Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Gut Microbiota

Patient-reported exposures and outcomes link the gut-brain axis and inflammatory pathways to specific symptoms of severe mental illness

We developed a "gut-brain-axis questionnaire" (GBAQ) to obtain standardized person-specific "review of systems" data for microbiome-gut-brain-axis studies. Individual items were compared to PANSS symptom measures using dimensional, transdiagnostic and traditional categorical approaches.

METHOD

Forty psychotic participants, independent of diagnoses, and 42 without psychosis (18 nonpsychotic affective disorders, 24 healthy controls) completed the GBAQ and underwent research diagnostic and symptom assessments. The PANSS scales and its dysphoric mood, autistic preoccupation and activation factors were computed.

RESULTS

Transdiagnostic analyses robustly linked psychosis severity to constipation (p<.001), and Negative (p=.045) and General Psychopathology scores (p=.016) with bowel hypomotility. Activation factor scores predicted numbers of psychiatric (p=.009) and medical conditions (p=.003), BMI (p=.003), skin (p<.001) and other conditions. Categorical analyses comparing psychotic, nonpsychotic and control groups revealed behavioral differences: cigarette smoking (p=.013), alcohol use (p=.007), diet (p's <.05), exercise (p<.001). All subjects accurately self-reported their diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The GBAQ is a promising tool. Transdiagnostic analyses associated psychotic symptoms to gut hypomotility, indicative of low gut vagal tone, consistent with reduced cardiovagal activity in psychosis. Activation, similar to delirium symptoms, predicted medical comorbidity and systemic inflammatory conditions. Group level comparisons only showed behavioral differences. Underpinnings of psychiatric disorders may include reduced gut vagal function, producing psychosis, and systemic inflammation, impacting risks for psychotic and nonpsychotic conditions.

Dietary regulations for microbiota dysbiosis among post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and T2D-associated comorbidities, such as obesity, are serious universally prevalent health issues among post-menopausal women. Menopause is an unavoidable condition characterized by the depletion of estrogen, a gonadotropic hormone responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in women. In addition to sexual dimorphism, estrogen also participates in glucose-lipid homeostasis, and estrogen depletion is associated with insulin resistance in the female body. Estrogen level in the gut also regulates the microbiota composition, and even conjugated estrogen is actively metabolized by the estrobolome to maintain insulin levels. Moreover, post-menopausal gut microbiota is different from the pre-menopausal gut microbiota, as it is less diverse and lacks the mucolytic Akkermansia and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers such as Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. Through various metabolites (SCFAs, secondary bile acid, and serotonin), the gut microbiota plays a significant role in regulating glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, and T2D-associated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6). While gut dysbiosis is common among post-menopausal women, dietary interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics can ease post-menopausal gut dysbiosis. The objective of this review is to understand the relationship between post-menopausal gut dysbiosis and T2D-associated factors. Additionally, the study also provided dietary recommendations to avoid T2D progression among post-menopausal women.

Trialling a microbiome-targeted dietary intervention in children with ADHD-the rationale and a non-randomised feasibility study

Background

Dietary interventions have been previously explored in children with ADHD. Elimination diets and supplementation can produce beneficial behaviour changes, but little is known about the mechanisms mediating change. We propose that these interventions may work, in part, by causing changes in the gut microbiota. A microbiome-targeted dietary intervention was developed, and its feasibility assessed.

Methods

A non-randomised feasibility study was conducted on nine non-medicated children with ADHD, aged 8–13 years (mean 10.39 years), using a prospective one-group pre-test/post-test design. Participants were recruited from ADHD support groups in London and took part in the 6-week microbiome-targeted dietary intervention, which was specifically designed to impact the composition of gut bacteria. Children were assessed pre- and post-intervention on measures of ADHD symptomatology, cognition, sleep, gut function and stool-sample microbiome analysis. The primary aim was to assess the study completion rate, with secondary aims assessing adherence, adverse events (aiming for no severe and minimal), acceptability and suitability of outcome measures.

Results

Recruitment proved to be challenging and despite targeting 230 participants directly through support groups, and many more through social media, nine families (of the planned 10) signed up for the trial. The completion rate for the study was excellent at 100%. Exploration of secondary aims revealed that (1) adherence to each aspect of the dietary protocol was very good; (2) two mild adverse events were reported; (3) parents rated the treatment as having good acceptability; (4) data collection and outcome measures were broadly feasible for use in an RCT with a few suggestions recommended; (5) descriptive data for outcome measures is presented and suggests that further exploration of gut microbiota, ADHD symptoms and sleep would be helpful in future research.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence for the feasibility of a microbiome-targeted dietary intervention in children with ADHD. Recruitment was challenging, but the diet itself was well-tolerated and adherence was very good. Families wishing to trial this diet may find it an acceptable intervention. However, recruitment, even for this small pilot study, was challenging. Because of the difficulty experienced recruiting participants, future randomised controlled trials may wish to adopt a simpler dietary approach which requires less parental time and engagement, in order to recruit the number of participants required to make meaningful statistical interpretations of efficacy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03737877. Registered 13 November 2018—retrospectively registered, within 2 days of the first participant being recruited.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01058-4.

Beneficial Actions of Essential Fatty Acids in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The essential fatty acids (EFA), n3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and n6 linoleic acid (LA) are of benefit in diabetes mellitus, but their mechanisms of action are unknown. We, therefore, examined the effects of EFAs on the metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammatory and retinal histopathology indices in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) animals, and we assessed the levels of vitreal lipoxin A4 (LXA4)-derived from LA-in subjects with diabetic retinopathy (DR). STZ-induced T1DM rats received LA or ALA 100 μg/day intraperitoneally on alternate days for 21 days, and their blood glucose; lipid profile; plasma, hepatic, and retinal fatty acid profiles (by gas chromatography); retinal histology; activities of hepatic and retinal desaturases; and inflammatory markers (by qRT-PCR) were evaluated. Gut microbiota composition was assayed by 16S rDNA sequencing technology of the fecal samples, and their short-chain fatty acids and bile acids were assayed by gas chromatography, liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The human vitreal fatty acid profiles of subjects with proliferative DR and LXA4 levels were measured. LA and ALA significantly improved the plasma glucose and lipid levels; increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae (the ALA-treated group), Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_010, and Ruminococcus_1 (the LA-treated group) bacteria; enhanced acetate and butyrate levels; and augmented fecal and hepatic concentrations of cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and tauro ursodeoxycholic acid in ALA- and LA-treated animals. Significant STZ-induced decreases in plasma LA, gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and ALA levels reverted to near normal, following LA and ALA treatments. Significant changes in the expression of desaturases; COX-2, 5-LOX, and 12-LOX enzymes; and cytokines in T1DM were reverted to near normal by EFAs. DR subjects also had low retinal LXA4 levels. The results of the present study show that ALA and LA are of significant benefit in reversing metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammatory and retinal index changes seen in T1DM, suggesting that EFAs are of benefit in diabetes mellitus.

Sulforaphane Ameliorates the Intestinal Injury in Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway

Objective

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious neonatal disease; this study aims to investigate the role of sulforaphane (SFN) in NEC-induced intestinal injury.

Methods

An animal model of NEC was established in newborn mice and intragastrically administrated with SFN; then, the general status and survival of the mice were observed. H&E staining was used to observe the pathological changes of intestinal tissues. ELISA, immunohistochemical staining, and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17, the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, TLR4, and NF-κB, and the percentages of the Th17 and Treg cells, respectively. GSK-3β expression levels were measured by immunofluorescence. IEC-6 and FHC cells were induced with LPS to mimic NEC in vitro and coincubated with SFN; then, the inflammatory factor levels and cell apoptosis rate were detected. Finally, Western blot was used to assess the expression of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway-related proteins in vitro and in vivo.

Results

SFN improved the survival rate of NEC mice during modeling, alleviated the severity of the intestinal injury, and reduced the proportion of Th17/Treg cells. SFN could inhibit TLR4 and NF-κB levels, decrease the release of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6, suppress Bax expression, increase Bcl-2 expression, and inhibit apoptosis both in in vitro and in vivo models of NEC. Meanwhile, SFN regulated the expression of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway-related proteins in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

SFN relieved the inflammatory response and apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway, thereby alleviating NEC in model mice and cells.

Excess DHA Induces Liver Injury via Lipid Peroxidation and Gut Microbiota-Derived Lipopolysaccharide in Zebrafish

Being highly unsaturated, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are prone to lipid peroxidation. In this study, zebrafish were fed with low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), or 2% DHA-supplemented HFD (HFDHA2.0). To study the possible negative effects of the high level of dietary DHA, growth rates, blood chemistry, liver histology, hepatic oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory processes were assessed. The cell studies were used to quantify the effects of DHA and antioxidant on cellular lipid peroxidation and viability. The possible interaction between gut microbiota and zebrafish host was evaluated in vitro. HFDHA2.0 had no effect on hepatic lipid level but induced liver injury, oxidative stress, and hepatocellular apoptosis, including intrinsic and death receptor-induced apoptosis. Besides, the inclusion of 2% DHA in HFD increased the abundance of Proteobacteria in gut microbiota and serum endotoxin level. In the zebrafish liver cell model, DHA activated intrinsic apoptosis while the antioxidant 4-hydroxy-Tempo (tempo) inhibited the pro-apoptotic negative effects of DHA. The apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was unaffected by the addition of tempo. In conclusion, the excess DHA supplementation generates hepatocellular apoptosis-related injury to the liver. The processes might propagate along at least two routes, involving lipid peroxidation and gut microbiota-generated LPS.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Their Interaction with the Gut Microbiome in the Prevention and Amelioration of Type-2 Diabetes

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often linked with hyperglycemia, disturbed lipid profiles, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has a vital role in the management of T2DM. As a result, a better understanding of the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in the development and progression of T2DM by influencing the intestinal microflora will help to improve the therapeutic intervention for T2DM and related complications. Focusing on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways induced by omega-3 fatty acids, this paper attempts to comprehensively review and discuss the putative associations between omega-3 fatty acids, gut dysbiosis, and the pathophysiology of T2DM and its related comorbidities. In addition, we contemplate the importance of gut microbiota in T2DM prevention and treatment and ponder the role of omega-3 fatty acids in T2DM by positively modulating gut microbiota, which may lead to discovery of novel targets and therapeutic strategies thereby paving way for further comprehensive, mechanistic, and clinical studies.

Atrazine exposure and recovery alter the intestinal structure, bacterial composition and intestinal metabolites of male Pelophylax nigromaculatus

The pesticide atrazine poses a potential threat to the health of frogs living in farmland areas. The exposure concentration in traditional pesticide experiments is usually constant, while pesticide pollution in actual water may fluctuate due to periodic or seasonal application. We examined the effects of different concentrations of atrazine (50, 100 and 500 μg/L) over a 14-day exposure and a 7-day recovery on intestinal histology, bacterial composition and intestinal metabolites of male Pelophylax nigromaculatus. HE staining revealed that after a 14-day atrazine exposure, the 100 μg/L and 500 μg/L groups showed obvious cysts and significantly decreased intestinal crypt depth and villus height. After a 7-day recovery, the damaged intestine in the 100 μg/L group was partially recovered, while in the 500 μg/L exposure group there was no improvement. 16S rRNA gene analysis of intestinal bacteria showed that 500 μg/L atrazine exposure significantly caused a persistent decrease in bacterial α diversity. Compared to the control and other atrazine exposure groups, the 500 μg/L group showed significant changes in the relative abundance of predominant bacteria. In addition, most dominant bacteria in the 500 μg/L recovery group showed significant differences with the 50 μg/L and 100 μg/L recovery groups. Nontargeted metabolomics profiling based on UPLC/MS analysis showed that atrazine exposure and recovery induced changes in the intestinal metabolic profile. The changes in metabolites were mainly related to purine/pyrimidine metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. In general, these pathways were closely related to energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. These results suggest that the short-term exposure to 500 μg/L atrazine causes persistent harm to intestinal health. This study is an important step toward a better understanding of the toxic effects of atrazine exposure and recovery in frog intestines.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Balanced Gut Microbiota on Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: A Close Look at Ulcerative Colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis

The aim of this article was to review experimental and clinical studies regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids on the prevention and control of chronic inflammatory diseases with autoimmune background through the gut microbiota modulation. For this, natural omega-3 sources are presented emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet for the body's homeostasis and the enzymatic processes that these fatty acids go through once inside the body. The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis are revisited under the light of the gut microbiota dysbiosis approach and how those fatty acids are able to prevent and control these two pathological conditions that are responsible for the global chronic burden and functional disability and life-threatening comorbidities if not treated properly. As a matter of reflection, as we are living a pandemic crisis owing to COVID-19 infection, we present the potential of omega-3 in preventing a poor prognosis once they contribute to balancing the immune system modulation the inflammatory process.

Mechanistic Insights into the Link between Gut Dysbiosis and Major Depression: An Extensive Review

Depression is a highly common mental disorder, which is often multifactorial with sex, genetic, environmental, and/or psychological causes. Recent advancements in biomedical research have demonstrated a clear correlation between gut dysbiosis (GD) or gut microbial dysbiosis and the development of anxiety or depressive behaviors. The gut microbiome communicates with the brain through the neural, immune, and metabolic pathways, either directly (via vagal nerves) or indirectly (via gut- and microbial-derived metabolites as well as gut hormones and endocrine peptides, including peptide YY, pancreatic polypeptide, neuropeptide Y, cholecystokinin, corticotropin-releasing factor, glucagon-like peptide, oxytocin, and ghrelin). Maintaining healthy gut microbiota (GM) is now being recognized as important for brain health through the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), etc. A few approaches exert antidepressant effects via restoring GM and hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis functions. In this review, we have summarized the etiopathogenic link between gut dysbiosis and depression with preclinical and clinical evidence. In addition, we have collated information on the recent therapies and supplements, such as probiotics, prebiotics, short-chain fatty acids, and vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, etc., which target the gut–brain axis (GBA) for the effective management of depressive behavior and anxiety.

Maternal Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supply in Combination With or Without Essential Fatty Acids During Late Pregnancy and Early Lactation: Investigations on Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Jejunal Content and Jejunal Microbiota in Neonatal Calves

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) modulate the fatty acid composition in dairy cow milk, which represents the most important nutrient source of neonatal calves. In turn, dietary fatty acids are known to influence the gut microbiota. The current preliminary study investigated effects of a maternal fatty acid supplementation (MFAS) during transition period with coconut oil (CON, control), CLA (Lutalin®), or CLA + EFA (Lutalin® + essential fatty acids–linseed oil; safflower oil) on physico-chemical characteristics of jejunal content and microbiota of 5-day-old calves. MFAS of CLA + EFA increased α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and n-3 fatty acid proportions in jejunum compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Proportions of n-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased by MFAS of CLA + EFA compared to CON (P < 0.05). Most abundant phyla in the jejunum were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota. CLA + EFA decreased the relative abundance of Diplorickettsiales (Proteobacteria) compared to CON and CLA (P < 0.05). CLA calves showed a lower abundance of Enterobacterales (Proteobacteria) compared to CON calves (P = 0.001). The abundance of Veillonellales-Selenomonadales and RF39 (Firmicutes) decreased in CLA + EFA calves compared to CON calves (P < 0.05). Bacteroidales (Bacteroidota) decreased in CLA + EFA calves compared to CLA calves (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Cyanobacteria and Euryarchaeota decreased and the abundance of Chloroflexi increased in CLA + EFA calves compared to CON and CLA calves (P < 0.05). MFAS alters the fatty acid composition and microbial milieu in the intestinal content of neonatal calves due to their ability to modulate colostral fatty acid composition of dams.

Gut microbiome responses to dietary intervention with hypocholesterolemic vegetable oils

Hypercholesterolemia is becoming a problem with increasing significance. Dietary vegetable oils may help to improve this condition due to presence of phytonutrients with potentially synergistic cholesterol-lowering effects. The objective of this 8-week double-blinded randomized clinical trial was to investigate the effects of consuming 30 g of two different blended cooking oils, rich in omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and phytonutrients, or refined olive oil on the intestinal microbiota in 126 volunteers with borderline hypercholesterolemia. Multi-factor analysis of relationships between the gut microbiota composition at various taxonomic ranks and the clinical trial parameters revealed the association between beneficial effects of the dietary intervention on the blood lipid profile with abundance of Clostridia class of the gut microbiota. This microbiota feature was upregulated in the course of the dietary intervention and associated with various plasma markers of metabolic health status, such as Triglycerides, Apolipoprotein B and Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio in a beneficial way. The relative abundance of a single species—Clostridium leptum—highly increased during the dietary intervention in all the three study groups. The oil blend with the highest concentration of omega-3 PUFA is associated with faster and more robust responses of the intestinal microbiota, including elevation of alpha-diversity. Butyrate production is being discussed as a plausible process mediating the observed beneficial influence on the plasma lipid profile. Causal mediation analysis suggested that Clostridium genus rather than the higher rank of the phylogeny—Clostridia class—may be involved in the diet-induced improvements of the blood lipid profile.

The impact of immune dysfunction on perioperative complications in surgical COVID-19 patients: an imperative for early immunonutrition

Surgical patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are vulnerable to increased perioperative complications and postoperative mortality, independent of the risk for contracting COVID-19 pneumonia after endotracheal intubation for general anesthesia. The presumed root cause of postoperative infections, microvascular soft tissue injuries and thromboembolic complications is largely attributed to the profound immune dysfunction induced by COVID-19 as a result of complement activation and the "cytokine storm". The empirical therapy with anti-inflammatory agents has been shown to attenuate some of the adverse effects of systemic hyperinflammation in COVID-19 patients. In addition, the proactive concept of "immunonutrition" may represent a new promising avenue for mitigating the complex immune dysregulation in COVID-19 and thereby reduce the rates of surgical complications and postoperative mortality. This letter provides a narrative summary of the current state-of-the-art in the field of immunonutrition as it pertains to surgical patient safety in COVID-19 patients.

Alterations of gut microbiota diversity, composition and metabonomics in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia rats

BACKGROUND

Studies had shown many diseases affect the stability of human microbiota, but how this relates to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been well understood. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the regulation of BPH on gut microbiota composition and metabonomics.

METHODS

We analyzed gut samples from rats with BPH and healthy control rats, the gut microbiota composition and metabonomics were detected by 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

High-throughput sequencing results showed that gut microbiota beta-diversity increased (P < 0.01) in the BPH group vs. control group. Muribaculaceae (P < 0.01), Turicibacteraceae (P < 0.05), Turicibacter (P < 0.01) and Coprococcus (P < 0.01) were significantly decreased in the BPH group, whereas that of Mollicutes (P < 0.05) and Prevotella (P < 0.05) were significantly increased compared with the control group. Despite profound interindividual variability, the levels of several predominant genera were different. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in several bacteria. BPH group vs. control group: Firmicutes (52.30% vs. 57.29%, P > 0.05), Bacteroidetes (46.54% vs. 41.64%, P > 0.05), Clostridia (50.89% vs. 54.66%, P > 0.05), Ruminococcaceae (25.67% vs. 20.56%, P > 0.05). LC-MS/MS of intestinal contents revealed that differential metabolites were mainly involved in cellular processes, environmental information processing, metabolism and organismal systems. The most important pathways were global and overview maps, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, digestive system and endocrine system. Through enrichment analysis, we found that the differential metabolites were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways, steroid hormone biosynthesis, ovarian steroidogenesis, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and bile secretion. Pearson correlation analysis (R = 0.94) showed that there was a strong correlation between Prevotellaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Turicibacteraceae, Bifidobacteriaceae and differential metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested an association between the gut microbiota and BPH, but the causal relationship between the two groups is unclear. Thus, further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential mechanisms and causal relationships between BPH and gut microbiota.

Gut microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorder: From pathogenesis to potential therapeutic perspectives

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder which disrupts communication, social and interactive skills followed by appearance of repetitive behavior. The underlying etiology remains incomprehensible but genetic and environmental factors play a key role. Accumulated evidence shows that alteration in level of gut microbes and their metabolites are not only linked to gastrointestinal problems but also to autism. So far the mix of microbes that is present in the gut affects human health in numerous ways through extensive bacterial-mammalian cometabolism and has a marked influence over health via gut-brain-microbial interactions. Healthy microbiota may even ease the symptoms of autism, as microbial balance influences brain development through the neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, and autonomic nervous systems. In this article, we focused on reviewing the correlation between gut microbiota and their metabolites on symptoms of autism by utilizing prebiotics, probiotics and herbal remedies to target gut microflora hence autism.

Effects of in ovo feeding and dietary addition oils on growth performance and immune function of broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) and dietary addition (DA) oils on growth, development and immune function of broiler chickens. In experiment 1, a total of 500 eggs were randomly assigned to 3 treatments: non-injected group (CON) with 100 eggs; soybean oil injected group (SO) with 200 eggs and linseed oil injected group (LO) with 200 eggs. Results showed that there were no detrimental effects of IOF of oils on embryonic development. In experiment 2, a two factor experimental design was adopted. After hatching, 120 chicks which came from each oil-injected group were divided into 2 treatments with 6 replicates, and chickens were fed soybean oil diet and linseed oil diet, respectively. The results showed that DA linseed oil increased final body weight (FBW) of broilers at d 21 post hatch, IOF of linseed oil decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from d 1 to 21 (P < 0.05), while the plasma leptin level of 21-day-old broilers was increased by IOF or DA linseed oil (P < 0.05). Main effect analysis showed that DA linseed oil increased the spleen index and mRNA expression of IFN-γ in spleen of broilers at 7 d of age (P < 0.05). IOF of linseed oil upregulated the mRNA expression of IFN-γ in the spleen of chicks at 1 d and mRNA expression of IL-2 and IL-4 in spleen of broilers at 21 d (P < 0.05), and the interaction effect showed that IOF and DA linseed oil synergically increased the expression of IL-2 and IL-4 in spleen of broilers at 21 d. Compared with SO group, LO increased the Shannon index of hatching-day cecum microflora (P < 0.05). Principal co-ordinates analysis (PcoA) showed that LO group clearly separated from CON and SO groups. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis also manifested that Alkalicoccus was significantly correlated with spleen index and mRNA expression of IL-2, and Phreatobacter was significantly correlated with the mRNA expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ in spleen, Acinetobacter had a positive correlation with thymus index (P < 0.05). In conclusion, IOF of linseed oil reduced the ADFI and FCR of broilers and increased the species diversity and changed the structure of cecal microflora of chicken embryos at the 19th day of incubation (E19). Immune function of broilers spleen was also regulated by IOF and DA linseed oil.

Vaccines, Microbiota and Immunonutrition: Food for Thought

Vaccines are among the most effective health measures and have contributed to eradicating some diseases. Despite being very effective, response rates are low in some individuals. Different factors have been proposed to explain why some people are not as responsive as others, but what appears to be of critical importance is the presence of a healthy functioning immune system. In this respect, a key factor in modulating the immune system, both in its adaptive and innate components, is the microbiota. While microbiota can be modulated in different ways (i.e., antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics), an effective and somewhat obvious mechanism is via nutrition. The science of nutrients and their therapeutic application is called immunonutrition, and it is increasingly being considered in several conditions. Our review will focus on the importance of nutrition and microbiota modulation in promoting a healthy immune system while also discussing the overall impact on vaccination response.

Use of vegetables for enhancing oxidative stability of omega-3 oils in the powdered state

The preliminary study examined the effectiveness of various vegetables for the stabilisation of omega-3 oil powders against oxidative deterioration. Purees made from different vegetables (mushroom, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, tomato, and garlic) were employed for preparation of vegetable-tuna oil emulsions, which were subsequently freeze-dried into powders. Oxipres® data showed that vegetable-tuna oil powders had longer induction periods than neat tuna oil. During accelerated oxidation storage (40 °C/4weeks), eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in the vegetable-tuna oil powders were protected against oxidation, and there were lower levels of headspace secondary and tertiary oxidation products. Whole vegetable purees were suitable protective matrices for omega-3 oils. Of the various vegetable purees examined for protective effects against omega-3 oxidation, mushroom, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower were superior to snow peas, garlic and tomato. The antioxidant properties of phytonutrients inherent in various vegetables are likely contributors to protection of omega-3 oil powders against oxidation.

Effect of Plant-Derived n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Blood Lipids and Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Several cardioprotective mechanisms attributed to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been widely documented. Significant interest has recently focused on the role of human gut microbiota in metabolic disorders. However, the role of plant-derived n-3 PUFAs on blood lipid profiles is controversial and the effect on gut microbiota is still unclear.

Objectives

We aimed to perform a double-blind randomized controlled trial to test the effect of plant-derived n-3 PUFAs on the blood lipids and gut microbiota of patients with marginal hyperlipidemia.

Methods

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 75 participants with marginal hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to the intervention group (supplied with n-3 PUFA-enriched plant oil) or control group (supplied with corn oil), respectively, for a 3-month treatment. Participants and assessors were blinded to the allocation. The primary outcomes of the trial were the changes in serum lipid levels. Secondary outcomes were changes in gut microbiota and metabolites. For the primary outcomes, we conducted both an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and a per protocol (PP) analysis. For the secondary outcomes, we only conducted the PP analysis among the participants who provided fecal sample.

Results

Fifty-one participants completed the trial. Relative to the control group, the n-3 PUFA supplementation resulted in significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (−0.43 mmol/L, 95% CI−0.84 to−0.01 mmol/L, P < 0.05). The n-3 PUFA supplementation was also associated with significantly increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in phylum level (P < 0.01; false discovery rate (FDR) corrected p = 0.11), and decreased the ratio between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05; FDR corrected p = 0.16). At genus level, the intervention of plant derived n-3 PUFAs resulted in a significant decrease in relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium (P < 0.01; FDR corrected p = 0.18) and Veillonella (P < 0.01; FDR corrected p = 0.18) after the intervention.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that plant-derived n-3 PUFAs beneficially affected the serum levels of TC and decreased the ratio between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes during the 12-week intervention period, which might confer advantageous consequences for lipid metabolism and intestinal health.

Could Dietary Supplementation with Different Sources of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Modify the Rabbit Gut Microbiota?

The present study evaluated the effects of feed supplemented with two dietary sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; fish oil and extruded flaxseed) on the gut microbiota, caecal fermentations, gastrointestinal histology, and histochemistry in rabbits. Fifteen male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups (n = 5/group) and fed with different diets from weaning (35 days of age) until slaughtering (90 days of age): C group, fed with a commercial diet; F group, supplemented with 10% of extruded flaxseed; and O group, supplemented with 3.5% of fish oil. At slaughter, the content of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, and colon was collected and analyzed by Next Generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Tissue samples of the same tracts were evaluated with histological and histochemical analysis. Ammonia and lactic acid in the caecum were also quantified. Twenty-nine operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were significantly different between groups. Groups receiving n-3 PUFAs supplementation showed an increase in Bacteroidetes and Lachnospiraceae in several gastrointestinal tracts, while Bacilli abundance, as well as Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, were reduced compared to the control group (for all p < 0.05). Caecal ammonia was lower in the F than C group (p < 0.032), whereas no difference was found for lactic acid. Finally, histological evaluations revealed a mild hemorrhagic infiltration and vessels ectasia in the stomach mucosa of both F and O groups, but no effect of nutritional treatment was evidenced by the histochemical analyses. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs supplementation could modify the rabbit gut microbiota and fermentation. The increase in beneficial bacterial populations may, at least partially, explain the positive effects of n-3 PUFAs diet supplementation on human and animals’ health, although the appropriate dosage should be established.

Alternative Methods of Bioactive Compounds and Oils Extraction from Berry Fruit By-Products—A Review

Berry fruit by-products are a source of polyphenol compounds and highly nutritious oils and can be reused to fulfill the requirements of the circular economy model. One of the methods of obtaining polyphenol-rich extracts or oils is extraction. Applying conventional solvent extraction techniques may be insufficient to reach high polyphenol or lipid fraction yields and selectivity of specific compounds. Alternative extraction methods, mainly ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric field-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and supercritical fluid extraction, are ways to improve the efficiency of the isolation of bioactive compounds or oils from berry fruit by-products. Additionally, non-conventional techniques are considered as green extraction methods, as they consume less energy, solvent volume and time. The aim of this review is to summarize the studies on alternative extraction methods and their relationship to the composition of extracts or oils obtained from berry waste products.

Targeting intestinal flora and its metabolism to explore the laxative effects of rhubarb

Rhubarb, a traditional herb, has been used in clinical practice for hundreds of years to cure constipation, but its mechanism is still not clear enough. Currently, growing evidence suggests that intestinal flora might be a potential target for the treatment of constipation. Thus, the aim of this study was to clarify the laxative effect of rhubarb via systematically analyzing the metagenome and metabolome of the gut microbiota. In this study, the laxative effects of rhubarb were investigated by loperamide-induced constipation in rats. The gut microbiota was determined by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for fecal metabolomics analysis. The data showed that rhubarb could significantly shorten gastrointestinal transit time, increase fecal water content and defecation frequency, improve gastrointestinal hormone disruption, and protect the colon mucus layer. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that rhubarb could improve the disorder of intestinal microbiota in constipated rats. For example, beneficial bacteria such as Ligilactobacillus, Limosilalactobacillus, and Prevotellaceae UCG-001 were remarkably increased, and pathogens such as Escherichia-Shigella were significantly decreased after rhubarb treatment. Additionally, the fecal metabolic profiles of constipated rats were improved by rhubarb. After rhubarb treatment, metabolites such as chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid, prostaglandin F2α, and α-linolenic acid were markedly increased in constipation rats; in contrast, the metabolites such as lithocholic acid, calcidiol, and 10-hydroxystearic acid were notably reduced in constipation rats. Moreover, correlation analysis indicated a close relationship between intestinal flora, fecal metabolites, and biochemical indices associated with constipation. In conclusion, the amelioration of rhubarb in constipation might modulate the intestinal microflora and its metabolism. Moreover, the application of fecal metabolomics could provide a new strategy to uncover the mechanism of herbal medicines.Key points• Rhubarb could significantly improve gut microbiota disorder in constipation rats.• Rhubarb could markedly modulate the fecal metabolite profile of constipated rats.

Dietary regulation of the SIgA-gut microbiota interaction

Gut microbiota (GM) is essential for host health, and changes in the GM are related to the development of various diseases. Recently, secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), the most abundant immunoglobulin isotype in the intestinal mucosa, has been found to play an essential role in controlling GM. SIgA dysfunction can lead to changes in the GM and is associated with the development of various GM-related diseases. Although in early stage, recent studies have shown that assorted dietary interventions, including vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, polyphenols, oligo/polysaccharides, and probiotics, can influence the intestinal SIgA response and SIgA-GM interaction. Dietary intervention can enhance the SIgA response by directly regulating it (from top to bottom) or by regulating the GM structure or gene expression (from bottom to top). Furthermore, intensive studies involving the particular influence of dietary intervention on SIgA-binding to the GM and SIgA repertoire and the precise regulation of the SIgA response via dietary intervention are still exceedingly scarce and merit further consideration. This review summarizes the existing knowledge and (possible) mechanisms of the influence of dietary intervention on the SIgA-GM interaction. Key issues are considered, and the approaches in addressing these issues in future studies are also discussed.

Gastrointestinal Distribution of Tyrosol Acyl Esters in Orally Infected Mice and Their Hydrolysis by Lactobacillus Species Isolated from the Feces of Mice

Phenolipids, which have been widely used as food antioxidants, are also a potential functional ingredient. However, their characteristics of gastrointestinal distribution and microbial hydrolysis remain unexplored. In this study, an in vivo mouse model and an in vitro anaerobic fermentation model were used to evaluate the above characteristics of tyrosol acyl esters (TYr-Es) with fatty acids (FAs) of C12:0, C18:0, and C18:2. HPLC-UV measurements indicated that oral TYr-Es were remarkably stable in the stomach environment of mice. However, TYr-Es were hydrolyzed to free TYr by lipase in the small intestine, which showed a sustained-release behavior. Specially, TYr was rapidly and almost completely absorbed in the small intestine. By contrast, detectable amounts of TYr-Es were found in the cecum and colon and could be further hydrolyzed to free TYr and FAs by Lactobacillus. These TYr and FAs can participate in regulating the composition of the intestinal microorganisms, which may lead to some health benefits.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the regulation of adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis in obesity: Potential relationship with gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a worldwide public health problem characterized by fat tissue accumulation, favouring adipose tissue and metabolic alterations. Increasing energy expenditure (EE) through brown adipose tissue activation and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning has gained relevance as a therapeutic approach. Different bioactive compounds, such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), have been shown to induce those thermogenic effects. This process is regulated by the gut microbiota as well. Nevertheless, obesity is characterized by gut microbiota dysbiosis, which can be restored by weight loss and n-3 PUFA intake, among other factors. Knowledge gap: However, the role of the gut microbiota on the n-3 PUFA effect in inducing thermogenesis in obesity has not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to elucidate the potential implications of this interrelation on WAT browning adiposw sittue (BAT), BAT activity, and EE regulation in obesity models.

Resolvin D1 ameliorates hepatic steatosis by remodeling the gut microbiota and restoring the intestinal barrier integrity in DSS-induced chronic colitis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The maintenance of intestinalmucosalbarrier function plays an important role in hepatic steatosis. Increasing evidence has shown that resolvin D1 (RVD1) exerts a potential effect on hepatic steatosis. The aims of this study were to explore the mechanisms of RVD1 on hepatic steatosis based on the gut-liver axis and intestinal barrier function.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We established a DSS-induced chronic colitis model to evaluate hepatic steatosis. RVD1 was administered i.p. during the last 4 weeks. The colon and liver samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. The expression levels of intestinal tight junction genes and inflammatory genes were determined by quantitative PCR. The serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and LPS were measured, and the gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

KEY RESULTS

RVD1 prevented weight loss, histopathological changes, and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, RVD1 administration attenuated DSS-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammatory responses in mice. In addition, RVD1 improved intestinal barrier function by increasing levels of tight junction molecules and decreasing the plasma LPS levels. The RVD1-treated mice also showed a different gut microbiota composition compared with found in the mice belonging to the DSS group but similar to that in normal chow diet-fed mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

RVD1 treatment ameliorates DSS-induced hepatic steatosis by ameliorating gut inflammation, improving intestinal barrier function and modulating intestinal dysbiosis.

Investigating the potential of fish oil as a nutraceutical in an animal model of early life stress

Background: Early life stress is a key predisposing factor for depression and anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) are frequently used as the first line of pharmacology treatment for depression but have several negative qualities, i.e. a delay or absence of effectiveness and negative side-effects. Therefore, there is a growing need for new nutraceutical-based strategies to blunt the effects of adverse-life events.Objectives: This study aimed to use the maternal separation model in rats to test the efficacy of fish oil dietary supplementation, on its own and in conjunction with the SSRI anti-depressant fluoxetine, as a treatment for depressive and anxiety-like symptoms associated with early life stress.Methods: Behavioural tests (open field test, elevated plus maze test and forced swim test) and biochemical markers (corticosterone, BDNF, brain fatty acids and short chain fatty acids) were used to analyse the effects of the dietary treatments. Gut microbial communities and relating metabolites (SCFA) were analysed to investigate possible changes in the microbiota-gut-brain axis.Results: Maternally separated rats showed depressive-like behaviours in the forced swim and open field tests. These behaviours were prevented significantly by fluoxetine administration and in part by fish oil supplementation. Associated biochemical changes reported include altered brain fatty acids, significantly lower plasma corticosterone levels (AUC) and reduced brain stem serotonin turnover, compared to untreated, maternally separated (MS) rats. Untreated MS animals had significantly lower ratios of SCFA producers such as Caldicoprobacteraceae, Streptococcaceae, Rothia, Lachnospiraceae_NC2004_group, and Ruminococcus_2, along with significantly reduced levels of total SCFA compared to non-separated animals. Compared to untreated MS animals, animals fed fish oil had significantly higher Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae and reduced levels of butyrate, while fluoxetine treatment resulted in significantly higher levels of Neochlamydia, Lachnoclostridium, Acetitomaculum and Stenotrophomonas and, acetate and propionate.Conclusion: Despite the limitations in extrapolating from animal behavioural data and the notable differences in pharmacokinetics between rodents and humans, the results of this study provide a further advancement into the understanding of some of the complex systems within which nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals effect the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Different Alterations in Gut Microbiota between Bifidobacterium longum and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Treatments in Propionic Acid Rat Model of Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) consist of a range of neurodevelopmental conditions accompanied by dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Therefore, a number of microbiota manipulation strategies were developed to restore their balance. However, a comprehensive comparison of the various methods on gut microbiota is still lacking. Here, we evaluated the effect of Bifidobacterium (BF) treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FT) on gut microbiota in a propionic acid (PPA) rat model of autism using 16S rRNA sequencing. Following PPA treatment, gut microbiota showed depletion of Bacteroidia and Akkermansia accompanied by a concomitant increase of Streptococcus, Lachnospiraceae, and Paraeggerthella. The dysbiosis was predicted to cause increased levels of porphyrin metabolism and impairments of acyl-CoA thioesterase and ubiquinone biosynthesis. On the contrary, BF and FT treatments resulted in a distinct increase of Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Marvinbryantia, Butyricicoccus, and Dorea. The taxa in BF group positively correlated with vitamin B12 and flagella biosynthesis, while FT mainly enriched flagella biosynthesis. In contrast, BF and FT treatments negatively correlated with succinate biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, beta-Lactam resistance, and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that BF and FT treatments restored the PPA-induced dysbiosis in a treatment-specific manner.

Integration of intestinal microbiota and metabonomics to elucidate different alleviation impacts of non-saponification and saponification astaxanthin pre-treatment on paracetamol-induced oxidative stress in rats

Intestinal microbiota and metabonomics were integrated to investigate the efficiency of non-saponification or saponification astaxanthin (N-Asta or S-Asta) derived from Penaeus sinensis by-products on alleviating paracetamol (PCM)-induced oxidative stress. Pre-treatment with N-Asta or S-Asta for 14 days restored the cellular morphology of the intestine and increased glutathione (GSH) levels under PCM overdose in rats. However, S-Asta displayed higher adsorption than that of N-Asta. PCM overdose reduced the richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota in the model group. Comparably, N-Asta or S-Asta pre-treatment increased the Actinobacteria abundance. Increased phyla Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia were only found in the S-Asta-pre-treated group. At the genus level, N-Asta pre-treatment increased Lactobacillus and Parasutterella abundance, whereas S-Asta pre-treatment elevated Bacteroidales_S24-7_group_norank and Ruminococcaceae_uncultured. Compared to the control and model groups, remarkable increases of fecal short-chain fatty acids were detected in both N-Asta and S-Asta pre-treatment groups, suggesting the contribution of N-Asta and S-Asta adsorption to SCFA-producing bacteria enrichment. Furthermore, the genera of Ruminococcaceae_uncultured, Ruminiclostridium_9, Ruminococcaceae_unclassified and Ruminococcus_1 showed high correlations with propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid and valeric acid increases in the S-Asta pre-treated group. Seventeen plasma biomarker metabolites in more than 10 metabolic pathways were responsible for the difference between the N-Asta and S-Asta pre-treated groups. Metabolites GSH, retinol, all-trans-Retinoic acid and taurine related to antioxidant activities were significantly accumulated in the S-Asta pre-treated group, while increasing taurocholic acid levels associated with the anti-inflammatory activity was found in the N-Asta-pre-treated group. Therefore, N-Asta and S-Asta could have potential applications in counterbalancing intestinal flora and metabolite disturbances by overdose chemical induction.

Effects of Docosahexanoic Acid on Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites in HIV-Infected Patients With Neurocognitive Impairment: A 6-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) and gut microbiota dysbiosis are prevalent in patients with HIV infection. Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) supplementation may alleviate multiple neurocognitive diseases symptoms and plays important role in regulating gut microbiota. However, it is not known whether DHA algae oil supplements can alleviate neurocognitive impairment (NCI) and regulate gut microbiota and fecal metabolites. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 68 HIV-infected patients with NCI. Participants were randomized to receive a 3.15 g daily DHA algae oil supplement or placebo for 6 months. We collected blood and fecal samples from these patients before and after the trial. Mini mental state examination (MMSE) and neuropsychological tests (NP tests) were administered to assess the cognitive status of participants. The influence of DHA algae oil on the gut microbiota, fecal metabolomics, plasma proinflammatory, and oxidative stress factors was also investigated. There were no significant changes in NCI according to global diagnosis score (GDS) and MMSE score within the two groups, while patients receiving DHA had improvement in several blood lipids, pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress factors. The DHA supplement increased α-diversity indexes, increased abundances of Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Dorea, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Fusobacterium, and Agathobacter, and decreased abundances of Bacteroides and Prevotella_9. Furthermore, DHA supplement was correlated with improved fecal lipid metabolites as indicated by ceramides, bile acids, glycerophospholipids. In addition, the DHA supplement was associated with altered cholesterol metabolism and purine metabolism pathways. A daily supplement of DHA algae oil for 6 months has been shown to promote favorable transformations in gut microbiota, profiles of fecal metabolomic, and factors responsible for proinflammatory and oxidative stress, which might be beneficial for the prognosis of HIV-infected patients with NCI in the long-term.

Impact of Co-Delivery of EGCG and Tuna Oil within a Broccoli Matrix on Human Gut Microbiota, Phenolic Metabolites and Short Chain Fatty Acids In Vitro

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and tuna oil (TO) are beneficial bioactive compounds. EGCG, TO or a combination of, delivered by broccoli by-products (BBP), were added to an in vitro anaerobic fermentation system containing human fecal inocula to examine their ability to generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), metabolize EGCG and change the gut microbiota population (assessed by 16 S gene sequencing). Following 24 h fermentation, EGCG was hydrolyzed to (-)-epigallocatechin and gallic acid. EGCG significantly inhibited the production of SCFA (p < 0.05). Total SCFA in facal slurries with BBP or TO-BBP (48–49 µmol/mL) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the negative control with cellulose (21 µmol/mL). EGCG-BBP and TO-EGCG-BBP treatment increased the relative abundance of Gluconacetobacter, Klebsiella and Trabulsiella. BBP and TO-BBP showed the greatest potential for improving gut health with the growth promotion of high butyrate producers, including Collinsella aerofaciens, Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus reuteri.

Changes in Metabolic Regulation and the Microbiota Composition after Supplementation with Different Fatty Acids in db/db Mice

Introduction

The effects of fatty acids on health vary and depend on the type, amount, and route of consumption. EPA and DHA have a defined role in health, unlike coconut oil.

Objective

The aim was to investigate the changes in metabolic regulation and the composition of the culture-dependent microbiota after supplementation with different fatty acids in db/db mice. Material and Methods. We were using 32 8-week-old db/db mice, supplemented for eight weeks with EPA/DHA derived from microalgae as well as coconut oil. The lipid, hormonal profiles, and composition of the culture-dependent microbiota and the phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing were determined for identification of the intestinal microbiota.

Results

Enriched diet with EPA/DHA reduced TNF-α, C-peptide, insulin resistance, resistin, and the plasma atherogenic index, but increased TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, and TG without changes in HDL-c. Coconut oil raised the HDL-c, GIP, and TNF-α, with TG, insulin resistance, adiponectin, and C-peptide reduced.

Conclusion

The most abundant microbial populations were Firmicutes and the least Proteobacteria. EPA/DHA derived from microalgae contributes to improving the systemic inflammatory status, but depressed the diversity of the small intestine microbiota. Coconut oil only decreased the C-peptide, raising TNF-α, with an unfavorable hormonal and lipid profile.

Gut Microbiome in Retina Health: The Crucial Role of the Gut-Retina Axis

The term microbiome means not only a complex ecosystem of microbial species that colonize our body but also their genome and the surrounding environment in which they live. Recent studies support the existence of a gut-retina axis involved in the pathogenesis of several chronic progressive ocular diseases, including age-related macular disorders. This review aims to underline the importance of the gut microbiome in relation to ocular health. After briefly introducing the characteristics of the gut microbiome in terms of composition and functions, the role of gut microbiome dysbiosis, in the development or progression of retinal diseases, is highlighted, focusing on the relationship between gut microbiome composition and retinal health based on the recently investigated gut-retina axis.

Gut Microbiota Metabolites in Major Depressive Disorder-Deep Insights into Their Pathophysiological Role and Potential Translational Applications

The gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem essential for the proper functioning of the organism, affecting the health and disease status of the individuals. There is continuous and bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the host, conforming to a unique entity known as "holobiont". Among these crosstalk mechanisms, the gut microbiota synthesizes a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds or metabolites which exert pleiotropic effects on the human organism. Many of these microbial metabolites can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or have significant effects on the brain, playing a key role in the so-called microbiota-gut-brain axis. An altered microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis is a major characteristic of many neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Significative differences between gut eubiosis and dysbiosis in mental disorders like MDD with their different metabolite composition and concentrations are being discussed. In the present review, the main microbial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids -SCFAs-, bile acids, amino acids, tryptophan -trp- derivatives, and more), their signaling pathways and functions will be summarized to explain part of MDD pathophysiology. Conclusions from promising translational approaches related to microbial metabolome will be addressed in more depth to discuss their possible clinical value in the management of MDD patients.

Targeted Metabolomic Analysis in Alzheimer's Disease Plasma and Brain Tissue in Non-Hispanic Whites

BACKGROUND

Metabolites are biological compounds reflecting the functional activity of organs and tissues. Understanding metabolic changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) can provide insight into potential risk factors in this multifactorial disease and suggest new intervention strategies or improve non-invasive diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we searched for changes in AD metabolism in plasma and frontal brain cortex tissue samples and evaluated the performance of plasma measurements as biomarkers.

METHODS

This is a case-control study with two tissue cohorts: 158 plasma samples (94 AD, 64 controls; Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium - TARCC) and 71 postmortem cortex samples (35 AD, 36 controls; Banner Sun Health Research Institute brain bank). We performed targeted mass spectrometry analysis of 630 compounds (106 small molecules: UHPLC-MS/MS, 524 lipids: FIA-MS/MS) and 232 calculated metabolic indicators with a metabolomic kit (Biocrates MxP® Quant 500).

RESULTS

We discovered disturbances (FDR≤0.05) in multiple metabolic pathways in AD in both cohorts including microbiome-related metabolites with pro-toxic changes, methylhistidine metabolism, polyamines, corticosteroids, omega-3 fatty acids, acylcarnitines, ceramides, and diglycerides. In AD, plasma reveals elevated triglycerides, and cortex shows altered amino acid metabolism. A cross-validated diagnostic prediction model from plasma achieves AUC = 82% (CI95 = 75-88%); for females specifically, AUC = 88% (CI95 = 80-95%). A reduced model using 20 features achieves AUC = 79% (CI95 = 71-85%); for females AUC = 84% (CI95 = 74-92%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the involvement of gut environment in AD and encourage targeting multiple metabolic areas in the design of intervention strategies, including microbiome composition, hormonal balance, nutrients, and muscle homeostasis.

Habitual Fish Oil Supplementation and Risk of Incident Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Prospective Population-Based Study

Background

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) have been emerging in recent years with the advance of global industrialization and diet pattern transformation. Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), enriched in fish oils, have well-known human health promotion. Evidence on the association of fish oil supplementation with the risk of developing IBDs was scarce. This study aimed to examine the association between the use of fish oil supplements and the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) among the general population.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 447,890 participants aged 40-69 years from the UK Biobank. A touch screen questionnaire was used to get the data about fish oil intake at baseline. Incident diagnoses of IBDs were ascertained by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and ICD-10) or self-report. Cox proportional hazards model was applied to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of developing IBDs and their subtypes.

Results

We documented 1,646 incident cases of IBDs, including 533 incident cases of Crohn's disease (CD) and 1,185 incident cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) during an average of 8 years of follow-up. After multivariate adjustment, the use of fish oil was associated with a 12% lower risk of IBDs (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78-0.99, p = 0.03) compared with non-consumers. For subtypes of IBDs, fish oil supplementation was inversely associated with a 15% lower risk of UC (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75-0.99, p = 0.02) but was not correlated with the risk of CD (p = 0.22). Besides, fish oil supplementation showed a significant inverse correlation with baseline CRP levels (β = -0.021, p < 0.001) and a positive association with baseline albumin levels (β = 0.135, p < 0.001) after adjustment for multiple variates.

Conclusion

Habitual intake of fish oil supplements was associated with a lower risk of IBDs and UC. Fish oil users tended to have lower baseline C-reactive protein levels and higher baseline albumin levels compared with non-users. It was concluded that fish oil supplement use may be recommended for the prevention and control of IBDs.

Beneficial effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on the metabolic profile of obese female mice entails upregulation of HEPEs and increased abundance of enteric Akkermansia muciniphila

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ethyl esters are of interest given their clinical approval for lowering circulating triglycerides and cardiometabolic disease risk. EPA ethyl esters prevent metabolic complications driven by a high fat diet in male mice; however, their impact on female mice is less studied. Herein, we first investigated how EPA influences the metabolic profile of female C57BL/6J mice consuming a high fat diet. EPA lowered murine fat mass accumulation, potentially through increased biosynthesis of 8-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE), as revealed by mass spectrometry and cell culture studies. EPA also reversed the effects of a high fat diet on circulating levels of insulin, glucose, and select inflammatory/metabolic markers. Next, we studied if the improved metabolic profile of obese mice consuming EPA was associated with a reduction in the abundance of key gut Gram-negative bacteria that contribute toward impaired glucose metabolism. Using fecal 16S-ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, we found EPA restructured the gut microbiota in a time-dependent manner but did not lower the levels of key Gram-negative bacteria. Interestingly, EPA robustly increased the abundance of the Gram-negative Akkermansia muciniphila, which controls glucose homeostasis. Finally, predictive functional profiling of microbial communities revealed EPA-mediated reversal of high fat diet-associated changes in a wide range of genes related to pathways such as Th-17 cell differentiation and PI3K-Akt signaling. Collectively, these results show that EPA ethyl esters prevent some of the deleterious effects of a high fat diet in female mice, which may be mediated mechanistically through 8-HEPE and the upregulation of intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila.

Multiple Gastrointestinal Symptoms Are Associated With Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea in Patients With Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Unrelieved chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN) is a significant problem for patients with breast cancer (BC).

OBJECTIVE

In a sample of patients with BC who were assessed before their second or third cycle of chemotherapy, study purposes were to evaluate for the occurrence, severity, frequency, and distress associated with CIN; evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics and gastrointestinal (GI) symptom occurrence rates between patients who did and did not report CIN; and determine which demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with the occurrence of CIN.

METHODS

Patients completed demographic and clinical questionnaires and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for nausea and common GI symptom assessments. Univariate analyses evaluated for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics and GI symptom occurrence between patients who did and did not report CIN. Multiple logistic regression analysis evaluated for characteristics associated with CIN.

RESULTS

Of the 532 patients with BC, 47.2% reported CIN occurrence. Characteristics associated with CIN group membership were poorer functional status, receipt of chemotherapy on a 14-day cycle, and higher occurrence rates of 5 GI symptoms (ie, dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, change in the way food tastes, and lack of appetite; all P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Unrelieved CIN is a common symptom in patients with BC. This study is the first to demonstrate that 5 co-occurring GI symptoms were associated with CIN occurrence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study identified new risk factors for CIN occurrence in patients with BC. Clinicians may be able to initiate additional interventions to alleviate CIN.

The Gut Microbiome Is Associated with Circulating Dietary Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in a Multiethnic Cohort

BACKGROUND

Results from observational studies suggest high diet quality favorably influences the human gut microbiome. Fruit and vegetable consumption is often a key contributor to high diet quality.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate measures of gut bacterial diversity and abundance in relation to serum biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Men and women from Los Angeles, CA, and Hawai'i who participated in the Multiethnic Cohort-Adiposity Phenotype Study from 2013 to 2016 (N = 1,709).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Gut microbiome diversity and composition in relation to dietary biomarkers.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Carotenoid (beta carotene, alpha carotene, cryptoxanthins, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin), tocopherol (α, β + γ, and δ), and retinol concentrations were assessed in serum. The α and β diversity and composition of the gut microbiome were classified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacterial DNA from self-collected fecal samples. Global differences in microbial community profiles in relation dietary biomarkers were evaluated using multivariable permutational analysis of variance. Associations of α diversity (Shannon index), β diversity (weighted and unweighted UniFrac) with center log-ratio-transformed phyla and genera abundances were evaluated using linear regression, adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

Increasing total carotenoid, beta carotene, alpha carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene concentrations were associated with higher gut bacterial diversity (Shannon Index) (P < 0.001). Total tocopherol, α-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol concentrations contributed significantly to more than 1% of the microbiome variation in gut bacterial community: total tocopherol: 1.74%; α-tocopherol: 1.70%; and δ-tocopherol: 1.16% (P < 0.001). Higher total carotenoid was associated with greater abundance of some genera relevant for microbial macronutrient metabolism (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Objective biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake, particularly carotenoids, were favorably associated with gut bacterial composition and diversity in this multiethnic population. These observations provide supportive evidence that fruit and vegetable intake is related to gut bacterial composition; more work is needed to elucidate how this influences host health.

Short- and long-term effects of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or doxycycline on the gastrointestinal microbiome of growing cats

Antibiotic treatment in early life influences gastrointestinal (GI) microbial composition and function. In humans, the resultant intestinal dysbiosis is associated with an increased risk for certain diseases later in life. The objective of this study was to determine the temporal effects of antibiotic treatment on the GI microbiome of young cats. Fecal samples were collected from cats randomly allocated to receive either amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (20 mg/kg q12h) for 20 days (AMC group; 15 cats) or doxycycline (10 mg/kg q24h) for 28 days (DOX group;15 cats) as part of the standard treatment of upper respiratory tract infection. In addition, feces were collected from healthy control cats (CON group;15 cats). All cats were approximately two months of age at enrolment. Samples were collected on days 0 (baseline), 20 or 28 (AMC and DOX, respectively; last day of treatment), 60, 120, and 300. DNA was extracted and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and qPCR assays were performed. Fecal microbial composition was different on the last day of treatment for AMC cats, and 1 month after the end of antibiotic treatment for DOX cats, compared to CON cats. Species richness was significantly greater in DOX cats compared to CON cats on the last day of treatment. Abundance of Enterobacteriales was increased, and that of Erysipelotrichi was decreased in cats of the AMC group on the last day of treatment compared to CON cats. The abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria was increased in cats of the DOX group on days 60 and 120 compared to cats of the CON group. Only minor differences in abundances between the treatment groups and the control group were present on day 300. Both antibiotics appear to delay the developmental progression of the microbiome, and this effect is more profound during treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and one month after treatment with doxycycline. Future studies are required to determine if these changes influence microbiome function and whether they have possible effects on disease susceptibility in cats.

Dietary Fish Hydrolysate Improves Memory Performance Through Microglial Signature Remodeling During Aging

Brain aging is characterized by a chronic low-grade inflammation, which significantly impairs cognitive function. Microglial cells, the immunocompetent cells of the brain, present a different phenotype, switching from a homeostatic signature (M0) to a more reactive phenotype called “MGnD” (microglial neurodegenerative phenotype), leading to a high production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, microglial cells can be activated by age-induced gut dysbiosis through the vagus nerve or the modulation of the peripheral immune system. Nutrients, in particular n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and low molecular weight peptides, display powerful immunomodulatory properties, and can thus prevent age-related cognitive decline. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of n-3 LC-PUFAs and low molecular weight peptides contained in a marine by-product-derived hydrolysate on microglial phenotypes and intestinal permeability and their consequences on cognition in mice. We demonstrated that the hydrolysate supplementation for 8 weeks prevented short- and long-term memory decline during aging. These observations were linked to the modulation of microglial signature. Indeed, the hydrolysate supplementation promoted homeostatic microglial phenotype by increasing TGF-β1 expression and stimulated phagocytosis by increasing Clec7a expression. Moreover, the hydrolysate supplementation promoted anti-inflammatory intestinal pathway and tended to prevent intestinal permeability alteration occurring during aging. Therefore, the fish hydrolysate appears as an interesting candidate to prevent cognitive decline during aging.

Oral Bioavailability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Carotenoids from the Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum in Healthy Young Adults

The microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) contains valuable nutrients such as proteins, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and some docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), carotenoids such as fucoxanthin (FX), and beta-glucans, which may confer health benefits. In a randomized intervention trial involving 22 healthy individuals, we administered for two weeks in a crossover manner the whole biomass of PT (5.3 g/day), or fish oil (FO) containing equal amounts of EPA and DHA (together 300 mg/day). In an additional experiment, sea fish at 185 g/week resulting in a similar EPA and DHA intake was administered in nine individuals. We determined the bioavailability of fatty acids and carotenoids and assessed safety parameters. The intake of PT resulted in a similar increase in the n-3 PUFA and EPA content and a decrease in the PUFA n-6:n-3 ratio in plasma. PT intake caused an uptake of FX that is metabolized to fucoxanthinol (FXOH) and amarouciaxanthin A (AxA). No relevant adverse effects occurred following PT consumption. The study shows that PT is a safe and effective source of EPA and FX-and likely other nutrients-and therefore should be considered as a future sustainable food item.

Gram-negative bacteria and their lipopolysaccharides in Alzheimer's disease: pathologic roles and therapeutic implications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most serious age-related neurodegenerative disease and causes destructive and irreversible cognitive decline. Failures in the development of therapeutics targeting amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, principal proteins inducing pathology in AD, suggest a paradigm shift towards the development of new therapeutic targets. The gram-negative bacteria and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are attractive new targets for AD treatment. Surprisingly, an altered distribution of gram-negative bacteria and their LPS has been reported in AD patients. Moreover, gram-negative bacteria and their LPS have been shown to affect a variety of AD-related pathologies, such as Aβ homeostasis, tau pathology, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, therapeutic approaches targeting gram-negative bacteria or gram-negative bacterial molecules have significantly alleviated AD-related pathology and cognitive dysfunction. Despite multiple evidence showing that the gram-negative bacteria and their LPS play a crucial role in AD pathogenesis, the pathogenic mechanisms of gram-negative bacteria and their LPS have not been clarified. Here, we summarize the roles and pathomechanisms of gram-negative bacteria and LPS in AD. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of using gram-negative bacteria and gram-negative bacterial molecules as novel therapeutic targets and new pathological characteristics for AD.

Gender-Specific Differences in Gut Microbiota Composition Associated with Microbial Metabolites for Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Background

The gut microbial dysbiosis and gender differences in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris have long been postulated respectively. However, there was no data about a gender-related discrepancy in gut microbiota and microbial metabolism in acne.

Objective

This study aimed at identifying the underlying gender-related difference in gut microbiota and metabolism in acne vulgaris.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from 43 acne patients and 43 age and gender-matched controls. Gut microbiota was analyzed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of 16SrDNA gene and microbial metabolites were quantitatively detected using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, the men had a lower abundance of 18 microbes such as Butyricicoccus, Clostridium sensu stricto, Faecalibaculum, Bacillus, Lactococcus, Blautia, Clostridiales, Lachnospiracea incertae sedis, Ruminococcus at genus level. However, the female patients only showed increased Clostridium sensu stricto and declined Oscillibacter and Odoribacterin. Additionally, the disordered metabolism of fatty acids was identified in male patients, while the dysbiosis of amino acids metabolism in female ones.

Conclusion

The disorder of gut microbiota and metabolism in acne vulgaris was gender-specific, which supported the potential role of gender difference in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Maresin-1 Prevents Liver Fibrosis by Targeting Nrf2 and NF-κB, Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Liver fibrosis is a complex process characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and an alteration in liver architecture, as a result of most types of chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver failure. Maresin-1 (MaR1) is derivative of ω-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been shown to have pro-resolutive and anti-inflammatory effects. We tested the hypothesis that the application of MaR1 could prevent the development of fibrosis in an animal model of chronic hepatic damage. Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with liver fibrosis by injections of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and treated with or without MaR1 for four weeks. In the MaR1-treated animals, levels of AST and ALT were normalized in comparison with DEN alone, the hepatic architecture was improved, and inflammation and necrotic areas were reduced. Cell proliferation, assessed by the mitotic activity index and the expression of Ki-67, was increased in the MaR1-treated group. MaR1 attenuated liver fibrosis and oxidative stress was induced by DEN. Plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-α and IL-1β were reduced in MaR1-treated animals, whereas the levels of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, increased. Interestingly, MaR1 inhibited the translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB, while increasing the activation of Nrf2, a key regulator of the antioxidant response. Finally, MaR1 treatment reduced the levels of the pro-fibrotic mediator TGF-β and its receptor, while normalizing the hepatic levels of IGF-1, a proliferative agent. Taken together, these results suggest that MaR1 improves the parameters of DEN-induced liver fibrosis, activating hepatocyte proliferation and decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. These results open the possibility of MaR1 as a potential therapeutic agent in fibrosis and other liver pathologies.

Fueling Gut Microbes: A Review of the Interaction between Diet, Exercise, and the Gut Microbiota in Athletes

The athlete's goal is to optimize their performance. Towards this end, nutrition has been used to improve the health of athletes' brains, bones, muscles, and cardiovascular system. However, recent research suggests that the gut and its resident microbiota may also play a role in athlete health and performance. Therefore, athletes should consider dietary strategies in the context of their potential effects on the gut microbiota, including the impact of sports-centric dietary strategies (e.g., protein supplements, carbohydrate loading) on the gut microbiota as well as the effects of gut-centric dietary strategies (e.g., probiotics, prebiotics) on performance. This review provides an overview of the interaction between diet, exercise, and the gut microbiota, focusing on dietary strategies that may impact both the gut microbiota and athletic performance. Current evidence suggests that the gut microbiota could, in theory, contribute to the effects of dietary intake on athletic performance by influencing microbial metabolite production, gastrointestinal physiology, and immune modulation. Common dietary strategies such as high protein and simple carbohydrate intake, low fiber intake, and food avoidance may adversely impact the gut microbiota and, in turn, performance. Conversely, intake of adequate dietary fiber, a variety of protein sources, and emphasis on unsaturated fats, especially omega-3 (ɷ-3) fatty acids, in addition to consumption of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, have shown promising results in optimizing athlete health and performance. Ultimately, while this is an emerging and promising area of research, more studies are needed that incorporate, control, and manipulate all 3 of these elements (i.e., diet, exercise, and gut microbiome) to provide recommendations for athletes on how to "fuel their microbes."

Impact of 12-week exercise program on biomarkers of gut barrier integrity in patients with coronary artery disease

Introduction

Breakdown of gut barrier integrity has been associated with inflammatory activation and is implicated in the etiology of several chronic medical conditions. Acute exercise is known to increase gut barrier permeability but the impact of chronic exercise is not clear. Most studies to date have examined how acute exercise impacts gut barrier integrity in healthy adults, while few studies have examined the impact of chronic exercise in older adults with comorbidities. We aim to investigate the impact of a 12-week program of aerobic and resistance training on biomarkers of gut barrier integrity in a sample of older adults with coronary artery disease.

Methods

Participants were adults with coronary artery disease undergoing a moderate-intensity 12-week cardiac rehabilitation exercise program. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and study termination. Serum levels of biomarkers of gut barrier integrity (zonulin and fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2)) were measured by ELISA. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) at study start & completion. Data analyses were performed using SPSS software version 24.0.

Results

Among study participants (n = 41, 70% male, age = 62.7± 9.35) we found a significant negative association between baseline FABP2 levels and baseline VO_2peak in a multiple linear regression model adjusting for covariates (B = -0.3, p = 0.009). Over the course of the exercise program an increase in VO_2peak (≥ 5 mL/kg/min) was independently associated with a relative decrease in FABP2 (B = -0.45, p = 0.018) after controlling for medical covariates.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness during a 12-week exercise program resulted in a relative improvement in a biomarker of gut barrier integrity. This indicates a potential mechanism by which longer term exercise may improve gut barrier integrity.

Synchronizing Our Clocks as We Age: The Influence of the Brain-Gut-Immune Axis on the Sleep-Wake Cycle Across the Lifespan

The microbes that colonize the small and large intestines, known as the gut microbiome, play an integral role in optimal brain development and function. The gut microbiome is a vital component of the bi-directional communication pathway between the brain, immune system, and gut, also known as the brain-gut-immune axis. To date there has been minimal investigation into the implications of improper development of the gut microbiome and the brain-gut-immune axis on the sleep-wake cycle, particularly during sensitive periods of physical and neurological development, such as childhood, adolescence, and senescence. Therefore, this review will explore the current literature surrounding the overlapping developmental periods of the gut microbiome, brain, and immune system from birth through to senescence, while highlighting how the brain-gut-immune axis affects maturation and organisation of the sleep-wake cycle. We also examine how dysfunction to either the microbiome or the sleep-wake cycle negatively affects the bidirectional relationship between the brain and gut, and subsequently the overall health and functionality of this complex system. Additionally, this review integrates therapeutic studies to demonstrate when dietary manipulations, such as supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics, can modulate the gut microbiome to enhance health of the brain-gut-immune axis and optimize our sleep-wake cycle.

Omega 3-rich Camelina sativa oil in the context of a weight loss program improves glucose homeostasis, inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with NAFLD: A randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Over the past few years, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have been reported in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) complications.This study evaluated the effects of Camelina sativa oil (CSO) supplementation as one of the richest dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids on glucose homeostasis,inflammation, metabolic endotoxemia, and oxidative stress in NAFLD patients.

METHODS

A total of 46 patients with NAFLD were allocated to either an intervention (20 g/d CSO) or placebo (20 g/d sunflower oil) group receiving a calorie-restricted diet for 12 weeks. Fasting plasma levels of glycemic indices, hs-CRP, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), antioxidant enzymes activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), and uric acid were measured at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS

The CSO supplementation led to significant differences in insulin concentration, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), hs-CRP, LPS, TAC, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, MDA and 8-iso-PGF2α between the two groups at end of the study (ANCOVA, P < .05). Hs-CRP decreased significantly in both groups (pair-t-test, P < .05). Insulin concentration, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, LPS, TAC, SOD, glutathione peroxidase activity, MDA and 8-iso-PGF2α changed significantly only in CSO group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that CSO may improve glycemia, inflammation, metabolic endotoxemia, and oxidative stress status in patients with NAFLD.