Health Benefits and Side Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids

The Synergistic Effect of Quince Fruit and Probiotics (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) on Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation at the Intestinal Level and Improving Athletic Performance during Endurance Exercise

Endurance exercise promotes damage at the intestinal level and generates a variety of symptoms related to oxidative stress processes, inflammatory processes, microbiota dysbiosis, and intestinal barrier damage. This study evaluated the effects of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) and probiotics of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on intestinal protection and exercise endurance in an animal swimming model. Phytochemical characterization of the quince fruit demonstrated a total dietary fiber concentration of 0.820 ± 0.70 g/100 g and a fiber-bound phenolic content of 30,218 ± 104 µg/g in the freeze-dried fruit. UPLC-PDA-ESI-QqQ analyses identified a high content of polyphenol, mainly flavanols, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonols, and, to a lesser extent, dihydrochalcones. The animal model of swimming was performed using C57BL/6 mice. The histological results determined that the consumption of the synbiotic generated intestinal protection and increased antioxidant (catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes) and anti-inflammatory (TNF-α and IL-6 and increasing IL-10) activities. An immunohistochemical analysis indicated mitochondrial biogenesis (Tom2) at the muscular level related to the increased swimming performance. These effects correlated mainly with the polyphenol content of the fruit and the effect of the probiotics. Therefore, this combination of quince and probiotics could be an alternative for the generation of a synbiotic product that improves exercise endurance and reduces the effects generated by the practice of high performance sports.

Use of reconstituted kefir consortia to determine the impact of microbial composition on kefir metabolite profiles

Kefir is fermented traditionally with kefir grains, but commercial kefir production often relies on fermentation with planktonic cultures. Kefir has been associated with many health benefits, however, the utilization of kefir grains to facilitate large industrial production of kefir is challenging and makes to difficult to ensure consistent product quality and consistency. Notably, the microbial composition of kefir fermentations has been shown to impact kefir associated health benefits. This study aimed to compare volatile compounds, organic acids, and sugar composition of kefir produced through a traditional grain fermentation and through a reconstituted kefir consortium fermentation. Additionally, the impact of two key microbial communities on metabolite production in kefir was assessed using two modified versions of the consortium, with either yeasts or lactobacilli removed. We hypothesized that the complete kefir consortium would closely resemble traditional kefir, while the consortia without yeasts or lactobacilli would differ significantly from both traditional kefir and the complete consortium fermentation. Kefir fermentations were examined after 12 and 18 h using two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS) to identify volatile compounds and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify organic acid and sugar composition. The traditional kefir differed significantly from the kefir consortium fermentation with the traditional kefir having 15-20 log2(fold change) higher levels of esters and the consortium fermented kefir having between 1 and 3 log2(fold change) higher organic acids including lactate and acetate. The use of a version of kefir consortium that lacked lactobacilli resulted in between 2 and 20 log2(fold change) lower levels of organic acids, ethanol, and butanoic acid ethyl ester, while the absence of yeast from the consortium resulted in minimal change. In summary, the kefir consortium fermentation is significantly different from traditional grain fermented kefir with respect to the profile of metabolites present, and seems to be driven by lactobacilli, as evidenced by the significant decrease in multiple metabolites when the lactobacilli were removed from the fermentation and minimal differences observed upon the removal of yeast.

The Influence of Probiotic Supplementation on the Obesity Indexes, Neuroinflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers, Gut Microbial Diversity, and Working Memory in Obese Thai Children

Obesity is a worldwide health problem with a complex interaction between gut microbiota and cognition. Several studies have demonstrated that probiotic treatments improve characteristics linked to obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the obesity indexes, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, gut microbiota, and working memory in obese children. Ten obese children were assigned to receive the probiotics (8 × 109 CFU of Lactobacillus paracasei HII01 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) for 12 weeks. Demographic data were recorded. Urine and fecal samples were collected to evaluate biomarkers related to obesity and cognition. Behavioral working memory was assessed using the visual n-back test. Electroencephalography was employed to measure electrical activity during the visual n-back test. All parameters were evaluated at the baseline and after 12 weeks. The results revealed that probiotic supplementation significantly altered some gut microbial metabolites, gut microbiota, total antioxidant capacity, and neuroinflammatory markers. However, no significant changes were observed in the visual n-back test or electroencephalographic recordings after 12 weeks. In conclusion, the use of probiotics might be an alternative treatment that could improve the gut microbial ecosystem and microbial metabolites, as well as host antioxidant and neuroinflammation levels. The preliminary results indicated that further detailed prolonged studies are needed in order to determine the beneficial effects of the studied probiotics.

Butyrate prevents visceral adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic alterations in a Friedreich's ataxia mouse model

Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from a mutation in the FXN gene, leading to mitochondrial frataxin deficiency. FA patients exhibit increased visceral adiposity, inflammation, and heightened diabetes risk, negatively affecting prognosis. We investigated visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) in a murine model (KIKO) to understand its role in FA-related metabolic complications. RNA-seq analysis revealed altered expression of inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis genes. Diabetes-like traits, including larger adipocytes, immune cell infiltration, and increased lactate production, were observed in vWAT. FXN downregulation in cultured adipocytes mirrored vWAT diabetes-like features, showing metabolic shifts toward glycolysis and lactate production. Metagenomic analysis indicated a reduction in fecal butyrate-producing bacteria, known to exert antidiabetic effects. A butyrate-enriched diet restrained vWAT abnormalities and mitigated diabetes features in KIKO mice. Our work emphasizes the role of vWAT in FA-related metabolic issues and suggests butyrate as a safe and promising adjunct for FA management.

Roles of gut microbes in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. Gut dysbiosis is considered a significant contributing factor in disease development. Increased intestinal permeability can be induced by gut dysbiosis, followed by the entry of lipopolysaccharide into circulation to reach peripheral tissue and result in chronic inflammation. We reviewed how microbial metabolites push host physiology toward MAFLD, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, and tryptophan metabolites. The effects of SCFAs are generally reported as anti-inflammatory and can improve intestinal barrier function and restore gut microbiota. Gut microbes can influence intestinal barrier function through SCFAs produced by fermentative bacteria, especially butyrate and propionate producers. This is achieved through the activation of free fatty acid sensing receptors. Bile is directly involved in lipid absorption. Gut microbes can alter bile acid composition by bile salt hydrolase-producing bacteria and bacterial hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-producing bacteria. These bile acids can affect host physiology by activating farnesoid X receptor Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5. Gut microbes can also induce MAFLD-associated symptoms by producing tryptophan metabolites kynurenine, serotonin, and indole-3-propionate. A summary of bacterial genera involved in SCFAs production, bile acid transformation, and tryptophan metabolism is provided. Many bacteria have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating MAFLD in animal models and are potential therapeutic candidates for MAFLD.

The impact of antimicrobial food additives and sweeteners on the growth and metabolite production of gut bacteria

Metabolic disorders caused by the imbalance of gut microbiota have been associated with the consumption of processed foods. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of antimicrobial food additives (benzoate, sorbate, nitrite, and bisulfite) and sweeteners (saccharin, stevia, sucralose, aspartame, and cyclamate) on the growth and metabolism of some gut and potentially probiotic bacterial species. The effects on the growth of Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis cultures were investigated using a turbidimetric test and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). To evaluate the metabolic activity, the cultures were exposed to compounds with the highest antimicrobial activity, subjected to cultivation with inulin (1.5%), and analyzed by liquid chromatography for the production of short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). The results showed that potassium sorbate (25 mg/mL), sodium bisulfite (0.7 mg/mL), sodium benzoate, and saccharin (5 mg/mL) presented greater antimicrobial activity against the studied species. L. lactis and L. acidophilus bacteria had reduced short-chain fatty acid production after exposure to saccharin and sorbate, and B. longum after exposure to sorbate, in comparison to controls (acetic acid reduction 1387 μg/mL and propionic 23 μg/mL p < 0.05).

Metagenomics and metabolomics of Toddy, an Indian fermented date palm beverage

Toddy is a popular fermented palm beverage of India. No scientific information on shotgun metagenomics and metabolomics are available on toddy of India till date. Hence, we choose the fermented date palm beverage, locally called khejur toddy, of West Bengal and Jharkhand states of India, to profile microbial community, their targeted and untargeted metabolites to study the putative bio-functional genes corresponding to regulatory metabolic pathways. Shotgun-based metataxonomic analyses revealed the existence of all domains where bacteria were the most abundant domain (94.48%) followed by eukaryotes (3.38%), viruses (1.53%) and archaea (0.61%). Overall, 54 phyla, 363 families, 1087 genera and 1885 species were observed and identified. Bacillota (49.3%) was the most abundant bacterial phylum. At species level, several species of bacteria and yeasts were detected in toddy samples which included Leuconostoc mesenteroides,Leuconostoc citreum,Lactobacillus helveticus,Lactiplantibacillus plantarum,Lactococcus lactis, Acetobacter malorum, Gluconobacter japonicus, Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens, Fructobacillus durionis, Zymomonas mobilis and yeastsSaccharomyces cerevisiae, Hanseniaspora uvarumandHanseniaspora guilliermondii. Toddy metagenome was also compared with metagenome of pulque, the Mexican fermented fresh sap ofAgave, which was retrieved from NCBI database, and also with metagenomic data of some amplicon-based previous studies on toddy and African fermented palm drink for similarity, dissimilarity and uniqueness among them. Predictive biosynthesis of ethanol, acetic acid, butanoate, linalool, staurosporine, prodigiosin, folic acid, riboflavin, etc. were annotated by KEGG/COG database. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) analysis detected 23 arrays (average length 23.69 bp ± 4.28). Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) analysis did not show the presence of any momentous antibiotic resistance gene among the major microbial members. Metabolomics analysis detected many primary and secondary metabolites. We believe this is the first report on complete shotgun metagenomics, and metabolomics of fermented palm drink of India as well as Eastern India.

Citrus Extract High in Flavonoids Beneficially Alters Intestinal Metabolic Responses in Subjects with Features of Metabolic Syndrome

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a citrus extract rich in citrus flavonoids on intestinal metabolic responses in subjects with features of metabolic syndrome, in an in vitro colon fermentation system (TIM-2) and fecal samples obtained from human subjects in an in vivo trial. In the TIM-2 system inoculated with fecal samples of volunteers with features of metabolic syndrome, continuous citrus extract supplementation (500 mg/day) resulted in increased cumulative short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels compared to the control condition, which was mainly due to increased production of butyrate, acetate, and valerate. In human volunteers, 12 weeks of daily supplementation with 500 mg citrus extract resulted in a significant shift in the SCFA profile towards more butyrate (p = 0.022) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, there was a trend towards a reduction in fecal calprotectin levels, a marker for intestinal inflammation, compared to the placebo (p = 0.058). Together, these results suggest that citrus extract intake may have a positive effect on intestinal metabolic responses and through this, on host health in subjects with features of metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to provide more insight into the potential underlying mechanisms and to study effects on clinical parameters.

The old friends hypothesis: evolution, immunoregulation and essential microbial inputs

In wealthy urbanised societies there have been striking increases in chronic inflammatory disorders such as allergies, autoimmunity and inflammatory bowel diseases. There has also been an increase in the prevalence of individuals with systemically raised levels of inflammatory biomarkers correlating with increased risk of metabolic, cardiovascular and psychiatric problems. These changing disease patterns indicate a broad failure of the mechanisms that should stop the immune system from attacking harmless allergens, components of self or gut contents, and that should terminate inappropriate inflammation. The Old Friends Hypothesis postulates that this broad failure of immunoregulation is due to inadequate exposures to the microorganisms that drive development of the immune system, and drive the expansion of components such as regulatory T cells (Treg) that mediate immunoregulatory mechanisms. An evolutionary approach helps us to identify the organisms on which we are in a state of evolved dependence for this function (Old Friends). The bottom line is that most of the organisms that drive the regulatory arm of the immune system come from our mothers and family and from the natural environment (including animals) and many of these organisms are symbiotic components of a healthy microbiota. Lifestyle changes that are interrupting our exposure to these organisms can now be identified, and many are closely associated with low socioeconomic status (SES) in wealthy countries. These insights will facilitate the development of education, diets and urban planning that can correct the immunoregulatory deficit, while simultaneously reducing other contributory factors such as epithelial damage.

Sodium Butyrate as Key Regulator of Mitochondrial Function and Barrier Integrity of Human Glomerular Endothelial Cells

The gut microbiota has emerged as an important modulator of cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. The composition of gut microbiota in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) is altered, where a lower number of bacteria producing short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is observed. It is known that SCFAs, such as butyrate and acetate, have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases and CKD but their mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the effect of butyrate and acetate on glomerular endothelial cells. Human glomerular microvascular endothelial cells (hgMVECs) were cultured and exposed to butyrate and acetate and their effects on cellular proliferation, mitochondrial mass and metabolism, as well as monolayer integrity were studied. While acetate did not show any effects on hgMVECs, our results revealed that butyrate reduces the proliferation of hgMVECs, strengthens the endothelial barrier through increased expression of VE-cadherin and Claudin-5 and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. Moreover, butyrate reduces the increase in oxygen consumption induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), revealing a protective effect of butyrate against the detrimental effects of LPS. Taken together, our data show that butyrate is a key player in endothelial integrity and metabolic homeostasis.

Comparative Study on In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of the Polysaccharides Extracted from Bergamot and Fermented Bergamot

This study aimed to compare the in vitro fermentation characteristics of polysaccharides from Bergamot and Laoxianghuang (fermented 1, 3, and 5 years from bergamot) using the stable in vitro human gut fermentation model. Results showed that bergamot polysaccharide (BP) and Laoxianghuang polysaccharides (LPs) with different surface topographies were characterized as mannorhamnan (comprising Mannose and Rhamnose) and polygalacturonic acid (comprising Galacturonic acid and Galactose), respectively. The distinct effects on the gut microbiota and metabolome of BP and LPs may be due to their different monosaccharide compositions and surface morphologies. BP decreased harmful Fusobacterium and promoted beneficial Bifidobacterium, which was positively correlated with health-enhancing metabolites such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and pyridoxamine. Lactobacillus, increased by LPs, was positively correlated with 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, acetic acid, and butyric acid. Overall, this study elucidated gut microbiota and the metabolome regulatory discrepancies of BP and LPs, potentially contributing to their development as prebiotics in healthy foods.

Probiotic-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial disease with increased morbidity and mortality rates globally. Despite advanced chemotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of CRC, low survival rates due to the regular occurrence of drug resistance and deleterious side effects render the need for alternative anticancer agents imperative. Accumulating evidence supports that gut microbiota imbalance precedes the establishment of carcinogenesis, subsequently contributing to cancer progression and response to anticancer therapy. Manipulation of the gut microbiota composition via the administration of probiotic-derived bioactive compounds has gradually attained the interest of scientific communities as a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC. These compounds encompass miscellaneous metabolic secreted products of probiotics, including bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactate, exopolysaccharides (EPSs), biosurfactants, and bacterial peptides, with profound anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. This review provides a classification of postbiotic types and a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on their biological role against CRC. It also describes how their intricate interaction with the gut microbiota regulates the proper function of the intestinal barrier, thus eliminating gut dysbiosis and CRC development. Finally, it discusses the future perspectives in precision-medicine approaches as well as the challenges of their synthesis and optimization of administration in clinical studies.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Disorders as Well as the Protective Effects of Dietary Components

The number of individuals experiencing mental disorders (e.g., anxiety and depression) has significantly risen in recent years. Therefore, it is essential to seek prevention and treatment strategies for mental disorders. Several gut microbiota, especially Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, are demonstrated to affect mental health through microbiota-gut-brain axis, and the gut microbiota dysbiosis can be related to mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. On the other hand, dietary components, including probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), prebiotics (e.g., dietary fiber and alpha-lactalbumin), synbiotics, postbiotics (e.g., short-chain fatty acids), dairy products, spices (e.g., Zanthoxylum bungeanum, curcumin, and capsaicin), fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and so on, could exert protective effects against mental disorders by enhancing beneficial gut microbiota while suppressing harmful ones. In this paper, the mental disorder-associated gut microbiota are summarized. In addition, the protective effects of dietary components on mental health through targeting the gut microbiota are discussed. This paper can be helpful to develop some dietary natural products into pharmaceuticals and functional foods to prevent and treat mental disorders.

Identifying Microbiome Dynamics in Pediatric IBD: More than a Family Matter

BACKGROUND

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease that affects both children and adolescents. Symptoms can significantly affect a child's growth, development, and quality of life, making early diagnosis and effective management crucial. This study focuses on treatment-naïve pediatric IBD patients and their immediate families to identify the role of the microbiome in disease onset.

METHODS

Nine families with pediatric IBD were recruited, comprising seven drug-naïve Crohn's disease (CD) patients and two drug-naïve ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, as well as twenty-four healthy siblings/parents. Fecal samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

We identified patterns of dysbiosis and hallmark microbial taxa among patients who shared ethnic, habitual, and dietary traits with themselves and their families. In addition, we examined the impact of the disease on specific microbial taxa and how these could serve as potential biomarkers for early detection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a potential role of maternal factors in the establishment and modulation of the early life microbiome, consistent with the current literature, which may have implications for understanding the etiology and progression of IBD.

Human milk oligosaccharides: potential therapeutic aids for allergic diseases

Childhood allergy, including asthma, eczema, and food allergies, is a major global health burden, with prevalence increasing dramatically and novel interventions needed. Emerging research suggests that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), complex glycans found in breastmilk, have allergy-protective properties, indicating exciting therapeutic potential. This review evaluates current literature on the role of HMOs in allergy, assesses underlying immunological mechanisms, and discusses future research needed to translate findings into clinical implications. HMOs may mediate allergy risk through multiple structure-specific mechanisms, including microbiome modification, intestinal barrier maturation, immunomodulation, and gene regulation. Findings emphasize the importance of breastfeeding encouragement and HMO-supplemented formula milk for high allergy-risk infants. Although further investigation is necessary to determine the most efficacious structures against varying allergy phenotypes and their long-term efficacy, HMOs may represent a promising complementary tool for childhood allergy prevention.

Beneficial effects of seaweed-derived components on metabolic syndrome via gut microbiota modulation

Metabolic syndrome comprises a group of conditions that collectively increase the risk of abdominal obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Gut microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, and microbial diversity and function are strongly affected by diet. In recent years, epidemiological evidence has shown that the dietary intake of seaweed can prevent metabolic syndrome via gut microbiota modulation. In this review, we summarize the current in vivo studies that have reported the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome via seaweed-derived components by regulating the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids. Among the surveyed related articles, animal studies revealed that these bioactive components mainly modulate the gut microbiota by reversing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, or decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrio, Lachnoclostridium. The regulated microbiota is thought to affect host health by improving gut barrier functions, reducing LPS-induced inflammation or oxidative stress, and increasing bile acid production. Furthermore, these compounds increase the production of short-chain fatty acids and influence glucose and lipid metabolism. Thus, the interaction between the gut microbiota and seaweed-derived bioactive components plays a critical regulatory role in human health, and these compounds have the potential to be used for drug development. However, further animal studies and human clinical trials are required to confirm the functional roles and mechanisms of these components in balancing the gut microbiota and managing host health.

Functional Foods: A Promising Strategy for Restoring Gut Microbiota Diversity Impacted by SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Natural herbs and functional foods contain bioactive molecules capable of augmenting the immune system and mediating anti-viral functions. Functional foods, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fibers, have been shown to have positive effects on gut microbiota diversity and immune function. The use of functional foods has been linked to enhanced immunity, regeneration, improved cognitive function, maintenance of gut microbiota, and significant improvement in overall health. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and immune function, and disruptions to its balance have been linked to various health problems. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to affect gut microbiota diversity, and the emergence of variants poses new challenges to combat the virus. SARS-CoV-2 recognizes and infects human cells through ACE2 receptors prevalent in lung and gut epithelial cells. Humans are prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection because their respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are rich in microbial diversity and contain high levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. This review article explores the potential use of functional foods in mitigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on gut microbiota diversity, and the potential use of functional foods as a strategy to combat these effects.

The impact of microbially modified metabolites associated with obesity and bariatric surgery on antitumor immunity

Obesity is strongly associated with the occurrence and development of many types of cancers. Patients with obesity and cancer present with features of a disordered gut microbiota and metabolism, which may inhibit the physiological immune response to tumors and possibly damage immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. In recent years, bariatric surgery has become increasingly common and is recognized as an effective strategy for long-term weight loss; furthermore, bariatric surgery can induce favorable changes in the gut microbiota. Some studies have found that microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), inosine bile acids and spermidine, play an important role in anticancer immunity. In this review, we describe the changes in microbial metabolites initiated by bariatric surgery and discuss the effects of these metabolites on anticancer immunity. This review attempts to clarify the relationship between alterations in microbial metabolites due to bariatric surgery and the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Furthermore, this review seeks to provide strategies for the development of microbial metabolites mimicking the benefits of bariatric surgery with the aim of improving therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients who have not received bariatric surgery.

Potential use of seaweed polysaccharides as prebiotics for management of metabolic syndrome: a review

Seaweed polysaccharides (SPs) obtained from seaweeds are a class of functional prebiotics. SPs can regulate glucose and lipid anomalies, affect appetite, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore have great potential for managing metabolic syndrome (MetS). SPs are poorly digested by the human gastrointestinal tract but are available to the gut microbiota to produce metabolites and exert a series of positive effects, which may be the mechanism by which SPs render their anti-MetS effects. This article reviews the potential of SPs as prebiotics in the management of MetS-related metabolic disturbances. The structure of SPs and studies related to the process of their degradation by gut bacteria and their therapeutic effects on MetS are highlighted. In summary, this review provides new perspectives on SPs as prebiotics to prevent and treat MetS.

Involvement of Versatile Bacteria Belonging to the Genus Arthrobacter in Milk and Dairy Products

Milk is naturally a rich source of many essential nutrients; therefore, it is quite a suitable medium for bacterial growth and serves as a reservoir for bacterial contamination. The genus Arthrobacter is a food-related bacterial group commonly present as a contaminant in milk and dairy products as primary and secondary microflora. Arthrobacter bacteria frequently demonstrate the nutritional versatility to degrade different compounds even in extreme environments. As a result of their metabolic diversity, Arthrobacter species have long been of interest to scientists for application in various industry and biotechnology sectors. In the dairy industry, strains from the Arthrobacter genus are part of the microflora of raw milk known as an indicator of hygiene quality. Although they cause spoilage, they are also regarded as important strains responsible for producing fermented milk products, especially cheeses. Several Arthrobacter spp. have reported their significance in the development of cheese color and flavor. Furthermore, based on the data obtained from previous studies about its thermostability, and thermoacidophilic and thermoresistant properties, the genus Arthrobacter promisingly provides advantages for use as a potential producer of β-galactosidases to fulfill commercial requirements as its enzymes allow dairy products to be treated under mild conditions. In light of these beneficial aspects derived from Arthrobacter spp. including pigmentation, flavor formation, and enzyme production, this bacterial genus is potentially important for the dairy industry.

The role of short-chain fatty acids in inflammatory skin diseases

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites of gut microbes that can modulate the host inflammatory response, and contribute to health and homeostasis. Since the introduction of the gut-skin axis concept, the link between SCFAs and inflammatory skin diseases has attracted considerable attention. In this review, we have summarized the literature on the role of SCFAs in skin inflammation, and the correlation between SCFAs and inflammatory skin diseases, especially atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and psoriasis. Studies show that SCFAs are signaling factors in the gut-skin axis and can alleviate skin inflammation. The information presented in this review provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms driving gut-skin axis regulation, along with possible pathways that can be targeted for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory skin diseases.

Fatty Acid Profiles in the Gonads of Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) from the Barents Sea

Red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is a large shelf species native to the Pacific Ocean. Due to its high commercial value, this species was introduced into the Barents Sea, where it has formed a new population that now supports a stable commercial fishery. Information on fatty acid profiles in different tissues of the Barents Sea P. camtschaticus is scarce. For this reason, the gonads of red king crabs collected at a coastal site in the Barents Sea during the summer were analyzed for fatty acid composition by gas-liquid chromatography. The proportions of total saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the ovaries of P. camtschaticus were 25.9 ± 2.0%, 22.5 ± 2.3%, and 51.6 ± 2.5%, respectively; in the testes, these levels accounted for 35.1 ± 5.7%, 19.1 ± 2.0%, and 45.8 ± 4.5%, respectively. Fatty acid profiles were similar in larger and smaller red king crabs and crabs with old and new shells. Concentrations of fatty acids were higher in ovaries compared to testes, reflecting higher reproductive efforts in female red king crabs. High levels of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids detected in the ovaries of red king crabs from the Barents Sea indicate that these gonads can be a good alternative source for these fatty acids in the human diet and/or for extracting important fatty acids for use in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Incorporating dietary fiber from fruit and vegetable waste in meat products: a systematic approach for sustainable meat processing and improving the functional, nutritional and health attributes

Background

Every year, the food business produces a sizeable amount of waste, including the portions of fruits and vegetables that are inedible, and those that have reached a stage where they are no longer suitable for human consumption. These by-products comprise of components such as natural antioxidants (polyphenols, carotenoid etc.), dietary fiber, and other trace elements, which can provide functionality to food. Due to changing lifestyles, there is an increased demand for ready-to-eat products like sausages, salami, and meat patties. In this line, meat products like buffalo meat sausages and patties are also gaining the interest of consumers because of their rich taste. Meat, however, has a high percentage of fat and is totally deprived of dietary fiber, which poses severe health problems like cardiovascular (CV) and gastrointestinal diseases. The health-conscious consumer is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of balancing flavor and nutrition. Therefore, to overcome this problem, several fruit and vegetable wastes from their respective industries can be successfully incorporated into meat products that provide dietary fiber and play the role of natural antioxidants; this will slow down lipid oxidation and increase the shelf-life of meat products.

Methodology

Extensive literature searches have been performed using various scientific search engines. We collected relevant and informative data from subject-specific and recent literature on sustainable food processing of wasted food products. We also looked into the various applications of waste fruit and vegetable products, including cereals, when they are incorporated into meat and meat products. All relevant searches meeting the criteria were included in this review, and exclusion criteria were also set.

Results

The pomace and peels of fruits like grapes, pomegranates, cauliflower, sweet lime, and other citrus are some of the most commonly used fruit and vegetable by-products. These vegetable by-products help inhibit oxidation (of both lipids and proteins) and the growth of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, all without altering the consumer's acceptability of the product on a sensory level. When included in meat products, these by-products have the potential to improve the overall product quality and lengthen its shelf-life under certain circumstances.

Conclusion

Cost-effective and easily accessible by-products from the fruit and vegetable processing industries can be used in meat products to enhance their quality features (physicochemical, microbial, sensory, and textural aspects) and health benefits. Additionally, this will provides environmental food sustainability by lowering waste disposal and improving the food's functional efficacy.

Nutrition Patterns and Their Gender Differences among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Descriptive Study

Dietary factors probably play a role in the pathogenesis and clinical course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is a paucity of specific dietary guidelines for RA patients and little information on their implementation in daily life. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutritional status and provision of nutritional education among outpatients with RA. Here, 61 patients were included with a sex ratio of 2.03 (f/m). Based on BMI, 22% of women were overweight and 32% obese, whereas 50% of men were overweight and 30% obese. Fasting blood and a 3-day estimated dietary record were collected. Additionally, patients were asked whether they had already received information about a specific diet as part of their disease treatment plan. Elevated total cholesterol levels were found in 76% of women and in 60% of men caused by increased non-HDL-C levels. The dietary intake assessment showed a lower self-reported intake of energy, polyunsaturated fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and several micronutrients than recommended. Regarding healthy eating, all patients reported familiarity with dietary recommendations, but found it difficult to implement the recommendations into their diets. These findings suggested that RA patients need more specific recommendations and education in clinical practice to improve the quality of their diet.

Exploiting lactic acid bacteria for colorectal cancer: a recent update

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Currently, chemotherapy and radiotherapy used to treat CRC exhibit many side effects, hence, it is an urgent need to design effective therapies to prevent and treat CRC. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can regulate gut microbiota, intestinal immunity, and intestinal mechanical barrier, which is becoming a hot product for the prevention and treatment of CRC, whereas comprehensive reviews of their anti-CRC mechanisms are limited. This review systematically reveals the latest incidence, mortality, risk factors, and molecular mechanisms of CRC, then summarizes the roles of probiotics in alleviating CRC in animal and clinical studies and critically reviews the possible mechanisms by which these interventions exert their activities. It then shows the limitations in mechanisms and clinical studies, and the suggestions for future research are also put forward, which will play an important role in guiding and promoting the basic and clinical research of remising CRC by LAB and the development of LAB products.

Possible Effects and Mechanisms of Dietary Natural Products and Nutrients on Depression and Anxiety: A Narrative Review

Depression and anxiety are severe public health problems and have attracted more and more attention from researchers of food science and nutrition. Dietary natural products and nutrients, such as fish, coffee, tea, n-3 PUFA, lycopene, and dietary fiber, could play a vital role in the prevention and management of these diseases. The potential mechanisms of action mainly include inhibiting inflammation, ameliorating oxidative stress, modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, suppressing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, and regulating the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters. In this narrative review, we summarize the most recent advancements regarding the effects of dietary natural products and nutrients on depression and anxiety, and their underlying mechanisms are discussed. We hope that this paper can provide a better understanding of the anti-depressive and anxiolytic action of dietary natural products, and that it is also helpful for developing dietary natural products for functional food, dietary supplements, or auxiliary agents for the prevention and management of these diseases.

Beneficial effects of butyrate on brain functions: A view of epigenetic

Brain functions are influenced by the presence, activity, and metabolism of the gut microbiota through the gut-microbiota-brain (GMB) axis. The consumption of a fiber-rich diet increases the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from bacterial fermentation in the colon. Among SCFAs, butyrate stands out because of its wide array of biological functions, such as ability to influence brain functions. Pharmacologically, sodium butyrate (NaB) regulates gene expression in the brain, where it has several beneficial effects ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to behavioral disorders through inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACis). In this context, we review the mechanisms of action of the two types of butyrate on brain functions, with an emphasis on the epigenetic approach. Both types of butyrate are potentially interesting for the prevention and adjuvant therapy of neurological and psychological disorders due to their neuroprotective functions. However, further studies are needed to investigate the possible neuroepigenetic effects of butyrate derived from bacterial fermentation.