Improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity by probiotic strains of Indian gut origin in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice

Impact of Lactobacillaceae supplementation on the multi-organ axis during MASLD

The gut-liver axis plays a pivotal role in maintaining body homeostasis. Disruption of the gut-liver axis is linked to a multitude of diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Probiotic strains from the Lactobacillaceae family are commonly used to mitigate experimental MASLD. Over the years, numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these probiotics, often focusing on the outcome of liver disease. This review aims to further understand MASLD as a systemic metabolic dysfunction and to highlight the effects of probiotics on multi-organ axis, including organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, muscle, adipose tissue, and the immune system. We specifically discuss evidence on how supplementation with Lactobacillaceae strains may alleviate MASLD by not only restoring liver health but also by modulating the physiology of other organ systems.

The predicted mechanisms and evidence of probiotics on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious endocrine and metabolic disease that is highly prevalent and causes high mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. This review aims to focus on the potential of probiotics in the management of T2DM and its complications and to summarise the various mechanisms of action of probiotics with respect to T2DM. In this review, experimental studies conducted between 2016 and 2022 were explored. The possible mechanisms of action are based on their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, boost the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and glucagon-like peptides, inhibit α-glucosidase, elevate sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) levels while reducing fetuin-A levels, and regulate the level of inflammatory cytokines. This review recommends carrying out further studies, especially human trials, to provide robust evidence-based knowledge on the use of probiotics for the treatment of T2DM.IMPACT STATEMENTT2DM is prevalent worldwide causing high rates of morbidity and mortality.Gut microbiota play a significant role in the pathogenesis of T2DM.Probiotics can be used as possible therapeutic tools for the management of T2DM.The possible mechanisms of action of probiotics include modulation of the gut microbiota, production of SCFAs and glucagon-like peptides, inhibition of α-glucosidase, raising SIRT1, reducing fetuin-A levels, and regulating the level of inflammatory cytokines.

Environmental, socioeconomic, and health factors associated with gut microbiome species and strains in isolated Honduras villages

Despite a growing interest in the gut microbiome of non-industrialized countries, data linking deeply sequenced microbiomes from such settings to diverse host phenotypes and situational factors remain uncommon. Using metagenomic data from a community-based cohort of 1,871 people from 19 isolated villages in the Mesoamerican highlands of western Honduras, we report associations between bacterial species and human phenotypes and factors. Among them, socioeconomic factors account for 51.44% of the total associations. Meta-analysis of species-level profiles across several datasets identified several species associated with body mass index, consistent with previous findings. Furthermore, the inclusion of strain-phylogenetic information modifies the overall relationship between the gut microbiome and the phenotypes, especially for some factors like household wealth (e.g., wealthier individuals harbor different strains of Eubacterium rectale). Our analysis suggests a role that gut microbiome surveillance can play in understanding broad features of individual and public health.

The regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism through the interaction of dietary polyphenols and polysaccharides via the gut microbiota pathway

The interaction of polyphenols-polysaccharides-gut microbiota to promote health benefits has become a hotspot and direction for precise dietary intervention strategies and foundational research in biomedicine. Both dietary polyphenols and polysaccharides possess biological activities that regulate body health. Single components, due to their inherent structure and physicochemical properties, have a low bioavailability, thus are unable to exert their optimal effects. The compound structure formed by the interaction of polyphenols and polysaccharides can enhance their functional properties, thereby more effectively promoting health benefits and preventing diseases. This review primarily focuses on the roles played by polyphenols and polysaccharides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, the improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism through the gut microbial pathway by polyphenols and polysaccharides, and the mechanisms by which polyphenols and polysaccharides interact to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. A considerable amount of preliminary research has confirmed the regulatory effects of plant polyphenols and polysaccharides on glucose and lipid metabolism. However, studies on the combined effects and mechanisms of these two components are still very limited. This review aims to provide a reference for subsequent research on their interactions and changes in functional properties.

Beneficial Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus paraplantarum BGCG11 on Pancreatic and Duodenum Function in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus, as a chronic metabolic disorder, significantly impacts the pancreas and among other organs, affects duodenal function. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics can exert beneficial effects on gut health and metabolism. In our previous research, we evaluated the probiotic Lactobacillus paraplantarum BGCG11 primarily for its protective properties against diabetic rats' damaged liver and kidneys. In this work, we further examined the effects of probiotic strain BGCG11 on the function of the duodenum and pancreas in diabetic rats. We explored the potential mechanisms underlying the probiotic's effects, focusing on general indicators of diabetes, the architecture and morphology of pancreatic islets, duodenal integrity (measuring the transfer of fluid and serum zonulin level), and the modulation of gut microbiota composition. Our findings reveal the protective and regulatory roles of L. paraplantarum BGCG11 in mitigating diabetes-induced pancreatic and duodenal dysfunction regardless of its application time (pre- or post-treatment), highlighting its therapeutic potential in managing diabetes-related gastrointestinal complications.

Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG improves insulin sensitivity and offspring survival via modulation of gut microbiota and serum metabolite in a sow model

BACKGROUND

Sows commonly experience insulin resistance in late gestation and lactation, causing lower feed intake and milk production, which can lead to higher mortality rates in newborn piglets. The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is known to improve insulin resistance. However, whether supplementing LGG can improve insulin sensitivity in sows and enhance lactation performance, particularly the early survival of offspring remains unclear. Hence, we explored the effects and mechanisms of supplementing LGG during late gestation and lactation on sow insulin sensitivity, lactation performance, and offspring survival. In total, 20 sows were randomly allocated to an LGG (n = 10) and control group (n = 10).

RESULTS

In sows, LGG supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity during late gestation and lactation, increased feed intake, milk production and colostrum lactose levels in early lactation, and enhanced newborn piglet survival. Moreover, LGG treatment significantly reshaped the gut microbiota in sows, notably increasing microbiota diversity and enriching the relative abundance of insulin sensitivity-associated probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides. Serum metabolite and amino acid profiling in late-gestation sows also revealed decreased branched-chain amino acid and kynurenine serum levels following LGG supplementation. Further analyses highlighted a correlation between mitigated insulin resistance in late pregnancy and lactation by LGG and gut microbiota reshaping and changes in serum amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, maternal LGG enhanced immunity in newborn piglets, reduced inflammation, and facilitated the establishment of a gut microbiota.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide the first evidence that LGG mitigates insulin resistance in sows and enhances offspring survival by modulating the gut microbiota and amino acid metabolism.

Antioxidative and anti-diabetic effects of Tapinanthus cordifolius leaf extract on high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a global health concern despite current treatment options. This study investigated the potential of Tapinanthus cordifolius (TC) leaf extract as a therapeutic agent for T2DM. T2DM was induced in rats using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Diabetic rats received daily oral administration of TC extract (200, 400, or 800 mg/kg) and metformin (400 mg/kg) or remained untreated for 21 days. Blood glucose levels, body weight, diabetic symptoms, oxidative stress markers, and gene expression of metabolic regulators were assessed. TC treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels and restored body weight in diabetic rats, comparable to the effects of metformin. TC also increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GST, and CAT) and decreased lipid peroxidation in various tissues. Furthermore, TC upregulated gene expression of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4) and adiponectin receptor 2 (ADIPOR-2) while downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. This study provides the first in vivo evidence supporting TC leaf extract's anti-diabetic and antioxidant efficacy. The findings suggest that TC holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent for managing T2DM through multiple mechanisms, including improved glycemic control, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and protection against oxidative stress and tissue damage. In conclusion, this study validates the ethnobotanical use of TC as an anti-diabetic agent. Further research is warranted to isolate the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects.

Skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction with circulating carboxymethyl-lysine in dietary food additive-induced leaky gut

Impaired intestinal permeability induces systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbance. The effect of a leaky gut on metabolism in skeletal muscle, a major nutrient consumer, remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the glucose metabolic function of the whole body and skeletal muscles in a mouse model of diet-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. At Week 2, we observed higher intestinal permeability in mice fed a titanium dioxide (TiO2)-containing diet than that of mice fed a normal control diet. Subsequently, systemic glucose and insulin tolerance were found to be impaired. In the skeletal muscle, glucose uptake and phosphorylation levels in insulin signaling were lower in the TiO2 group than those in the control group. Additionally, the levels of pro-inflammatory factors were higher in TiO2-fed mice than those in the control group. We observed higher carboxymethyl-lysin (CML) levels in the plasma and intestines of TiO2-fed mice and lower insulin-dependent glucose uptake in CML-treated cultured myotubes than those in the controls. Finally, soluble dietary fiber supplementation improved glucose and insulin intolerance, suppressed plasma CML, and improved intestinal barrier function. These results suggest that an impaired intestinal barrier leads to systemic glucose intolerance, which is associated with glucose metabolism dysfunction in the skeletal muscles due to circulating CML derived from the intestine. This study highlights that the intestinal condition regulates muscle and systemic metabolic health.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Lactobacillus plantarum has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in mouse models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it remains unclear whether such benefits extend to humans. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to clarify the effect of L. plantarum supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM and prediabetes. The PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled mean difference with 95% CI (confidence interval). L. plantarum supplementation reduced the levels of fasting plasma glucose (-0.41, 95%CI -0.63, -0.19 mg/dL; n = 5) and hemoglobin A1c (-0.2, 95%CI: -0.3, 0%; n = 4). A non-statistically significant tendency towards improvements in the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (MD: -0.74, 95%CI: -1.72, 0.25; n = 3), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-6.87; 95%CI: -15.03, 1.29 mg/dL; n = 3), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 1.34; 95%CI: -0.78, 3.46 mg/dL; n = 3), triglyceride (MD: -3.90; 95%CI: -11.05, 3.24 mg/dL; n = 3), and total cholesterol (MD: -4.88; 95%CI: -11.84, 2.07 mg/dL; n = 3) was observed with the supplementation. In summary, while the evidence from the currently available RCTs provides a crude indication that L. plantarum supplementation might improve glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM and prediabetes, the benefits of the supplementation are likely subtle, and its clinical significance requires further investigation.

Novel Insight into the Effect of Probiotics in the Regulation of the Most Important Pathways Involved in the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered one of the most common disorders worldwide. Although several treatment modalities have been developed, the existing interventions have not yielded the desired results. Therefore, researchers have focused on finding treatment choices with low toxicity and few adverse effects that could control T2DM efficiently. Various types of research on the role of gut microbiota in developing T2DM and its related complications have led to the growing interest in probiotic supplementation. Several properties make these organisms unique in terms of human health, including their low cost, high reliability, and good safety profile. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that three of the most important signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM, play key functions in the effects of probiotics on this disease. Hence, we will focus on the clinical applications of probiotics in the management of T2DM. Then, we will also discuss the roles of the involvement of various probiotics in the regulation of the most important signaling pathways (NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2) involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM.

Reoxygenation Mitigates Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Systemic Inflammation and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep breathing disorder characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH), with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as its standard treatment. However, the effects of intermittent hypoxia/reoxygenation (IH/R) on weight regulation in obesity and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. Gut microbiota has gained attention for its strong association with various diseases. This study aims to explore the combined influence of IH and obesity on gut microbiota and to investigate the impact of reoxygenation on IH-induced alterations.

Methods

Diet-induced obese (DIO) rats were created by 8-week high-fat diet (HFD) feeding and randomly assigned into three groups (n=15 per group): normoxia (NM), IH (6% O2, 30 cycles/h, 8 h/day, 4 weeks), or hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR, 2-week IH followed by 2-week reoxygenation) management. After modeling and exposure, body weight and biochemical indicators were measured, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

DIO rats in the IH group showed increased weight gain (p=0.0016) and elevated systemic inflammation, including IL-6 (p=0.0070) and leptin (p=0.0004). Moreover, IH rats exhibited greater microbial diversity (p<0.0167), and significant alterations in the microbial structure (p=0.014), notably the order Clostridiales, accompanied by an upregulation of bile acid metabolism predicted pathway (p=0.0043). Reoxygenation not only improved IH-exacerbated obesity, systemic inflammation, leptin resistance, and sympathetic activation, but also showed the potential to restore IH-induced microbial alterations. Elevated leptin levels were associated with Ruminococcaceae (p=0.0008) and Clostridiales (p=0.0019), while body weight was linked to Blautia producta (p=0.0377). Additionally, the abundance of Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with leptin levels (p=0.0006) and weight (p=0.0339).

Conclusion

IH leads to gut dysbiosis and metabolic disorders, while reoxygenation therapy demonstrates a potentially protective effect by restoring gut homeostasis and mitigating inflammation. It highlights the potential benefits of CPAP in reducing metabolic risk among obese patients with OSA.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum Strains as Novel Probiotic Candidates to Promote Host Health Benefits and Development of Biotherapeutics: A Comprehensive Review

Fruits and their processing by-products are sources of potentially probiotic strains. Limosilactobacillus (L.) fermentum strains isolated from fruit processing by-products have shown probiotic-related properties. This review presents and discusses the results of the available studies that evaluated the probiotic properties of L. fermentum in promoting host health benefits, their application by the food industry, and the development of biotherapeutics. The results showed that administration of L. fermentum for 4 to 8 weeks promoted host health benefits in rats, including the modulation of gut microbiota, improvement of metabolic parameters, and antihypertensive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The results also showed the relevance of L. fermentum strains for application in the food industry and for the formulation of novel biotherapeutics, especially nutraceuticals. This review provides evidence that L. fermentum strains isolated from fruit processing by-products have great potential for promoting host health and indicate the need for a translational approach to confirm their effects in humans using randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

Novel Wild-Type Pediococcus and Lactiplantibacillus Strains as Probiotic Candidates to Manage Obesity-Associated Insulin Resistance

As the food and pharmaceutical industry is continuously seeking new probiotic strains with unique health properties, the aim of the present study was to determine the impact of short-term dietary intervention with novel wild-type strains, isolated from various sources, on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance. Initially, the strains were evaluated in vitro for their ability to survive in simulated gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, for adhesion to Caco-2 cells, for bile salt hydrolase secretion, for cholesterol-lowering and cellular cholesterol-binding ability, and for growth inhibition of food-borne pathogens. In addition, safety criteria were assessed, including hemolytic activity and susceptibility to antibiotics. The in vivo test on insulin resistance showed that mice receiving the HFD supplemented with Pediococcus acidilactici SK (isolated from human feces) or P. acidilactici OLS3-1 strain (isolated from olive fruit) exhibited significantly improved insulin resistance compared to HFD-fed mice or to the normal diet (ND)-fed group.

Advancing lifelong precision medicine for cardiovascular diseases through gut microbiota modulation

The gut microbiome is known as the tenth system of the human body that plays a vital role in the intersection between health and disease. The considerable inter-individual variability in gut microbiota poses both challenges and great prospects in promoting precision medicine in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this review, based on the development, evolution, and influencing factors of gut microbiota in a full life circle, we summarized the recent advances on the characteristic alteration in gut microbiota in CVDs throughout different life stages, and depicted their pathological links in mechanism, as well as the highlight achievements of targeting gut microbiota in CVDs prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Personalized strategies could be tailored according to gut microbiota characteristics in different life stages, including gut microbiota-blood metabolites combined prediction and diagnosis, dietary interventions, lifestyle improvements, probiotic or prebiotic supplements. However, to fulfill the promise of a lifelong cardiovascular health, more mechanism studies should progress from correlation to causality and decipher novel mechanisms linking specific microbes and CVDs. It is also promising to use the burgeoning artificial intelligence and machine learning to target gut microbiota for developing diagnosis system and screening for new therapeutic interventions.

The Intervention of Probiotics on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Animal Models

Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 90% of diabetes patients with the incidence and prevalence continuously rising globally. As a prospective therapy strategy for type 2 diabetes, probiotics have shown beneficial effects both in animal experiments and human clinical trials. This review summarizes the commonly used animal models in probiotic intervention research and presents the evidence and mechanism of diabetes intervention with probiotics in these animal models. Probiotics can help maintain glucose homeostasis, improve lipid metabolism, promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, and reduce inflammatory reactions in animal models. However, the clinical translation of benefits from probiotics is still challenged by intrinsic differences between experimental animal models and humans, and the application of humanized non-rodent diabetic animal models may contribute to the clinical translation of probiotics in the future.

Effectiveness of Probiotic Therapy in the Management of PeriodontalDisease in Diabetic Patients: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Probiotics can compete with periodontal pathogens in the formation of dental biofilm, and they are able to modulate local and systemic immune responses. Thus, its use in diabetic patients with periodontal disease (PD) can overcome the limitations of conventional periodontal treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the effects of probiotic therapy on periodontal and glycaemic parameters of diabetic patients with PD.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed in the following databases: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Virtual Health Library (including LILACS and BBO), PubMed (including Medline), Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review included clinical trials on patients with type 2 diabetes, diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, who received probiotic therapy as a single therapy or adjuvant to scaling and root planning, and on whom the analyses of clinical periodontal, immunological, microbiological, or glycaemic parameters were performed.

RESULTS

The electronic search yielded a total of 1165 articles. After removing duplicate titles and performing systematic screening, 6 studies were included in the qualitative summary. Probiotic administration improved clinical periodontal parameters (bleeding on probing and probing depth), oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) in relation to control groups. Experimental groups were also more advantageous in reducing the frequency of periodontopathogenic bacteria. However, the evidence of probiotics in decreasing glycated hemoglobin is still uncertain.

CONCLUSION

Probiotics may provide safe additional benefits to periodontal parameters of patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease.

Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Tectona Grandis Crude Extract Modulate Glucose Absorption and Uptake as Well as Antihyperglycemic Potential in Fructose-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health challenge with increased morbidity and mortality rates yearly. Herbal medicine has provided an alternative approach to treating T2D with limited access to formal healthcare. Tectona grandis is being used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes. The present study investigated the antidiabetic potential of T. grandis leaves in different solvent extractions, and the crude extract that demonstrated the best activity was further fractionated through solvent-solvent partitioning. The ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol crude extract showed the best antidiabetic activity in inhibiting α-glucosidase, delaying glucose absorption at the small intestine's lumen, and enhancing the muscle's postprandial glucose uptake. The ethyl acetate fraction was further elucidated for its ability to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. The ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced high blood glucose levels in diabetic rats with concomitant modulation in stimulated insulin secretions through improved pancreatic β-cell function, insulin sensitivity by increasing liver glycogen content, and reduced elevated levels of liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity. These activities could be attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the plant.

Adipokines and Bacterial Metabolites: A Pivotal Molecular Bridge Linking Obesity and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis to Target

Adipokines are essential mediators produced by adipose tissue and exert multiple biological functions. In particular, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, IL-6, MCP-1 and PAI-1 play specific roles in the crosstalk between adipose tissue and other organs involved in metabolic, immune and vascular health. During obesity, adipokine imbalance occurs and leads to a low-grade pro-inflammatory status, promoting insulin resistance-related diabetes and its vascular complications. A causal link between obesity and gut microbiota dysbiosis has been demonstrated. The deregulation of gut bacteria communities characterizing this dysbiosis influences the synthesis of bacterial substances including lipopolysaccharides and specific metabolites, generated via the degradation of dietary components, such as short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine metabolized into trimethylamine-oxide in the liver and indole derivatives. Emerging evidence suggests that these bacterial metabolites modulate signaling pathways involved in adipokine production and action. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the molecular links between gut bacteria-derived metabolites and adipokine imbalance in obesity, and emphasizes their roles in key pathological mechanisms related to oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance and vascular disorder. Given this interaction between adipokines and bacterial metabolites, the review highlights their relevance (i) as complementary clinical biomarkers to better explore the metabolic, inflammatory and vascular complications during obesity and gut microbiota dysbiosis, and (ii) as targets for new antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and prebiotic triple action strategies.

Gut microbiome: New perspectives for type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.

Gut firmicutes: Relationship with dietary fiber and role in host homeostasis

Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the predominant bacterial phyla colonizing the healthy human gut. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary fiber plays a crucial role in host health, yet most studies have focused on how the dietary fiber affects health through gut Bacteroides. More recently, gut Firmicutes have been found to possess many genes responsible for fermenting dietary fiber, and could also interact with the intestinal mucosa and thereby contribute to homeostasis. Consequently, the relationship between dietary fiber and Firmicutes is of interest, as well as the role of Firmicutes in host health. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of dietary fiber degradation by gut Firmicutes and explain the communication pathway of the dietary fiber-Firmicutes-host axis, and the beneficial effects of dietary fiber-induced Firmicutes and their metabolites on health. A better understanding of the dialogue sustained by the dietary fiber-Firmicutes axis and the host could provide new insights into probiotic therapy and novel dietary interventions aimed at increasing the abundance of Firmicutes (such as Faecalibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia) to promote health.

Attenuation of Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Rats Assisted by Immobilized Probiotic in Sodium Alginate

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is the most common chronic disease worldwide, characterized mainly by increased glucose concentration in the blood and affecting several organs' functionality. The daily consumption of probiotic bacteria can help control diabetes and reduce the damage caused. Cell immobilization techniques are a powerful tool that provides physical cell protection to such probiotic bacteria against gastrointestinal conditions. We suggest that cell immobilization could be a significant vector for delivering a high quantity of viable probiotics to the gut, helping attenuate hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Seventy male Wistar rats were used in this work. Nicotinamide was administrated via intraperitoneal injection 15 minutes before inducing type 2 diabetes (DM2), followed by a second intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to induce DM2. Rats were divided into seven groups. For 45 days, a specific treatment was applied to each group. The group of rats, supplied with immobilized Lactobacillus casei, showed a serum glucose concentration of 137 mg/dL, which was close to the one observed in the groups of healthy rats (117 mg/dL) and rats treated with metformin (155 mg/dL). The diabetic rats without treatment presented a higher serum glucose concentration (461 mg/dL). In the rats treated with immobilized L. casei, there was no biochemical parameter alteration, and the cell morphology of the analyzed tissues was similar to those of the healthy group. The consumption of immobilized L. casei could allow a high quantity of viable probiotics to be delivered to the gut, reducing serum glucose concentration by up to 70% compared to diabetic rats and reducing organ damage caused by diabetes.

Unveiling the potential pleiotropic effects of metformin in treating COVID-19: a comprehensive review

This review article explores the potential of metformin, a medication commonly used for type 2 diabetes, as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Metformin has demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture models and has shown promising results in reducing viral load and achieving undetectable viral levels in clinical trials. Additionally, metformin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating immune cell function, which may help prevent cytokine storms associated with severe COVID-19. The drug's ability to regulate the balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and anti-inflammatory Treg cells suggests its potential in mitigating inflammation and restoring T cell functionality. Furthermore, metformin's modulation of the gut microbiota, particularly changes in bacterial taxa and the production of short-chain fatty acids, may contribute to its therapeutic effects. The interplay between metformin, bile acids, the gut microbiome, glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion, and glycemic control has implications for the management of diabetes and potential interventions in COVID-19. By refreshing the current evidence, this review highlights the potential of metformin as a therapeutic option in the management of COVID-19, while also exploring its effects on the gut microbiome and immunometabolism.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG administration partially prevents diet-induced insulin resistance in rats: a comparison with its heat-inactivated parabiotic

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are obesity-related health alterations, featuring an ever-increasing prevalence. Besides inadequate feeding patterns, gut microbiota alterations stand out as potential contributors to these metabolic disturbances. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the administration of a probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) effectively prevents diet-induced insulin resistance in rats and to compare these potential effects with those exerted by its heat-inactivated parabiotic. For this purpose, 34 male Wistar rats were fed a standard or a high-fat high-fructose diet, alone or supplemented with viable or heat-inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The body and white adipose tissue weight increases, induced by the obesogenic diet, were prevented by probiotic and parabiotic administration. The trend towards higher basal glucose levels and significantly higher serum insulin concentration observed in the non-treated animals fed with the obesogenic diet were effectively reverted by both treatments. Similar results were also found for serum adiponectin and leptin, whose levels were brought back by the probiotic and parabiotic administration to values similar to those of the control animals. Noteworthily, parabiotic administration significantly reduced skeletal muscle triglyceride content and activated CPT-1b compared to the non-treated animals. Finally, both treatments enhanced Akt and AS160 phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle compared to the non-treated animals; however, only parabiotic administration increased GLUT-4 protein expression in this tissue. These results suggest that heat-inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG seem to be more effective than its probiotic of origin in preventing high-fat high-fructose diet-induced insulin resistance in rats.

Fagopyrum tataricum ethanol extract ameliorates symptoms of hyperglycemia by regulating gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes mellitus mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is typically accompanied by sudden weight loss, dyslipidemia-related indicators, decreased insulin sensitivity, and altered gut microbial communities. Fagopyrum tataricum possesses many biological activities, such as antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive activities. However, only a few studies have attempted to elucidate the regulatory effects of F. tataricum ethanol extract (FTE) on intestinal microbial communities and its potential relationships with T2DM. In this study, we established a T2DM mouse model and investigated the regulatory effects of FTE on hyperglycemia symptoms and intestinal microbial communities. FTE intervention significantly improved the levels of fasting blood glucose, the area under the curve of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycosylated serum protein, as well as pancreas islet function correlation index. In addition, FTE effectively improved hepatic and cecum injuries and insulin secretion due to T2DM. It was also revealed that the potential hypoglycemic mechanism of FTE was involved in the regulation of protein kinase B (AKT-1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2). Furthermore, compared with the Model group, the FTE-H intervention exhibited a significantly decreased ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at the phylum level, reduced relative abundance of pernicious bacteria at the genus level, such as Desulfovibrio, Oscillibacter, Blautia, Parabacteroides, and Erysipelatoclostridium, and ameliorated inflammatory response and insulin resistance. Moreover, the correlation between gut microbiota and hypoglycemic indicators was predicted. The results showed that Lachnoclostridium, Lactobacillus, Oscillibacter, Bilophila, and Roseburia have the potential to be used as bacterial markers for T2DM. In conclusion, our research showed that FTE alleviates hyperglycemia symptoms by regulating the expression of AKT-1 and GLUT-2, as well as intestinal microbial communities in T2DM mice.

Metformin Reduces the Progression of Atherogenesis by Regulating the Sestrin2-mTOR Pathway in Obese and Diabetic Rats

Objective

In previous research, we found that Sestrin2 has a strong association with plasma atherogenicity and combats the progression of atherogenesis by regulating the AMPK-mTOR pathway. Metformin, an activator of AMPK, is widely used as a first-line therapy for diabetes, but its role in preventing atherosclerosis and cardiac outcomes is unclear. Hence, we aimed to assess the effect of metformin on preventing atherosclerosis and its regulatory role in the Sestrin2-AMPK -mTOR pathway in obese/diabetic rats.

Methods

Animals were fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity, administered streptozotocin to induce diabetes, and then treated with metformin (150 mg/kg body weight) for 14 weeks. Aorta and heart tissues were analyzed for Sestrin2 status by western blotting and immunohistochemistry, AMPK and mTOR activities were investigated using western blotting, and atherogenicity-related events were evaluated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histology.

Results

Obese and diabetic rats showed significant decrease in Sestrin2 levels and AMPK activity, accompanied by increased mTOR activity in the heart and aorta tissues. Metformin treatment significantly restored Sestrin2 and AMPK levels, reduced mTOR activity, and restored the altered expression of inflammatory markers and adhesion molecules in obese and diabetic rats to normal levels. A histological analysis of samples from obese and diabetic rats showed atherosclerotic lesions both in aorta and heart tissues. The metformin-treated rats showed a decrease in atherosclerotic lesions, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiomyocyte degeneration.

Conclusion

This study presents further insights into the beneficial effects of metformin and its protective role against atherosclerosis through regulation of the Sestrin2-AMPK-mTOR pathway.

Effects of probiotic administration on overweight or obese children: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

This paper aimed to examine the effects of probiotics on eight factors in overweight or obese children by meta-analysis, namely, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), adiponectin, leptin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and summarize the mechanisms of action of probiotics based on the existing researches.

METHODS

Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, SinoMed and CNKI) were searched until March 2023. Review Manager 5.4 was used for meta-analysis. The data were analysed using weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) under a fixed effect model or random effect model to observe the effects of probiotic administration on the included indicators.

RESULTS

Four publications with a total of 206 overweight or obesity children were included. According to the meta-analysis, probiotics were able to significantly decrease the levels of HDL-C (MD, 0.06; 95% CI 0.03, 0.09; P = 0.0001), LDL-C (MD, - 0.06; 95% CI - 0.12, - 0.00; P = 0.04), adiponectin (MD, 1.39; 95% CI 1.19, 1.59; P < 0.00001), leptin (MD, - 2.72; 95% CI - 2.9, - 2.54; P < 0.00001) and TNF-α (MD, - 4.91; 95% CI - 7.15, - 2.67; P < 0.0001) compared to those in the placebo group. Still, for BMI, the palcebo group seemed to be better than the probiotic group (MD, 0.85; 95% CI 0.04, 1.66; P = 0.04). TC (MD, - 0.05; 95% CI - 0.12, 0.02; P = 0.14) and TG (MD, - 0.16; 95% CI - 0.36, 0.05; P = 0.14) were not different between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This review drew that probiotics might act as a role in regulating HDL-C, LDL-C, adiponectin, leptin and TNF-α in overweight or obesity children. Additionally, our systematic review yielded that probiotics might regulate lipid metabolism and improve obese associated symptoms by some paths. This meta-analysis has been registered at PROSPERO with ID: CRD42023408359.

Pediococcus acidilactici pA1c® Improves the Beneficial Effects of Metformin Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes by Controlling Glycaemia and Modulating Intestinal Microbiota

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disease, which involves maintained hyperglycemia, mainly due to the development of an insulin resistance process. Metformin administration is the most prescribed treatment for diabetic patients. In a previously published study, we demonstrated that Pediococcus acidilactici pA1c^® (pA1c) protects from insulin resistance and body weight gain in HFD-induced diabetic mice. The present work aimed to evaluate the possible beneficial impact of a 16-week administration of pA1c, metformin, or the combination of pA1c and metformin in a T2D HFD-induced mice model. We found that the simultaneous administration of both products attenuated hyperglycemia, increased high-intensity insulin-positive areas in the pancreas and HOMA-β, decreased HOMA-IR and also provided more beneficial effects than metformin treatment (regarding HOMA-IR, serum C-peptide level, liver steatosis or hepatic Fasn expression), and pA1c treatment (regarding body weight or hepatic G6pase expression). The three treatments had a significant impact on fecal microbiota and led to differential composition of commensal bacterial populations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that P. acidilactici pA1c^® administration improved metformin beneficial effects as a T2D treatment, and it would be a valuable therapeutic strategy to treat T2D.

Benefits of Biotics for Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in many countries, and the better prevention and prediction of these diseases would be of great importance for individuals and society. Nutrition, the gut microbiota, and metabolism have raised much interest in the field of cardiovascular disease research in the search for the main mechanisms that promote cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the interactions between dietary nutrient intake and the gut microbiota-mediated metabolism may provide clinical insight in order to identify individuals at risk of cardiometabolic disease progression, as well as other potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the risk of cardiometabolic disease progression. The development of cardiometabolic diseases can be modulated by specific beneficial metabolites derived from bacteria. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the impact of these metabolites on human health and the possibilities of modulating their production with dietary supplements called biotics.

Changes in the Microbiota and their Roles in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

An association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gut microbiota is well established, but the results of related studies are inconsistent. The purpose of this investigation is to elucidate the characteristics of the gut microbiota in T2DM and non-diabetic subjects. Forty-five subjects were recruited for this study, including 29 T2DM patients and 16 non-diabetic subjects. Biochemical parameters, including body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), were analyzed and correlated with the gut microbiota. Bacterial community composition and diversity were detected in fecal samples using direct smear, sequencing, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, it was observed that indicators such as BMI, FPG, HbA1c, TC, and TG in T2DM patients were on the rise, concurrent with dysbiosis of the microbiota. We observed an increase in Enterococci and a decrease in Bacteroides, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacilli in patients with T2DM. Meanwhile, total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and D-lactate concentrations were decreased in the T2DM group. In addition, FPG was positively correlated with Enterococcus and negatively correlated with Bifidobacteria, Bacteroides, and Lactobacilli. This study reveals that microbiota dysbiosis is associated with disease severity in patients with T2DM. The limitation of this study is that only common bacteria were noted in this study, and more in-depth related studies are urgently needed.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Ameliorates in LNK-Deficient Mouse Models with Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance Improvement

PURPOSE

To investigate the potential role of gut microbiota in obesity-induced insulin resistance (IR).

METHODS

Four-week-old male C57BL/6 wild-type mice (n = 6) and whole-body SH2 domain-containing adaptor protein (LNK)-deficient in C57BL/6 genetic backgrounds mice (n = 7) were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% calories from fat) for 16 weeks. The gut microbiota of 13 mice feces samples was analyzed by using a 16 s rRNA sequencing analysis.

RESULTS

The structure and composition of the gut microbiota community of WT mice were significantly different from those in the LNK-/- group. The abundance of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing genus Proteobacteria was increased in WT mice, while some short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing genera in WT groups were significantly lower than in LNK-/- groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The structure and composition of the intestinal microbiota community of obese WT mice were significantly different from those in the LNK-/- group. The abnormality of the gut microbial structure and composition might interfere with glucolipid metabolism and exacerbate obesity-induced IR by increasing LPS-producing genera while reducing SCFA-producing probiotics.

Soy yoghurts produced with efficient GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ameliorate hyperglycaemia and re-establish gut microbiota in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice

Soy yogurt has been gaining popularity as a vegan food produced simply by soymilk fermentation with proper microbial manipulation. It is well known that soy containing rich isoflavones is beneficial for ameliorating hyperglycaemic disorders. Soy fermentation can improve the bioavailability of these precious nutrients. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is one of the most abundant and frequently isolated species in soymilk manufacturing. Soy yogurts produced with efficient GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-producing L. plantarum and the deglycosylating activity of L. plantarum were functionally assessed in a STZ-induced hyperglycaemic mouse model. Hyperglycaemic mice were assigned into groups and treated with daily gavage of either dH₂O, soymilk, soy yoghurts produced with high GABA-producing L. plantarum GA30 (LPGA30), low GABA-producing L. plantarum PV30 (LPPV30) or the soy yoghurts fortified with additional 30 mg g^-1 GABA counterparts (GA + GABA and PV + GABA groups). Except the dH₂O group, all soy yoghurt groups retained body weight with improved glucose homeostasis, glucose tolerance test results and renal tissue integrity, while the soymilk group shows partial benefits. Plasma GABA concentrations in the daily soy yoghurt-supplemented groups (LPGA30 and LPPV30) plateaued at 5 times higher than the average 0.5 μM in dH₂O and soymilk groups, and their GABA-fortified soy yoghurt counterparts (GA + GABA and PV + GABA) groups were accountable for the restored plasma insulin levels. Gut microbiome analysis revealed dysbiosis in STZ-induced hyperglycemic mice of the dH₂O group with breached out facultative anaerobic Proteobacteria over the normal phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Restored gut microbiota with transitionally populated Actinobacteria was demonstrated in the LPGA30 group but not in the LPPV30 group. Soy yoghurts produced with efficient GABA-producing L. plantarum GA30 showed exceptional benefits in modulating gut microbiota with dominant genera of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and the presence of some minor beneficial microbial communities including Akkermansia muciniphila, Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum, Corynebacterium spp. and Adlercreutzia spp. Efficient GABA-producing L. plantarum GA30 fermented soymilk to produce soy yoghurts that exhibit profound synergistic protections over rich soy isoflavones to restore pancreatic β-cell functions for insulin production in STZ-induced hyperglycaemic mice. Additionally, the probiotic role of GABA-producing L. plantarum in re-establishing healthy gut microbiota in hyperglycaemic mice implies a possible symbiotic relationship, awaiting further exploration.

A Single Strain of Lactobacillus (CGMCC 21661) Exhibits Stable Glucose- and Lipid-Lowering Effects by Regulating Gut Microbiota

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is usually accompanied by obesity and nonalcoholic fatty-liver-related insulin resistance. The link between T2D and dysbiosis has been receiving increasing attention. Probiotics can improve insulin sensitivity by regulating imbalances in microbiota, but efficacy varies based on the probiotic used. This study screened the main strain in the feces of healthy adult mice and found it to be a new Lactobacillus (abbreviated as Lb., named as CGMCC No. 21661) after genetic testing. We designed the most common Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (CGMCC1.2186, abbreviated as B. longum. subsp.), fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and Lb. CGMCC No. 21661 protocols to explore the best way for modulating dysbiosis to improve T2D. After 6 weeks of gavage in T2D mice, it was found that all three protocols had a therapeutic alleviating effect. Among them, compared with the B. longum. subsp. and FMT, the Lb. CGMCC No. 21661 showed a 1- to 2-fold decrease in blood glucose (11.84 ± 1.29 mmol/L, p < 0.05), the lowest HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), a 1 fold increase in serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (5.84 ± 1.1 pmol/L, p < 0.05), and lowest blood lipids (total cholesterol, 2.21 ± 0.68 mmol/L, p < 0.01; triglycerides, 0.4 ± 0.15 mmol/L, p < 0.01; Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 0.53 ± 0.16 mmol/L, p < 0.01). In addition, tissue staining in the Lb. CGMCC No. 21661 showed a 2- to 3-fold reduction in T2D-induced fatty liver (p < 0.0001), a 1- to 2-fold decrease in pancreatic apoptotic cells (p < 0.05), and a significant increase in colonic mucus layer thickness (p < 0.05) compared with the B. longum. subsp. and FMT. The glucose and lipid lowering effects of this Lb. CGMCC No. 21661 indicate that it may provide new ideas for the treatment of diabetes.

Gut Dysbiosis and Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Role of Probiotics

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a multifactorial disease and one of the complications of diabetes. The global burden of DFU in the health sector is increasing at a tremendous rate due to its cost management related to hospitalization, medical costs and foot amputation. Hence, to manage DFU/DWs, various attempts have been made, including treating wounds systematically/topically using synthetic drugs, herbal drugs, or tissue engineering based surgical dressings. However, less attention has been paid to the intrinsic factors that are also the leading cause of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. One such factor is gut dysbiosis, which is one of the major causes of enhancing the counts of Gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria produce lipopolysaccharides, which are a major contributing factor toward insulin resistance and inflammation due to the generation of oxidative stress and immunopathy. These all lead to DM and DFU. Probiotics are the commercial form of beneficial gut microbes that are taken as nutraceuticals by people of all ages to improve gut immunity and prevent gut dysbiosis. However, the role of probiotics has been less explored in the management of DFU. Hence, the therapeutic potential of probiotics in managing DFU is fully described in the current review. This report covers the linkage between gut dysbiosis and DFU, sources of probiotics, the mechanisms of probiotics in DW healing, and the impact of probiotic supplementation in treating DFU. In addition, techniques for the stabilization of probiotics, market status, and patents related to probiotics have been also covered. The relevant data were gathered from PubMed, Scopus, Taylor and Francis, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Our systematic review discusses the utilization of probiotic supplementation as a nutraceutical for the management of DFU.

Association of intestinal microbiota markers and dietary pattern in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: The Henan rural cohort study

Studies on intestinal microbiota in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are scarce and correlation studies with dietary intake are lacking. The case-control study included 150 participants (74 T2DM patients and 76 controls) and microbiome analysis was performed using 16S rDNA sequencing. Principal component analysis was used to determine dietary patterns and correlation analysis was used to evaluate the associations between microbiota diversity, T2DM indicators and dietary variables. Compared to controls, the T2DM group had different gut flora characteristics, including lower alpha diversity, higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios, statistically significant beta diversity and other specific bacterial species differences. Gut microbiota was associated with several diabetes-related metabolic markers including HOMA2-β, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and fasting insulin. Significant associations were also observed between dietary intake pattern and gut flora. The animal foods pattern scores were positively correlated with the relative abundance of the phylum Fusobacteria, and the vegetarian diet pattern scores were positively correlated with the relative abundance of the phylum Actinobacteria. Phylum Actinobacteria mediated the association of vegetarian diet pattern with fasting insulin and HOMA2-β (all P < 0.05). Composition of intestinal microbiota in Chinese T2DM patients differs from that of control population, and the intestinal flora is affected by dietary intake while being associated with several diabetes-related metabolic markers. The gut microbiota may play an important role in linking dietary intake and the etiology of T2DM.

A Review of Immunomodulatory Reprogramming by Probiotics in Combating Chronic and Acute Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs)

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are characterized by a lack of angiogenesis and distal limb diabetic neuropathy. This makes it possible for opportunistic pathogens to protect the biofilm-encased micro-communities, causing a delay in wound healing. The acute and chronic phases of DFU-associated infections are distinguished by the differential expression of innate proinflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factors (TNF-α and -β). Efforts are being made to reduce the microbial bioburden of wounds by using therapies such as debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, shock wave therapy, and empirical antibiotic treatment. However, the constant evolution of pathogens limits the effectiveness of these therapies. In the wound-healing process, continuous homeostasis and remodeling processes by commensal microbes undoubtedly provide a protective barrier against diverse pathogens. Among commensal microbes, probiotics are beneficial microbes that should be administered orally or topically to regulate gut-skin interaction and to activate inflammation and proinflammatory cytokine production. The goal of this review is to bridge the gap between the role of probiotics in managing the innate immune response and the function of proinflammatory mediators in diabetic wound healing. We also highlight probiotic encapsulation or nanoformulations with prebiotics and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as innovative ways to tackle target DFUs.

The probiotic Bacillus subtilis BS50 decreases gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Durable spore-forming probiotics are increasingly formulated into foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. To help meet this demand, the safety and efficacy of daily supplementation of Bacillus subtilis BS50 for 6 weeks was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial of 76 healthy adults. Before and during supplementation, gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded daily using a multi-symptom questionnaire. Clinical chemistry, hematology, plasma lipids, and intestinal permeability and inflammation markers were measured at baseline and end of study. Compared to placebo, 2 × 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU) BS50 per day increased the proportion of participants showing improvement from baseline to week 6 in the composite score for bloating, burping, and flatulence (47.4% vs. 22.2%), whereby the odds of detecting an improvement were higher with BS50 (OR [95% CI]: 3.2 [1.1, 8.7], p = .024). Analyses of individual gastrointestinal symptoms indicate that BS50 increased the proportion of participants showing an improvement at week 6 compared to placebo for burping (44.7% vs. 22.2%, p = .041) and bloating (31.6% vs. 13.9%, p = .071), without affecting other symptoms. There were no clinically meaningful changes in clinical chemistry, hematology, plasma lipids and intestinal permeability and other inflammation markers. In conclusion, the results suggest that dietary supplementation of 2 × 10⁹ CFU Bacillus subtilis BS50 per day is a well-tolerated and safe strategy to alleviate gas-related gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults.

ABBREVIATIONS

AE adverse event; BHD bowel habits diary; BMI body mass index; BSS Bristol Stool Scale; CFU colony-forming unit; CRP C-reactive protein; FGID functional gastrointestinal disorder; GI gastrointestinal; GITQ Gastrointestinal Tolerance Questionnaire; GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide 1; GSRS Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale; HDL-C high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; IBS irritable bowel syndrome; IL-10 interleukin-10; ITT intent-to-treat; LBP lipopolysaccharide binding protein; LDL-C low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; PP per protocol; PYY peptide YY; TG triglyceride; total-C total cholesterol.

The ameliorative effect of probiotics on diet-induced lipid metabolism disorders: A review

High-fat diet induces lipid metabolism disorders that has become one of the grievous public health problems and imposes a serious economic and social burden worldwide. Safety probiotics isolated from nature are regarded as a novel supplementary strategy for preventing and improving diet-induced lipid metabolism disorders and related chronic diseases. The present review summarized the latest researches of probiotics in high fat diet induced lipid metabolism disorders to provide a critical perspective on the regulatory function of probiotics for future research. Furthermore, the screening criteria and general sources of probiotics with lipid-lowering ability also outlined to enlarge microbial species resource bank instantly, which promoted the development of functional foods with lipid-lowering strains from nature. After critically reviewing the lipid-lowering potential of probiotics both in vitro and in vivo and even in clinical data of humans, we provided a perspective that probiotics activated AMPK signaling pathway to regulate fat synthesis and decomposition, as well as affected positively the gut microbiota structure, intestinal barrier function and systemic inflammatory response, then these beneficial effects are amplified along Gut-liver axis, which regulated intestinal flora metabolites such as SCFAs and BAs by HMGCR/FXR/SHP signaling pathway to improve high fat diet induced lipid metabolism disorders effectively.

Effects of salvianolic acid A on intestinal microbiota and lipid metabolism disorders in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is the main water-soluble component isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza. This study explored the influences of SalA on intestinal microbiota composition and lipid metabolism in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. The 6-week-old male ZDF rats were treated with distilled water (N = 10) and low dose (SalA 0.5 mg/kg/d, N = 10), medium dose (SalA 1 mg/kg/d, N = 10), and high dose (SalA 2 mg/kg/d, N = 10) of SalA, with the male Zucker lean normoglycemic rats of the same week age as controls (given distilled water, N = 10). The blood glucose, body weight, and food intake of rats were examined. After 7 and 8 weeks of continuous administration, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed, respectively. Serum fasting insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) were determined. Liver tissues were stained using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Small intestinal tissues were stained using HE and immunohistochemistry. The tight junction proteins (ZO-1/Occludin/Claudin-1) and serum levels of LPS/TNF-α/IL-6 were evaluated. SalA reduced insulin resistance, liver injury, serum FFA, liver TC and TG levels in ZDF rats, and improved lipid metabolism. After SalA treatment, intestinal microbiota richness and diversity of ZDF rats were promoted. SalA retained the homeostasis of intestinal core microbiota. SalA reduced intestinal epithelial barrier damage, LPS, and inflammatory cytokines in ZDF rats. Overall, SalA can sustain intestinal microbiota balance and improve the lipid metabolism of ZDF rats.

Potential role of Limosilactobacillus fermentum as a probiotic with anti-diabetic properties: A review

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota impairments have been implicated in the development and maintenance of diabetes mellitus. Strategies capable of recovering the community of commensal gut microbiota and controlling diabetes mellitus have increased in recent years. Some lactobacilli strains have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory system capable of protecting against oxidative stress, inflammation, and diabetes mellitus. Experimental studies and some clinical trials have demonstrated that Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains can beneficially modulate the host antioxidant and anti-inflammatory system, resulting in the amelioration of glucose homeostasis in diabetic conditions. This review presents and discusses the currently available studies on the identification of Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains with anti-diabetic properties, their sources, range of dosage, and the intervention time in experiments with animals and clinical trials. This review strives to serve as a relevant and well-cataloged reference of Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains capable of inducing anti-diabetic effects and promoting health benefits.

The role of probiotic supplementation on insulin resistance in obesity associated diabetes: A mini review

Obesity and diabetes are two metabolic disorders linked by an inflammatory process named insulin resistance (IR). Various research on the role of gut microbiota in developing obesity and its associated disorders has led to the growing interest in probiotic supplementation. Considering the life-threatening complications of diabesity this mini review explored the effects of probiotic supplementation on IR in obesity associated diabetes. This review is based on recent articles from 2005-2020, studying the role of probiotic supplementation on glucose and insulin parameters in healthy and diabetic mouse model. Probiotic supplementation altered the gut microbiota composition, increased short chain fatty acid production, and decreased pro inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, they decreased intestinal permeability, circulating lipopolysaccharides and metabolic endotoxemia, hence improved insulin sensitivity and reduced obesity. Although multi-strain probiotic supplementation showed greater benefits than single strain interventions, variations in the concentration of probiotics used and the duration of treatment also influenced the results.  Probiotic supplementation could manipulate the gut microbiota by reducing intestinal permeability, inflammation and ameliorate IR and obesity associated diabetes in animal models which requires further long-term clinical studies in humans. 

Effectiveness of new selenium-enriched mutated probiotics in reducing inflammatory effects of piroxicam medication in liver and kidney

Piroxicam is used to treat the pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but it has many side effects, such as hypertension, elevation of liver enzymes, and hepatitis. This study used selenium-enriched probiotics to reduce the side effects of piroxicam on the liver and kidney tissues and functions. Forty-eight male albino mice were randomly assigned to control, piroxicam (P), piroxicam plus selenium-enriched Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 (P + SP), piroxicam plus selenium-enriched Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 (P + SB), selenium-enriched L. plantarum PSe40/60/1 (SP), and selenium-enriched B. longum BSe50/20/1 (SB) groups. In this study, the function of the liver and kidney was biochemically determined; the histopathology of the liver and kidney tissues was microscopically examined and the expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in liver and kidney tissues was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Liver and kidney functions were significantly reduced in the piroxicam group compared with control. Liver and kidney tissues were damaged in the piroxicam group while they appeared more or less normal in the SB group. The expression of inflammatory genes was significantly up-regulated in the liver and kidney tissues of the piroxicam group compared to the control group. The expression of anti-inflammatory genes was significantly down-regulated in the liver and kidney of the piroxicam group and up-regulated in the liver and kidney of the SB group compared to the control group. Therefore, these mutated strains of probiotics were useful in reducing the side effects of the piroxicam drug on the liver and kidney.

Probiotic Mechanisms Affecting Glucose Homeostasis: A Scoping Review

The maintenance of a healthy status depends on the coexistence between the host organism and the microbiota. Early studies have already focused on the nutritional properties of probiotics, which may also contribute to the structural changes in the gut microbiota, thereby affecting host metabolism and homeostasis. Maintaining homeostasis in the body is therefore crucial and is reflected at all levels, including that of glucose, a simple sugar molecule that is an essential fuel for normal cellular function. Despite numerous clinical studies that have shown the effect of various probiotics on glucose and its homeostasis, knowledge about the exact function of their mechanism is still scarce. The aim of our review was to select in vivo and in vitro studies in English published in the last eleven years dealing with the effects of probiotics on glucose metabolism and its homeostasis. In this context, diverse probiotic effects at different organ levels were highlighted, summarizing their potential mechanisms to influence glucose metabolism and its homeostasis. Variations in results due to different methodological approaches were discussed, as well as limitations, especially in in vivo studies. Further studies on the interactions between probiotics, host microorganisms and their immunity are needed.

Identification of the DPP-IV Inhibitory Peptides from Donkey Blood and Regulatory Effect on the Gut Microbiota of Type 2 Diabetic Mice

After being treated with protease K, peptides extracted from donkey blood were separated, identified, and characterized. The results showed that Sephadex G-25 medium purified with MW < 3 kDa had the highest dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibition capacity. Three-hundred-and-thirty-four peptides were identified with UPLC−MS/MS. Peptide Ranker and molecular docking analysis were used to screen active peptides, and 16 peptides were finalized out of the 334. The results showed that the lowest binding energy between P7(YPWTQ) and DPP-IV was −9.1, and the second-lowest binding energy between P1(VDPENFRLL) and DPP-IV was −8.7. The active peptides(MW < 3 kDa) could cause a reduction in the fasting blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetic mice, improve glucose tolerance, and facilitate healing of the damaged structure of diabetic murine liver and pancreas. Meanwhile, the peptides were found to ameliorate the diabetic murine intestinal micro-ecological environment to a certain extent.

Efficacy of dietary supplements targeting gut microbiota in the prevention and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a kind of metabolic disease occurring during gestation period, which often leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes and seriously harms the health of mothers and infants. The pathogenesis of GDM may be bound up with the abnormal gut microbiota composition in pregnant women. Previous studies have clarified that dietary supplements can regulate the gut microbiota to play a role. Therefore, using dietary supplements, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to target the gut microbiota to regulate the disordered gut microbiota would become a potential method that benefits for preventing and treating GDM. This paper reviews a series of clinical trials in recent years, expounds on the clinical effects of dietary supplements such as probiotics on GDM, and discusses the intervention effects of dietary supplements on GDM related risk factors, including overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, the relationship of GDM and gut microbiota is also discussed, and the possible mechanisms of dietary supplements are summarized. This review will help to promote the further development of dietary supplements targeting gut microbiota and provide more knowledge support for clinical application in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Dietary Bacillus licheniformis improves the effect of Astragalus membranaceus extract on blood glucose by regulating antioxidation activity and intestinal microbiota in InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila melanogaster

Background

The diabetes mellitus prevalence is rapidly increasing in most parts of the world and has become a vital health problem. Probiotic and herbal foods are valuable in the treatment of diabetes.

Methods and performance

In this study, Bacillus licheniformis (BL) and Astragalus membranaceus extract (AE) were given with food to InR^[E19]/TM2 Drosophila melanogaster, and the blood glucose, antioxidation activity and intestinal microbiota were investigated. The obtained results showed that BA (BL and AE combination) supplementation markedly decreased the blood glucose concentration compared with the standard diet control group, accompanied by significantly increased enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), decreased MDA levels and prolonged lifespan of InR^[E19]/TM2 D. melanogaster. The treatments with BL, AE and BA also ameliorated intestinal microbiota equilibrium by increasing the population of Lactobacillus and significantly decreasing the abundance of Wolbachia. In addition, clearly different evolutionary clusters were found among the control, BL, AE and BA-supplemented diets, and the beneficial microbiota, Lactobacillaceae and Acetobacter, were found to be significantly increased in male flies that were fed BA. These results indicated that dietary supplementation with AE combined with BL not only decreased blood glucose but also extended the lifespan, with CAT increasing, MDA decreasing, and intestinal microbiota improving in InR^[E19]/TM2 D. melanogaster.

Conclusion

The obtained results showed that dietary supplementation with BL and AE, under the synergistic effect of BL and AE, not only prolonged the lifespan of InR^[E19]/TM2 D. melanogaster, increased body weight, and improved the body’s antiaging enzyme activity but also effectively improved the types and quantities of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora of InR^[E19]/TM2 D. melanogaster to improve the characteristics of diabetes symptoms. This study provides scientific evidence for a safe and effective dietary therapeutic method for diabetes mellitus.

Camellia (Camellia oleifera bel.) seed oil reprograms gut microbiota and alleviates lipid accumulation in high fat-fed mice through the mTOR pathway

Camellia (Camellia oleifera bel.) seed oil (CO) is extensively used as an edible oil in China and Asian countries owing to its high nutritional and medicinal values. It has been shown that a high-fat diet enhances lipid accumulation and induces intestinal microbiota imbalance in mice. However, it is still to be learned whether CO prevents dyslipidemia through gut microbiota. Here, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of the gut microbiota, we found that oral CO relieved lipid accumulation and reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis. Compared to mice (C57BL/6J male mice) fed a high-fat diet, treatment with CO regulated the composition and functional profiling communities related to the lipid metabolism of gut microbiota. The abundances of Dubosiella, Lactobacillus, and Alistipes were markedly increased in CO supplementation mice. In addition, the colon levels of isobutyric acid, pentanoic acid, and isovaleric acid were similar between the control and CO supplementation mice. Besides, the results indicated that CO supplementation in mice alleviated lipid droplet accumulation in the hepatocytes and subcutaneous adipose tissue, although the liver index did not show a difference. Notably, CO supplementation for 6 weeks significantly reduced the levels of LDL, TC, and TG, while enhancing the level of HDL in serum and liver. Meanwhile, we also identified that CO supplementation suppressed the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in high fat-fed (HF-fed) mice. Taken together, our results suggest that CO improved dyslipidemia and alleviated lipid accumulation in HF-fed mice, the molecular mechanisms possibly associated with the reorganization of gut microbiota, in particular, Alistipes and Dubosiella, mediated the inhibition of the mTOR pathway.

Is type 2 diabetes mellitus another intercellular junction-related disorder?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is nowadays a worldwide epidemic and has become a major challenge for health systems around the world. It is a multifactorial disorder, characterized by a chronic state of hyperglycemia caused by defects in the production as well as in the peripheral action of insulin. This minireview highlights the experimental and clinical evidence that supports the novel idea that intercellular junctions (IJs)-mediated cell-cell contacts play a role in the pathogenesis of T2D. It focuses on IJs repercussion for endocrine pancreas, intestinal barrier, and kidney dysfunctions that contribute to the onset and evolution of this metabolic disorder.