treatment of various liver diseases in the last decade. It has been proven that probiotics are useful for hepatic encephalopathy, but their effects on other symptoms and syndromes of cirrhosis are poorly studied. Their effectiveness in the treatment of metabolic associated fatty liver disease has been shown both in experimental models and in clinical trials, but their effect on the prognosis of this disease has not been described. The beneficial effects of probiotics in alcoholic liver disease have been shown in many experimental studies, but there are very few clinical trials to support these findings. The effects of probiotics on the course of other liver diseases are either poorly studied (such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, chronic hepatitis B and C, and autoimmune hepatitis) or not studied at all (such as primary biliary cholangitis, hepatitis A and E, Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, storage diseases, and vascular liver diseases). Thus, despite the progress in the study of probiotics in hepatology over the past decade, there are many unexplored and unclear questions surrounding this topic.

Lactobacillus plantarum HY7715 Ameliorates Sarcopenia by Improving Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Aged Balb/c Mice

Sarcopenia is a loss of muscle mass and function in elderly people and can lead to physical frailty and fall-related injuries. Sarcopenia is an inevitable event of the aging process that substantially impacts a person's quality of life. Recent studies to improve muscle function through the intake of various functional food materials are attracting attention. However, it is not yet known whether probiotics can improve muscle mass and muscle strength and affect physical performance. Lactobacillus plantarum HY7715 (HY7715) is a lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi. The present research shows that L. plantarum HY7715 increases physical performance and skeletal muscle mass in 80-week-old aged Balb/c male mice. HY7715 not only induces myoblast differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis but also inhibits the sarcopenic process in skeletal muscle. In addition, HY7715 recovers the microbiome composition and beta-diversity shift. Therefore, HY7715 has promise as a functional probiotic supplement to improve the degeneration of muscle function that is associated with aging.

Combination of Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4231 and MG4244 attenuates lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed obese mice

We investigated the anti-obesity effect and the underlying mechanisms of action of human-derived Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4231, MG4244, and their combination, in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Administration of the Limosilactobacillus strains decreased body weight gain, liver and adipose tissue weight, and glucose tolerance. Serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and leptin were reduced, while adiponectin increased. The administration of Limosilactobacillus strains improved the histopathological features of liver tissue, such as hepatic atrophy and inflammatory penetration, and significantly reduced the content of triglyceride in the liver. Limosilactobacillus administration discovered a significant reduction in the size of the adipocytes in the epididymal tissue. Limosilactobacillus treatment significantly reduced the expression of important regulators in lipid metabolism, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, fatty acid synthase (FAS), adipocyte-protein 2, and lipoprotein lipase in the epididymal tissue. Also, Limosilactobacillus lowered sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1-c and FAS in the liver tissue. Such changes in the expression of these regulators in both liver and epididymis tissue were caused by Limosilactobacillus upregulating phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Therefore, we suggest that the use of the combination of L. fermentum MG4231 and MG4244, as probiotics could effectively inhibit adipogenesis and lipogenesis from preventing obesity.

Differences in immune status and fecal SCFA between Indonesian stunted children and children with normal nutritional status

We recently showed that the gut microbiota composition of stunted children was different from that of children with normal nutritional status. Here, we compared immune status and fecal microbial metabolite concentrations between stunted and normal children, and we correlated macronutrient intake (including energy), metabolites and immune status to microbiota composition. The results show that macronutrient intake was lower in stunted children for all components, but after correction for multiple comparison significant only for energy and fat. Only TGF-β was significantly different between stunted children and children of normal nutritional status after correction for multiple comparisons. TNF-alpha, IL-10, lipopolysaccharide binding protein in serum and secretory IgA in feces were not significantly different. Strikingly, all the individual short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids were higher in fecal samples of stunted children (significant for acetate, valerate and total SCFA). These metabolites correlated with a number of different microbial taxa, but due to extensive cross-feeding between microbes, did not show a specific pattern. However, the energy-loss due to higher excretion in stunted children of these metabolites, which can be used as substrate for the host, is striking. Several microbial taxa also correlated to the intake of macronutrients (including dietary fibre) and energy. Eisenbergiella positively correlated with all macronutrients, while an uncharacterized genus within the Succinivibrionaceae family negatively correlated with all macronutrients. These, and the other correlations observed, may provide indication on how to modulate the gut microbiota of stunted children such that their growth lag can be corrected. Trail registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04698759.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WJL administration during pregnancy and lactation improves lipid profile, insulin sensitivity and gut microbiota diversity in dyslipidemic dams and protects male offspring against cardiovascular dysfunction in later life

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Maternal dyslipidemia is recognized as a risk factor for the development of arterial hypertension (AH) and cardiovascular dysfunction in offspring. Here we evaluated the effects of probiotic administration of a specific strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (WJL) during pregnancy and lactation on gut microbiota and metabolic profile in dams fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet and its long-term effects on the cardiovascular function in male rat offspring.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pregnant Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: dams fed a control diet (CTL = 5), dams fed a HFHC diet (DLP = 5) and dams fed a HFHC diet and receiving L. plantarum WJL during pregnancy and lactation (DLP-LpWJL). L. plantarum WJL (1 × 109 CFU) or vehicle (NaCl, 0.9%) was administered daily by oral gavage for 6 weeks, covering the pregnancy and lactation periods. After weaning, male offspring received a standard diet up to 90 days of life. Biochemical measurements and gut microbiota were evaluated in dams. In male offspring, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and vascular reactivity were evaluated at 90 days of age. Dams fed with a HFHC diet during pregnancy and lactation had increased lipid profile and insulin resistance and showed dysbiotic gut microbiota. Administration of L. plantarum WJL to dams having maternal dyslipidemia improved gut microbiota composition, lipid profile and insulin resistance in them. Blood pressure was augmented and vascular reactivity was impaired with a higher contractile response and a lower response to endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in DLP male offspring. In contrast, male offspring of DLP-LpWJL dams had reduced blood pressure and recovered vascular function in later life.

CONCLUSION

Administration of L. plantarum WJL during pregnancy and lactation in dams improved gut microbiota diversity, reduced maternal dyslipidemia and prevented cardiovascular dysfunction in male rat offspring.

Xylo-Oligosaccharides in Prevention of Hepatic Steatosis and Adipose Tissue Inflammation: Associating Taxonomic and Metabolomic Patterns in Fecal Microbiomes with Biclustering

We have shown that prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) increased beneficial gut microbiota (GM) and prevented high fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis, but the mechanisms associated with these effects are not clear. We studied whether XOS affects adipose tissue inflammation and insulin signaling, and whether the GM and fecal metabolome explain associated patterns. XOS was supplemented or not with high (HFD) or low (LFD) fat diet for 12 weeks in male Wistar rats (n = 10/group). Previously analyzed GM and fecal metabolites were biclustered to reduce data dimensionality and identify interpretable groups of co-occurring genera and metabolites. Based on our findings, biclustering provides a useful algorithmic method for capturing such joint signatures. On the HFD, XOS-supplemented rats showed lower number of adipose tissue crown-like structures, increased phosphorylation of AKT in liver and adipose tissue as well as lower expression of hepatic miRNAs. XOS-supplemented rats had more fecal glycine and less hypoxanthine, isovalerate, branched chain amino acids and aromatic amino acids. Several bacterial genera were associated with the metabolic signatures. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of XOS on hepatic steatosis involved decreased adipose tissue inflammation and likely improved insulin signaling, which were further associated with fecal metabolites and GM.

Oral and Intravenous Iron Therapy Differentially Alter the On- and Off-Tumor Microbiota in Anemic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Iron deficiency anemia is a common complication of colorectal cancer and may require iron therapy. Oral iron can increase the iron available to gut bacteria and may alter the colonic microbiota. We performed an intervention study to compare oral and intravenous iron therapy on the colonic tumor-associated (on-tumor) and paired non-tumor-associated adjacent (off-tumor) microbiota. Anemic patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma received either oral ferrous sulphate (n = 16) or intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (n = 24). On- and off-tumor biopsies were obtained post-surgery and microbial profiling was performed using 16S ribosomal RNA analysis. Off-tumor α- and β-diversity were significantly different between iron treatment groups. No differences in on-tumor diversity were observed. Off-tumor microbiota of oral iron-treated patients showed higher abundances of the orders Clostridiales, Cytophagales, and Anaeroplasmatales compared to intravenous iron-treated patients. The on-tumor microbiota was enriched with the orders Lactobacillales and Alteromonadales in the oral and intravenous iron groups, respectively. The on- and off-tumor microbiota associated with intravenous iron-treated patients infers increased abundances of enzymes involved in iron sequestration and anti-inflammatory/oncogenic metabolite production, compared to oral iron-treated patients. Collectively, this suggests that intravenous iron may be a more appropriate therapy to limit adverse microbial outcomes compared to oral iron.

The intestinal microbial composition in Greylag geese differs with steatosis induction mode: spontaneous or induced by overfeeding

Background

Relationships between microbial composition and steatosis are being extensively studied in mammals, and causal relations have been evidenced. In migratory birds the liver can transiently store lipids during pre-migratory and migratory phases, but little is known about the implications of the digestive microbiota in those mechanisms. The Landaise greylag goose (Anser anser) is a good model to study steatosis in migratory birds as it is domesticated, but is still, from a genetic point of view, close to its wild migratory ancestor. It also has a great ingestion capacity and a good predisposition for hepatic steatosis, whether spontaneous or induced by conventional overfeeding. The conventional (overfeeding) and alternative (spontaneous steatosis induction) systems differ considerably in duration and feed intake level and previous studies have shown that aptitudes to spontaneous steatosis are very variable. The present study thus aimed to address two issues: (i) evaluate whether microbial composition differs with steatosis-inducing mode; (ii) elucidate whether a digestive microbial signature could be associated with variable aptitudes to spontaneous liver steatosis.

Results

Performances, biochemical composition of the livers and microbiota differed considerably in response to steatosis stimulation. We namely identified the genus Romboutsia to be overrepresented in birds developing a spontaneous steatosis in comparison to those submitted to conventional overfeeding while the genera Ralstonia, Variovorax and Sphingomonas were underrepresented only in birds that did not develop a spontaneous steatosis compared to conventionally overfed ones, birds developing a spontaneous steatosis having intermediate values. Secondly, no overall differences in microbial composition were evidenced in association with variable aptitudes to spontaneous steatosis, although one OTU, belonging to the Lactobacillus genus, was overrepresented in birds having developed a spontaneous steatosis compared to those that had not.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to evaluate the intestinal microbial composition in association with steatosis, whether spontaneous or induced by overfeeding, in geese. Steatosis induction modes were associated with distinct digestive microbial compositions. However, unlike what can be observed in mammals, no clear microbial signature associated with spontaneous steatosis level was identified.

Live and ultrasound-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus casei modulate the intestinal microbiota and improve biochemical and cardiovascular parameters in male rats fed a high-fat diet

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ingestion of live (9 log CFU mL-1) and ultrasound-inactivated (paraprobiotic, 20 kHz, 40 min) Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 cells for 28 days on healthy parameters (biochemical and cardiovascular) and intestinal microbiota (amplicon sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA) of rats fed a high-fat diet. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals: CTL (standard diet), HFD (high-fat diet), HFD-LC (high-fat diet and live L. casei), and HFD-ILC (high-fat diet and inactivated L. casei). The administration of live and ultrasound-inactivated L. casei prevented the increase (p < 0.05) in cholesterol levels (total and LDL) and controlled the insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, it promoted a modulation of the intestinal microbial composition by increasing (p < 0.05) beneficial bacteria (Lachnospiraceae and Ruminoccocaceae) and decreasing (p < 0.05) harmful bacteria (Clostridiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Helicobacteriacea), attenuating the effects promoted by the HFD ingestion. Only live cells could increase (p < 0.05) the HDL-cholesterol, while only inactivated cells caused attenuation (p < 0.05) of the blood pressure. Results show beneficial effects of live and inactivated L. casei 01 and indicate that ultrasound inactivation produces a paraprobiotic with similar or improved health properties compared to live cells.

Comparing the effects of two different strains of mycobacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae NCTC 11659 and M. vaccae ATCC 15483, on stress-resilient behaviors and lipid-immune signaling in rats

Stress-related disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are highly prevalent and often difficult to treat. In rodents, stress-related, anxiety-like defensive behavioral responses may be characterized by social avoidance, exacerbated inflammation, and altered metabolic states. We have previously shown that, in rodents, subcutaneous injections of a heat-killed preparation of the soil-derived bacterium Mycobacterium vaccae NCTC 11659 promotes stress resilience effects that are associated with immunoregulatory signaling in the periphery and the brain. In the current study, we sought to determine whether treatment with a heat-killed preparation of the closely related M. vaccae type strain, M. vaccae ATCC 15483, would also promote stress-resilience in adult male rats, likely due to biologically similar characteristics of the two strains. Here we show that immunization with either M. vaccae NCTC 11659 or M. vaccae ATCC 15483 prevents stress-induced increases in hippocampal interleukin 6 mRNA expression, consistent with previous studies showing that M. vaccae NCTC 11659 prevents stress-induced increases in peripheral IL-6 secretion, and prevents exaggeration of anxiety-like defensive behavioral responses assessed 24 h after exposure to inescapable tail shock stress (IS) in adult male rats. Analysis of mRNA expression, protein abundance, and flow cytometry data demonstrate overlapping but also unique effects of treatment with the two M. vaccae strains on immunological and metabolic signaling in the host. These data support the hypothesis that treatment with different M. vaccae strains may immunize the host against stress-induced dysregulation of physiology and behavior.

Different effects of high-fat diets rich in different oils on lipids metabolism, oxidative stress and gut microbiota

The study aimed to investigate the different effects of high-fat (HF) diets rich in different oils on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and gut mirobiota. C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: (1) control group (CG) was fed with normal diet, (2) olive oil (OO) group was fed with high-fat diet containing OO, (3) lard oil (LO) group was fed with high-fat diet containing LO, (4) soybean oil (SO) group was fed with high-fat diet containing SO. After 12 weeks, serum lipids, and oxidative stress indices were analyzed. Gut microbiota analysis was carried out based on the sequencing results of 16S rRNA. High fat diet can increase serum and liver lipids and upregulate sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c related genes expression. Serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in LO group were significantly higher than those in CG and OO groups. In CG, the family Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Desulfovibrionaceae had the large effect sizes. HF diets resulted in the increase of Actinobacteria and Enterococcaceae abundance, and the decrease of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria Lactobacillales and microbiota diversity. The abundance of Actinobacteria and Lactobacillales is the link to the serum TC and MDA levels. HF diets have the harmful influence on the serum lipids, oxidative stress and endothelial function. They can also cause gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Protective effects of tryptophan-catabolizing Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386 against dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for the human body, whose intake is through the diet. Several studies support the theory that microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolite played a crucial role in maintaining the balance between gut microbiota and the mucosal immune system. Previously, we selected the Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386 strain with high tryptophan-metabolic activity after the screening of 16 Lactobacillus strains. The current study aimed to assess the effects of L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 combination with tryptophan in improving ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and the potential mechanisms involved. Our results showed that L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 combined with tryptophan (LAB + Trp) decreased DAI score, MPO level, and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) concentration. It also increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) production, tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1), and mucin (MUC1 and MUC2) mRNA expressions. The level of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), an important tryptophan metabolite in the liver, serum, and colon, was elevated after LAB + Trp treatment, which further upregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mRNA expression to activate the IL-22/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, the supplementation with LAB + Trp modulated gut microbiota composition. The present study provided novel insights that can be used to reduce the number of UC patients by employing a method utilizing tryptophan-catabolizing Lactobacillus strains.

Administration of indigenous probiotics modulate high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in Sprague Dawley rats

Modulation of the gut microbiota by probiotics, is emerging as a promising approach for the management of metabolic diseases but due to their species and strain specific response, isolation of new probiotic strains is gaining importance. The present study was designed to assess the effect of isolated and well characterised indigenous probiotics, Lactobacillus pentosus GSSK2, Lactobacillus fermentum PUM and Lactobacillus plantarum GS26A in high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic syndrome. It was observed that though supplementation of all three probiotics for 12 weeks to Sprague Dawley rats fed with HFD, ameliorated the anthropometric parameters, but L. pentosus GSSK2 showed maximum reduction in weight gain while maximum decrease in abdominal circumference, Lee's index, BMI and visceral fat deposition was observed in L. plantarum GS26A compared with HFD animals. Further, administration of L. plantarum GS26A to HFD animals led to significant increase in lactic acid bacteria count and lipid excretion in feces followed by L. pentosus GSSK2 and L. fermentum PUM compared with counter controls. Additionally, both L. pentosus GSSK2 and L. plantarum GS26A exhibited improved glucose tolerance, liver biomarkers, alleviated oxidative stress and restored the histoarchitechture of adipose tissue, colon and liver compared with HFD animals. The study highlights the prophylactic potential of isolated probiotics in experimental metabolic syndrome model and revealed that amongst all three probiotics, L. pentosus GSSK2 and L. plantarum GS26A were equally effective and more promising than L. fermentum PUM in improving metabolic dysfunctions and may be employed as functional foods but needs to be correlated clinically.