Food Components and Dietary Habits: Keys for a Healthy Gut Microbiota Composition

Selected Aspects of the Intricate Background of Immune-Related Cholangiopathies-A Critical Overview

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are rare immune-related cholangiopathies with still poorly explained pathogenesis. Although triggers of chronic inflammation with subsequent fibrosis that affect cholangiocytes leading to obliteration of bile ducts and conversion to liver cirrhosis are unclear, both disorders are regarded to be multifactorial. Different factors can contribute to the development of hepatocellular injury in the course of progressive cholestasis, including (1) body accumulation of bile acids and their toxicity, (2) decreased food intake and nutrient absorption, (3) gut microbiota transformation, and (4) reorganized host metabolism. Growing evidence suggests that intestinal microbiome composition not only can be altered by liver dysfunction, but in turn, it actively impacts hepatic conditions. In this review, we highlight the role of key factors such as the gut-liver axis, intestinal barrier integrity, bile acid synthesis and circulation, and microbiome composition, which seem to be strongly related to PBC and PSC outcome. Emerging treatments and future therapeutic strategies are also presented.

Mechanisms of Prostate Cancer Cells Survival and Their Therapeutic Targeting

Prostate cancer (PCa) is today the second most common cancer in the world, with almost 400,000 deaths annually. Multiple factors are involved in the etiology of PCa, such as older age, genetic mutations, ethnicity, diet, or inflammation. Modern treatment of PCa involves radical surgical treatment or radiation therapy in the stages when the tumor is limited to the prostate. When metastases develop, the standard procedure is androgen deprivation therapy, which aims to reduce the level of circulating testosterone, which is achieved by surgical or medical castration. However, when the level of testosterone decreases to the castration level, the tumor cells adapt to the new conditions through different mechanisms, which enable their unhindered growth and survival, despite the therapy. New knowledge about the biology of the so-called of castration-resistant PCa and the way it adapts to therapy will enable the development of new drugs, whose goal is to prolong the survival of patients with this stage of the disease, which will be discussed in this review.

Dietitians' perspectives on the role of dietetics practice in 'gut health'

AIMS

This study aimed to explore dietitians' perspectives on the evidence surrounding the relationship between diet and 'gut health' and the current and emerging role of dietetics practice in this area.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian dietitians, focused on the perspectives related to gut health management in dietetics practice. Inductive thematic analysis was employed, commencing with initial coding by two researchers, and further coding leading to development of emergent themes. Divergent data were discussed and considered in analysis.

RESULTS

Fourteen interviews were conducted (2 males, 12 females). An overarching theme identified that current evidence is insufficient to direct dietetics practice change regarding gut health. Six subthemes on dietetics practice in 'gut health' emerged including (a) practice is multifaceted, (b) current practice aligns with dietary guidelines, (c) symptom management remains the primary concern, (d) evidence-based information is sought, (e) translational evidence is required for practice change and (f) there is a role for dietetics in gut health research and translation.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietitians do not appear confident in their practice regarding gut microbiome-related management and recognise there is currently limited translatable research to inform practice. Evidence to date suggests that recommendations for positive gut health do not differ substantially from Australian Dietary Guidelines. Dietitians will need additional education if further evidence emerges, however they demonstrated a strong commitment to evidence-based practice.

Health-Promoting Potential of Millet: A Review

Being a key source of animal food, millet production has been sharply increasing over the last few years in order to cope with the dietary requirements of the ever-increasing world population. It is a splendid source of essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, and also some other bioactive compounds that eventually help through multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-cholesterol, anti-hypertensive, anthropometric effects and regulation of gut microbiota composition. These bioactive compounds, nutrients, and functions of cereal grains can be affected by processing techniques such as decortication, soaking, malting, milling, fermentation, etc. This study discusses the nutritional and functional properties of millet-incorporated foods and their impact on health, based on around 150 articles between 2015 and 2022 from the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Breeding Bid Survey (BBS), and FoodData Central (USDA) databases. Analyzing literature reviews, it is evident that the incorporation of millet and its constituents into foodstuffs could be useful against undernourishment and several other health diseases. Additionally, this review provides crucial information about the beneficial features of millet, which can serve as a benchmark of guidelines for industry, consumers, researchers, and nutritionists.

An Overview of Inter-Tissue and Inter-Kingdom Communication Mediated by Extracellular Vesicles in the Regulation of Mammalian Metabolism

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with defects of insulin action in different tissues or alterations in β-cell secretory capacity that may be triggered by environmental challenges, inadequate lifestyle choices, or an underlying genetic predisposition. In addition, recent data shows that obesity may also be caused by perturbations of the gut microbiota, which then affect metabolic function and energy homeostasis in the host. Maintenance of metabolic homeostasis in complex organisms such as mammals requires organismal-level communication, including between the different organs and the gut microbiota. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified in all domains of life and have emerged as crucial players in inter-organ and inter-kingdom crosstalk. Interestingly, EVs found in edible vegetables or in milk have been shown to influence gut microbiota or tissue function in mammals. Moreover, there is a multidirectional crosstalk mediated by EVs derived from gut microbiota and body organs that has implications for host health. Untangling this complex signaling network may help implement novel therapies for the treatment of metabolic disease.

Detection of typical indigenous gut bacteria related to turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder in mouse caecum and human faecal cultures

BACKGROUND

Turmeric (Curcuma longa; TM) is widely used as a spice and possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The relationship between TM functions and gut microbiota is still unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To investigate the effect of TM on gut microbiota and to identify indigenous gut bacteria that are responsive to TM, we fed Institute of Cancer Research mice a diet containing either no fibre (NF, n = 6) or 5% (w/w) TM (n = 6) for 14 days. Moreover, we obtained human stool samples from four healthy volunteers and incubated the samples without (control) or with 2% (w/v) TM at 37 °C for 24 h. Subsequently, microbiota analysis in murine caecal samples and human faecal cultures was performed using 16S rRNA (V4) amplicon sequencing. Higher faecal weights (p < 0.01) and lower plasma triacylglycerol levels (p < 0.05) were measured in the TM-fed mice than in the NF-fed mice. Furthermore, TM feeding increased the abundance of butyrate-producing and other short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria in mice as well as in human faecal cultures, and Roseburia bacteria were detected as TM-responsive indigenous gut bacteria (TM-RIB) both in mice and in human faecal cultures. Lastly, in the case of human faecal cultures, SCFA contents and antioxidant properties were higher in TM cultures than in control cultures (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TM appears to hold the potential to positively affect the host by altering the gut microbiota. Further studies are required to clarify the synergistic effects of TM and TM-RIB.

Asthma, obesity, and microbiota: A complex immunological interaction

Obesity and allergic asthma are inflammatory chronic diseases mediated by distinct immunological features, obesity presents a Th1/Th17 profile, asthma is commonly associated with Th2 response. However, when combined, they result in more severe asthma symptoms, greater frequency of exacerbation episodes, and lower therapy responsiveness. These features lead to decreased life quality, associated with higher morbidity/mortality rates.  In addition, obesity prompts specific asthma phenotypes, which can be dependent on atopic status, age, and gender. In adults, obesity is associated with neutrophilic/Th17 profile, while in children, the outcome is diverse, in some cases children with obesity present aggravation of atopy, and Th2 inflammation, and in others an association with a Th1 profile, with reduced IgE levels and eosinophilia. These alterations occur due to a complex group of factors among which the microbiome has been recently explored. Particularly, evidence shows its important role in susceptibility or resistance to asthma development, via gut-lung-axis, and demonstrates its relevance to the immune pathogenesis of the syndrome. Few studies address the relevance of the lung microbiome in shaping the immune response, locally. However, specific bacteria, like Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenza, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, correlate with important features of the obese-asthmatic phenotype. Although maternal obesity is known to increase asthma risk in offspring, the impact on lung colonization is unknown. This review details the main key immune mechanisms involved in obesity-aggravated asthma, featuring the effect of maternal obesity in the establishment of gut and lung microbiota of the offspring, acting as potential childhood asthma inducer.

Respuesta histomorfométrica de la mucosa del intestino delgado en cuyes (Cavia porcellus) de engorde desafiados con Salmonella enterica var. Typhimurium

Con el objetivo de evaluar la respuesta histomorfométrica de la mucosa del intestino delgado en cuyes (Cavia porcellus) desafiados con Salmonella enterica var. Typhimurium (SeVT) (2×106 UFC·0,5mL-1 por cuy) se tomaron 40 cuyes machos de 15 días (d) de edad, distribuidos aleatoriamente en cuatro tratamientos SeVT; 1.- cuyes que recibieron dieta base (DB) y se desafiaron con SeVT (T1); 2.- cuyes que recibieron DB con 50 ppm de zinc bacitracina y se desafiaron con SeVT (T2); 3.- cuyes que recibieron DB con 50 ppm de zinc bacitracina, sin desafío (T3) y 4.- cuyes que recibieron únicamente DB, sin desafío (T4, Grupo Control). Cada T estuvo conformado por 10 repeticiones. Al finalizar la fase experimental en la 8va semana (sem) se colectaron muestras de las secciones duodeno, yeyuno e íleon y se procesaron con hematoxilina y eosina (H-E) para el análisis histomorfométrico. Los parámetros evaluados fueron longitud de la vellosidad (LV), ancho de la vellosidad (AV), profundidad de la cripta de Lieberkühn (PC) y la relación longitud/cripta (LV/PC). Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de varianza y la prueba de Tukey. Los resultados (promedio ± DE) fueron significativamente diferentes a P<0,05 en todos los T indicando vellosidades reducidas en longitud, ancho y con una relación LV/PC, menor de 2:1 en el T1, observando vellosidades hasta 40 % más largas en duodeno, 39 % en yeyuno y 55 % en íleon en los cuyes que no fueron desafiados con SeVT, concluyendo que existe un efecto negativo de este enteropatógeno sobre la histomorfometría de las vellosidades del intestino delgado en esta especie.

Development of zinc ferrite nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic performance for remediation of environmentally toxic pharmaceutical waste diclofenac sodium from wastewater

Diclofenac sodium is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to cure pain in various treatments. The remarkable potential of this pain-killer leads to its excessive use and, therefore, a persistent water contaminant. Its presence in aqueous bodies is hazardous for both humans and the environment because it causes the growth of harmful drug-resistant bacteria in water. Herein, we present a comparative study of the ZnO and ZnFe₂O₄ as photocatalysts for the degradation of diclofenac sodium, along with their structural and morphological studies. A simple co-precipitation method was used for the synthesis of ZnO and ZnFe₂O₄ and characterized by various analytical techniques. For instance, the UV-Vis study revealed the absorption maxima of ZnO at 320 nm, which was shifted to a longer wavelength region at 365 nm for zinc ferrite. The optical band gaps obtained from the Tauc plot indicated that the incorporation of iron has led to a decreased band gap of zinc ferrite (2.89 eV) than pure ZnO (3.14 eV). The metal-oxygen linkages shown by FTIR indicated the formation of desired ZnO and ZnFe₂O₄, which was further confirmed by XRD. It elucidated the typical hexagonal structure for ZnO and spinel cubic structure for ZnFe₂O₄ with an average crystallite of 31 nm and 44 nm for ZnO and ZnFe₂O₄, respectively. The micrographs obtained by SEM showed rough spherical particles of ZnO, whereas for ZnFe₂O₄ flower-like clustered particles were observed. The photocatalytic investigation against diclofenac sodium revealed the higher degradation efficiency of ZnFe₂O₄ (61.4%) in only 120 min, whereas ZnO degraded only 48.9% of the drug. Moreover, zinc ferrite has shown good recyclability and was stable up to five runs of photodegradation with a small loss (3.9%) of photocatalytic activity. The comparison of two catalysts has suggested the promising role of zinc ferrite in wastewater remediation to eliminate hazardous pharmaceuticals.

Citizen science helps to raise awareness about gut microbiome health in people at risk of developing non-communicable diseases

Citizens lack knowledge about the impact of gut microbiota on health and how lifestyle and dietary choices can influence it, leading to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and affecting overall well-being. Participatory action research (PAR) is a promising approach to enhance communication and encourage individuals to adopt healthier behaviors and improve their health. In this study, we explored the feasibility of integrating the photovoice method with citizen science approaches to assess the impact of social and environmental factors on gut microbiota health. In this context, citizen science approaches entailed the involvement of participants in the collection of samples for subsequent analysis, specifically gut microbiome assessment via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We recruited 70 volunteers and organized six photovoice groups based on age and educational background. Participants selected 64 photographs that represented the influence of daily habits on gut microbiota health and created four photovoice themes. Analysis of the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified 474 taxa, and in-depth microbial analysis revealed three clusters of people based on gut microbiome diversity and body mass index (BMI). Our findings indicate that participants enhanced their knowledge of gut microbiome health through PAR activities, and we found a correlation between lower microbial diversity, higher BMI, and better achievement of learning outcomes. Using PAR as a methodology is an effective way to increase citizens' awareness and engagement in self-care, maintain healthy gut microbiota, and prevent NCD development. These interventions are particularly beneficial for individuals at higher risk of developing NCDs.

Gut Microbiota-MicroRNA Interactions in Intestinal Homeostasis and Cancer Development

Pre-clinical models and clinical studies highlight the significant impact of the host-microbiota relationship on cancer development and treatment, supporting the emerging trend for a microbiota-based approach in clinical oncology. Importantly, the presence of polymorphic microbes is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. The epigenetic regulation of gene expression by microRNAs affects crucial biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and cell death. Recent evidence has documented the existence of bidirectional gut microbiota-microRNA interactions that play a critical role in intestinal homeostasis. Importantly, alterations in microRNA-modulated gene expression are known to be associated with inflammatory responses and dysbiosis in gastrointestinal disorders. In this review, we summarize the current findings about miRNA expression in the intestine and focus on specific gut microbiota-miRNA interactions linked to intestinal homeostasis, the immune system, and cancer development. We discuss the potential clinical utility of fecal miRNA profiling as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in colorectal cancer, and demonstrate how the emerging trend of gut microbiota modulation, together with the use of personalized microRNA therapeutics, might bring improvements in outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancer in the era of precision medicine.

Impact of Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition and Microbiota-Associated Functions in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Animal Studies

Heart failure (HF) represents a cardiovascular disease with high mortality and morbidity. The latest evidence shows that changes in the composition of the gut microbiota might play a pivotal role in the prevention and management of HF. This systematic review aims at assessing the potential associations between the diet, gut microbiota, and derived metabolites with the outcomes of HF. A systematic literature search was performed up to July 2022 on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The PRISMA guidelines were followed when possible. The risk of bias was assessed with the SYRCLE and ARRIVE tools. A total of nine pre-clinical studies on animal models, with considerable heterogeneity in dietary interventions, were included. High-fiber/prebiotic diets (n = 4) and a diet rich in polyphenols (n = 1) modified the gut microbiota composition and increased microbial metabolites' activities, linked with an improvement in HF outcomes, such as a reduction in systolic blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, and left ventricular thickness. A high-fat diet (n = 2) or a diet rich in choline (n = 2) induced an increase in TMAO and indole derivative production associated with a decrease in cardiac function, systemic endotoxemia, and inflammation and an increase in cardiac fibrosis and cardiac remodeling. Although results are retrieved from animal studies, this systematic review shows the key role of the diet-especially a high-fiber and prebiotic diet-on gut microbial metabolites in improving HF outcomes. Further studies on human cohorts are needed to identify personalized therapeutic dietary interventions to improve cardiometabolic health.

Food Peptides, Gut Microbiota Modulation, and Antihypertensive Effects

The gut microbiota is increasingly important in the overall human health and as such, it is a target in the search of novel strategies for the management of metabolic disorders including blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. The link between microbiota and hypertension is complex and this review is intended to provide an overview of the mechanism including the production of postbiotics, mitigation of inflammation, and the integration of food biological molecules within this complex system. The focus is on hydrolyzed food proteins and peptides which are less commonly investigated for prebiotic properties. The analysis of available data showed that food peptides are multifunctional and can prevent gut dysbiosis by positively affecting the production of postbiotics or gut metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, polysaccharides, biogenic amines, bile acids). Peptides and the postbiotics then displayed antihypertensive effects via the renin-angiotensin system, the gut barrier, the endothelium, and reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress. Despite the promising antihypertensive effect of the food peptides via the modulation of the gut, there is a lack of human studies as most of the works have been conducted in animal models.

Meals and movies: making our microbiota merry

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of festive cinematic diets on the gut microbiota.

DESIGN

Observational (watching films) and creative review. Sadly, we couldn't incorporate any snowball sampling.

SETTING

In front of a television, by a blazing log fire.

PARTICIPANTS

Everyone: you don't need to be on the nice list!

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Microbiota INdex of Comparative Evaluation for Pictorial Infographic Evidence (MINCE PIE) scores (difference between the numbers of microbiota-enhancing and microbiota-detrimental food groups) for foods depicted in twelve festive films.

RESULTS

Most festive films featured meals or foods from a typical Western diet, with high sugar and fat content, with overall negative effects on the microbiota. However, some films promoted options containing fibre, beneficial proteins, or polyphenols. These are gifts under the Christmas tree for our microbiota.

CONCLUSION

Good balance is needed for our microbiota, and consequently our mental health. Many festive films portray a Western diet that can lead to dysbiosis. Through their action on the gut-brain axis and the influence of media on dietary choices, the festive foods consumed in these films (maybe an extra chocolate biscuit during Love Actually) can be stressful for our microbiota.

Relationships between dietary diversity and gut microbial diversity in the elderly

Diet is considered as a major driver of gut microbiota composition. However, little is known about the relationship between overall dietary balance and gut microbiota, especially in the elderly. Here, using the Quantitative Index for Dietary Diversity (QUANTIDD), we analysed the relationships between dietary diversity and gut microbiota diversity in 445 Japanese subjects aged 65-90 years. We also examined the effect of age by comparing the young-old group aged 65 to 74 years (<75 years group; n=246) and the old-old group aged 75 years and older (≥75 years group; n=199). QUANTIDD showed significant positive relationships with Pielou's evenness and Shannon indices, two α-diversity indices related to the uniformity of species distribution. This suggests that a more diverse diet is associated with a more uniform abundance of various bacterial groups, rather than a greater variety of gut bacteria. QUANTIDD also showed significant positive associations with the abundance of Anaerostipes, Eubacterium eligens group, and Eubacterium ventriosum group, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and are beneficial to health. Negative association was found with the abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus group, which produces inflammatory polysaccharides. Positive associations between QUANTIDD and α-diversity indices or the abundance of specific bacterial groups were identified among all subjects and in the <75 years group, but not in the ≥75 years group. Our results suggest that dietary diversity contributes to the diversity of the gut microbiota and increases the abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria, but only up to a certain age. These findings help to understand the complex relationship between diet and gut microbiota, and provide hints for specific dietary interventions to promote beneficial gut microbiota in the elderly.

The central role of the gut in intensive care

Critically ill patients undergo early impairment of their gut microbiota (GM) due to routine antibiotic therapies and other environmental factors leading to intestinal dysbiosis. The GM establishes connections with the rest of the human body along several axes representing critical inter-organ crosstalks that, once disrupted, play a major role in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases and their complications. Key players in this communication are GM metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, neurotransmitters, hormones, interleukins, and toxins. Intensivists juggle at the crossroad of multiple connections between the intestine and the rest of the body. Harnessing the GM in ICU could improve the management of several challenges, such as infections, traumatic brain injury, heart failure, kidney injury, and liver dysfunction. The study of molecular pathways affected by the GM in different clinical conditions is still at an early stage, and evidence in critically ill patients is lacking. This review aims to describe dysbiosis in critical illness and provide intensivists with a perspective on the potential as adjuvant strategies (e.g., nutrition, probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics supplementation, adsorbent charcoal, beta-lactamase, and fecal microbiota transplantation) to modulate the GM in ICU patients and attempt to restore eubiosis.

Efficacy of Yougui pill combined with Buzhong Yiqi decoction in alleviating the sexual dysfunction in female rats through modulation of the gut microbiota

CONTEXT

Yougui pill combined with Buzhong Yiqi decoction (YPBYD) is used to relieve sexual dysfunction in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in microbial composition caused by sexual dysfunction and identify dominant bacteria related to YPBYD treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): one group underwent Sham operation (Sham group), while three groups underwent ovariectomy (one model and two treatment groups). The ovariectomized (OVX) rats received oestradiol benzoate (250 µg/kg/week) or YPBYD (3.6 mL/d) via oral gavage for 4 weeks. Vaginal smear assay was performed; the serum levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and oestradiol (E2) were measured, followed by collection of stool samples for 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

After YPBYD treatment, the levels of E2 and cAMP in OVX rats significantly increased (E2: from 20.45 ± 1.60 ng/L to 24.38 ± 1.70 ng/L; cAMP: from 261.41 ± 9.21 pg/mL to 373.75 ± 17.37 pg/mL). OVX treatment decreased diversity of gut microbiota and YPBYD treatment restored gut microbiota composition. Compared with Sham group, the abundance of Romboutsia significantly increased, while those of Proteobacteria and Staphylococcus markedly decreased in OVX group (all p < 0.05); meanwhile, the abundance of these microbes showed an opposite trend after YPBYD treatment. These microbiotas were involved in tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

These findings are the first to indicate YPBYD can alleviate female sexual dysfunction by modulating gut microbiota in OVX rats, which will help enhance the understanding on potential mechanism of YPBYD against sexual dysfunction.

Emerging insights between gut microbiome dysbiosis and Parkinson's disease: Pathogenic and clinical relevance

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complicated neurodegenerative disease, of which gastrointestinal disturbance appears prior to motor symptoms. Numerous studies have shed light on the roles of gastrointestinal tract and its neural connection to brain in PD pathology. In the past decades, the fields of microbiology and neuroscience have become ever more entwined. The emergence of gut microbiome has been considered as one of the key regulators of gut-brain function. With the advent of multi-omics sequencing techniques, gut microbiome of PD patients has been shown unique characteristics. The resident gut microbiota can exert considerable effects in PD and there are suggestions of a link between gut microbiome dysbiosis and PD progression. In this review, we summarize the latest progresses of gut microbiome dysbiosis in PD pathogenesis, further highlight the clinical relevance of gut microbiota and its metabolites in both the non-motor and motor symptoms of PD. Furthermore, we draw attention to the complex interplay between gut microbiota and PD drugs, with the purpose of improving drug efficacy and prescription accordingly. Further studies at specific strain level and longitudinal prospective clinical trials using optimized methods are still needed for the development of diagnostic markers and novel therapeutic regimens for PD.

Dietary Emulsifiers Exacerbate Food Allergy and Colonic Type 2 Immune Response through Microbiota Modulation

The significant increase in food allergy incidence is correlated with dietary changes in modernized countries. Here, we investigated the impact of dietary emulsifiers on food allergy by employing an experimental murine model. Mice were exposed to drinking water containing 1.0% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or Polysorbate-80 (P80) for 12 weeks, a treatment that was previously demonstrated to induce significant alterations in microbiota composition and function leading to chronic intestinal inflammation and metabolic abnormalities. Subsequently, the ovalbumin food allergy model was applied and characterized. As a result, we observed that dietary emulsifiers, especially P80, significantly exacerbated food allergy symptoms, with increased OVA-specific IgE induction and accelerated type 2 cytokine expressions, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, in the colon. Administration of an antibiotic regimen completely reversed the emulsifier-induced exacerbated susceptibility to food allergy, suggesting a critical role played by the intestinal microbiota in food allergy and type 2 immune responses.

Ketogenic Diet: An Effective Treatment Approach for Neurodegenerative Diseases

This review discusses the effects and mechanisms of a ketogenic diet on neurodegenerative diseases on the basis of available evidence. A ketogenic diet refers to a high-fat, mediumprotein, and low-carbohydrate diet that leads to a metabolic shift to ketosis. This review systematically summarizes the scientific literature supporting this effective treatment approach for neurodegenerative diseases, including effects on mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis. It also highlights the clinical evidence for the effects of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and motor neuron disease. Finally, it discusses the common adverse effects of ketogenic therapy. Although the complete mechanism of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases remains to be elucidated, its clinical efficacy has attracted many new followers. The ketogenic diet is a good candidate for adjuvant therapy, but its specific applicability depends on the type and the degree of the disease.

Combined Physical Exercise and Diet: Regulation of Gut Microbiota to Prevent and Treat of Metabolic Disease: A Review

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle have contributed to the rising incidence of metabolic diseases, which is also accompanied by the shifts of gut microbiota architecture. The gut microbiota is a complicated and volatile ecosystem and can be regulated by diet and physical exercise. Extensive research suggests that diet alongside physical exercise interventions exert beneficial effects on metabolic diseases by regulating gut microbiota, involving in the changes of the energy metabolism, immune regulation, and the microbial-derived metabolites.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, we present the latest evidence in the modulating role of diet and physical exercise in the gut microbiota and its relevance to metabolic diseases. We also summarize the research from animal and human studies on improving metabolic diseases through diet-plus-exercise interventions, and new targeted therapies that might provide a better understanding of the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

A systematic and comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline and Web of Science in October 2022. The key terms used in the searches included "combined physical exercise and diet", "physical exercise, diet and gut microbiota", "physical exercise, diet and metabolic diseases" and "physical exercise, diet, gut microbiota and metabolic diseases".

CONCLUSIONS

Combined physical exercise and diet offer a more efficient approach for preventing metabolic diseases via the modification of gut microbiota, abating the burden related to longevity.

Genetically proxied gut microbiota, gut metabolites with risk of epilepsy and the subtypes: A bi-directional Mendelian randomization study

Background

An increasing number of observational studies have revealed an association among the gut microbiota, gut metabolites, and epilepsy. However, this association is easily influenced by confounders such as diet, and the causality of this association remains obscure.

Methods

Aiming to explore the causal relationship and ascertain specific gut microbe taxa for epilepsy, we conducted a bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) study based on the genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of epilepsy from the International League Against Epilepsy, with the gut microbiota GWAS results from MiBioGen, and summary-level GWAS data of gut microbiota-dependent metabolites trimethylamine N-oxide and its predecessors.

Results

Nine phyla, 15 classes, 19 orders, 30 families, and 96 genera were analyzed. A suggestive association of host-genetic-driven increase in family Veillonellaceae with a higher risk of childhood absence epilepsy (odds ratio [OR]: 1.033, confidential interval [CI]: 1.015–1.051, P_IVW = 0.0003), class Melainabacteria with a lower risk of generalized epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures (OR = 0.986, CI = 0.979–0.994, P_IVW = 0.0002), class Betaproteobacteria (OR = 0.958, CI = 0.937–0.979, P_IVW = 0.0001), and order Burkholderiales (OR = 0.960, CI = 0.937–0.984, P_IVW = 0.0010) with a lower risk of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy were identified after multiple-testing correction. Our sensitivity analysis revealed no evidence of pleiotropy, reverse causality, weak instrument bias, or heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This is the first MR analysis to explore the potential causal relationship among the gut microbiota, metabolites, and epilepsy. Four gut microbiota features (two class levels, one order level, and one family level) were identified as potential interventional targets for patients with childhood absence epilepsy, generalized epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures, and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Previous associations in numerous observational studies may had been interfered by confounders. More rigorous studies were needed to ascertain the relationship among the gut microbiota, metabolites, and epilepsy.

Microbiota Alterations in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: A Systematic Review

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) are chronic autoimmune disorders that cause impaired immunoregulation, leading to specific immune responses against thyroid antigens. Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are the major forms of AITDs. Increasing evidence suggests a possible role of microbiota alterations in the pathogenesis and progression of AITDs. This systematic review was designed to address the following question: "Is microbiota altered in patients with AITDs?" After screening the selected studies using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 studies were included in this review (in accordance with PRISMA statement guidelines). A meta-analysis revealed that patients with HT showed significantly higher values of diversity indices (except for the Simpson index) and that patients with GD showed significant tendencies toward lower values of all assessed indices compared with healthy subjects. However, the latter demonstrated a higher relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria at the phylum level and thus Prevotella and Bifidobacterium at the genus level, respectively. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies showed the most significant positive and negative correlations between bacterial levels and thyroid functional parameters. In conclusion, significant alterations in the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota were observed in both GD and HT patients.

The Importance of Nutritional Aspects in the Assessment of Inflammation and Intestinal Barrier in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is closely linked to nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate associations between nutritional, inflammatory, and intestinal barrier parameters in patients with IBD. We assessed nutritional status, fecal short-chain fatty acid profile, serum cytokine levels, and mRNA expression of enzymes and tight junction proteins in intestinal biopsies obtained from 35 patients, including 11 patients with inactive IBD, 18 patients with active IBD, and six controls. Patients with active IBD were characterized by hypoalbuminemia, fluctuations in body weight, and restriction of fiber-containing foods. In addition, they had significantly reduced levels of isovaleric acid and tended to have lower levels of butyric, acetic, and propionic acids. Patients with active IBD had higher mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and lower mRNA expression of claudin-2 and zonula occludens-1, compared with patients with inactive IBD. Moreover, patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 had higher median tumor necrosis factor-α levels that those with a lower BMI. We comprehensively evaluated inflammatory parameters in relation to IBD activity and nutritional status. The discrepancies between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory parameters depending on IBD activity may be related to nutritional factors, including diet and abnormal body weight.

Perspectives on Inequity and Health Disparities in Chile and Their Relationship to Microbial Ecology

Among countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Chile stands out as having important inequalities in income distribution, dietary quality, access to urban green spaces, and health outcomes. People in lower socioeconomic groups consistently show higher rates of noncommunicable chronic diseases and are being hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. These chronic conditions are increasingly considered to be shaped, or affected by, the human gut microbiome. Moreover, inequity as an overarching concept might also be associated with microbial patterns and if so, this may represent a novel pathway through which to address health and other disparities. Focusing on the case of Chile, our goal is to contribute to a critical discussion and motivate researchers and policymakers to consider the role of the microbiome in social equity in future endeavors.

The dietary treatment of histamine intolerance reduces the abundance of some histamine-secreting bacteria of the gut microbiota in histamine intolerant women. A pilot study

Restrictive diets for the treatment of different gastrointestinal disorders are reported to change the composition of intestinal microbiota. Recently, it has been proposed that individuals with histamine intolerance suffer from intestinal dysbiosis, having an overabundance of histamine-secreting bacteria, but how it is still unknown this state is affected by the usual dietary treatment of histamine intolerance [i.e., low-histamine diet and the supplementation with diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme]. Thus, a preliminary study was carried out aiming to evaluate the potential changes on the composition of the intestinal microbiota in a group of five women diagnosed with histamine intolerance undergoing 9 months of the dietary treatment of histamine intolerance. After sequencing bacterial 16S rRNA genes (V3-V4 region) and analyzing the data using the EzBioCloud Database, we observed a reduction in certain histamine-secreting bacteria, including the genera Proteus and Raoultella and the specie Proteus mirabilis. Moreover, it was also observed an increase in Roseburia spp., a bacterial group frequently related to gut health. These changes could help to explain the clinical improvement experienced by histamine intolerant women underwent a dietary treatment.

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench Infusion Consumption Affects the Inflammatory Status and the Composition of Human Gut Microbiota in Patients with Traits of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Comparative Study

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don (HI) and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (HA) are rich in polyphenols and their infusions have beneficial effects for patients with metabolic syndrome. To investigate whether these effects are mediated by the gut microbiota, we analysed the effects of daily consumption of HI or HA infusion on the composition of gut microbiota, inflammatory status, and zonulin, a marker of gut barrier permeability. The study was a randomized, double-blind comparative trial. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to two groups and received either HA or HI tea filter bags, each containing 1 g of dried plant material, for daily consumption lasting 4 weeks. The results show that consumption of both infusions resulted in a reduction of some genera belonging to Firmicutes and in a slight but significant reduction in Shannon diversity index. Consumption of HI infusion significantly reduced serum levels of proinflammatory markers and zonulin alongside with the observed trend of Proteobacteria reduction. It can therefore be concluded that the HI and HA infusions could act as prebiotics and thus improve the intestinal environment. In addition, HI infusion has a positive impact on microbial dysbiosis and gut barrier dysfunction that occur in obesity and metabolic syndrome.

The role of Mediterranean diet and gut microbiota in type-2 diabetes mellitus associated with obesity (diabesity)

The human body is made up of 10¹⁴ human cells and 10¹⁵ bacterial cells, forming a combined structure that is described as a "superorganism". Commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms in the human body, many of which are located inside the intestine, affect health conditions and diseases. An important factor contributing to the development of chronic diseases is dysbiosis, which occurs when the number of pathogenic microorganisms increases. Dysbiosis is associated with increased intestinal permeability, endotoxemia (increased LPS), pro-inflammatory cytokine release, energy harvest, and adiposity, thus being involved in the pathogenesis of disorders like diabetes and obesity. Nutritional habits are the most important environmental factor that affects intestinal microbial composition. A dietary pattern that was proven successful in regulating gut microbiota is the renowned Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by high plant-based foods consumption, moderate fish and dairy products consumption, and low red meat consumption. There is an inverse relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. In addition to the direct effects of the Mediterranean diet on the pathogenesis of these diseases, it can also be effective in preventing these diseases due to its effects on the intestinal microbiota. It is noted that the number of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides increases the longer one's eating habit adhere to the Mediterranean diet, and the number of Firmicutes decreases, accordingly, thus supporting the symbiotic distribution in the intestinal microbiota.

The new exploration of pure total flavonoids extracted from Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. as a new therapeutic agent to bring health benefits for people

The peel and fruit of Citrus varieties have been a raw material for some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Pure total flavonoids from Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. (PTFC), including naringin, hesperidin, narirutin, and neohesperidin, have been attracted increasing attention for their multiple clinical efficacies. Based on existing in vitro and in vivo research, this study systematically reviewed the biological functions of PTFC and its components in preventing or treating liver metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, intestinal barrier dysfunction, as well as malignancies. PTFC and its components are capable of regulating glycolipid metabolism, blocking peroxidation and persistent inflammation, inhibiting tumor progression, protecting the integrity of intestinal barrier and positively regulating intestinal microbiota, while the differences in fruit cultivation system, picking standard, manufacturing methods, delivery system and individual intestinal microecology will have impact on the specific therapeutic effect. Thus, PTFC is a promising drug for the treatment of some chronic diseases, as well as continuous elaborate investigations are necessary to improve its effectiveness and bioavailability.

Suppression of trimethylamine N-oxide with DMB mitigates vascular dysfunction, exercise intolerance, and frailty associated with a Western-style diet in mice

Consumption of a Western-style diet (WD; high fat, high sugar, low fiber) is associated with impaired vascular function and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which could be mediated partly by increased circulating concentrations of the gut microbiome-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). We investigated if suppression of TMAO with 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB; inhibitor of microbial TMA lyase) in mice could prevent: 1) WD-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and aortic stiffening and 2) WD-induced reductions in endurance exercise tolerance and increases in frailty, as both are linked to WD, vascular dysfunction, and increased CVD risk. C57BL/6N mice were fed standard chow or WD (41% fat, ∼25% sugar, 4% fiber) for 5 mo beginning at ∼2 mo of age. Within each diet, mice randomly received (n = 11-13/group) normal drinking water (control) or 1% DMB in drinking water for the last 8 wk (from 5 to 7 mo of age). Plasma TMAO was increased in WD-fed mice but suppressed by DMB. WD induced endothelial dysfunction, assessed as carotid artery endothelium-dependent dilation to acetylcholine, and progressive increases in aortic stiffness (measured serially in vivo as pulse wave velocity), both of which were fully prevented by supplementation with DMB. Endurance exercise tolerance, assessed as time to fatigue on a rotarod test, was impaired in WD-fed mice but partially recovered by DMB. Lastly, WD-induced increases in frailty (31-point index) were prevented by DMB. Our findings indicate DMB or other TMAO-lowering therapies may be promising for mitigating the adverse effects of WD on physiological function, and thereby reducing risk of chronic diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We provide novel evidence that increased circulating concentrations of the gut microbiome-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) contribute to vascular dysfunction associated with consumption of a Western-style diet and that this dysfunction can be prevented by suppressing TMAO with DMB, thereby supporting translation of this compound to humans. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we present the first evidence of the role of TMAO in mediating impairments in endurance exercise tolerance and increased frailty in any context.

The gut microbiome as possible mediator of the beneficial effects of very low calorie ketogenic diet on type 2 diabetes and obesity: a narrative review

Several studies have shown a strong correlation between the different types of diets and gut microbiota composition on glycemia and weight loss. In this direction, low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets have gained popularity, despite studies published so far leading to controversial results on subjects with diabetes. In this narrative review, firstly, we aimed to analyze the role of very-low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKDs) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity management. Secondly, in this context, we focused attention on gut microbiota as a function of VLCKD, particularly in T2DM and obesity treatment. Finally, we reported all this evidence to underline the importance of gut microbiota to exalt new nutritional strategies for "tailor-made" management, treatment, and rehabilitation in subjects with T2DM and obesity, even with diabetic complications. In conclusion, this narrative review outlined the beneficial impact of VLCKD on gut microbiota even in subjects with T2DM and obesity, and, despite inner VLCKD short-duration feature allowing no sound-enough provisions for long-term outcomes, witnessed in favor of the short-term safety of VLCKD in those patients.Level of evidence Level V: Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.

Zinc Supplementation Partially Decreases the Harmful Effects of a Cafeteria Diet in Rats but Does Not Prevent Intestinal Dysbiosis

Zinc (Zn) plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis and may modulate neurological impairment related to obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zn supplementation on the intestinal microbiota, fatty acid profile, and neurofunctional parameters in obese male Wistar rats. Rats were fed a cafeteria diet (CAF), composed of ultra-processed and highly caloric and palatable foods, for 20 weeks to induce obesity. From week 16, Zn supplementation was started (10 mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, we evaluated the colon morphology, composition of gut microbiota, intestinal fatty acids, integrity of the intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier (BBB), and neuroplasticity markers in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Obese rats showed dysbiosis, morphological changes, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) reduction, and increased saturated fatty acids in the colon. BBB may also be compromised in CAF-fed animals, as claudin-5 expression is reduced in the cerebral cortex. In addition, synaptophysin was decreased in the hippocampus, which may affect synaptic function. Our findings showed that Zn could not protect obese animals from intestinal dysbiosis. However, an increase in acetate levels was observed, which suggests a partial beneficial effect of Zn. Thus, Zn supplementation may not be sufficient to protect from obesity-related dysfunctions.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Combined with a Low FODMAP Diet for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Predominant Diarrhea

Background. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been found to be effective in irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D). We conducted this study to determine the impact of a low FODMAP diet (LFD) on the gut microbiota and the efficacy of FMT in the treatment of IBS-D. Methods. A retrospective analysis of a single-arm open-label prospective study was conducted to investigate the impact of FMT alone ( $n=40$ ) and FMT+LFD ( $n=40$ ) in refractory IBS-D. The IBS-quality of life (QOL), IBS-severity scoring system (SSS), gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) were used to evaluate the efficacy, and partial 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was used to profile the microbiota. Results. The response rates were higher in the FMT+LFD group than in the FMT group (1 mo, 3 mo, 6 mo: 70.0% vs. 55.0%, 67.5% vs. 57.5%, 62.5% vs. 27.5%, respectively). The FMT+LFD group showed significantly better improvement in IBS-QOL at 1, 3, and 6 months; IBS-SSS at 6 months; and GSRS at 1 month compared to FMT alone. Changes in HAMA and HAMD were similar in the two groups. The LFD significantly upregulated the FMT-induced microbial diversity (OTUs: 666 vs. 574, Adonis: $P=0.02$ ) and significantly strengthened the upregulation of Bacteroides, Alistipes, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002 and the downregulation of Bifidobacterium. Conclusion. An LFD enhanced the efficacy of FMT, increased the gut microbial diversity after FMT, and strengthened the inhibitory effect of FMT on conditional pathogens.

Antibiotics enhancing drug-induced liver injury assessed for causality using Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method: Emerging role of gut microbiota dysbiosis

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a disease that remains difficult to predict and prevent from a clinical perspective, as its occurrence is hard to fully explain by the traditional mechanisms. In recent years, the risk of the DILI for microbiota dysbiosis has been recognized as a multifactorial process. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is the most commonly implicated drug in DILI worldwide with high causality gradings based on the use of RUCAM in different populations. Antibiotics directly affect the structure and diversity of gut microbiota (GM) and changes in metabolites. The depletion of probiotics after antibiotics interference can reduce the efficacy of hepatoprotective agents, also manifesting as liver injury. Follow-up with liver function examination is essential during the administration of drugs that affect intestinal microorganisms and their metabolic activities, such as antibiotics, especially in patients on a high-fat diet. In the meantime, altering the GM to reconstruct the hepatotoxicity of drugs by exhausting harmful bacteria and supplementing with probiotics/prebiotics are potential therapeutic approaches. This review will provide an overview of the current evidence between gut microbiota and DILI events, and discuss the potential mechanisms of gut microbiota-mediated drug interactions. Finally, this review also provides insights into the “double-edged sword” effect of antibiotics treatment against DILI and the potential prevention and therapeutic strategies.

Dietary Modification for the Restoration of Gut Microbiome and Management of Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder leading to chronic debilitating issues. A healthy diet plays an integral role in maintaining the gut microbiota equilibrium, thus promoting digestive health. The structure and function of gut microbiota are affected by genetics and environmental factors, such as altered dietary habits, gastroenteritis, stress, increased use of alcohol and drugs, and medication use. Whereas there are various management approaches cited in the literature to manage symptoms of IBS, the purpose of this article is to focus on dietary options that will restore the gut microbiome and help in managing IBS symptoms. Some of the diets that are discussed in this article include a low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet, gluten-free/wheat-free diet, high-fiber diet, dietary and herbal supplements (psyllium, peppermint oil), and probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics. The clinical practice guidelines recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology outlines evidence-based dietary recommendations for patients with IBS to manage symptoms. Recent advancements in the dietary management of IBS highlighting the use of a patient-centered, personalized nutrition approach along with lifestyle changes, pharmacological therapies, and psychosocial and behavioral interventions are also reviewed and discussed.

Ruminal Microbiota Determines the High-Fiber Utilization of Ruminants: Evidence from the Ruminal Microbiota Transplant

The rumen, which contains a series of prokaryotes and eukaryotes with high abundance, determines the high ability to degrade complex carbohydrates in ruminants. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we compared the ruminal microbiota of dairy goats with that in the foregut and colon of mice and found more Bacteroides identified in the rumen, which helps ruminants to utilize plant-derived polysaccharides, cellulose, and other structural carbohydrates. Furthermore, high-fiber diets did not significantly increase intestinal fiber-degrading bacteria in mice, but did produce higher levels of ruminal fiber-degrading bacteria in dairy goats. Through rumen microbe transplantation (RMT), we found that rumen-derived fiber-degrading bacteria can colonize the intestines of mice to exert their fiber-degrading function, but their colonization efficiency is affected by diet. Additionally, the colonization of these fiber-degrading bacteria in the colon may involve higher content of butyrate in the colon, protecting the colonic epithelial barrier and promoting energy metabolism. Overall, the fiber degradation function of rumen bacteria through RMT was verified, and our results provide new insights into isolating the functional and beneficial fiber-degrading bacteria in the rumen, providing a theoretical basis for the role of dietary fiber in intestinal health. IMPORTANCE Ruminants have a powerful progastric digestive system that converts structural carbohydrates into nutrients useful to humans. It is well known that this phenomenon is due to the fact that the rumen of ruminants is a natural microbial fermenter, which can ferment structural carbohydrates such as cellulose and hemicellulose and transform them into volatile fatty acids to supply energy for host. However, monogastric animals have an inherent disadvantage in utilizing fiber, so screening rumen-derived fiber-degrading bacteria as a fermentation strain for biological feed is needed in an attempt at improving the fiber digestibility of monogastric animals. In this study, a ruminal microbiota transplant experiment from goats to mice proves that ruminal microbiota could serve as a key factor in utilization of high-fiber diets and provides a new perspective for the development of probiotics with fiber degradation function from the rumen and the importance of the use of prebiotics during the intake of probiotics.

The Gut Microbiome among Postmenopausal Latvian Women in Relation to Dietary Habits

In recent years, many studies have been initiated to characterise the human gut microbiome in relation to different factors like age, lifestyle, and dietary habits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of yoghurt intake on the gut microbiome among postmenopausal women and how overall dietary habits modulate the gut microbiome. In total, 52 participants were included in the study and two groups—a control (n = 26) and experimental group (n = 26)—were established. The study was eight weeks long. Both study groups were allowed to consume a self-selected diet, but the experimental group had to additionally consume 175 g of plain organic milk yoghurt on a daily basis for eight weeks. In addition, a series of questionnaires were completed, including a questionnaire on the subject’s sociodemographic background, health status, and lifestyle factors, as well as a food frequency questionnaire. Stool samples were collected for the analysis of the gut microbiome (both prior to and after the eight weeks of the study). Sequencing of V4-V5 regions of the 16S rRNA gene was used to determine the bacterial composition of stool samples. The dominant phylum from the gut microbiome was Firmicutes (~70% to 73%), followed by Bacteroidota (~20% to 23%). Although no significant changes in the gut microbiome were related to daily consumption of yoghurt, we report that consumption of food products like grains, grain-based products, milk and milk products, and beverages (tea, coffee) is associated with differences in the composition of the gut microbiome. Establishing nutritional strategies to shape the gut microbiome could contribute to improved health status in postmenopausal women, but further research is needed.

Effect of a diet rich in galactose or fructose, with or without fructooligosaccharides, on gut microbiota composition in rats

Recent studies suggest that a diet rich in sugars significantly affects the gut microbiota. Adverse metabolic effects of sugars may partly be mediated by alterations of gut microbiota and gut health parameters, but experimental evidence is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the effects of high intake of fructose or galactose, with/without fructooligosaccharides (FOS), on gut microbiota composition in rats and explored the association between gut microbiota and low-grade systemic inflammation. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6/group) were fed the following isocaloric diets for 12 weeks (% of the dry weight of the sugars or FOS): (1) starch (control), (2) fructose (50%), (3) galactose (50%), (4) starch+FOS (15%) (FOS control), (5) fructose (50%)+FOS (15%), (6) galactose (50%)+FOS (15%), and (7) starch+olive (negative control). Microbiota composition in the large intestinal content was determined by sequencing amplicons from the 16S rRNA gene; 341F and 805R primers were used to generate amplicons from the V3 and V4 regions. Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Tenericutes, and Cyanobacteria composition differed between diets. Bifidobacterium was significantly higher in all diet groups where FOS was included. Modest associations between gut microbiota and metabolic factors as well as with gut permeability markers were observed, but no associations between gut microbiota and inflammation markers were observed. We found no coherent effect of galactose or fructose on gut microbiota composition. Added FOS increased Bifidobacterium but did not mitigate potential adverse metabolic effects induced by the sugars. However, gut microbiota composition was associated with several metabolic factors and gut permeability markers which warrant further investigations.

Hypertension of liver-yang hyperactivity syndrome induced by a high salt diet by altering components of the gut microbiota associated with the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle

The gut microbiota and metabolites are closely related to hypertension; however, the changes in the composition of the gut microbiome and metabolites linking a high salt diet to elevated blood pressure are not established. In this study, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome of hypertension caused by high salt had been diagnosed and the pathogenesis of hypertension was explored from the perspective of intestinal microecology. Rats in a high salt diet-induced hypertension group (CG) and normal group (CZ) were compared by 16S rRNA gene full-length sequencing and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify differences in the bacterial community structure, metabolites, and metabolic pathways. Hypertension induced by a high salt diet belongs to liver-Yang hyperactivity syndrome. Alpha and beta diversity as well as the composition of microbiota from the phylum to species levels differed substantially between the CG and CZ groups. In an analysis of differential metabolites in the intestines, a high salt diet mainly affected the metabolism of amino acids and their derivatives; in particular, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was down-regulated and glutamic acid and its derivatives were up-regulated under a high salt diet. Based on a KEGG analysis, high salt intake mainly altered pathways related to GABA and the glutamate/glutamine metabolism, such as the GABAergic synapse pathway and glutamatergic synapse pathway. The correlation analysis of differential gut microbes and differential metabolites suggested that a high salt diet promoted hypertension via the inhibition of Clostridiaceae_1 growth and alterations in the GABA metabolic pathway, leading to increased blood pressure. These findings suggest that a high salt diet induces hypertension of liver-Yang hyperactivity syndrome by mediating the microbiota associated with the glutamate/GABA-glutamine metabolic cycle via the gut–brain axis.

Influence of Foods and Nutrition on the Gut Microbiome and Implications for Intestinal Health

Food components in our diet provide not only necessary nutrients to our body but also substrates for the mutualistic microbial flora in our gastrointestinal tract, termed the gut microbiome. Undigested food components are metabolized to a diverse array of metabolites. Thus, what we eat shapes the structure, composition, and function of the gut microbiome, which interacts with the gut epithelium and mucosal immune system and maintains intestinal homeostasis in a healthy state. Alterations of the gut microbiome are implicated in many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is growing interest in nutritional therapy to target the gut microbiome in IBD. Investigations into dietary effects on the composition changes in the gut microbiome flourished in recent years, but few focused on gut physiology. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the impacts of major food components and their metabolites on the gut and health consequences, specifically within the GI tract. Additionally, the influence of the diet on the gut microbiome-host immune system interaction in IBD is also discussed. Understanding the influence of the diet on the interaction of the gut microbiome and the host immune system will be useful in developing nutritional strategies to maintain gut health and restore a healthy microbiome in IBD.

The role of intestinal stem cell within gut homeostasis: Focusing on its interplay with gut microbiota and the regulating pathways

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) play an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis via promoting a healthy gut barrier. Within the stem cell niche, gut microbiota linking the crosstalk of dietary influence and host response has been identified as a key regulator of ISCs. Emerging insights from recent research reveal that ISC and gut microbiota interplay regulates epithelial self-renewal. This article reviews the recent knowledge on the key role of ISC in their local environment (stem cell niche) associating with gut microbiota and their metabolites as well as the signaling pathways. The current progress of intestinal organoid culture is further summarized. Subsequently, the key challenges and future directions are discussed.

Ganoderma spp. polysaccharides are potential prebiotics: a review

The gut microbiota (GM) is a complex ecosystem that is closely linked to host health. Ganoderma spp. polysaccharides (GPs), a major bioactive component of the fungal genus Ganoderma, can modulate the GM, exhibiting various health effects and prebiotic potential. This review comprehensively concluded the structural features and extraction method of GPs. The mechanism of GPs for anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer were further evaluated. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion of GPs and the utilization mechanism of host microorganisms were discussed. It was found that the physicochemical properties and biological activities of GPs depend on their structural characteristics (molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bonds, etc.). Their extraction method also affects the structure and bioactivities of polysaccharides. GPs supplementation could increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g. Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium), while reducing that of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Aerococcus, Ruminococcus), thus promoting health. Moreover, GPs are resistant to digestion in the stomach and small intestine but are digested in the large intestine. Therefore, GPs can be considered as potential prebiotics. However, further studies should investigate how GPs as prebiotics regulate GM and improve host health.

The Role of Feeding Characteristics in Shaping Gut Microbiota Composition and Function of Ensifera (Orthoptera)

Feeding habits were the primary factor affecting the gut bacterial communities in Ensifera. However, the interaction mechanism between the gut microbiota and feeding characteristics is not precisely understood. Here, the gut microbiota of Ensifera with diverse feeding habits was analyzed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing to further clarify the composition and function of the gut microbiota and its relationship with feeding characteristics. Our results indicate that under the influence of feeding habits, the gut microbial communities of Ensifera showed specific characteristics. Firstly, the gut microbial communities of the Ensifera with different feeding habits differed significantly, among which the gut microbial diversity of the herbivorous Mecopoda niponensis was the highest. Secondly, the functional genes related to feeding habits were in high abundance. Thirdly, the specific function of the gut microbial species in the omnivorous Gryllotalpa orientalis showed that the more diverse the feeding behavior of Ensifera, the worse the functional specificity related to the feeding characteristics of its gut microbiota. However, feeding habits were not the only factors affecting the gut microbiota of Ensifera. Some microorganisms' genes, whose functions were unrelated to feeding characteristics but were relevant to energy acquisition and nutrient absorption, were detected in high abundance. Our results were the first to report on the composition and function of the gut microbiota of Ensifera based on shotgun metagenomic sequencing and to explore the potential mechanism of the gut microbiota's association with diverse feeding habits.

Bile Salt Hydrolase-Competent Probiotics in the Management of IBD: Unlocking the "Bile Acid Code"

Bile acid (BA) species and the gut microbiota (GM) contribute to intestinal mucosa homeostasis. BAs shape the GM and, conversely, intestinal bacteria with bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity modulate the BA pool composition. The mutual interaction between BAs and intestinal microorganisms also influences mucosal barrier integrity, which is important for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis, prevention and therapy. High levels of secondary BAs are detrimental for the intestinal barrier and increase the intestinal inflammatory response and dysbiosis. Additionally, a lack of BSH-active bacteria plays a role in intestinal inflammation and BA dysmetabolism. Thus, BSH-competent bacteria in probiotic formulations are being actively studied in IBD. At the same time, studies exploring the modulation of the master regulator of BA homeostasis, the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), in intestinal inflammation and how this impacts the GM are gaining significant momentum. Overall, the choice of probiotic supplementation should be a peculiar issue of personalized medicine, considering not only the disease but also the specific BA and metabolic signatures of a given patient.

Serological markers of intestinal barrier impairment do not correlate with duration of diabetes and glycated hemoglobin in adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Growing evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus is associated with impairment of the intestinal barrier. However, it is not clear so far if the impairment of the intestinal barrier is a consequence of prolonged hyperglycemia or the consequence of external factors influencing the gut microbiota and intestinal mucosa integrity. Aim of the study was to perform an estimation of relationship between serological markers of impairment of the intestinal barrier: intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), cytokeratin 18 caspase-cleaved fragment (cCK-18), and soluble CD14 (sCD14) and markers of prolonged hyperglycemia, such as the duration of diabetes mellitus and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) via a correlation analysis in patients with diabetes mellitus. In 40 adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 30 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus the estimation has been performed. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between cCK-18 and HbA1c (r=0.5047, p=0.0275) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with fading insulitis (T1D). In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with ongoing insulitis (T1D/INS) and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), no statistically significant positive correlations were found between serological markers of intestinal barrier impairment (I-FABP, cCK-18, sCD14) and duration of diabetes or levels of HbA1c. Similarly, in cumulative cohort of patients with T1D/INS and patients with T1D we revealed statistically positive correlation only between HbA1c and cCK-18 (r=0.3414, p=0.0311). Surprisingly, we found statistically significant negative correlation between the duration of diabetes mellitus and cCK-18 (r=-0.3050, p=0.0313) only in cumulative group of diabetic patients (T1D, T1D/INS, and T2D). Based on our results, we hypothesize that the actual condition of the intestinal barrier in diabetic patients is much more dependent on variable interactions between host genetic factors, gut microbiota, and environmental factors rather than effects of long-standing hyperglycemia (assessed by duration of diabetes mellitus or HbA1c).