Can tailored nanoceria act as a prebiotic? Report on improved lipid profile and gut microbiota in obese mice

The causal relationship between gut microbiota and biliary tract cancer: comprehensive bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis

Background

Growing evidence has shown that gut microbiome composition is associated with Biliary tract cancer (BTC), but the causality remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between gut microbiota and BTC, conduct an appraisal of the gut microbiome's utility in facilitating the early diagnosis of BTC.

Methods

We acquired the summary data for Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) pertaining to BTC (418 cases and 159,201 controls) from the Biobank Japan (BBJ) database. Additionally, the GWAS summary data relevant to gut microbiota (N = 18,340) were sourced from the MiBioGen consortium. The primary methodology employed for the analysis consisted of Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW). Evaluations for sensitivity were carried out through the utilization of multiple statistical techniques, encompassing Cochrane's Q test, the MR-Egger intercept evaluation, the global test of MR-PRESSO, and a leave-one-out methodological analysis. Ultimately, a reverse Mendelian Randomization analysis was conducted to assess the potential for reciprocal causality.

Results

The outcomes derived from IVW substantiated that the presence of Family Streptococcaceae (OR = 0.44, P = 0.034), Family Veillonellaceae (OR = 0.46, P = 0.018), and Genus Dorea (OR = 0.29, P = 0.041) exerted a protective influence against BTC. Conversely, Class Lentisphaeria (OR = 2.21, P = 0.017), Genus Lachnospiraceae FCS020 Group (OR = 2.30, P = 0.013), and Order Victivallales (OR = 2.21, P = 0.017) were associated with an adverse impact. To assess any reverse causal effect, we used BTC as the exposure and the gut microbiota as the outcome, and this analysis revealed associations between BTC and five different types of gut microbiota. The sensitivity analysis disclosed an absence of empirical indicators for either heterogeneity or pleiotropy.

Conclusion

This investigation represents the inaugural identification of indicative data supporting either beneficial or detrimental causal relationships between gut microbiota and the risk of BTC, as determined through the utilization of MR methodologies. These outcomes could hold significance for the formulation of individualized therapeutic strategies aimed at BTC prevention and survival enhancement.

Multi-probiotic consumption sex-dependently interferes with MSG-induced obesity and concomitant phagocyte pro-inflammatory polarization in rats: Food for thought about personalized nutrition

Epidemic scope which obesity has reached in many countries necessitates shifting the emphasis in medicine from traditional reaction to individualized and personalized prevention. Numerous trials convincingly prove sexual dimorphism of obesity in morbidity, pathophysiology, comorbidity, outcomes and prophylaxis efficacy. Obesity is characterized by chronic systemic low-grade inflammation that creates the preconditions for the emergence of numerous comorbidities. Leading role in the initiation, propagation and resolution of inflammation belongs to tissue resident and circulating phagocytes. The outcome of inflammation largely depends on phagocyte functional polarization, which in turn is governed by environmental stimuli. Gut microbiota (GM), whose disturbances are one of the key pathogenetic features in obesity, substantially affect phagocyte functions and can either aggravate or calm obesity-associated inflammation. Probiotics possess promising physiological functions, including microbiota-restoring and anti-inflammatory traits, that may possibly help prevent obesity. However, sex-specific effects of probiotic supplementation for targeted obesity prevention remain unknown. The aim of the current study was aimed to compare the effect of multi-probiotic preparation used in prophylactic regimen on the adiposity, profile of culturable GM and its short-chain fatty acids as well as on functional profile of phagocytes from different locations in male and female rats with monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity. Obesity was induced by neonatal MSG injections in male and female rats, who were given the multi-species probiotic during juvenile and adult developmental stages. Culturable fecal and mucosa-associated microbiota of the intestine were examined using selective diagnostic media. Short-chain fatty acid profile in fecal samples was determined by GC-MS. Phagocyte functional profile was evaluated using flow cytometry and colorimetric methods. Probiotic supplementation after the administration of MSG prevented weight gain and fat accumulation, inflammatory phagocyte activation and alterations in GM in female rats. In male MSG-injected rats, probiotic supplementation restricted but did not prevent weight gain and fat deposition, alleviated but did not prevent systemic inflammation, prevented the alterations in GM, but with residual imbalance in the ratio of obligate anaerobic to facultative anaerobic bacteria. Our findings emphasize the necessity of sex-centered approaches to the prophylactic use of probiotics in obesity in the context of predictive preventive and personalized medicine.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protects against atherosclerosis by improving ketone body synthesis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major cause of death and morbidity worldwide. There is an increasing amount of evidence that the gut microbiota plays an important role in disorders associated with lipid metabolism, such as AS, and alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota and its metabolic potential have been identified as contributing factors in the development of AS. Recently, probiotics have attracted great interest for their excellent cholesterol-lowering ability, their capacity to improve vascular endothelial function, and their participation in the remodeling of the intestinal flora to prevent AS. The incidental findings of our other study suggest that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may be associated with slowing the progression of AS. Thus, we delivered strain GG into mice by oral feeding and found that strain GG could effectively inhibit AS plaque generation. We analyzed the differences in gut microbiota composition and the peripheral blood metabolome in mice after oral feeding of strain GG by 16S DNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics, respectively. The results showed that strain GG changed the composition of the gut microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet; elevated the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bilophila and Alistipes, and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Deltaproteobacteria. The results of enrichment analysis of the gut microbiota and the peripheral blood metabolome both indicated that the antiatherosclerotic effect of strain GG might be associated with the biosynthesis pathway of ketone bodies. In addition, strain GG attenuated endothelial injury and elevated peripheral blood ketone body content in mice but did not significantly affect low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) content. In conclusion, our study provides new evidence that strain GG slows the progression of AS, which may be associated with its improvement of the gut microbiome and peripheral blood metabolome, its ability to increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and its participation in unsaturated fatty acid and ketone body synthesis and degradation. KEY POINTS: • L. rhamnosus GG attenuated endothelial injury and atherosclerotic plaque formation • L. rhamnosus GG elevated the abundance of beneficial bacteria • L. rhamnosus GG elevated peripheral blood ketone body content in mice.

Probiotics Bring New Hope for Atherosclerosis Prevention and Treatment

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of human mortality and morbidity worldwide. Atherosclerosis (AS) is the underlying pathological responsible in most acute and severe cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction and stroke. However, current drugs applied to the treatment of AS are not clinically effective, and there is a large residual risk of cardiovascular disease and multiple side effects. Increasing evidence supports a close relationship between microorganisms and the incidence of AS. Recent data have shown that probiotics can improve multiple key factors involved in the development and progression of AS, including cholesterol metabolism imbalance, endothelial dysfunction, proinflammatory factor production, macrophage polarization, intestinal flora disturbance, and infection with pathogenic microorganisms, and therefore probiotics have attracted great interest as a novel potential “medicine”. This review is aimed at summarizing the effects of probiotics on various influencing factors, and providing valuable insights in the search for early prevention and potential therapeutic strategies for AS.

Identifying potential signatures for atherosclerosis in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine using integrative bioinformatics approaches and machine-learning strategies

Background

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although several molecular markers associated with atherosclerosis have been developed in recent years, the lack of robust evidence hinders their clinical applications. For these reasons, identification of novel and robust biomarkers will directly contribute to atherosclerosis management in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). This integrative analysis aimed to identify critical genetic markers of atherosclerosis and further explore the underlying molecular immune mechanism attributing to the altered biomarkers.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) series datasets were downloaded from GEO. Firstly, differential expression analysis and functional analysis were conducted. Multiple machine-learning strategies were then employed to screen and determine key genetic markers, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess diagnostic value. Subsequently, cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcript (CIBERSORT) and a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were performed to explore relationships between signatures and immune cells. Lastly, we validated the biomarkers' expression in human and mice experiments.

Results

A total of 611 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) included 361 upregulated and 250 downregulated genes. Based on the enrichment analysis, DEGs were mapped in terms related to immune cell involvements, immune activating process, and inflaming signals. After using multiple machine-learning strategies, dehydrogenase/reductase 9 (DHRS9) and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type J (PTPRJ) were identified as critical biomarkers and presented their high diagnostic accuracy for atherosclerosis. From CIBERSORT analysis, both DHRS9 and PTPRJ were significantly related to diverse immune cells, such as macrophages and mast cells. Further scRNA-seq analysis indicated DHRS9 was specifically upregulated in macrophages of atherosclerotic lesions, which was confirmed in atherosclerotic patients and mice.

Conclusions

Our findings are the first to report the involvement of DHRS9 in the atherogenesis, and the proatherogenic effect of DHRS9 is mediated by immune mechanism. In addition, we confirm that DHRS9 is localized in macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, upregulated DHRS9 could be a novel potential target for the future predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention, patient stratification, and personalization of medical services in atherosclerosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-022-00289-y.

Material Engineering in Gut Microbiome and Human Health

Tremendous progress has been made in the past decade regarding our understanding of the gut microbiome's role in human health. Currently, however, a comprehensive and focused review marrying the two distinct fields of gut microbiome and material research is lacking. To bridge the gap, the current paper discusses critical aspects of the rapidly emerging research topic of "material engineering in the gut microbiome and human health." By engaging scientists with diverse backgrounds in biomaterials, gut-microbiome axis, neuroscience, synthetic biology, tissue engineering, and biosensing in a dialogue, our goal is to accelerate the development of research tools for gut microbiome research and the development of therapeutics that target the gut microbiome. For this purpose, state-of-the-art knowledge is presented here on biomaterial technologies that facilitate the study, analysis, and manipulation of the gut microbiome, including intestinal organoids, gut-on-chip models, hydrogels for spatial mapping of gut microbiome compositions, microbiome biosensors, and oral bacteria delivery systems. In addition, a discussion is provided regarding the microbiome-gut-brain axis and the critical roles that biomaterials can play to investigate and regulate the axis. Lastly, perspectives are provided regarding future directions on how to develop and use novel biomaterials in gut microbiome research, as well as essential regulatory rules in clinical translation. In this way, we hope to inspire research into future biomaterial technologies to advance gut microbiome research and gut microbiome-based theragnostics.

A κ-OR Agonist Protects the Endothelial Function Impaired by Hyperuricemia Through Regulating the Akt/eNOS Signal Pathway

To investigate the effects of κ-OR agonist on hyperuricemia rats and injured endothelial function, as well as the underlying mechanism. A hyperuricemia model was established on rats. The endothelial protective effects of U50,488H were evaluated and compared to the controlled groups. The protein levels of eNOS, p-eNOS, Akt, and p-Akt were determined using western blot analysis. ELISA was employed to measure the expression of soluble ET-1, ICAM-1, TNF-α, and NO in cell supernatants and rat serum samples. Cell migration and the artery tension were determined by in vitro functional assays. The suppressed production of ET-1, ICAM-1, and NO in the hyperuricemia rats was promoted by the treatment of U50,488H, which was reversed by the co-administration of nor-BNI. P-eNOS/eNOS and p-Akt/Akt were up-regulated by the incubation of serum from hyperuricemia rats, which was down-regulated by the introduction of U50,488H. The vascular tension of vessels incubated with U50,488H was higher than the baseline in the presence of ACh, which was lower than baseline in the presence of SNAP. U50,488H significantly promoted the release of ET-1, ICAM-1, and NO, and inhibited the release of TNF-α from endothelial cells and the migration ability of neutrophils in the presence of hyperuricemia rat serum, which were reversed by the co-incubation with nor-BNI, Akt inhibitor or L-NAME. U50,488H protected the endothelial function impaired by hyperuricemia through regulating the Akt/eNOS signal pathway.

Mitigation of potentially toxic elements in food products by probiotic bacteria: A comprehensive review

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) as non-degradable elements (especially carcinogenic types for humans such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As)) are widely distributed in the environment. They are one of the most concerned pollutants that can be absorbed and accumulated in the human body, primarily via contaminated water and foods. Acute or chronic poisoning of humans to PTEs can pose some serious risks for human health even at low concentrations. In this context, some methods are introduced to eliminate or reduce their concentration. While the biological treatment by bacterial strains, particularly probiotic bacteria, is considered as an effective method for reducing or eliminating of them. The consumption of probiotics as nonpathogenic microorganisms at regular and adequate dose offer some beneficial health impacts, it can also be applied to remove PTEs in both alive and non-alive states. This review aimed to provide an overview regarding the efficacy of different types of probiotic bacteria for PTEs removal from various environments such as food, water, in vitro, and in vivo conditions.

All around suboptimal health - a joint position paper of the Suboptimal Health Study Consortium and European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine

First two decades of the twenty-first century are characterised by epidemics of non-communicable diseases such as many hundreds of millions of patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases and the type 2 diabetes mellitus, breast, lung, liver and prostate malignancies, neurological, sleep, mood and eye disorders, amongst others. Consequent socio-economic burden is tremendous. Unprecedented decrease in age of maladaptive individuals has been reported. The absolute majority of expanding non-communicable disorders carry a chronic character, over a couple of years progressing from reversible suboptimal health conditions to irreversible severe pathologies and cascading collateral complications. The time-frame between onset of SHS and clinical manifestation of associated disorders is the operational area for an application of reliable risk assessment tools and predictive diagnostics followed by the cost-effective targeted prevention and treatments tailored to the person. This article demonstrates advanced strategies in bio/medical sciences and healthcare focused on suboptimal health conditions in the frame-work of Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine (3PM/PPPM). Potential benefits in healthcare systems and for society at large include but are not restricted to an improved life-quality of major populations and socio-economical groups, advanced professionalism of healthcare-givers and sustainable healthcare economy. Amongst others, following medical areas are proposed to strongly benefit from PPPM strategies applied to the identification and treatment of suboptimal health conditions:Stress overload associated pathologiesMale and female healthPlanned pregnanciesPeriodontal healthEye disordersInflammatory disorders, wound healing and pain management with associated complicationsMetabolic disorders and suboptimal body weightCardiovascular pathologiesCancersStroke, particularly of unknown aetiology and in young individualsSleep medicineSports medicineImproved individual outcomes under pandemic conditions such as COVID-19.

In Vivo Healthy Benefits of Galacto-Oligosaccharides from Lupinus albus (LA-GOS) in Butyrate Production through Intestinal Microbiota

Animal digestive systems host microorganism ecosystems, including integrated bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others, that produce a variety of compounds from different substrates with healthy properties. Among these substrates, α-galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are considered prebiotics that promote the grow of gut microbiota with a metabolic output of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). In this regard, we evaluated Lupinus albus GOS (LA-GOS) as a natural prebiotic using different animal models. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of LA-GOS on the gut microbiota, SCFA production, and intestinal health in healthy and induced dysbiosis conditions (an ulcerative colitis (UC) model). Twenty C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated in four groups (n = 5/group): untreated and treated non-induced animals, and two groups induced with 2% dextran sulfate sodium to UC with and without LA-GOS administration (2.5 g/kg bw). We found that the UC treated group showed a higher goblet cell number, lower disease activity index, and reduced histopathological damage in comparison to the UC untreated group. In addition, the abundance of positive bacteria to butyryl-CoA transferase in gut microbiota was significantly increased by LA-GOS treatment, in healthy conditions. We measured the SCFA production with significant differences in the butyrate concentration between treated and untreated healthy groups. Finally, the pH level in cecum feces was reduced after LA-GOS treatment. Overall, we point out the in vivo health benefits of LA-GOS administration on the preservation of the intestinal ecosystem and the promotion of SCFA production.

Role of microRNAs in Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions: Clinical Insights and Therapeutic Alternatives

Disorders of gut–brain interactions (DGBIs) are heterogeneous in nature and intertwine with diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. Regular functioning of the gut requires complex coordinated interplay between a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) cell types and their functions are regulated by multiple mechanisms at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by binding to specific mRNA targets to repress their translation and/or promote the target mRNA degradation. Dysregulation of miRNAs might impair gut physiological functions leading to DGBIs and gut motility disorders. Studies have shown miRNAs regulate gut functions such as visceral sensation, gut immune response, GI barrier function, enteric neuronal development, and GI motility. These biological processes are highly relevant to the gut where neuroimmune interactions are key contributors in controlling gut homeostasis and functional defects lead to DGBIs. Although extensive research has explored the pathophysiology of DGBIs, further research is warranted to bolster the molecular mechanisms behind these disorders. The therapeutic targeting of miRNAs represents an attractive approach for the treatment of DGBIs because they offer new insights into disease mechanisms and have great potential to be used in the clinic as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Here, we review recent advances regarding the regulation of miRNAs in GI pacemaking cells, immune cells, and enteric neurons modulating pathophysiological mechanisms of DGBIs. This review aims to assess the impacts of miRNAs on the pathophysiological mechanisms of DGBIs, including GI dysmotility, impaired intestinal barrier function, gut immune dysfunction, and visceral hypersensitivity. We also summarize the therapeutic alternatives for gut microbial dysbiosis in DGBIs, highlighting the clinical insights and areas for further exploration. We further discuss the challenges in miRNA therapeutics and promising emerging approaches.

Effects of dietary exposure to the engineered nanomaterials CeO2, SiO2, Ag, and TiO2 on the murine gut microbiome

Rodent studies on the effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) on the gut microbiome have revealed contradictory results. Our aim was to assess the effects of four well-investigated model ENM using a realistic exposure scenario. Two independent ad libitum feeding studies were performed. In study 1, female mice from the local breeding facility received feed pellets containing 1% CeO₂ or 1% SiO₂ for three weeks. In study 2, both female and male mice were purchased and exposed to 0.2% Ag-PVP or 1% TiO₂ for four weeks. A next generation 16S rDNA sequencing-based approach was applied to assess impacts on the gut microbiome. None of the ENM had an effect on the α- or β-diversity. A decreased relative abundance of the phylum Actinobacteria was observed in SiO₂ exposed mice. In female mice, the relative abundance of the genus Roseburia was increased with Ag exposure. Furthermore, in study 2, a sex-related difference in the β-diversity was observed. A difference in the β-diversity was also shown between the female control mice of the two studies. We did not find major effects on the gut microbiome. This contrast to other studies may be due to variations in the study design. Our investigation underlined the important role of the sex of test animals and their microbiome composition prior to ENM exposure initiation. Hence, standardization of microbiome studies is strongly required to increase comparability. The ENM-specific effects on Actinobacteria and Roseburia, two taxa pivotal for the human gut homeostasis, warrant further research on their relevance for health.

Protective potential of cerium oxide nanoparticles in diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable metabolic disease which is closely related to excessive oxidative stress after constant exposure to high plasma glucose. Although the current antidiabetic medications are effective in lowering blood glucose, these medications do not prevent or reverse the disease progression. Thus, there is a crucial need to explore new therapeutic interventions that could address this shortcoming. As cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) possess antioxidant property, this agent may be used as a treatment option for the management of DM.

PURPOSE

This review aims to provide a critical evaluation of the pharmacological and antidiabetic effects of CONPs in cell and animal models. The roles of CONPs in attenuating DM complications are also presented in this report.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the keywords "cerium oxide", "cerous oxide", "ceria", "nanoceria", and "diabetes" from inception to December 2020. The inclusion criteria were primary source articles that investigated the role of CONPs in DM and diabetic complications.

RESULTS

We identified 47 articles from the initial search. After the thorough screening, only 31 articles were included in this study. We found that CONPs can attenuate parameters that are related to DM and diabetic complications in various animals and cell culture models.

CONCLUSION

CONPs could potentially be used in the treatment of those with DM and complications caused by the disease.

Positive influence of gut microbiota on the effects of Korean red ginseng in metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background

Ginseng, a traditional herbal medicine, has been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases including metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the underlying mechanism(s) of such beneficial actions of ginseng against MS is poorly understood. Emerging evidence indicates a close association of the host gut microbiota with MS. The present study was conducted to examine, whether the beneficial effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) against MS could be influenced by gut microbial population and whether gut microbial profile could be considered a valuable biomarker for targeted treatment strategy for MS in compliance with the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM / 3PM).

Methods

This clinical study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of KRG treatment for 8 weeks on patients with MS. The anthropometric parameters, vital signs, metabolic biomarkers, and gut microbial composition through 16S rRNA gene sequencing were assessed at the baseline and endpoint. The impact of KRG was also evaluated after categorizing the subjects into responders and non-responders, as well as enterotypes 1 and 2 based on their gut microbial profile at the baseline.

Results

Fifty out of 60 subjects who meet the MS criteria completed the trial without showing adverse reactions. The KRG treatment caused a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Microbial analysis revealed a decrease in Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and an increase in Bacteroidetes in response to KRG. In patient stratification analysis, the responders showing marked improvement in the serum levels of lipid metabolic biomarkers TC and LDL due to the KRG treatment exhibited higher population of both the family Lachnospiraceae and order Clostridiales compared to the non-responders. The homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin level were decreased in enterotype 1 (Bacteroides-abundant group) and increased in enterotype 2 (prevotella-abundant group) following the KRG treatment.

Conclusion

In this study, the effects of KRG on the glucose metabolism in MS patients were influenced by the relative abundances of gut microbial population and differed according to the individual enterotype. Therefore, the analysis of enterotype categories is considered to be helpful in predicting the effectiveness of KRG on glucose homeostasis of MS patients individually. This will further help to decide on the appropriate treatment strategy for MS, in compliance with the perspective of PPPM.

Assessment of the Safety of Lactobacillus casei IMV B-7280 Probiotic Strain on a Mouse Model

Probiotics, in particular Lactobacillus (lactic acid bacteria, LAB) strains, are widely used in clinical practice. Despite that these probiotics have GRAS (generally regarded as safe) and qualified presumption of safety (QPS) statuses, the safety of particular strains still needs to be thoroughly studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of Lact. casei IMV B-7280 strain by investigating toxicity and the effects on gut microbiota in experimental animal model. Male BALB/c mice (7-8 weeks, weight 20-24 g) were treated with amounts of Lact. casei IMV B-7280 strain: 5 × 10⁶, 5 × 10⁸, or 5 × 10⁹ CFU/animal once per day during 7 days, or in the amount of 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/animal once per day during 3 days (most of the proposed probiotic doses for humans-from 10⁸ to 10⁹ CFU) and monitored during 14 days. Blood tests and serum biochemistry were conducted; the cecal content from mice of the experimental and control groups were freshly collected and analyzed. At the end of the experiments (15th day), the presence of LAB in the heart, liver, kidney, and mesenteric lymph nodes and peripheral blood was determined; histology of the brain, liver, heart, fragments of the small and large intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes was conducted. Survival rate of BALB/c mice treated with Lact. casei IMV B-7280 strain in different concentrations in toxicity experiments during 14 days was 100%. We observed no signs of toxicity as changes in gait, lethargy, sleep, somatomotor activity as well as changes in fur, eyes, skin and mucous membranes, tremors, behavior pattern, convulsions, salivation, diarrhea, and local injuries in mice from all experimental groups. After administration of probiotic strain, the number of opportunistic bacteria in cecal contents, such as Staphylococcus spp., Candida spp., Pseudomonas spp., and total aerobic and optionally anaerobic bacteria decreased compared to controls; the population of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli increased in cecal contents of these mice. LAB were not detected in the peripheral blood, heart, liver, kidneys, and mesenteric lymph nodes after administration of this strain to intact mice. Lact. casei IMV B-7280 strain is safe at dose up to 10¹⁰ CFU/animal during 3- and 7-day oral administration to mice and has a positive effect on the gut microbiota composition; it could be potentially considered as safe probiotic for humans.

Making a complex dental care tailored to the person: population health in focus of predictive, preventive and personalised (3P) medical approach

An evident underestimation of the targeted prevention of dental diseases is strongly supported by alarming epidemiologic statistics globally. For example, epidemiologists demonstrated 100% prevalence of dental caries in the Russian population followed by clinical manifestation of periodontal diseases. Inadequately provided oral health services in populations are caused by multi-factorial deficits including but not limited to low socio-economic status of affected individuals, lack of insurance in sub-populations, insufficient density of dedicated medical units. Another important aspect is the “participatory” medicine based on the active participation of population in maintaining oral health: healthcare will remain insufficient as long as the patient is not motivated and does not feel responsible for their oral health. To this end, nearly half of chronically diseased people do not comply with adequate medical services suffering from severely progressing pathologies. Noteworthy, the prominent risk factors and comorbidities linked to the severe disease course and poor outcomes in COVID-19-infected individuals, such as elderly, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, are frequently associated with significantly altered oral microbiome profiles, systemic inflammatory processes and poor oral health. Suggested pathomechanisms consider potential preferences in the interaction between the viral particles and the host microbiota including oral cavity, the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Since an aspiration of periodontopathic bacteria induces the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and production of inflammatory cytokines in the lower respiratory tract, poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease have been proposed as leading to COVID-19 aggravation. Consequently, the issue-dedicated expert recommendations are focused on the optimal oral hygiene as being crucial for improved individual outcomes and reduced morbidity under the COVID-19 pandemic condition. Current study demonstrated that age, gender, socio-economic status, quality of environment and life-style, oral hygiene quality, regularity of dental services requested, level of motivation and responsibility for own health status and corresponding behavioural patterns are the key parameters for the patient stratification considering person-tailored approach in a complex dental care in the population. Consequently, innovative screening programmes and adapted treatment schemes are crucial for the complex person-tailored dental care to improve individual outcomes and healthcare provided to the population.

Mitochondriopathies as a Clue to Systemic Disorders-Analytical Tools and Mitigating Measures in Context of Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized (3P) Medicine

The mitochondrial respiratory chain is the main site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the cell. Although mitochondria possess a powerful antioxidant system, an excess of ROS cannot be completely neutralized and cumulative oxidative damage may lead to decreasing mitochondrial efficiency in energy production, as well as an increasing ROS excess, which is known to cause a critical imbalance in antioxidant/oxidant mechanisms and a "vicious circle" in mitochondrial injury. Due to insufficient energy production, chronic exposure to ROS overproduction consequently leads to the oxidative damage of life-important biomolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and amino acids, among others. Different forms of mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondriopathies) may affect the brain, heart, peripheral nervous and endocrine systems, eyes, ears, gut, and kidney, among other organs. Consequently, mitochondriopathies have been proposed as an attractive diagnostic target to be investigated in any patient with unexplained progressive multisystem disorder. This review article highlights the pathomechanisms of mitochondriopathies, details advanced analytical tools, and suggests predictive approaches, targeted prevention and personalization of medical services as instrumental for the overall management of mitochondriopathy-related cascading pathologies.

Effect of bee bread on some biochemical parameters and skeletal muscle histology of high-fat diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats

The effect of bee bread (BB) on the biochemical parameters-body weights, calorie intake, Lee obesity indices, serum amylase, aspartate and alanine amino transferases, skeletal muscle activities of creatine kinase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, malondialdehyde, glutathione-S-transferase, total antioxidant activity, endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products (esRAGE), and muscle histology of high-fat diet (HFD) obese rats-was studied. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: Control: received rat feed and water (1 ml/kg); HFD: received HFD and water (1 ml/kg): BB or orlistat preventive: received HFD and BB (0.5 g/kg) or HFD and orlistat (10 mg/kg; weeks 1 to 12); BB or orlistat treated: received HFD and BB (0.5 g/kg) or HFD and orlistat (10 mg/kg; weeks 6 to 12), following obesity induction. At week 12, HFD group had altered (p < .05) levels of some biochemical parameters which were modulated by BB and corroborated by muscle histology. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Obesity is a global health problem, which prevalence has continued to be on the increase due to changes in lifestyle and dietary behavior. Additionally, the approaches that currently are being used for the treatment of this disease have not been able to successfully reverse obesity and its associated complications. The current study which showed that bee bread prevented or attenuated obesity-induced muscular pathology, places bee bread in the spotlight as a functional food that could be useful in preventing or mitigating obesity-induced muscular pathology.

Profiling of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs) in Obesity and Their Association With Ox-LDL and Hs-CRP in Adolescents

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are critical modulators of metabolism. In adults, IGFBPs are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. However, the association of IGFBPs with metabolic homeostasis in children and adolescents is not yet fully characterized. In this study we investigated the association of plasma IGFBPs (IGFBP-1, 3 and 7) with weight, central adiposity and cardiovascular disease markers Hs-CRP and Ox-LDL. A total of 420 adolescents (age 11-14 years) were recruited from public middle schools in Kuwait. IGFBPs were measured using bead-based multiplexing while Hs-CRP and Ox-LDL were measured using ELISA. Results showed that levels of IGFBP-1 were significantly lower in obese and overweight children when compared to normal weight children. Correlation analysis showed negative association between the level of IGFBP-1 and waist circumference to height (WC/Ht) ratio. IGFBP-1 level was also negatively associated with Hs-CRP. It was also observed that the levels of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-7 were negatively correlated with Ox-LDL. Our data demonstrate a strong negative association of IGFBP-1 with overweight/obesity, and the inflammatory marker Hs-CRP. This was not seen with the levels of IGFBP-3 and 7. The association of IGFBP-1 with central adiposity (WC/Ht ratio) was stronger than its association with BMI-for-age z-score. Therefore we suggest that IGFBP-1 could potentially be used as a sensitive biomarker for obesity and its subsequent effects in screening and monitoring of obesity-related metabolic complications in adolescents.

Infections of the lung: a predictive, preventive and personalized perspective through the lens of evolution, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its pathogenesis

The long evolutionary battle between humans and pathogens has played an important role in shaping the current network of host-pathogen interactions. Each organ brings new challenges from the perspective of a pathogen to establish a suitable niche for survival while subverting the protective mechanisms of the host. Lungs, the organ for oxygen exchange, have been an easy target for pathogens due to its accessibility. The organ has evolved diverse capabilities to provide the flexibility required for an organism's health and at the same time maintain protective functionality to prevent and resolve assault by pathogens. The pathogenic invasions are strongly challenged by healthy lung architecture which includes the presence and activity of the epithelium, mucous, antimicrobial proteins, surfactants, and immune cells. Competitively, the pathogens in the form of viruses, bacteria, and fungi have evolved an arsenal of strategies that can over-ride the host's protective mechanisms. While bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) can survive in dormant form for years before getting active in humans, novel pathogens can wreak havoc as they pose a high risk of morbidity and mortality in a very short duration of time. Recently, a coronavirus strain SARS-CoV-2 has caused a pandemic which provides us an opportunity to look at the host manipulative strategies used by respiratory pathogens. Their ability to hide, modify, evade, and exploit cell's processes are key to their survival. While pathogens like M. tuberculosis have been infecting humans for thousands of years, SARS-CoV-2 has been the cause of the recent pandemic. Molecular understanding of the strategies used by these pathogens could greatly serve in design of predictive, preventive, personalized medicine (PPPM). In this article, we have emphasized on the clinically relevant evasive strategies of the pathogens in the lungs with emphasis on M. tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2. The molecular basis of these evasive strategies illuminated through advances in genomics, cell, and structural biology can assist in the mapping of vulnerable molecular networks which can be exploited translationally. These evolutionary approaches can further assist in generating screening and therapeutic options for susceptible populations and could be a promising approach for the prediction, prevention of disease, and the development of personalized medicines. Further, tailoring the clinical data of COVID-19 patients with their physiological responses in light of known host-respiratory pathogen interactions can provide opportunities to improve patient profiling and stratification according to identified therapeutic targets.

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase modulation by food components: predictive, preventive, and personalized strategies for novel treatment options in chronic kidney disease

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is a ubiquitous membrane-bound glycoprotein that catalyzes phosphate monoesters' hydrolysis from organic compounds, an essential process in cell signaling. Four AP isozymes have been described in humans, placental AP, germ cell AP, tissue nonspecific AP, and intestinal AP (IAP). IAP plays a crucial role in gut microbial homeostasis, nutrient uptake, and local and systemic inflammation, and its dysfunction is associated with persistent inflammatory disorders. AP is a strong predictor of mortality in the general population and patients with cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, little is known about IAP modulation and its possible consequences in CKD, a disease characterized by gut microbiota imbalance and persistent low-grade inflammation. Mitigating inflammation and dysbiosis can prevent cardiovascular complications in patients with CKD, and monitoring factors such as IAP can be useful for predicting those complications. Here, we review IAP's role and the results of nutritional interventions targeting IAP in experimental models to prevent alterations in the gut microbiota, which could be a possible target of predictive, preventive, personalized medicine (PPPM) to avoid CKD complications. Microbiota and some nutrients may activate IAP, which seems to have a beneficial impact on health; however, data on CKD remains scarce.

Prostate cancer management: long-term beliefs, epidemic developments in the early twenty-first century and 3PM dimensional solutions

In the early twenty-first century, societies around the world are facing the paradoxal epidemic development of PCa as a non-communicable disease. PCa is the most frequently diagnosed cancer for men in several countries such as the USA. Permanently improving diagnostics and treatments in the PCa management causes an impressive divergence between, on one hand, permanently increasing numbers of diagnosed PCa cases and, on the other hand, stable or even slightly decreasing mortality rates. Still, aspects listed below are waiting for innovate solutions in the context of predictive approaches, targeted prevention and personalisation of medical care (PPPM / 3PM).A.PCa belongs to the cancer types with the highest incidence worldwide. Corresponding economic burden is enormous. Moreover, the costs of treating PCa are currently increasing more quickly than those of any other cancer. Implementing individualised patient profiles and adapted treatment algorithms would make currently too heterogeneous landscape of PCa treatment costs more transparent providing clear "road map" for the cost saving.B.PCa is a systemic multi-factorial disease. Consequently, predictive diagnostics by liquid biopsy analysis is instrumental for the disease prediction, targeted prevention and curative treatments at early stages.C.The incidence of metastasising PCa is rapidly increasing particularly in younger populations. Exemplified by trends observed in the USA, prognosis is that the annual burden will increase by over 40% in 2025. To this end, one of the evident deficits is the reactive character of medical services currently provided to populations. Innovative screening programmes might be useful to identify persons in suboptimal health conditions before the clinical onset of metastasising PCa. Strong predisposition to systemic hypoxic conditions and ischemic lesions (e.g. characteristic for individuals with Flammer syndrome phenotype) and low-grade inflammation might be indicative for specific phenotyping and genotyping in metastasising PCa screening and disease management. Predictive liquid biopsy tests for CTC enumeration and their molecular characterisation are considered to be useful for secondary prevention of metastatic disease in PCa patients.D.Particular rapidly increasing PCa incidence rates are characteristic for adolescents and young adults aged 15-40 years. Patients with early onset prostate cancer pose unique challenges; multi-factorial risks for these trends are proposed. Consequently, multi-level diagnostics including phenotyping and multi-omics are considered to be the most appropriate tool for the risk assessment, prediction and prognosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that early onset prostate cancer is a distinct phenotype from both aetiological and clinical perspectives deserving particular attention from view point of 3P medical approaches.

Carotenoids in Cancer Apoptosis-The Road from Bench to Bedside and Back

An incidence and mortality of cancer are rapidly growing worldwide, especially due to heterogeneous character of the disease that is associated with irreversible impairment of cellular homeostasis and function. Targeting apoptosis, one of cancer hallmarks, represents a potent cancer treatment strategy. Carotenoids are phytochemicals represented by carotenes, xanthophylls, and derived compounds such as apocarotenoids that demonstrate a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects involving pro-apoptotic signaling through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. As demonstrated in preclinical oncology research, the apoptotic modulation is performed at post-genomic levels. Further, carotenoids demonstrate additive/synergistic action in combination with conventional oncostatic agents. In addition, a sensitization of tumor cells to anti-cancer conventional treatment can be achieved by carotenoids. The disadvantage of anti-cancer application of carotenoids is associated with their low solubility and, therefore, poor bioavailability. However, this deficiency can be improved by using nanotechnological approaches, solid dispersions, microemulsions or biofortification that significantly increase the anti-cancer and pro-apoptotic efficacy of carotenoids. Only limited number of studies dealing with apoptotic potential of carotenoids has been published in clinical sphere. Pro-apoptotic effects of carotenoids should be beneficial for individuals at high risk of cancer development. The article considers the utility of carotenoids in the framework of 3P medicine.

Genoprotective activities of plant natural substances in cancer and chemopreventive strategies in the context of 3P medicine

Severe durable changes may occur to the DNA structure caused by exogenous and endogenous risk factors initiating the process of carcinogenesis. By evidence, a large portion of malignancies have been demonstrated as being preventable. Moreover, the targeted prevention of cancer onset is possible, due to unique properties of plant bioactive compounds. Although genoprotective effects of phytochemicals have been well documented, there is an evident lack of articles which would systematically present the spectrum of anticancer effects by phytochemicals, plant extracts, and plant-derived diet applicable to stratified patient groups at the level of targeted primary (cancer development) and secondary (cancer progression and metastatic disease) prevention. Consequently, clinical implementation of knowledge accumulated in the area is still highly restricted. To stimulate coherent co-development of the dedicated plant bioactive compound investigation on one hand and comprehensive cancer preventive strategies on the other hand, the current paper highlights and deeply analyses relevant evidence available in the area. Key molecular mechanisms are presented to detail genoprotective and anticancer activities of plants and phytochemicals. Clinical implementation is discussed. Based on the presented evidence, advanced chemopreventive strategies in the context of 3P medicine are considered.

Rho GTPases in Gynecologic Cancers: In-Depth Analysis toward the Paradigm Change from Reactive to Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medical Approach Benefiting the Patient and Healthcare

Rho guanosine triphospatases (GTPases) resemble a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and several signaling pathways central for the cell. Rho GTPases create a so-called Ras-superfamily of GTPases subdivided into subgroups comprising at least 20 members. Rho GTPases play a key regulatory role in gene expression, cell cycle control and proliferation, epithelial cell polarity, cell migration, survival, and apoptosis, among others. They also have tissue-related functions including angiogenesis being involved in inflammatory and wound healing processes. Contextually, any abnormality in the Rho GTPase function may result in severe consequences at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Rho GTPases also play a key role in tumorigenesis and metastatic disease. Corresponding mechanisms include a number of targets such as kinases and scaffold/adaptor-like proteins initiating GTPases-related signaling cascades. The accumulated evidence demonstrates the oncogenic relevance of Rho GTPases for several solid malignancies including breast, liver, bladder, melanoma, testicular, lung, central nervous system (CNS), head and neck, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, Rho GTPases play a crucial role in the development of radio- and chemoresistance e.g. under cisplatin-based cancer treatment. This article provides an in-depth overview on the role of Rho GTPases in gynecological cancers, highlights relevant signaling pathways and pathomechanisms, and sheds light on their involvement in tumor progression, metastatic spread, and radio/chemo resistance. In addition, insights into a spectrum of novel biomarkers and innovative approaches based on the paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine are provided.

Ameliorative activity of Adansonia digitata fruit on high sugar/high fat diet-simulated Metabolic Syndrome model in male Wistar rats

Metabolic syndrome is a complex of metabolic disorders characterized by oxidative stress which compromises cell functions and entails multiple organs pathologies. We investigated the therapeutic and protective potential of Adansonia digitata fruit -a potent antioxidant- in high sugar/high fat diet-simulated metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats. 42 male rats (140-200 g) were randomly divided into 7 groups. G1 was kept on standard laboratory diet (SLD) for all 9 weeks (negative control). 5 groups were fed high Sugar/high fat diet for 6 weeks then switched to SLD for another 3 weeks + oral treatment as follows: G2+ no treatment (positive control), G3-G5 + 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day aqueous A. digitata fruit respectively, G6 + 10 mg/kg/day Simvastatin. G7 + HS/HFD + 400 mg/kg/day A. digitata fruit simultaneously and was terminated at W6. Our results showed that G2-G6 develops dyslipidemia, hyperglycaemia, weight gain, elevated hepatic biomarkers, elevated creatinine and urea plus pathological derangements in the heart, liver and kidney tissues compared to negative control at W6. 200 mg/kg/day A. digitata fruit significantly ameliorated the induced dyslipidemia (P ≤ 0.001), hyperglycaemia (P ≤ 0.001) with a significant reduction in the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (P ≤ 0.000) after 3 weeks treatment. The fruit normalized the elevated hepatic biomarkers as well as creatinine and urea. A dose dependent partial reduction in lesion intensity was observed in the hepatic tissue while the heart and kidney showed mostly reversed to normal histology. The inflammatory infiltration was eliminated. Relevant results were observed for the two higher doses. The simultaneous treatment showed significant lower levels in all biomarkers investigated compared to positive control which could be interpreted as protective activity. A reduction of 4-11% in whole body weight was achieved. CONCLUSION: MetS was successfully simulated with a HS/HFD formula in male Wistar rats. Treatment with aqueous A. digitata fruit showed anti-Metabolic Syndrome potential reflected by weight loss, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycaemic, renal, hepatic and cardio-protective activities.

Effect of probiotics on obesity-related markers per enterotype: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

Background

Prevention and improvement of disease symptoms are important issues, and probiotics are suggested as a good treatment for controlling the obesity. Human gut microbiota has different community structures. Because gut microbial composition is assumed to be linked to probiotic function, this study evaluated the efficacy of probiotics on obesity-related clinical markers according to gut microbial enterotype.

Methods

Fifty subjects with body mass index over 25 kg/m² were randomly assigned to either the probiotic or placebo group. Each group received either unlabeled placebo or probiotic capsules for 12 weeks. Body weight, waist circumference, and body composition were measured every 3 weeks. Using computed tomography, total abdominal fat area and visceral fat area were measured. Blood and fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention for biochemical parameters and gut microbial compositions analysis.

Results

Gut microbial compositions of all the subjects were classified into two enterotypes according to Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio. The fat percentage, blood glucose, and insulin significantly increased in the Prevotella-rich enterotype of the placebo group. The obesity-related markers, such as waist circumference, total fat area, visceral fat, and ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat area, were significantly reduced in the probiotic group. The decrease of obesity-related markers was greater in the Prevotella-rich enterotype than in the Bacteroides-rich enterotype.

Conclusion

Administration of probiotics improved obesity-related markers in obese people, and the efficacy of probiotics differed per gut microbial enterotype and greater responses were observed in the Prevotella-dominant enterotype.

Lactobacillus rhamnosusLRa05 improves lipid accumulation in mice fed with a high fat dietviaregulating the intestinal microbiota, reducing glucose content and promoting liver carbohydrate metabolism

LRa05 resists obesityviaamelioratingStreptococcuslevel and glucose metabolism, moreover, the positive correlation betweenIntestinimonasand palmitoyl ethanolamide and the negative correlation betweenEnterorhabdusand vitamin B2 are first found.

Therapeutic effects of different doses of prebiotic (isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in comparison to n-3 supplement on glycemic control, lipid profiles and immunological response in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

The regular intake of fiber generates numerous health benefits. However, the efficacy depends on the duration of consumption and the ingested dose. Studies investigating the optimal dose are of interest to enable the inclusion of fiber in the routine treatment of diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of β-glucan (BG-isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae), in comparison to n-3 supplement, on the inflammatory and metabolic parameters of Wistar rats induced to diabetes by streptozotocin.

METHODS

Forty animals were randomly divided into six groups receiving 0 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, or 40 mg/kg BG daily for 4 weeks or fish oil derivative [1000 mg/kg of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3)] for the same period. One additional group was composed of healthy controls. Serum metabolic and immunological parameters were evaluated by colorimetric and ELISA assays respectively. Histopathological analysis of the liver, small intestine and pancreas were also conducted. Significant changes due to BG intake were set into regression models with second-degree fit in order to estimate the optimal BG dose to achieve health benefits.

RESULTS

The animals that ingested BG had lower food and water intake (p < 0.05) than the negative control group (0 mg/kg). However, consumption was still elevated in comparison to healthy controls. Blood glucose and serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, and TG (p < 0.05) reduced in comparison to diabetic animals without treatment (better or similar to n-3 group depending on dose), but did not reach normal levels (in comparison to healthy controls). HDL-c was not different (p > 0.05) among all groups. These reductions were already seen with the lowest dose of 10 mg/kg. On average, the serum levels of the hepatic enzymes ALT and AST were 40% and 60% lower in the BG groups in comparison to diabetic animals without treatment (better results than n-3 group). The group receiving 40 mg/kg reached similar values of healthy controls for ALT; whereas the same result occurred from the dose of 10 mg/kg for AST. The ideal dose, estimated from the mean of all metabolic parameters was approximately 30 mg/kg/day. Regarding the immunological profile, TNF-α significantly decreased in the BG groups compared to controls (p < 0.05), reaching better values than n-3 group and similar to healthy controls. No significant differences were found between the groups in IL-1β or IL-10 (p > 0.05). No histological changes were found in the pancreas, liver, or intestine due to treatment among diabetic animals.

CONCLUSIONS

BG significantly reduced blood glucose as well as serum total cholesterol, LDL-c and TG. There was a hepatoprotective effect due to the reduction in ALT and AST and a reduction in TNF-α, indicating a modulation of the immune response. In general, BG effects were better than n-3 supplement (or at least comparable) depending on the dose.