Bifidobacteria: their impact on gut microbiota composition and their applications as probiotics in infants

A ginseng polysaccharide protects intestinal barrier integrity in high-fat diet-fed obese mice

A novel polysaccharide, GPH1, was extracted and isolated from ginseng. Structural analysis of GPH1 revealed a molecular weight of 7.321 × 105 Da and the presence of glucose and galactose components in a 30.2: 1 molar ratio. Results of methylation and NMR analyses indicated the GPH1 backbone consisted of →1)-α-Glc-(3→ and →1)-α-Glc-(6→. The anti-obesity activity of GPH1 was assessed by HFD-induced obesity mouse model. GPH1 was found to significantly reduced body weight, alleviated liver lipid accumulation and inflammatory damage. Meanwhile, GPH1 treatment increased the expression of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-1, while also regulating the intestinal microbiota of obese mice by promoting proliferation of beneficial bacteria with known anti-obesity effects, including s_Akkermansia muciniphila, s_Lactobacillus intestinalis, s_Lactobacillus reuteri, s_Streptococcus hyointestinalis, and s_Lactococcus garvieae. Our findings demonstrated that GPH1 is a practical natural dietary supplement with potential therapeutic effects on obesity.

Celiac Disease, Gluten-Free Diet and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten-containing food by genetically predisposed individuals. Hence, treatment of CD consists of permanent avoidance of wheat, rye, barley, and other gluten-containing foods. Lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) improves the symptoms of CD, but recent evidence suggests it is also associated with a higher risk for hepatic steatosis and the coexistence or emergence of other cardiometabolic risk factors. Moreover, a higher risk for liver steatosis is also reported by some authors as a potential extraintestinal complication of the CD itself. Recent nomenclature changes designate the association between hepatic steatosis and at least one of five cardiometabolic risk factors as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). An extended network of potentially causative factors underlying the association between MAFLD and CD, before and after dietary therapy is implemented, was recently described. The individualized treatment of these patients is less supported by evidence, with most of the current recommendations relying on empiric clinical judgment. This review focuses on the causative associations between CD and hepatic injury, either as an extraintestinal manifestation of CD or a side effect of GFD, also referring to potential therapeutic strategies for these individuals.

Advances in the composition, efficacy, and mimicking of human milk phospholipids

Phospholipids are the essential components of human milk, contributing to the enhancement of cognitive development, regulation of immune functions, and mitigation of elevated cholesterol levels. Infant formulas supplemented with phospholipids can change the composition, content, and globule membrane structure of milk lipids, improving their digestive properties and nutritional value. However, mimicking phospholipids in infant formulas is currently limited, and the supplemented standards of phospholipid species and amounts in infant formulas are unknown. Consequently, there is a significant difference between the phospholipids in infant formulas and those in human milk. This article reviews the recent progress in human milk phospholipid research, aiming to describe the composition, content, and positive effects of human milk phospholipids, as well as summarises the dietary sources of phospholipid supplementation and the current state of human milk phospholipid mimicking in infant formulas. This review provides clear directions for research on mimicking human milk phospholipids and evaluating the nutritional functions of phospholipids in infants.

The Yin and Yang of pathogens and probiotics: interplay between Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium and Bifidobacterium infantis during co-infection

Probiotic bacteria have been proposed as an alternative to antibiotics for the control of antimicrobial resistant enteric pathogens. The mechanistic details of this approach remain unclear, in part because pathogen reduction appears to be both strain and ecology dependent. Here we tested the ability of five probiotic strains, including some from common probiotic genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, to reduce binding of Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium to epithelial cells in vitro. Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis emerged as a promising strain; however, S. Typhimurium infection outcome in epithelial cells was dependent on inoculation order, with B. infantis unable to rescue host cells from preceding or concurrent infection. We further investigated the complex mechanisms underlying this interaction between B. infantis, S. Typhimurium, and epithelial cells using a multi-omics approach that included gene expression and altered metabolism via metabolomics. Incubation with B. infantis repressed apoptotic pathways and induced anti-inflammatory cascades in epithelial cells. In contrast, co-incubation with B. infantis increased in S. Typhimurium the expression of virulence factors, induced anaerobic metabolism, and repressed components of arginine metabolism as well as altering the metabolic profile. Concurrent application of the probiotic and pathogen notably generated metabolic profiles more similar to that of the probiotic alone than to the pathogen, indicating a central role for metabolism in modulating probiotic-pathogen-host interactions. Together these data imply crosstalk via small molecules between the epithelial cells, pathogen and probiotic that consistently demonstrated unique molecular mechanisms specific probiotic/pathogen the individual associations.

Current insights into cow's milk allergy in children: Microbiome, metabolome, and immune response-A systematic review

The increasing prevalence of IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) in childhood is a worldwide health concern. There is a growing awareness that the gut microbiome (GM) might play an important role in CMA development. Therefore, treatment with probiotics and prebiotics has gained popularity. This systematic review provides an overview of the alterations of the GM, metabolome, and immune response in CMA children and animal models, including post-treatment modifications. MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies on GM in CMA-diagnosed children, published before 1 March 2023. A total of 21 articles (13 on children and 8 on animal models) were included. The studies suggest that the GM, characterized by an enrichment of the Clostridia class and reductions in the Lactobacillales order and Bifidobacterium genus, is associated with CMA in early life. Additionally, reduced levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and altered amino acid metabolism were reported in CMA children. Commonly used probiotic strains belong to the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera. However, only Bifidobacterium levels were consistently upregulated after the intervention, while alterations of other bacteria taxa remain inconclusive. These interventions appear to contribute to the restoration of SCFAs and amino acid metabolism balance. Mouse models indicate that these interventions tend to restore the Th 2/Th 1 balance, increase the Treg response, and/or silence the overall pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine response. Overall, this systematic review highlights the need for multi-omics-related research in CMA children to gain a mechanistic understanding of this disease and to develop effective treatments and preventive strategies.

The effects of industrial chemicals bonded to plastic materials in newborns: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Phthalates are a family of industrial chemicals noncovalently bonded to plastic materials to enhance flexibility and durability. These compounds are extensively used in a variety of consumer products and even in many medical devices. Newborns present a higher susceptibility to phthalates.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the short- and long-term health consequences of exposure to phthalates during the neonatal period.

METHODS

Systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA statements. Eligible articles in English language were searched in MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Ovid databases using the following terms: "phthalate", "newborn", and "neonate". Unpublished data were searched in ClinicalTrials.gov website. All in vivo studies of any design published before May 16th, 2023 and fulfilling the following criteria were included: 1) investigations in which preterm and/or term newborns underwent one or more measurement of concentrations of phthalates on biological samples taken during the neonatal period; 2) studies in which quantitative measurement of phthalates was related to any kind of health outcome. Subgroup analysis was conducted by type of outcome. The quality assessment was performed according to the criteria from the "NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies".

RESULTS

11,895 records were identified; finally, 5 articles were included for review. A mixture of phthalates was associated with improved performance on the NNNS summary scales of Attention, Handling, and Non-optimal reflexes before NICU discharge. At 2 months' corrected age, some phthalates were positively associated with problem-solving and gross motor abilities; increased levels of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, and sum of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites (∑3DEHP and ∑4DEHP) were associated with worse fine motor performance. Furthermore, DEHP was associated with transient alteration of gut microbiota and increased IgM production after vaccine. A linear positive association between a mixture of phthalates and slope of the first growth spurt was even reported in preterm newborns. No relationship emerged between phthalates and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Three studies out of 5 had fair quality.

CONCLUSION

Given some methodological issues and the paucity of related studies, further investigations of flawless quality aimed at clarifying the relationship between early exposure to phthalates and health outcomes are needed.

Engraftment of aging-related human gut microbiota and the effect of a seven-species consortium in a pre-clinical model

Human aging is characterized by gut microbiome alteration and differential loss of gut commensal species associated with the onset of frailty. The administration of cultured commensal strains to replenish lost taxa could potentially promote healthy aging. To investigate the interaction of whole microbiomes and administered strains, we transplanted gut microbiota from a frail or healthy elderly subject into germ-free mice. We supplemented the frail-donor recipient group with a defined consortium of taxa (the "S7") that we identified by analyzing healthy aging subjects in our previous studies and whose abundance correlated with health-promoting dietary intervention. Inoculation with a frail or a healthy donor microbiome resulted in differential microbiota compositions in murine recipients 5 weeks post-transplantation. Fecal acetate levels were significantly higher in healthy donor recipient mice than in frail donor recipient mice after 4 weeks. However, the frailty-related phenotype was not replicated in recipient mice with single-dose microbiota transplantation from a healthy and a frail donor. Five S7 species colonized successfully in germ-free mice, with a relatively high abundance of Barnesiella intestinihominis and Eubacterium rectale. The engraftment of five S7 species in germ-free mice increased fecal acetate levels and reduced colon permeability and plasma TNF-ɑ concentration. Supplementation with the S7 in frail-microbiota recipient mice did not increase alpha-diversity but significantly increased the abundance of Barnesiella intestinihominis. S7 supplementation showed the potential for improving spatial reference memory in frail-microbiota recipient mice. Collectively, these data highlight the challenge of elderly microbiota engraftment in the germ-free mouse model but show promise for modulating the gut microbiome of frail elderly subjects by administering an artificial gut microbe consortium associated with healthy aging.

Influence of Prolonged Whole Egg Supplementation on Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Product: Implications for Human Health and Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota exert a profound influence on human health and metabolism, with microbial metabolites playing a pivotal role in shaping host physiology. This study investigated the impact of prolonged egg supplementation on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and circulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In a subset of a cluster-randomized trial, participants aged 8-14 years were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) Whole Egg (WE)-consuming 10 additional eggs per week [n = 24], (2) Protein Substitute (PS)-consuming yolk-free egg substitute equivalent to 10 eggs per week [n = 25], and (3) Control Group (C) [n = 26]. At week 35, IGF-1 levels in WE significantly increased (66.6 ± 27.7 ng/mL, p < 0.05) compared to C, with positive SCFA correlations, except acetate. Acetate was stable in WE, increasing in PS and C. Significant propionate differences occurred between WE and PS (14.8 ± 5.6 μmol/L, p = 0.010). WE exhibited notable changes in the relative abundance of the Bifidobacterium and Prevotella genera. Strong positive SCFA correlations were observed with MAT-CR-H4-C10 and Libanicoccus, while Roseburia, Terrisporobacter, Clostridia_UCG-014, and Coprococcus showed negative correlations. In conclusion, whole egg supplementation improves growth factors that may be related to bone formation and growth; it may also promote benefits to gut microbiota but may not affect SCFAs.

The preterm gut microbiota and administration routes of different probiotics: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Preterm children with their aberrant gut microbiota and susceptibility to infections and inflammation constitute a considerable target group for probiotic therapy to generate the age-appropriate healthy microbiota.

METHODS

68 preterm neonates were randomized into five intervention groups: Beginning from the median age of 3 days, 13 children received Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) directly orally, and 17 via the lactating mother. 14 children received LGG with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 (Bb12) orally, and 10 via the lactating mother. 14 children received placebo. The children's faecal microbiota was assessed at the age of 7 days by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

The gut microbiota compositions of the children directly receiving the probiotic combination (LGG + Bb12) were significantly different from those of the children receiving the other intervention modes or placebo (p = 0.0012; PERMANOVA), the distinction being due to an increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium animalis (P < 0.00010; ANCOM-BC), and the order Lactobacillales (P = 0.020; ANCOM-BC).

CONCLUSION

The connection between aberrant primary gut microbiota and a heightened risk of infectious and non-communicable diseases invites effective microbiota modulation. We show that the direct, early, and brief probiotic intervention of LGG + Bb12 109 CFU each, is sufficient to modulate the gut microbiota of the preterm neonate.

IMPACT

Preterm children have a higher risk of several health problems partly due to their aberrant gut microbiota. More research is needed to find a safe probiotic intervention to modify the gut microbiota of preterm children. The maternal administration route via breast milk might be safer for the newborn. In our study, the early and direct administration of the probiotic combination Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 increased the proportion of bifidobacteria in the preterm children's gut at the age of 7 days, but the maternal administration route was not as effective.

Distinguishable Influence of the Delivery Mode, Feeding Pattern, and Infant Sex on Dynamic Alterations in the Intestinal Microbiota in the First Year of Life

The delivery mode, the feeding pattern and infant sex significantly influence the development of the infant gut flora. However, the extent to which these factors contribute to the establishment of the gut microbiota at different stages has rarely been studied. The factors that play a dominant role in determining microbial colonization of the infant gut at specific time points are unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the different contributions of the delivery mode, the feeding pattern and infant sex to the composition of the infant gut microbiome. Here, 213 fecal samples from 55 infants at five ages (0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum) were collected, and the composition of the gut microbiota via 16S rRNA sequencing was analyzed. The results showed that the average relative abundances of four genera, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Phascolarctobacterium, were increased in vaginally delivered infants versus cesarean section-delivered infants, while those of ten genera, such as Salmonella and Enterobacter, were reduced. The relative proportions of Anaerococcus and Peptostreptococcaceae were higher in exclusive breastfeeding than in combined feeding, while those of Coriobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Erysipelotrichaceae were lower. The average relative abundances of two genera, Alistipes and Anaeroglobus, were increased in male infants compared with female infants, whereas those of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were reduced. During the first year of life, the average UniFrac distances revealed that the individual difference in the gut microbial composition in vaginally delivered infants was greater than that in cesarean section-delivered infants (P < 0.001) and that infants who received combined feeding had greater individual microbiota differences than exclusively breastfed infants (P < 0.01). The delivery mode, infant sex, and the feeding pattern were the dominant factors determining colonization of the infant gut microbiota at 0 months, from 1 to 6 months, and at 12 months postpartum, respectively. This study demonstrated for the first time that infant sex accounted for the dominant contribution to infant gut microbial development from 1 to 6 months postpartum. More broadly, this study effectively established the extent to which the delivery mode, the feeding pattern and infant sex contribute to the development of the gut microbiota at various time points during the first year of life.

Probiotic OMNi-BiOTiC® 10 AAD Reduces Cyclophosphamide-Induced Inflammation and Adipose Tissue Wasting in Mice

Cancer therapy is often associated with severe side effects such as drug induced weight loss, also known as chemotherapy-induced cachexia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a multispecies probiotic (OMNi-BiOTiC® 10 AAD) in a chemotherapy mouse model. A total of 24 male BALB/c mice were gavage-fed with the probiotic formulation or water, once a day for 3 weeks. In the third week, the mice received intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide. At euthanasia, the organs were dissected, and serum was sampled for cytokine analysis. Tight junction components, myosin light chain kinase, mucins, and apoptosis markers were detected in the ileum and colon using histological analyses and qRT-PCR. Lipolysis was analyzed by enzymatic activity assay, Western blotting analyses, and qRT-PCR in WAT. The fecal microbiome was measured with 16S-rRNA gene sequencing from stool samples, and fecal volatile organic compounds analysis was performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The probiotic-fed mice exhibited significantly less body weight loss and adipose tissue wasting associated with a reduced CGI58 mediated lipolysis. They showed significantly fewer pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower gut permeability compared to animals fed without the probiotic. The colons of the probiotic-fed animals showed lower inflammation scores and less goblet cell loss. qRT-PCR revealed no differences in regards to tight junction components, mucins, or apoptosis markers. No differences in microbiome alpha diversity, but differences in beta diversity, were observed between the treatment groups. Taxonomic analysis showed that the probiotic group had a lower relative abundance of Odoribacter and Ruminococcus-UCG014 and a higher abundance of Desulfovibrio. VOC analysis yielded no significant differences. The results of this study indicate that oral administration of the multispecies probiotic OMNi-BiOTiC® 10 AAD could mitigate cyclophosphamide-induced chemotherapy side effects.

A comprehensive review of Bifidobacterium spp: as a probiotic, application in the food and therapeutic, and forthcoming trends

Recently, more consumers are interested in purchasing probiotic food and beverage products that may improve their immune health. The market for functional foods and beverages that include Bifidobacterium is expanding because of their potential uses in both food and therapeutic applications. However, maintaining Bifidobacterium's viability during food processing and storage remains a challenge. Microencapsulation technique has been explored to improve the viability of Bifidobacterium. Despite the technical, microbiological, and economic challenges, the market potential for immune-supporting functional foods and beverages is significant. Additionally, there is a shift toward postbiotics as a solution for product innovation, a promising postbiotic product that can be incorporated into various food and beverage formats is also introduced in this review. As consumers become more health-conscious, future developments in the functional food and beverage market discussed in this review could serve as a reference for researchers and industrialist.

The Role of Lactoferrin in Intestinal Health

The intestine represents one of the first barriers where microorganisms and environmental antigens come into tight contact with the host immune system. A healthy intestine is essential for the well-being of humans and animals. The period after birth is a very important phase of development, as the infant moves from a protected environment in the uterus to one with many of unknown antigens and pathogens. In that period, mother's milk plays an important role, as it contains an abundance of biologically active components. Among these components, the iron-binding glycoprotein, lactoferrin (LF), has demonstrated a variety of important benefits in infants and adults, including the promotion of intestinal health. This review article aims to provide a compilation of all the information related to LF and intestinal health, in infants and adults.

Effects of polysaccharides from Lyophyllum decastes (Fr.) Singer on gut microbiota via in vitro-simulated digestion and fermentation

Introduction

Lyophyllum decastes (Fr.) Singer polysaccharides (LDSPs) have been verified to possess strong biological properties. However, the effects of LDSPs on intestinal microbes and their metabolites have rarely been addressed.

Methods

The in vitro-simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion and human fecal fermentation were used to evaluate the effects of LDSPs on non-digestibility and intestinal microflora regulation in the present study.

Results

The results showed a slight increase in the content of the reducing end of the polysaccharide chain and no obvious change in the molecular weight during in vitro digestion. After 24 h in vitro fermentation, LDSPs were degraded and utilized by human gut microbiota, and LDSPs could be transformed into short-chain fatty acids leading to significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the pH of the fermentation solution. The digestion did not remarkably affect the overall structure of LDSPs and 16S rRNA analysis revealed distinct shifts in the gut microbial composition and community diversity of the LDSPs-treated cultures, compared with the control group. Notably, the LDSPs group directed a targeted promotion of the abundance of butyrogenic bacteria, including Blautia, Roseburia, and Bacteroides, and an increase in the n-butyrate level.

Discussion

These findings suggest that LDSPs might be a potential prebiotic to provide a health benefit.

Millet Fermented by Different Combinations of Yeasts and Lactobacilli: Effects on Phenolic Composition, Starch, Mineral Content and Prebiotic Activity

Millet is the sixth-highest yielding grain in the world and a staple crop for millions of people. Fermentation was applied in this study to improve the nutritional properties of pearl millet. Three microorganism combinations were tested: Saccharomyces boulardii (FPM1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae plus Campanilactobacillus paralimentarius (FPM2) and Hanseniaspora uvarum plus Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis (FPM3). All the fermentation processes led to an increase in minerals. An increase was observed for calcium: 254 ppm in FPM1, 282 ppm in FPM2 and 156 ppm in the unfermented sample. Iron increased in FPM2 and FPM3 (approx. 100 ppm) with respect the unfermented sample (71 ppm). FPM2 and FPM3 resulted in richer total phenols (up to 2.74 mg/g) compared to the unfermented sample (2.24 mg/g). Depending on the microorganisms, it was possible to obtain different oligopeptides with a mass cut off ≤10 kDalton that was not detected in the unfermented sample. FPM2 showed the highest resistant starch content (9.83 g/100 g) and a prebiotic activity on Bifidobacterium breve B632, showing a significant growth at 48 h and 72 h compared to glucose (p < 0.05). Millet fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae plus Campanilactobacillus paralimentarius can be proposed as a new food with improved nutritional properties to increase the quality of the diet of people who already use millet as a staple food.

Orofacial clefts alter early life oral microbiome maturation towards higher levels of potentially pathogenic species: A prospective observational study

Orofacial clefts (OFC) present different phenotypes with a postnatal challenge for oral microbiota development. In order to investigate the impact of OFC on oral microbiota, smear samples from 15 neonates with OFC and 17 neonates without OFC were collected from two oral niches (tongue, cheek) at two time points, i.e. after birth (T0: Ø3d OFC group; Ø2d control group) and 4-5 weeks later (T1: Ø32d OFC group; Ø31d control group). Subsequently, the samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. We detected a significant increase of alpha diversity and anaerobic and Gram-negative species from T0 to T1 in both groups. Further, we found that at T1 OFC neonates presented a significantly lower alpha diversity (lowest values for high cleft severity) and significantly higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae (Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella), Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Corynebacterium, Lactocaseibacillus, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter and Lawsonella compared to controls. Notably, neonates with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP/BCLP) presented similarities in beta diversity and a mixture with skin microbiota. However, significant differences were seen in neonates with cleft palate only compared to UCLP/BCLP with higher levels of anaerobic species. Our findings revealed an influence of OFC as well as cleft phenotype and severity on postnatal oral microbiota maturation.

A buffalo rumen-derived probiotic (SN-6) could effectively increase simmental growth performance by regulating fecal microbiota and metabolism

Microorganisms play a key role in ruminal digestion, some of which can be used as probiotics to promote growth in ruminants. However, which potential bacteria are responsible for ruminant growth and how they potentiate the basic mechanism is unclear. In this study, three bacterial strains, Bacillus pumilus (SN-3), Bacillus paralicheniformis (SN-6), and Bacillus altitudinis (SN-20) with multiple digestive enzymes were isolated from the rumen of healthy buffaloes. Among these strains, SN-6 secreted cellulase, laccase, and amylase, and significantly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Escherichia coli K99 in vitro. In addition, SN-6 exhibited strong tolerance to artificial gastric juice, intestinal juice, and high temperature. Antibiotic resistance test, virulence gene test, and mouse toxicity test confirmed the safety of SN-6. Further, SN-6 significantly increased the body weight (p < 0.01), affects the intestinal microbiota structure, and alters the metabolomic patterns of Simmental. There was a remarkable difference in the β diversity of fecal microflora between SN-6 and control groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SN-6 significantly increased the abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and Cellulolyticum, decreased the relative abundance of Monoglobus and norank_f_Ruminococcacea. Moreover, SN-6 feeding significantly enriched intestinal metabolites (i.e., 3-indoleacrylic acid, kynurenic acid) to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Finally, the microbial and metabolic functional analysis indicated that SN-6 could enhance amino acid metabolism (mainly tryptophan metabolism) and lipid metabolism pathways. Overall, these findings indicated that SN-6 could be used as a probiotic in ruminants.

Dynamics of the Gut Microbiome in Shigella-Infected Children during the First Two Years of Life

Shigella continues to be a major contributor to diarrheal illness and dysentery in children younger than 5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries. Strategies for the prevention of shigellosis have focused on enhancing adaptive immunity. The interaction between Shigella and intrinsic host factors, such as the microbiome, remains unknown. We hypothesized that Shigella infection would impact the developing microbial community in infancy and, conversely, that changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome may predispose infections. To test this hypothesis, we characterized the gastrointestinal microbiota in a longitudinal birth cohort from Malawi that was monitored for Shigella infection using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Children with at least one Shigella quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) positive sample during the first 2 years of life (cases) were compared to uninfected controls that were matched for sex and age. Overall, the microbial species diversity, as measured by the Shannon diversity index, increased over time, regardless of case status. At early time points, the microbial community was dominated by Bifidobacterium longum and Escherichia/Shigella. A greater abundance of Prevotella 9 and Bifidobacterium kashiwanohense was observed at 2 years of age. While no single species was associated with susceptibility to Shigella infection, significant increases in Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 and Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans were observed following Shigella infection. Both taxa are in the family Lachnospiraceae, which are known short-chain fatty acid producers that may improve gut health. Our findings identified temporal changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota associated with Shigella infection in Malawian children and highlight the need to further elucidate the microbial communities associated with disease susceptibility and resolution. IMPORTANCE Shigella causes more than 180 million cases of diarrhea globally, mostly in children living in poor regions. Infection can lead to severe health impairments that reduce quality of life. There is increasing evidence that disruptions in the gut microbiome early in life can influence susceptibility to illnesses. A delayed or impaired reconstitution of the microbiota following infection can further impact overall health. Aiming to improve our understanding of the interaction between Shigella and the developing infant microbiome, we investigated changes in the gut microbiome of Shigella-infected and uninfected children over the course of their first 2 years of life. We identified species that may be involved in recovery from Shigella infection and in driving the microbiota back to homeostasis. These findings support future studies into the elucidation of the interaction between the microbiota and enteric pathogens in young children and into the identification of potential targets for prevention or treatment.

Dendrobium officinale Xianhu 2 polysaccharide helps forming a healthy gut microbiota and improving host immune system: An in vitro and in vivo study

Dendrobium officinale is widely consumed owing to its numerous beneficial effects. We aimed to characterize polysaccharides of Dendrobium officinale (DOP) from the stems of Dendrobium officinale Xianhu 2 and clarify whether it benefit the intestinal microbiota and the immune system. The DOP weighed 291 kDa and comprised mannose, glucose, galactose, and rhamnose at 59.31:33.31:1.00:0.51 M ratio. In in vitro/vivo studies, DOP significantly increased benign intestinal microbe proportion (Lactobacillus, etc.), but reduced harmful bacteria (Escherichia_Shigella) (P < 0.05), and significantly increased butyric acid production (P < 0.05). Concentrations of 2 g/L DOP for in vitro fermentation and 100 mg/kg body weight for the mouse model were effective. In mice, DOP significantly reduced CRP, CD3, CD4, and TNF-α levels and increased C4 levels (P < 0.05). DOP might influence the immune system indirectly through regulation of the gut microbiota. Its possible regulation mechanism was that DOP reduced CD4+ Th cells proliferation so that reduced the secretion of TNF-α.

In vitro digestibility and fermentability profiles of wheat starch modified by chlorogenic acid

This study was designed to investigate the effect of chlorogenic acid (CA) on starch digestibility and fermentability in vitro. Compared with wheat starch (WS), WS-CA complexes exhibited a looser porous gel matrix, and higher solubility and swelling power with the addition of different proportion of CA. The WS-CA complexes significantly reduced the digestive rate of the gelatinized WS, and increased the proportion of resistant starch (RS) ranging from 31.70 % to 69.63 % much higher than that in the gelatinized WS (26.34 %). The residual WS-CA complexes after 24 h of fermentation with human feces induced the production of short-chain fatty acid, as well as the proliferation of gut microbiota such as genera Megamonas and Parabacteroides positively associated with the improvement of human health. The results suggest that complex of starch and CA could be a promising method for developing starchy foods with lower starch hydrolysis and promoting the growth of probiotics.

Effects of different probiotic strains B. lactis, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri on brain-intestinal axis immunomodulation in an endotoxin-induced inflammation

The study evaluated the effects of supplementation with three different probiotic strains Bifidobacterium lactis (LACT GB™), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (RHAM GB™) and Lactobacillus reuteri (REUT GB™) on brain-intestinal immunomodulation in an animal model of LPS-induced inflammation. Fifty mice Balb/C were distributed into five groups: control; lipopolysaccharide (LPS); LPS + B. lactis (LACT GB™); LPS + L. rhamnosus (RHAM GB™); and LPS + L. reuteri (REUT GB™). The animals were supplemented with their respective probiotic microorganisms daily, for 30 days, at a concentration of 1 × 10⁹ CFU/animal/day. After 30 days of supplementation, animals received the inflammatory insult by LPS (15 mg/kg). Behavioral tests, oxidative stress and inflammation were performed, as well as gut and brain histology. In the behavioral test, LPS + B. lactis group was less anxious than the other groups. Serum interleukin IL-1β and IL-6 levels increased in all groups that received the LPS insult, and there was a reduction in inflammation in the supplemented groups when compared to the LPS group in brain and gut. There is a reduction in myeloperoxidase activity and oxidative stress in groups supplemented with probiotics. In intestine histological analysis occurs damage to the tissue integrity in the LPS group, in the other hand, occurs preservation of integrity in the probiotic supplemented animals. In the brain, infiltrates of perivascular inflammatory cells can be seen in the LPS group. The three probiotic studies showed efficient immunomodulating activity and ensured integrity of the intestinal barrier function, even after the severe insult by LPS. These results show the important role of probiotics in the gut-brain axis. Graphical abstract illustratively represents the gut-brain axis and how different probiotic strains influence the immunomodulatory response releasing different pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and their role in the balance of dysbiosis.

Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides Better Regulate the Microbiota of Women Than Men

Dendrobium officinale is widely used as a health supplement, but its specific impact on healthy gut microbiota has not yet been clarified, nor has its impact on different human genders. To overcome the problems mentioned above. DOP was extracted and purified with an 8000–12,000 Da dialysis bag. The molecular weight and monosaccharide composition were determined using HPGPC and GC. Gas chromatography was used to detect the content of SCFA. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the diversity of human microbiota. The results showed that DOP contained two fractions, with an average molecular weight of 277 kDa and 1318 Da, and mainly composed of mannose and glucose. DOP can increase the relative abundance of benign microbiota and decrease the harmful types. Propionic acid content in women was significantly increased after DOP treatment. Finally, the correlation analysis revealed that DOP was beneficial to the microbiota of both men and women. It can be concluded from the results that DOP is a health supplement suitable for humans, and especially women.

Bifidobacterium infantis strain YLGB-1496 possesses excellent antioxidant and skin barrier-enhancing efficacy in vitro

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurring allergic skin disease that has a high incidence. Orally applied Bifidobacteria ameliorate signs of irritated skin and enhance the skin barrier. The present study investigated the safety and efficacy of a topically used cell-free culture supernatant (CFS) from a Bifidobacterium infantis strain using in vitro evaluation methods. The results showed that CFS had strong free radical scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, ·OH and O₂ -radicals. CFS treatment fundamentally reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px) in H₂ O₂ -treated HaCaT cells. Notably, the upregulation of skin physical barrier gene (FLG, LOR, IVL, AQP3 and TGM1) expression and skin antimicrobial peptide gene (CAMP, hBD-2 and hBD-3) expression by CFS might contribute to skin barrier resistance. CFS was non-irritating to the skin and eyes. CFS from the Bifidobacterium infantis strain had strong antioxidant properties on the skin and strengthened skin barrier function, and it was safe for topical use.

Insights into the Composition of a Co-Culture of 10 Probiotic Strains (OMNi BiOTiC® AAD10) and Effects of Its Postbiotic Culture Supernatant

Background: We aimed to gain insights in a co-culture of 10 bacteria and their postbiotic supernatant. Methods: Abundances and gene expression were monitored by shotgun analysis. The supernatant was characterized by liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Supernatant was harvested after 48 h (S48) and 196 h (S196). Susceptibility testing included nine bacteria and C. albicans. Bagg albino (BALBc) mice were fed with supernatant or culture medium. Fecal samples were obtained for 16S analysis. Results: A time-dependent decrease of the relative abundances and gene expression of L. salivarius, L. paracasei, E. faecium and B. longum/lactis and an increase of L. plantarum were observed. Substances in LC-MS were predominantly allocated to groups amino acids/peptides/metabolites and nucleotides/metabolites, relating to gene expression. Fumaric, panthotenic, 9,3-methyl-2-oxovaleric, malic and aspartic acid, cytidine monophosphate, orotidine, phosphoserine, creatine, tryptophan correlated to culture time. Supernatant had no effect against anaerobic bacteria. S48 was reactive against S. epidermidis, L. monocytogenes, P. aeruginosae, E. faecium and C. albicans. S196 against S. epidermidis and Str. agalactiae. In vivo S48/S196 had no effect on alpha/beta diversity. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and analysis of composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) revealed an increase of Anaeroplasma and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Conclusions: The postbiotic supernatant had positive antibacterial and antifungal effects in vitro and promoted the growth of distinct bacteria in vivo.

Human milk oligosaccharide-sharing by a consortium of infant derived Bifidobacterium species

Bifidobacteria are associated with a host of health benefits and are typically dominant in the gut microbiota of healthy, breast-fed infants. A key adaptation, facilitating the establishment of these species, is their ability to consume particular sugars, known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), which are abundantly found in breastmilk. In the current study, we aimed to characterise the co-operative metabolism of four commercial infant-derived bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071, Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, Bifidobacterium infantis R0033, and Bifidobacterium infantis M-63) when grown on HMO. Three different HMO substrates (2'-fucosyllactose alone and oligosaccharides isolated from human milk representing non-secretor and secretor status) were employed. The four-strain combination resulted in increased bifidobacterial numbers (> 21%) in comparison to single strain cultivation. The relative abundance of B. breve increased by > 30% during co-cultivation with the other strains despite demonstrating limited ability to assimilate HMO in mono-culture. HPLC analysis revealed strain-level variations in HMO consumption. Metabolomics confirmed the production of formate, acetate, 1,2-propanediol, and lactate with an overall increase in such metabolites during co-cultivation. These results support the concept of positive co-operation between multiple bifidobacterial strains during HMO utilisation which may result in higher cell numbers and a potentially healthier balance of metabolites.

Gut microbiota reveals the environmental adaption in gastro-intestinal tract of wild boar in karst region of Southwest China

Background

Gut microbes has become one of the research hotspots in animal ecology, playing an important role in monitoring dietary adaptation and health status of host. However, there are few studies on the gut microbiota in the stomach, smallintestine (ileum), and large intestine (cecum, colon, and rectum) of wild boar.

Results

Alpha diversity and Beta diversity showed there were significant differences in the abundance and distribution of microbes in gastrointestinal tract of wild boar. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most dominant phyla in stomach, cecum, colon and rectum of wild boar, while Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most dominant in ileum. At genus level, there were different leading genera in stomach (Prevotella and Lactobacillus), small intestine (Escherichia-Shigella and Lactobacillus), and large intestine (Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Escherichia-Shigella). PICRUSt function predictive analysis suggested that there were significant differences in microbial metabolic pathways among five locations of wild boar.

Conclusions

This study comprehensively revealed the differences in composition of microbial community in gastrointestinal trac of wild boar. Future work links microbes with the metabolites to accurately reveal the health of wild boar.

Antibiotic Exposure, Common Morbidities and Main Intestinal Microbial Groups in Very Preterm Neonates: A Pilot Study

Prematurity exposes newborns to increased risks of infections and it is associated with critical morbidities. Preterm infants often require antibiotic therapies that can affect the correct establishment of gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to investigate targeted intestinal bacteria in preterm neonates with common morbidities and receiving antibiotic treatments of variable duration. Stool samples were collected after birth, at 15, 30 and 90 days of life. qPCR quantification of selected microbial groups (Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides fragilis group, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium cluster I and total bacteria) was performed and correlation between their levels, the duration of antibiotic treatment and different clinical conditions was studied. An increasing trend over time was observed for all microbial groups, especially for Bifdobacterium spp. Prolonged exposure to antibiotics in the first weeks of life affected Clostridium and B. fragilis levels, but these changes no longer persisted at 90 days of life. Variations of bacterial counts were associated with the length of hospital stay, feeding and mechanical ventilation. Late-onset sepsis and patent ductus arteriosus reduced the counts of Bifidobacterium, whereas B. fragilis was influenced by compromised respiratory conditions. This study can be a start point for the identification of microbial biomarkers associated with some common morbidities and tailored strategies for a healthy microbial development.

Modifying the Microbiome as a Potential Mechanism of Photobiomodulation: A Case Report

Objective: The objective of this case study was to elucidate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the microbiome. Background: The gut microbiome has been identified as a key component of health, with gut dysbiosis, characterized by decreased microbial diversity and an altered microbial composition, being recognized as instrumental in many diseases and disorders. Previous research has suggested that the gut microbiome can be favorably altered in animal models using PBM. Materials and methods: The participant had their microbiome tested on nine occasions, three times before any treatment, three times after radiotherapy and commencement of immunotherapy for breast cancer, and three times after PBM treatment. The PBM treatment consisted of infrared laser treatment (904 nm; 700 Hz pulse frequency, 861.3 total joules) to the abdomen three times per week for 11 weeks. Results: The microbiome of the participant showed significant changes in diversity after PBM treatment, but not after cancer therapy, with an increase in the number of known beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Roseburia) and decrease in the number of potentially pathogenic genera. Conclusions: The results suggested the possibility that PBM may alter the microbiome and thus it represents a therapeutic avenue for chronic diseases with otherwise limited treatment options.

Assessing Gut Microbiota in an Infant with Congenital Propionic Acidemia before and after Probiotic Supplementation

Propionic Acidemia (PA) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by the enzymatic block of propionyl-CoA carboxylase with the consequent accumulation of propionic acid, which is toxic for the brain and cardiac cells. Since a considerable amount of propionate is produced by intestinal bacteria, interest arose in the attempt to reduce propionate-producing bacteria through a monthly antibiotic treatment of metronidazole. In the present study, we investigated the gut microbiota structure of an infant diagnosed at 4 days of life through Expanded Newborn Screening (NBS) and treated the child following international guidelines with a special low-protein diet, specific medications and strict biochemical monitoring. Microbiota composition was assessed during the first month of life, and the presence of Bacteroides fragilis, known to be associated with propionate production, was effectively decreased by metronidazole treatment. After five antibiotic therapy cycles, at 4 months of age, the infant was supplemented with a daily mixture of three bifidobacterial strains, known not to be propionate producers. The supplementation increased the population of bifidobacteria, with Bifidobacterium breve as the dominating species; Ruminococcus gnavus, an acetate and formate producer, was also identified. Metabarcoding analysis, compared with low coverage whole metagenome sequencing, proved to capture all the microbial biodiversity and could be the elected tool for fast and cost-effective monitoring protocols to be implemented in the follow up of rare metabolic disorders such as PA. Data obtained could be a possible starting point to set up tailored microbiota modification treatment studies in the attempt to improve the quality of life of people affected by propionic acidemia.

Associations between stool micro-transcriptome, gut microbiota, and infant growth

Rapid infant growth increases the risk for adult obesity. The gut microbiome is associated with early weight status; however, no study has examined how interactions between microbial and host ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression influence infant growth. We hypothesized that dynamics in infant stool micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) would be associated with both microbial activity and infant growth via putative metabolic targets. Stool was collected twice from 30 full-term infants, at 1 month and again between 6 and 12 months. Stool RNA were measured with high-throughput sequencing and aligned to human and microbial databases. Infant growth was measured by weight-for-length z-score at birth and 12 months. Increased RNA transcriptional activity of Clostridia (R = 0.55; Adj p = 3.7E-2) and Burkholderia (R = -0.820, Adj p = 2.62E-3) were associated with infant growth. Of the 25 human RNAs associated with growth, 16 were miRNAs. The miRNAs demonstrated significant target enrichment (Adj p < 0.05) for four metabolic pathways. There were four associations between growth-related miRNAs and growth-related phyla. We have shown that longitudinal trends in gut microbiota activity and human miRNA levels are associated with infant growth and the metabolic targets of miRNAs suggest these molecules may regulate the biosynthetic landscape of the gut and influence microbial activity.

In vitro fecal fermentation characteristics of bamboo shoot (Phyllostachys edulis) polysaccharide

The effects of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot polysaccharide (BSP) on the human gut microbiota composition and volatile metabolite components were investigated by in vitro fermentation. After fermentation for 48 h, BSP utilization reached 40.29% and the pH of the fermentation solution decreased from 6.89 to 4.57. Moreover, the total short-chain fatty acid concentration significantly (P < 0.05) increased from 13.46 mM (0 h) to 43.20 mM (48 h). 16S rRNA analysis revealed several differences in the gut microbiota community structure of the BSP-treated and water-treated (control) cultures. In the BSP group, the abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria was significantly increased, while that of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria significantly decreased. Moreover, the concentrations of benzene, its substituted derivatives, and carbonyl compounds in the volatile metabolites of the BSP-treated group decreased, while that of organic acids significantly increased after 48 h of fermentation. These results demonstrate that BSP improves gastrointestinal health.

Bifidobacterium Strains Present Distinct Effects on the Control of Alveolar Bone Loss in a Periodontitis Experimental Model

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease induced by a dysbiotic oral microbiome. Probiotics of the genus Bifidobacterium may restore the symbiotic microbiome and modulate the immune response, leading to periodontitis control. We evaluated the effect of two strains of Bifidobacterium able to inhibit Porphyromonas gingivalis interaction with host cells and biofilm formation, but with distinct immunomodulatory properties, in a mice periodontitis model. Experimental periodontitis (P+) was induced in C57Bl/6 mice by a microbial consortium of human oral organisms. B. bifidum 162^2A [B+ (1622)] and B. breve 110^1A [B+ (1101)] were orally inoculated for 45 days. Alveolar bone loss and inflammatory response in gingival tissues were determined. The microbial consortium induced alveolar bone loss in positive control (P + B-), as demonstrated by microtomography analysis, although P. gingivalis was undetected in oral biofilms at the end of the experimental period. TNF-α and IL-10 serum levels, and Treg and Th17 populations in gingiva of SHAM and P + B- groups did not differ. B. bifidum 162^2A, but not B. breve 110^1A, controlled bone destruction in P+ mice. B. breve 110^1A upregulated transcription of Il-1β, Tnf-α, Tlr2, Tlr4, and Nlrp3 in P-B+(1101), which was attenuated by the microbial consortium [P + B+(1101)]. All treatments downregulated transcription of Il-17, although treatment with B. breve 110^1A did not yield such low levels of transcripts as seen for the other groups. B. breve 110^1A increased Th17 population in gingival tissues [P-B+ (1101) and P + B+ (1101)] compared to SHAM and P + B-. Administration of both bifidobacteria resulted in serum IL-10 decreased levels. Our data indicated that the beneficial effect of Bifidobacterium is not a common trait of this genus, since B. breve 110^1A induced an inflammatory profile in gingival tissues and did not prevent alveolar bone loss. However, the properties of B. bifidum 162^2A suggest its potential to control periodontitis.

Bifidobacteria Strain Typing by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a technology traditionally used in chemistry to determine the molecular composition of a wide range of sample types, has gained growing interest in microbial typing. It is based on the different vibrational modes of the covalent bonds between atoms of a given sample, as bacterial cells, induced by the absorption of infrared radiation. This technique has been largely used for the study of pathogenic species, especially in the clinical field, and has been proposed also for the typing at different subspecies levels. The high throughput, speed, low cost, and simplicity make FTIR spectroscopy an attractive technique also for industrial applications, in particular, for probiotics. The aim of this study was to compare FTIR spectroscopy with established genotyping methods, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST), in order to highlight the FTIR spectroscopy potential discriminatory power at strain level. Our study focused on bifidobacteria, an important group of intestinal commensals generally recognized as probiotics. For their properties in promoting and maintaining health, bifidobacteria are largely marketed by the pharmaceutical, food, and dairy industries. Strains belonging to Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis were taken into consideration together with some additional type strains. For B. longum subsp. longum, it was possible to discriminate the strains with all the methods used. Although two isolates were shown to be strictly phylogenetically related, constituting a unique cluster, based on PFGE, WGS, and MLST, no clustering was observed with FTIR. For B. animalis subsp. lactis group, PFGE, WGS, and MLST were non-discriminatory, and only one strain was easily distinguished. On the other hand, FTIR discriminated all the isolates one by one, and no clustering was observed. According to these results, FTIR analysis is not only equivalent to PFGE, WGS, and MLST, but also for some strains, in particular, for B. animalis subsp. lactis group, more informative, being able to differentiate strains not discernible with the other two methods based on phenotypic variations likely deriving from certain genetic changes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has highlighted the possibility of using the cell surface as a kind of barcode making tracing strains possible, representing an important aspect in probiotic applications. Furthermore, this work constitutes the first investigation on bifidobacterial strain typing using FTIR spectroscopy.

Arsenic: A Global Environmental Challenge

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid and one of the few metals that can be metabolized inside the human body. The pervasive presence of arsenic in nature and anthropogenic sources from agricultural and medical use have perpetuated human exposure to this toxic and carcinogenic element. Highly exposed individuals are susceptible to various illnesses, including skin disorders; cognitive impairment; and cancers of the lung, liver, and kidneys. In fact, across the globe, approximately 200 million people are exposed to potentially toxic levels of arsenic, which has prompted substantial research and mitigation efforts to combat this extensive public health issue. This review provides an up-to-date look at arsenic-related challenges facing the global community, including current sources of arsenic, global disease burden, arsenic resistance, and shortcomings of ongoing mitigation measures, and discusses potential next steps.

The effect of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota of preterm infants

Introduction. Probiotic supplementation of preterm infants may prevent serious morbidities associated with prematurity.Aim. To investigate the impact of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota and determine factors associated with detection of probiotic species in the infant gut.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Probiotic supplementation increases the long-term colonization of probiotic species in the gut of preterm infants.Methodology. Longitudinal stool samples were collected from a cohort of very preterm infants participating in a blinded randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of probiotic supplementation (containing Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis BB-02, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4) for prevention of late-onset sepsis. The presence of B. longum subsp. infantis, B. animalis subsp. lactis and S. thermophilus was determined for up to 23 months after supplementation ended using real-time PCR. Logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of probiotic supplementation on the presence of each species.Results. Detection of B. longum subsp. infantis [odds ratio (OR): 53.1; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 35.6-79.1; P < 0.001], B. animalis subsp. lactis (OR: 89.1; 95 % CI: 59.0-134.5; P < 0.001) and S. thermophilus (OR: 5.66; 95 % CI: 4.35-7.37; P < 0.001) was increased during the supplementation period in infants receiving probiotic supplementation. Post-supplementation, probiotic-supplemented infants had increased detection of B. longum subsp. infantis (OR: 2.53; 95 % CI: 1.64-3.90; P < 0.001) and B. animalis subsp. lactis (OR: 1.59; 95 % CI: 1.05-2.41; P=0.030). Commencing probiotic supplementation before 5 days from birth was associated with increased detection of the probiotic species over the study period (B. longum subsp. infantis, OR: 1.20; B. animalis subsp. lactis, OR: 1.28; S. thermophilus, OR: 1.45).Conclusion. Probiotic supplementation with B. longum subsp. infantis BB-02, B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and S. thermophilus TH-4 enhances the presence of probiotic species in the gut microbiota of very preterm infants during and after supplementation. Commencing probiotic supplementation shortly after birth may be important for improving the long-term colonization of probiotic species.

Neurotransmitter Profiles Are Altered in the Gut and Brain of Mice Mono-Associated with Bifidobacterium dentium

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota can synthesize neurotransmitters as well as impact host-derived neurotransmitter levels. In the past, it has been challenging to decipher which microbes influence neurotransmitters due to the complexity of the gut microbiota. Methods: To address whether a single microbe, Bifidobacterium dentium, could regulate important neurotransmitters, we examined Bifidobacteria genomes and explored neurotransmitter pathways in secreted cell-free supernatant using LC-MS/MS. To determine if B. dentium could impact neurotransmitters in vivo, we mono-associated germ-free mice with B. dentium ATCC 27678 and examined fecal and brain neurotransmitter concentrations. Results: We found that B. dentium possessed the enzymatic machinery to generate γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from glutamate, glutamine, and succinate. Consistent with the genome analysis, we found that B. dentium secreted GABA in a fully defined microbial media and elevated fecal GABA in B. dentium mono-associated mice compared to germ-free controls. We also examined the tyrosine/dopamine pathway and found that B. dentium could synthesize tyrosine, but could not generate L-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, or epinephrine. In vivo, we found that B. dentium mono-associated mice had elevated levels of tyrosine in the feces and brain. Conclusions: These data indicate that B. dentium can contribute to in vivo neurotransmitter regulation.

Updated Genome Sequence for the Probiotic Bacterium Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12

The genome of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 was sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read and Illumina short-read sequencing platforms. A hybrid genome assembly approach was used to construct an updated complete genome sequence for BB-12 containing 1,944,152 bp, with a G+C content of 60.5% and 1,615 genes.

Supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and B632 strains improved insulin sensitivity in children and adolescents with obesity in a cross-over, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Variations in gut microbiota might impact metabolism leading to body weight excess. We assessed the impact of a probiotic supplementation in pediatric obesity on weight, metabolic alterations, selected gut microbial groups, and functionality.

METHODS

Cross-over, double-blind, randomized control trial (BIFI-OBESE trial; NCT03261466). 101 youths (6-18 years, Tanner stage ≥2) with obesity and insulin-resistance on diet were randomized to 2 × 10⁹ CFU/AFU/day of Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (DSM 16604) and B. breve B632 (DSM 24706) (51) or placebo (50) for 8 weeks with a 4-weeks wash-out period.

RESULTS

All subjects (M/F 54/47) completed the first 8 weeks, and 82 (M/F 43/39) the last part without adverse events. Mixed-effects models revealed a carry-over effect on many variables in the entire study, narrowing the analysis to the first 8 weeks before the wash-out periods. All subjects improved metabolic parameters, and decreased weight and Escherichia coli counts. Probiotics improved insulin sensitivity at fasting (QUICKI, 0.013 CI95%0.0-0.03) and during OGTT (ISI, 0.654 CI95%-0.11-1.41). Cytokines, GLP1, and target microbial counts did not vary. Of 25 SCFAs, acetic acid and acetic acid pentyl-ester relative abundance remained stable in the probiotics, while increased in the placebo (p < 0.02). A signature of five butanoic esters identified three clusters, one of them had better glucose responses during probiotics.

CONCLUSION

An 8 weeks treatment with B. breve BR03 and B632 had beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity in youths with obesity. Microbiota functionality could influence metabolic answers to probiotics. Long-term studies to confirm and enrich our findings are justified. Tailored probiotic treatments could be an additional strategy for obesity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03261466.

Digestibility, bioactivity and prebiotic potential of phenolics released from whole gold kiwifruit and pomace by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the release of phenolics, biological activity variation and prebiotic potential of whole gold kiwifruit and pomace by in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. The released phenolics of whole kiwifruit and pomace after digestion were 99.53 and 101.04 mg GAE per 100 g FW, respectively. Six compounds were quantified, and catechin, gallic and caffeic acid were mainly released in the oral phase, protocatechuic acid in the gastric phase, and coumaric and hydroxybenzoic acid during fermentation. The whole kiwifruit possessed higher antioxidant activity than the pomace, while both showed decreases during the whole digestion and fermentation process. After S-intestine digestion, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of pomace and whole kiwifruit were 1.33 and 3.11 mg acarbose per g FW, respectively. The fermentation of the whole kiwifruit and pomace caused reduction of the pH and variation of the gut microbiota diversity. Compared with whole kiwifruit, the pomace showed stronger modulative effects on the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. These findings provide scientific evidence for the utilization of pomace and whole gold kiwifruit.

Gut Microbiota Mediates the Preventive Effects of Dietary Capsaicin Against Depression-Like Behavior Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice

Capsaicin (CAP) is an active ingredient in chili pepper that is frequently consumed. It exerts various pharmacological activities, and also has potential effects on mental illness. However, its mechanism of antidepressant effects is still unclear. Based on the emerging perspective of the gut-brain axis, we investigated the effects of dietary CAP on gut microbes in mice with depression-like behaviors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). C57BL/6J male mice (four weeks old) were given specific feed (standard laboratory chow or laboratory chow plus 0.005% CAP) for 4 months. During the last five days, LPS (0.052/0.104/0.208/0.415/0.83 mg/kg, 5-day) was injected intraperitoneally to induce depression. Behavioral indicators and serum parameters were measured, and gut microbiota were identified by sequencing analysis of the 16S gene. This study showed that dietary CAP improved depressive-like behavior (sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, tail suspension test) and levels of 5-HT and TNF-α in serum of LPS-induced mice with depression-like behaviors. In addition, CAP could recover abnormal changes in depression-related microbiota. Especially at the genus level, CAP enhanced the variations in relative abundance of certain pivotal microorganisms like Ruminococcus, Prevotella, Allobaculum, Sutterella, and Oscillospira. Correlation analysis revealed changes in microbiota composition that was closely related to depressive behavior, 5-HT and TNF-α levels. These results suggested that dietary CAP can regulate the structure and number of gut microbiota and play a major role in the prevention of depression.

Colonization of Supplemented Bifidobacterium breve M-16V in Low Birth Weight Infants and Its Effects on Their Gut Microbiota Weeks Post-administration

The colonization and persistence of probiotics introduced into the adult human gut appears to be limited. It is uncertain, however, whether probiotics can successfully colonize the intestinal tracts of full-term and premature infants. In this study, we investigated the colonization and the effect of oral supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V on the gut microbiota of low birth weight (LBW) infants. A total of 22 LBW infants (12 infants in the M-16V group and 10 infants in the control group) were enrolled. B. breve M-16V was administrated to LBW infants in the M-16V group from birth until hospital discharge. Fecal samples were collected from each subject at weeks (3.7-9.3 weeks in the M-16V group and 2.1-6.1 weeks in the control group) after discharge. qPCR analysis showed that the administrated strain was detected in 83.3% of fecal samples in the M-16V group (at log₁₀ 8.33 ± 0.99 cell numbers per gram of wet feces), suggesting that this strain colonized most of the infants beyond several weeks post-administration. Fecal microbiota analysis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the abundance of Actinobacteria was significantly higher (P < 0.01), whereas that of Proteobacteria was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the M-16V group as compared with the control group. Notably, the levels of the administrated strain and indigenous Bifidobacterium bacteria were both significantly higher in the M-16V group than in the control group. Our findings suggest that oral administration of B. breve M-16V led to engraftment for at least several weeks post-administration and we observed a potential overall improvement in microbiota formation in the LBW infants' guts.

Children with Autism and Their Typically Developing Siblings Differ in Amplicon Sequence Variants and Predicted Functions of Stool-Associated Microbes

The existence of a link between the gut microbiome and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well established in mice, but in human populations, efforts to identify microbial biomarkers have been limited due to a lack of appropriately matched controls, stratification of participants within the autism spectrum, and sample size. To overcome these limitations, we crowdsourced the recruitment of families with age-matched sibling pairs between 2 and 7 years old (within 2 years of each other), where one child had a diagnosis of ASD and the other did not. Parents collected stool samples, provided a home video of their ASD child's natural social behavior, and responded online to diet and behavioral questionnaires. 16S rRNA V4 amplicon sequencing of 117 samples (60 ASD and 57 controls) identified 21 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that differed significantly between the two cohorts: 11 were found to be enriched in neurotypical children (six ASVs belonging to the Lachnospiraceae family), while 10 were enriched in children with ASD (including Ruminococcaceae and Bacteroidaceae families). Summarizing the expected KEGG orthologs of each predicted genome, the taxonomic biomarkers associated with children with ASD can use amino acids as precursors for butyragenic pathways, potentially altering the availability of neurotransmitters like glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).IMPORTANCE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which now affects 1 in 54 children in the United States, is known to have comorbidity with gut disorders of a variety of types; however, the link to the microbiome remains poorly characterized. Recent work has provided compelling evidence to link the gut microbiome to the autism phenotype in mouse models, but identification of specific taxa associated with autism has suffered replicability issues in humans. This has been due in part to sample size that sufficiently covers the spectrum of phenotypes known to autism (which range from subtle to severe) and a lack of appropriately matched controls. Our original study proposes to overcome these limitations by collecting stool-associated microbiome on 60 sibling pairs of children, one with autism and one neurotypically developing, both 2 to 7 years old and no more than 2 years apart in age. We use exact sequence variant analysis and both permutation and differential abundance procedures to identify 21 taxa with significant enrichment or depletion in the autism cohort compared to their matched sibling controls. Several of these 21 biomarkers have been identified in previous smaller studies; however, some are new to autism and known to be important in gut-brain interactions and/or are associated with specific fatty acid biosynthesis pathways.

The Gastrointestinal Microbiota of the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The microbiota is heavily involved in both health and disease pathogenesis, but defining a normal, healthy microbiota in the common marmoset has been challenging. The aim of this review was to systematically review recent literature involving the gastrointestinal microbiome of common marmosets in health and disease. Twelve sources were included in this review. The gut microbiome composition was reviewed across institutions worldwide, and taxonomic shifts between healthy individuals were described. Unlike the human gut microbiome, which is dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, the marmoset gut microbiome shows great plasticity across institutions, with 5 different phyla described as dominant in different healthy cohorts. Genera shared across institutions include Anaerobiospirillum, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Fusobacterium, Megamonas, Megasphaera, Phascolarctobacterium, and Prevotella. Shifts in the abundance of Prevotella or Bifidobacterium or invasion by pathogens like Clostridium perfringens may be associated with disease. Changes in microbial composition have been described in healthy and diseased marmosets, but factors influencing the severe changes in microbial composition have not been established. Multi-institutional, prospective, and longitudinal studies that utilize multiple testing methodologies are required to determine sources of variability in the reporting of marmoset microbiomes. Furthermore, methods of microbial manipulation, whether by diet, enrichment, fecal microbiome transplantation, etc, need to be established to modulate and maintain robust and resilient microbiome communities in marmoset colonies and reduce the incidence of idiopathic gastrointestinal disease.

Age-related changes of microbiota in midlife associated with reduced saccharolytic potential: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiota is critical in maintaining human health, of which diversity and abundance are subject to significantly reduce in seniors. Gut microbiota is reported to be stable across the long adulthood in general, but lack of careful examination, especially for the midlife people.

RESULTS

To characterize the gut microbiota in midlife, we investigated the faecal microbiota between two groups of healthy people, young, 20-39 years old, n = 15; and midlife, 40-60 years old, n = 15. Metabolic responses of the microbiota were studied through in vitro batch fermentation model. Although no difference was observed in the diversity indices between the two age groups, a wide range taxonomic changes were found in the faecal microbiota. Furthermore, substantial Bifidobacterium reduction was also found in both faecal and fermented samples. The faecal SCFAs are similar in both groups, as well as starch fermentation broth. However, after inulin fermentation, the acetate concentration and inulin degradation rate decreased while the gas production increased in midlife group, suggesting a deficiency of saccharolytic potential in midlife, especially for non-digestible carbohydrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that gut microbiota begins to change as early as in midlife. The reduction in Bifidobacterium dominates the change of the microbiota composition in midlife resulting in attenuated saccharolytic capacity of inulin, possibly leading to insufficient acetate production which might be associated with healthy problems in this transition period from young to elderly.