High polyphenol, low probiotic diet for weight loss because of intestinal microbiota interaction

Effects of Different Levels of Green Tea Powder on Performance, Antioxidant Activity, Egg Mass, Quality, and Cecal Microflora of Chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of Green Tea Powder on the performance, egg quality, serum immune and antioxidant indices, and cecal microflora of 300-day-old Chishui black-bone chickens during the peak laying period. A total of 360 Chishui black-bone chickens were selected as the experimental animals. They were randomly allocated into four groups: the control group (CON), trial group I (T1), trial group II (T2), and trial group III (T3), each group with six replicates and 15 hens in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.8%, 1.6%, and 2.4% Green Tea Powder, respectively. The accommodation period was 14 d, and the experimental period was 60 d. The statistical software SPSS was used to perform a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the experimental data, and Duncan's method was used to perform multiple comparisons among groups. The results showed the following: compared with those of the control group, the average daily gain of the laying hens significantly decreased in the 1.6% Green Tea Powder group (p < 0.05); adding Green Tea Powder significantly reduced the content of malondialdehyde in the serum (p < 0.05), and the addition of 0.8% tea leaves significantly increased the immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin A contents (p < 0.05); the egg yolk weight, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength, and yolk color of the laying hens significantly decreased in the 1.6% Green Tea Powder group (p < 0.05), and the addition of Green Tea Powder at the level of 2.4% significantly increased the percentage of umami, essential, and total amino acids (p < 0.05); and the structure of intestinal microorganisms was improved, and the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Bacteroidaceae significantly increased, while the abundance of Firmicutes and Lachnospiraceae significantly decreased (p < 0.05).

Application of a metabolomics method in the study of pear fruit storage

The entire transportation process of 'crown' pears from harvest to consumption is primarily refrigerated. However, the impact of refrigeration time and temperature on fruit quality remains unclear. In this study, metabolites of 'crown' pears were analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Exactive and GC-MS/MS techniques under cold storage, at room temperature, and at different cold storage durations. A total of 372 substances were identified, including sugars, amino acids, and flavonoids, among others. Among these substances, 27 were identified as significant biomarkers affecting pear quality. An accurate quantitative method for amino acids was established to systematically verify the change trend of L-aspartic amide, glycine, glutamic acid, and other amino acids. The results indicated that after 30 days of storage at 0 °C, there was a relatively small change in the quality and substance content of 'crown' pears with little effect on their nutritional value. These findings could serve as a reference for optimizing the refrigeration time and temperature for pear fruit.

Flavonoids, gut microbiota and cardiovascular disease: Dynamics and interplay

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Extensive efforts have been invested to explicate mechanisms implicated in the onset and progression of CVD. Besides the usual suspects as risk factors (obesity, diabetes, and others), the gut microbiome has emerged as a prominent and essential factor in the pathogenesis of CVD. With its endocrine-like effects, the microbiome modulates many physiologic processes. As such, it is not surprising that dysbiosis-by generating metabolites, inciting inflammation, and altering secondary bile acid signaling- could predispose to or aggravate CVD. Nevertheless, various natural and synthetic compounds have been shown to modulate the microbiome. Prime among these molecules are flavonoids, which are natural polyphenols mainly present in fruits and vegetables. Accumulating evidence supports the potential of flavonoids in attenuating the development of CVD. The ascribed mechanisms of these compounds appear to involve mitigation of inflammation, alteration of the microbiome composition, enhancement of barrier integrity, induction of reverse cholesterol transport, and activation of farnesoid X receptor signaling. In this review, we critically appraise the methods by which the gut microbiome, despite being essential to the human body, predisposes to CVD. Moreover, we dissect the mechanisms and pathways underlying the cardioprotective effects of flavonoids.

Lactobacillus plantarum alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity by altering the structure of mice intestinal microbial communities and serum metabolic profiles

Obesity, which is always accompanied by disorders of lipid metabolism and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, has become a global epidemic recognised by the World Health Organisation, necessitating innovative strategies and a globally accepted agreement on treating obesity and its related complications. Probiotics, as major active ingredients in many foods, offer potential as biological treatments for obesity prevention and management. Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) possesses a wide range of biological activities and is widely used to alleviate and ameliorate various diseases. This research demonstrated that Lactobacillus plantarum reduces the weight increase and fat build-up caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice, while also improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese mice. Results indicated that L. plantarum effectively controlled the intestinal microbial community's structure, counteracted disruptions in gut flora caused by HFD, normalized the Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio (F/B), and decreased the prevalence of detrimental bacteria Desulfovibrio and Clostridia. Serum metabolomics findings indicate notable alterations in serum metabolites across various groups, notably the increased levels of Isoprothiolane and Inosine, key regulators of lipid metabolism disorders and enhancers of fat burning. These differential metabolites were mainly enriched in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, sulfur metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and purine metabolism. Consequently, we propose that L. plantarum has the potential to alter the gut microbial community's composition, positioning it as a promising option for obesity therapy.

Current Aspects of Selected Factors to Modulate Brain Health and Sports Performance in Athletes

This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of current aspects related to nutritional strategies, brain modulation, and muscle recovery, focusing on their applications and the underlying mechanisms of physiological adaptation for promoting a healthy brain, not only in athletes but also for recreationally active and inactive individuals. We propose that applying the rule, among others, of good sleep, regular exercise, and a properly balanced diet, defined as "SPARKS", will have a beneficial effect on the function and regeneration processes of the gut-brain-muscle axis. However, adopting the formula, among others, of poor sleep, stress, overtraining, and dysbiosis, defined as "SMOULDER", will have a detrimental impact on the function of this axis and consequently on human health as well as on athletes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing brain health and cognitive function. This review highlights the significance of these factors for overall well-being, suggesting that adopting the "SPARKS" approach may benefit not only athletes but also older adults and individuals with health conditions.

Dietary Polyphenols, Plant Metabolites, and Allergic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Given the ongoing rise in the occurrence of allergic disorders, alterations in dietary patterns have been proposed as a possible factor contributing to the emergence and progression of these conditions. Currently, there is a significant focus on the development of dietary therapies that utilize natural compounds possessing anti-allergy properties. Dietary polyphenols and plant metabolites have been intensively researched due to their well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory characteristics, making them one of the most prominent natural bioactive chemicals. This study seeks to discuss the in-depth mechanisms by which these molecules may exert anti-allergic effects, namely through their capacity to diminish the allergenicity of proteins, modulate immune responses, and modify the composition of the gut microbiota. However, further investigation is required to fully understand these effects. This paper examines the existing evidence from experimental and clinical studies that supports the idea that different polyphenols, such as catechins, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and others, can reduce allergic inflammation, relieve symptoms of food allergy, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, and prevent the progression of the allergic immune response. In summary, dietary polyphenols and plant metabolites possess significant anti-allergic properties and can be utilized for developing both preventative and therapeutic strategies for targeting allergic conditions. The paper also discusses the constraints in investigating and broad usage of polyphenols, as well as potential avenues for future research.

Effects of dietary supplementation with tea polyphenols and probiotics on laying performance, biochemical parameters intestinal morphology and microflora of laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of tea polyphenols (TP) and probiotics (PB) on the production performance, biochemical indices, and gut health of laying hens. A total of 400 Hy-line Brown layers (45 weeks old) were randomly assigned to 8 diet groups for 8-week feeding trial. Compared with the control basal diet (CT), dietary high dosage of TP and PB (HTP-PB) increased egg mass (P < 0.05). Supplementation with HTP-PB improved the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and decreased the malonic dialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05) without affecting the contents of immunoglobulins in the serum. The combination of HTP and PB supplementation promoted the secretion of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) compared with treatment with TP or PB alone (P < 0.05). The combined use of HTP and PB induced higher jejunal villus height (VH) than the CT group (P < 0.05). Dietary TP and PB could optimize the functional network of intestinal microflora and the interactions between the intestinal microflora and the host. Therefore, the combined use of the high dosage of TP and PB affected laying performance, improved antioxidant capacity, and promoted intestinal health, which may be associated with regulation of the intestinal microbiota.

The Use of Fruit and Vegetable by-Products as Enhancers of Health Status of Piglets after Weaning: The Role of Bioactive Compounds from Apple and Carrot Industrial Wastes

At weaning, piglets are exposed to a large variety of stressors, from environmental/behavioral factors to nutritional stress. Weaning transition affects the gastrointestinal tract especially, resulting in specific disturbances at the level of intestinal morphology, barrier function and integrity, mucosal immunity and gut microbiota. All these alterations are associated with intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress and perturbation of intracellular signaling pathways. The nutritional management of the weaning period aims to achieve the reinforcement of intestinal integrity and functioning to positively modulate the intestinal immunity and that of the gut microbiota and to enhance the health status of piglets. That is why the current research is focused on the raw materials rich in phytochemicals which could positively modulate animal health. The composition analysis of fruit, vegetable and their by-products showed that identified phytochemicals could act as bioactive compounds, which can be used as modulators of weaning-induced disturbances in piglets. This review describes nutritional studies which investigated the effects of bioactive compounds derived from fruit (apple) and vegetables (carrot) or their by-products on the intestinal architecture and function, inflammatory processes and oxidative stress at the intestinal level. Data on the associated signaling pathways and on the microbiota modulation by bioactive compounds from these by-products are also presented.

Beer-gut microbiome alliance: a discussion of beer-mediated immunomodulation via the gut microbiome

As a long-established fermented beverage, beer is rich in many essential amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, and bioactive substances that are involved in the regulation of many human physiological functions. The polyphenols in the malt and hops of beer are also important active compounds that interact in both directions with the gut microbiome. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which polyphenols, fiber, and other beneficial components of beer are fermentatively broken down by the intestinal microbiome to initiate the mucosal immune barrier and thus participate in immune regulation. Beer degradation products have anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and glucolipid metabolism-modulating potential. We have categorized and summarized reported data on changes in disease indicators and in vivo gut microbiota abundance following alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer consumption. The positive effects of bioactive substances in beer in cancer prevention, reduction of cardiovascular events, and modulation of metabolic syndrome make it one of the candidates for microecological modulators.

Qishen granules regulate intestinal microecology to improve cardiac function in rats with heart failure

Introduction

Qishen Granule (QSG), a clinically approved traditional Chinese medicine, has been researched for treating heart failure (HF) for many years. However, the effect of QSG on intestinal microecology remains unconfirmed. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the possible mechanism of QSG regulating HF in rats based on intestinal microecological changes.

Methods

A rat model with HF induced by myocardial infarction was prepared by left coronary artery ligation. Cardiac functions were assessed by echocardiography, pathological changes in the heart and ileum by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining, mitochondrial ultrastructure by transmission electron microscope, and gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

QSG administration improved cardiac function, tightened cardiomyocytes alignment, decreased fibrous tissue and collagen deposition, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Electron microscopic observation of mitochondria revealed that QSG could arrange mitochondria neatly, reduce swelling, and improve the structural integrity of the crest. Firmicutes were the dominant component in the model group, and QSG could significantly increase the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group. Furthermore, QSG significantly reduced plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS), improved intestinal structure, and recovered barrier protection function in rats with HF.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that QSG was able to improve cardiac function by regulating intestinal microecology in rats with HF, suggesting promising therapeutic targets for HF.

Antioxidant Activity, Metabolism, and Bioavailability of Polyphenols in the Diet of Animals

As the world’s population grows, so does the need for more and more animal feed. In 2006, the EU banned the use of antibiotics and other chemicals in order to reduce chemical residues in food consumed by humans. It is well known that oxidative stress and inflammatory processes must be combated to achieve higher productivity. The adverse effects of the use of pharmaceuticals and other synthetic compounds on animal health and product quality and safety have increased interest in phytocompounds. With the use of plant polyphenols in animal nutrition, they are gaining more attention as a supplement to animal feed. Livestock feeding based on a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach (clean, safe, and green agriculture) would also be a win–win for farmers and society. There is an increasing interest in producing healthier products of animal origin with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids by modulating animal nutrition. Secondary plant metabolites (polyphenols) are essential chemical compounds for plant physiology as they are involved in various functions such as growth, pigmentation, and resistance to pathogenic organisms. Polyphenols are exogenous antioxidants that act as one of the first lines of cell defense. Therefore, the discoveries on the intracellular antioxidant activity of polyphenols as a plant supplement have contributed significantly to the improvement of antioxidant activity, as polyphenols prevent oxidative stress damage and eliminate excessively produced free radicals. To achieve animal welfare, reduce stress and the need for medicines, and increase the quality of food of animal origin, the addition of polyphenols to research and breeding can be practised in part with a free-choice approach to animal nutrition.

Neuro-Nutraceutical Polyphenols: How Far Are We?

The brain, composed of billions of neurons, is a complex network of interacting dynamical systems controlling all body functions. Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system and their impairment of their functions could result in neurodegenerative disorders. Accumulating evidence shows an increase of brain-affecting disorders, still today characterized by poor therapeutic options. There is a strong urgency to find new alternative strategies to prevent progressive neuronal loss. Polyphenols, a wide family of plant compounds with an equally wide range of biological activities, are suitable candidates to counteract chronic degenerative disease in the central nervous system. Herein, we will review their role in human healthcare and highlight their: antioxidant activities in reactive oxygen species-producing neurodegenerative pathologies; putative role as anti-acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; and protective activity in Alzheimer’s disease by preventing Aβ aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation. Moreover, the pathology of these multifactorial diseases is also characterized by metal dyshomeostasis, specifically copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), most important for cellular function. In this scenario, polyphenols’ action as natural chelators is also discussed. Furthermore, the critical importance of the role exerted by polyphenols on microbiota is assumed, since there is a growing body of evidence for the role of the intestinal microbiota in the gut–brain axis, giving new opportunities to study molecular mechanisms and to find novel strategies in neurological diseases.

Kombuchas from Green and Black Tea Modulate the Gut Microbiota and Improve the Intestinal Health of Wistar Rats Fed a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet

The Western diet can negatively affect the gut microbiota and is associated with metabolic disorders. Kombucha, a tea fermented by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), is known for its bioactive properties and has become popular in the last years. In this study, we evaluated the effects of regular kombucha consumption on the gut microbiota and on outcomes related to the intestinal health of Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet. After eight weeks receiving a standard diet (AIN-93M) (n = 10) or a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFHF) (n = 30) to induce metabolic disorders, the animals were subdivided into four groups: AIN-93M (n = 10); HFHF (n = 10); GTK (HFHF + green tea kombucha (n = 10); and BTK (HFHF + black tea kombucha; n = 10) for 10 weeks. Although body composition did not differ among the groups, the HFHF diet was associated with metabolic alterations, and stimulated the growth of gram-negative bacteria such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroides. Kombucha ingestion could somewhat modulate the gut microbiota, attenuating the effects of a Western diet by increasing propionate production and favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Adlercreutzia in the GTK group. Our results suggest that regular kombucha consumption may be beneficial to intestinal health, which can be mostly attributed to its high content and diversity of phenolic compounds.

Natural Polyphenol Recovery from Apple-, Cereal-, and Tomato-Processing By-Products and Related Health-Promoting Properties

Polyphenols of plant origin are a broad family of secondary metabolites that range from basic phenolic acids to more complex compounds such as stilbenes, flavonoids, and tannins, all of which have several phenol units in their structure. Considerable health benefits, such as having prebiotic potential and cardio-protective and weight control effects, have been linked to diets based on polyphenol-enriched foods and plant-based products, indicating the potential role of these substances in the prevention or treatment of numerous pathologies. The most representative phenolic compounds in apple pomace are phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin, with major health implications in diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurocognitive diseases. The cereal byproducts are rich in flavonoids (cyanidin 3-glucoside) and phenolic acids (ferulic acid), all with significant results in reducing the incidence of noncommunicable diseases. Quercetin, naringenin, and rutin are the predominant phenolic molecules in tomato by-products, having important antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The present understanding of the functionality of polyphenols in health outcomes, specifically, noncommunicable illnesses, is summarized in this review, focusing on the applicability of this evidence in three extensive agrifood industries (apple, cereal, and tomato processing). Moreover, the reintegration of by-products into the food chain via functional food products and personalized nutrition (e.g., 3D food printing) is detailed, supporting a novel direction to be explored within the circular economy concept.

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

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

Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Prebiotic Intervention with Polyphenols Extracted from European Black Elderberry—Sustained Expansion of Akkermansia spp

(1) Background: The intestinal microbiome has emerged as a central factor in human physiology and its alteration has been associated with disease. Therefore, great hopes are placed in microbiota-modulating strategies. Among various approaches, prebiotics, substrates with selective metabolization conferring a health benefit to the host, are promising candidates. Herein, we studied the prebiotic properties of a purified extract from European black elderberries, with a high and standardized content of polyphenols and anthocyanins. (2) Methods: The ELDERGUT trial represents a 9-week longitudinal intervention study divided into 3 distinct phases, namely a baseline, an intervention and a washout period, three weeks each. The intervention consisted of capsules containing 300 mg elderberry extract taken twice a day. Patient-reported outcomes and biosamples were collected weekly. Microbiome composition was assessed using 16S amplicon metagenomics. (3) Results: The supplementation was well tolerated. Microbiome trajectories were highly individualized with a profound shift in diversity indices immediately upon initiation and after termination of the compound. This was accompanied by corresponding changes in species abundance over time. Of particular interest, the relative abundance of Akkermansia spp. continued to increase in a subset of participants even beyond the supplementation period. Associations with participant metadata were detected.

Polyphenols: Bioavailability, Microbiome Interactions and Cellular Effects on Health in Humans and Animals

Polyphenolic compounds have a variety of functions in plants including protecting them from a range of abiotic and biotic stresses such as pathogenic infections, ionising radiation and as signalling molecules. They are common constituents of human and animal diets, undergoing extensive metabolism by gut microbiota in many cases prior to entering circulation. They are linked to a range of positive health effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and disease-specific activities but the relationships between polyphenol bio-transformation products and their interactions in vivo are less well understood. Here we review the state of knowledge in this area, specifically what happens to dietary polyphenols after ingestion and how this is linked to health effects in humans and animals; paying particular attention to farm animals and pigs. We focus on the chemical transformation of polyphenols after ingestion, through microbial transformation, conjugation, absorption, entry into circulation and uptake by cells and tissues, focusing on recent findings in relation to bone. We review what is known about how these processes affect polyphenol bioactivity, highlighting gaps in knowledge. The implications of extending the use of polyphenols to treat specific pathogenic infections and other illnesses is explored.

Lactobacillus plantarum Alleviates Obesity by Altering the Composition of the Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Metabolic disorders and intestinal flora imbalance usually accompany obesity. Due to its diverse biological activities, Lactobacillus plantarum is widely used to alleviate various diseases as a probiotic. Here, we show that L. plantarum can reduce the body weight of mice fed high-fat diets, reduce fat accumulation, and enhance mice glucose tolerance. Our results show that L. plantarum can significantly reduce the expression of DGAT1 and DGAT2, increase the expression of Cpt1a, and promote the process of lipid metabolism. Further data show that L. plantarum can increase the SCFA content in the colon and reverse the intestinal flora disorder caused by HFD, increase the abundance of Bacteroides, and Bifidobacteriales, and reduce the abundance of Firmicutes and Clostridiales. Finally, through Pearson correlation analysis, we found that Bacteroides and SCFAs are positively correlated, while Clostridiales are negatively correlated with SCFAs. Therefore, we believe that L. plantarum can regulate the structure of the intestinal microbial community, increase the production of SCFAs and thus regulate lipid metabolism.

Preliminary Investigation of Mixed Orchard Hays on the Meat Quality, Fatty Acid Profile, and Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Goat Kids

This preliminary investigation was designed to study the effects of different mixed orchard hays on meat quality, fatty acids, amino acids, rumen intestinal microflora, and the relationship between rumen bacteria and fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Saanen dairy goats. In this preliminary investigation, goats were separately fed crop straws (corn and wheat straws) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (CK group), alfalfa + oats (Avena sativa L.) (group I), alfalfa + perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (group II), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) + perennial ryegrass (group III). There were differences in shear force and cooking loss between treatments. The contents of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0 in the CK group were significantly higher than those in other three groups (p < 0.001). The 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in group II were higher than those in other three groups (p < 0.05). Association analysis showed that Prevotella_1 was negatively correlated with C18:0 and significantly positively correlated with C16:1, while Clostridium and Romboutsia showed a positive correlation with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Therefore, feeding mixed hays can increase beneficial fatty acids and the percentages of associated bacteria in rumen and intestines.

Consumption of 85% cocoa dark chocolate improves mood in association with gut microbial changes in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial

Dark chocolate has long been recognized for its mood-altering properties; however, the evidence regarding the emotional effects of daily dark chocolate intake is limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of dark chocolate intake on mood in everyday life, with special emphasis on the gut-brain axis. Two different dark chocolates (85% and 70% cocoa content) were tested in this study. In a randomized controlled trial, healthy adults (20-30 y) consumed either 30 g/d of 85% cocoa chocolate (DC85, n=18); 70% cocoa chocolate (DC70, n=16); or no chocolate (control group, CON; n=14); for 3 weeks. Mood states were measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Daily consumption of dark chocolate significantly reduced negative affect in DC85, but not in DC70. To assess the association between the mood-altering effects of dark chocolate and the gut microbiota, we performed fecal 16S rRNA sequencing analysis for the DC85 and CON groups. Gut microbial diversity was significantly higher in DC85 than CON (P<.05). Blautia obeum levels were significantly elevated and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii levels were reduced in DC85 compared to CON (P<.05). Furthermore, we found that the observed changes in negative affect scores were negatively correlated with diversity and relative abundance of Blautia obeum (P<.05). These findings indicate that dark chocolate exerts prebiotic effects, as evidenced by its ability to restructure the diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria; thus, it may improve negative emotional states via the gut-brain axis.

Effect of kombucha intake on the gut microbiota and obesity-related comorbidities: A systematic review

Kombucha is a fermented nonalcoholic tea-based beverage produced through a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. In vitro studies have demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-carcinogenic properties of kombucha. However, no systematic reviews have evaluated the effects of kombucha in vivo. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the evidence that exists so far about kombucha consumption on comorbidities associated with obesity as well as on the gut microbiota. The search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020158917). The MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were used in the search considering the following terms: "kombucha" OR "kombucha tea" OR "kombucha teas" OR "tea, kombucha" OR "teas, kombucha" NOT "review." Fifteen studies were included in this review. The results suggest that kombucha consumption attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation, improves the liver detoxification process, and reduces intestinal dysbiosis. There is evidence that kombucha consumption is beneficial for the control and treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities, as well as for the modulation of the gut microbiota in vivo.

Role of prebiotics in enhancing the function of next-generation probiotics in gut microbiota

With the development of high-throughput DNA sequencing and molecular analysis technologies, next-generation probiotics (NGPs) are increasingly gaining attention as live bacterial therapeutics for treatment of diseases. However, compared to traditional probiotics, NGPs are much more vulnerable to the harsh conditions in the human gastrointestinal tract, and their functional mechanisms in the gut are more complex. Prebiotics have been confirmed to play a critical role in improving the function and viability of traditional probiotics. Defined as substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit, prebiotics are also important for NGPs. This review summarizes potential prebiotics for use with NGPs and clarifies their characteristics and functional mechanisms. Then we particularly focus on illustrating the protective effects of various prebiotics by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and their resistance to digestive fluids. We also elucidate the role of prebiotics in regulating anti-bacterial effects, intestinal barrier maintenance, and cross-feeding mechanisms of NPGs. With the expanding range of candidate NGPs and prebiotic substrates, more studies need to be conducted to comprehensively elucidate the interactions between prebiotics and NGPs outside and inside hosts, in order to boost their nutritional and healthcare applications.

The interaction between gut microbiota and flavonoid extract from Smilax glabra Roxb. and its potent alleviation of fatty liver

Fatty liver is associated with intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and low-grade chronic inflammation. Herein we report the interaction of the flavonoid extract from Smilax glabra Roxb. (FSGR) with gut microbiota. Then, FSGR's function of modulating microbiota in a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD) induced fatty liver has been explored. These investigations indicated that the main compound in FSGR, such as astilbin and its isomers, could be metabolized to aglycone, while further splitting resulted in some phenolic acid compounds through a redox reaction. The data obtained clearly showed that FSGR not only alleviated the steatosis degree of liver cells and modulated the contents of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestinal tract, but also reversed gut dysbiosis induced by HFD as prognosticated by the decreased ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) and altered gene expression. The results demonstrated that FSGR probably could be used as a prebiotic agent to impede gut dysbiosis and fatty liver-related metabolic disorders.

The neuroprotective effects of polyphenols, their role in innate immunity and the interplay with the microbiota

Neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in the elderly population, represent one of the most pressing social and health-care problems in the world. Besides the well-established role of both oxidative stress and inflammation, alterations of the immune response have been found to be closely linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Interestingly, various scientific evidence reported that an altered gut microbiota composition may contribute to the development of neuroinflammatory disorders. This leads to the proposal of the concept of the gut-brain-immune axis. In this scenario, polyphenols play a pivotal role due to their ability to exert neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and microbiota-remodeling activities. In the present review, we summarized the available literature to provide a scientific evidence regarding this neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects and the interaction with gut microbiota of polyphenols and, the main signaling pathways involved that can explain their potential therapeutic application in neurodegenerative diseases.

Different Non-Structural Carbohydrates/Crude Proteins (NCS/CP) Ratios in Diet Shape the Gastrointestinal Microbiota of Water Buffalo

The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are crucial for host health and production efficiency in ruminants. Its microbial composition can be influenced by several endogenous and exogenous factors. In the beef and dairy industry, the possibility to manipulate gut microbiota by diet and management can have important health and economic implications. The aims of this study were to characterize the different GIT site microbiota in water buffalo and evaluate the influence of diet on GIT microbiota in this animal species. We characterized and compared the microbiota of the rumen, large intestine and feces of water buffaloes fed two different diets with different non-structural carbohydrates/crude proteins (NSC/CP) ratios. Our results indicated that Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla in all the GIT sites, with significant differences in microbiota composition between body sites both within and between groups. This result was particularly evident in the large intestine, where beta diversity analysis displayed clear clustering of samples depending on the diet. Moreover, we found a difference in diet digestibility linked to microbiota modification at the GIT level conditioned by NSC/CP levels. Diet strongly influences GIT microbiota and can therefore modulate specific GIT microorganisms able to affect the health status and performance efficiency of adult animals.

A single serving of mixed spices alters gut microflora composition: a dose-response randomised trial

Short-term changes in dietary intake can induce changes in gut microbiome. While various dietary polyphenols have been shown to modulate gut microflora, the acute influence of polyphenol-rich mixed spices has not been explored in a controlled setting. We investigated the effects of a single serving of mixed spices Indian curry consumption, in two separate doses, on the gut microbiome in 15 healthy, Singaporean Chinese males, with age and BMI of 23.5 ± 2.4 years and 22.9 ± 2.2 kg/m² respectively. We found that a low-polyphenol, no spices Dose 0 Control (D0C) meal led to an increase in Bacteroides and a decrease in Bifidobacterium. In comparison to D0C, there was significant suppression of Bacteroides (p < 0.05) and an increase in Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05) with increasing doses of curry meal Dose 1 Curry (D1C) and Dose 2 Curry (D2C) containing 6 g and 12 g mixed spices respectively. Significant correlations were also found between bacterial changes and plasma phenolic acids. No differences between treatments were observed in the alpha-diversity of the gut microflora. This study has shown that a single serving of mixed spices can significantly modify/restore certain commensal microbes, particularly in people who do not regularly consume these spices.

Evolving Interplay Between Dietary Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota-An Emerging Importance in Healthcare

Polyphenols are natural plant compounds and are the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet. As the gastrointestinal tract is the primary organ provided to diet sections, the diet may be regarded as one of the essential factors in the functionality, integrity, and composition of intestinal microbiota. In the gastrointestinal tract, many polyphenols remain unabsorbed and may accumulate in the large intestine, where the intestinal microbiota are most widely metabolized. When assuming primary roles for promoting host well-being, this intestinal health environment is presented to the effect of external influences, including dietary patterns. A few different methodologies have been developed to increase solvency and transport across the gastrointestinal tract and move it to targeted intestinal regions to resolve dietary polyphenols at the low bioavailability. Polyphenols form a fascinating community among the different nutritional substances, as some of them have been found to have critical biological activities that include antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anticarcinogenic activities. Besides, it affects metabolism and immunity of the intestines and has anti-inflammatory properties. The well-being status of subjects can also benefit from the development of bioactive polyphenol-determined metabolites, although the mechanisms have not been identified. Even though the incredible variety of health-advancing activities of dietary polyphenols has been widely studied, their effect on intestinal biology adaptation, and two-way relationship between polyphenols and microbiota is still poorly understood. We focused on results of polyphenols in diet with biological activities, gut ecology, and the influence of their proportional links on human well-being and disease in this study.

Combined effects of polyethylene and organic contaminant on zebrafish (Danio rerio): Accumulation of 9-Nitroanthracene, biomarkers and intestinal microbiota

Microplastics, as emerging pollutant, are predicted to act as carriers for organic pollutants, but the carrier role and bio-toxic effects with other pollutants in environments are poorly acknowledged. In this study, both the single and combined effects of polyethylene (PE, 10 and 40 mg/L) with the particle size of 100-150 μm and 9-Nitroanthracene (9-NAnt, 5 and 500 μg/L) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) had been investigated. The results illustrated that PE could be as 9-NAnt carrier to enter into zebrafish body, but significantly reduced the bioaccumulation of 9-NAnt, due to the occurrence of adsorption interactions between the simultaneous presence of both PE and 9-NAnt. After 4 days, the enzymes activity of cytochrome P4501A, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the abundance of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxide (LPO) responded strongly to low-dose PE exposure (10 mg/L). After 7 days exposure to PE-9-NAnt (40 mg/L), the P4501A activity increased significantly, but the activities of AChE and LDH were inhibited clearly, causing certain neurotoxicity and disorders of energy metabolism to zebrafish. The analysis of integrated biomarker response index (IBR) suggested that PE had greater bio-toxicity to zebrafish in all exposure groups after short-term exposure, but the PE-9-NAnt complex showed greater bio-toxicity after 7 days, which indicated that complex exposure of PE-9-NAnt had a delayed effect on the bio-toxicity of zebrafish. Furthermore, analysis of the intestinal microbiota exhibited that under the conditions of the exposure group with 9-NAnt, the relative abundance of the five dominant bacterial phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota) changed greatly. Overall, this study confirmed that PE could carry 9-NAnt into fish causing bioaccumulation, but in the case of coexisting exposures, PE reduced 9-NAnt bioaccumulation, suggesting that microplastics with other emerging pollutants in chronic toxicity are probably next objects in future works.

Recognizing the Benefits of Pre-/Probiotics in Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Considering the Influence of Akkermansia muciniphila as a Key Gut Bacterium

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are diseases that can be influenced by the structure of gut microbiota, whose improvement is often neglected in metabolic pathology. This review highlights the following main aspects: the relationship between probiotics/gut microbes with the pathogenesis of MetS, the particular positive roles of Akkermansia muciniphila supplementation in the onset of MetS, and the interaction between dietary polyphenols (prebiotics) with gut microbiota. Therefore, an extensive and in-depth analysis of the often-neglected correlation between gut microbiota and chronic metabolic diseases was conducted, considering that this topic continues to fascinate and stimulate researchers through the discovery of novel strains and their beneficial properties.

The recovery, catabolism and potential bioactivity of polyphenols from carrot subjected to in vitro simulated digestion and colonic fermentation

Carrot powder digestion was researched utilizing an in vitro standardized static model associated with an in vitro colonic fermentation method to analyze the recovery, catabolism, and potential bioactivity of polyphenols from carrot. Twenty-seven polyphenols and their metabolites (hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and its derivatives, etc.) were identified in samples before and after digestion/colonic fermentation, and the possible colonic pathways for major polyphenols were proposed. Polyphenols had low recovery during different phases of in vitro digestion (oral: -51.4%; gastric: -38%; intestinal: -35.3%, respectively). However, the concentration of polyphenols (p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid and protocatechuic acid) increased significantly after colonic fermentation for 12 h with 1391.7% recovery, then significantly declined after 48 h. Meanwhile, the released and catabolized polyphenols showed antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity (IC₅₀ = 9.91 μg GAE/mL). The microbe community structure was regulated by fecal fermented carrot powder through improving relative abundance (RA) of beneficial microbiota and suppressed RA of various harmful bacteria. This work indicated that polyphenols from carrot potentially play a role in gastrointestinal and colonic health.

Perinatal and Early-Life Nutrition, Epigenetics, and Allergy

Epidemiological studies have shown a dramatic increase in the incidence and the prevalence of allergic diseases over the last several decades. Environmental triggers including risk factors (e.g., pollution), the loss of rural living conditions (e.g., farming conditions), and nutritional status (e.g., maternal, breastfeeding) are considered major contributors to this increase. The influences of these environmental factors are thought to be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms which are heritable, reversible, and biologically relevant biochemical modifications of the chromatin carrying the genetic information without changing the nucleotide sequence of the genome. An important feature characterizing epigenetically-mediated processes is the existence of a time frame where the induced effects are the strongest and therefore most crucial. This period between conception, pregnancy, and the first years of life (e.g., first 1000 days) is considered the optimal time for environmental factors, such as nutrition, to exert their beneficial epigenetic effects. In the current review, we discussed the impact of the exposure to bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungal components, microbiome metabolites, and specific nutritional components (e.g., polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), vitamins, plant- and animal-derived microRNAs, breast milk) on the epigenetic patterns related to allergic manifestations. We gave insight into the epigenetic signature of bioactive milk components and the effects of specific nutrition on neonatal T cell development. Several lines of evidence suggest that atypical metabolic reprogramming induced by extrinsic factors such as allergens, viruses, pollutants, diet, or microbiome might drive cellular metabolic dysfunctions and defective immune responses in allergic disease. Therefore, we described the current knowledge on the relationship between immunometabolism and allergy mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. The knowledge as presented will give insight into epigenetic changes and the potential of maternal and post-natal nutrition on the development of allergic disease.

Natural Bioactive Compounds Useful in Clinical Management of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clinical manifestation characterized by a plethora of comorbidities, including hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. All MetS comorbidities participate to induce a low-grade inflammation state and oxidative stress, typical of this syndrome. MetS is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and early death, with an important impact on health-care costs. For its clinic management a poly-pharmaceutical therapy is often required, but this can cause side effects and reduce the patient's compliance. For this reason, finding a valid and alternative therapeutic strategy, natural and free of side effects, could represent a useful tool in the fight the MetS. In this context, the use of functional foods, and the assumption of natural bioactive compounds (NBCs), could exert beneficial effects on body weight, blood pressure and glucose metabolism control, on endothelial damage, on the improvement of lipid profile, on the inflammatory state, and on oxidative stress. This review focuses on the possible beneficial role of NBCs in the prevention and in the clinical management of MetS and its comorbidities.

The Beneficial Effects of Red Sun-Dried Capsicum annuum L. Cv Senise Extract with Antioxidant Properties in Experimental Obesity are Associated with Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota

SCOPE

Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise is a sweet pepper containing health promoting compounds that can be modified by ripening and drying. This study focuses on finding the peppers with the best antioxidant properties, which are evaluated on an experimental model of obesity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity are evaluated on several peppers obtained from the same cultivar at different ripening stages. Red sweet peppers show the highest content in polyphenols, β-carotene, lycopene, and capsinoids, and demonstrate the best antioxidant activity in vitro. Mice fed a high fat diet are orally treated with an extract from these peppers (Capsicum annuum extract [CAE]) (1, 10, and 25 mg/kg/day). It promotes weight loss and improves plasma markers related to glucose and lipid metabolisms. CAE also ameliorates obesity-associated systemic inflammation reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in adipose and hepatic tissues and improving the expression of different markers involved in the gut epithelial barrier function. These effects are associated with a modulation of the intestinal microbiome, which appears altered.

CONCLUSIONS

The extract can be considered a new potential approach for the treatment of obesity, complementary to dietary restrictions.

Chlorogenic Acid Alleviates Colon Mucosal Damage Induced by a High-Fat Diet via Gut Microflora Adjustment to Increase Short-Chain Fatty Acid Accumulation in Rats

A high-fat diet (HFD) has been previously associated with the development of diseases such as chronic colitis. While chlorogenic acid (CGA) is known to exhibit potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, little is known about its effects on intestinal inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of CGA on intestinal inflammation in an HFD-induced obesity rat model and assessed whether these effects were related to changes in gut microbiota composition. This was achieved by examining physiological and biochemical indicators, the liver transcriptome, and the structure of the fecal microflora. CGA treatment significantly reduced HFD-induced internal organ weight gain, promoted colon tissue repair, downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and promoted the accumulation of the tight junction protein. KEGG enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes, applied to data from the RNA-seq of rat liver tissue, revealed that CGA treatment significantly affected amino acid and lipid metabolism in the liver. Furthermore, CGA decreased the abundance of bacteria belonging to the genera Blautia, Sutterella, and Akkermansia and increased butyric acid levels, which were positively correlated with the abundance of Ruminococcus (butyric acid producer). Moreover, the beneficial changes observed in the HFD group were not as pronounced as those in the CGA treatment group. In summary, CGA can alleviate colitis in HFD-induced obesity through its anti-inflammatory effects associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids and thus can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of this pathology.

Systematic Review of Phenolic Compounds in Apple Fruits: Compositions, Distribution, Absorption, Metabolism, and Processing Stability

As the most widely consumed fruit in the world, apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruits provide a high level of phenolics and have many beneficial effects on human health. The composition and content of phenolic compounds in natural apples differs according to the tissue types and cultivar varieties. The bioavailability of apple-derived phenolics, depending on the absorption and metabolism of phenolics during digestion, is the key determinant of their positive biological effects. Meanwhile, various processing technologies affect the composition and content of phenolic compounds in apple products, further affecting the bioavailability of apple phenolics. This review summarizes current understanding on the compositions, distribution, absorption, and metabolism of phenolic compounds in apple and their stability when subjected to common technologies during processing. We intend to provide an updated overview on apple phenolics and also suggest some perspectives for future research of apple phenolics.

Curcumin, Quercetin, Catechins and Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Gut Microbiota

Polyphenols (PPs) are the naturally occurring bioactive components in fruits and vegetables, and they are the most abundant antioxidant in the human diet. Studies are suggesting that ingestion of PPs might be helpful to ameliorate metabolic syndromes that may contribute in the prevention of several chronic disorders like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and colon cancer. PPs have structural diversity which impacts their bioavailability as they accumulate in the large intestine and are extensively metabolized through gut microbiota (GM). Intestinal microbiota transforms PPs into their metabolites to make them bioactive. Interestingly, not only GM act on PPs to metabolize them but PPs also modulate the composition of GM. Thus, change in GM from pathogenic to beneficial ones may be helpful to ameliorate gut health and associated diseases. However, to overcome the low bioavailability of PPs, various approaches have been developed to improve their solubility and transportation through the gut. In this review, we present evidence supporting the structural changes that occur after metabolic reactions in PPs (curcumin, quercetin, and catechins) and their effect on GM composition that leads to improving overall gut health and helping to ameliorate metabolic disorders.

Bioactive (Poly)phenols, Volatile Compounds from Vegetables, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Polyphenols, as well as volatile compounds responsible for aromatic features, play a critical role in the quality of vegetables and medicinal, and aromatic plants (MAPs). The research conducted in recent years has shown that these plants contain biologically active compounds, mainly polyphenols, that relate to the prevention of inflammatory processes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disorders as well as to antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiparasitic properties. Throughout the years, many researchers have deeply studied polyphenols and volatile compounds in medicinal and aromatic plants, particularly those associated with consumer's choices or with their beneficial properties. In this context, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the presence of volatile and nonvolatile compounds in some of the most economically relevant and consumed vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants, with an emphasis on bioactive polyphenols, polyphenols as prebiotics, and, also, the most important factors that affect the contents and profiles of the volatile and nonvolatile compounds responsible for the aromatic features of vegetables and MAPs. Additionally, the new challenges for science in terms of improving polyphenol composition and intensifying volatile compounds responsible for the positive characteristics of vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants are reported.

Diabetes diminishes a typical metabolite of litchi pericarp oligomeric procyanidins (LPOPC) in urine mediated by imbalanced gut microbiota

Animal studies and clinical trials have shown that dietary polyphenols and polyphenol-rich foods can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications, but how diabetes regulates the metabolism of polyphenol has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the effects of diabetes on litchi pericarp oligomeric procyanidin (LPOPC) dynamic metabolism and its major static metabolites in urine. First, a high-fat and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model was established. In the diabetic rat model, elevated fasting blood glucose, severely impaired glucose tolerance test, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in serum and the liver were observed. Subsequently, 200 mg per kg body weight of LPOPC was administrated to control and diabetic SD rats, and the gastrointestinal tract was collected at 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h. The results showed that the retention time of LPOPC was not changed in our diabetic rat model. However, the gut microbiota were significantly altered, with elevated Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia abundance in diabetic rats and decreased short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. Interestingly, after one dose of 300 mg per kg body weight LPOPC, the total antioxidant capacity of urine in diabetic rats significantly decreased. We then tested the static metabolites of LPOPC, demonstrating that epicatechin had not changed in urine in diabetic rats, but that shikimic acid was significantly reduced in urine in diabetic rats. The changes in shikimic acid may be due to the alteration of gut microbiota and elevated ROS levels in serum.

Inflammatory Response, a Key Pathophysiological Mechanism of Obesity-Induced Depression

In recent years, with the acceleration of life rhythm and the increase of social competition, the incidence of obesity and depression has been increasing, which has seriously affected the quality of life and health of people. Obesity and depression, two seemingly unrelated physical and psychological diseases, in fact, are closely related: obese people are more likely to have depression than nonobese ones. We have reviewed and analyzed the relevant research literature and found that the inflammatory response plays a key role in obesity-induced depression. This article will discuss in detail the inflammatory mechanisms by which obesity induces depression.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Obesity (Diabesity). The Central Role of Gut Microbiota and Its Translational Applications

Obesity is a condition of rising prevalence worldwide, with important socioeconomic implications, being considered as a growing public health concern. Frequently, obesity brings other complications in addition to itself—like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)—sharing origin, risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. In this context, some authors have decided to include both conditions as a unique entity known as “diabesity”. In fact, understanding diabesity as a single disease is possible to maximise the benefits from therapies received in these patients. Gut microbiota plays a key role in individual’s health, and their alterations, either in its composition or derived products are related to a wide range of metabolic disorders like T2DM and obesity. The present work aims to collect the different changes reported in gut microbiota in patients with T2DM associated with obesity and their possible role in the onset, development, and establishment of the disease. Moreover, current research lines to modulate gut microbiota and the potential clinical translation derived from the knowledge of this system will also be reviewed, which may provide support for a better clinical management of such a complex condition.

Polyphenols in the Fermentation Liquid of Dendrobium candidum Relieve Intestinal Inflammation in Zebrafish Through the Intestinal Microbiome-Mediated Immune Response

Previous studies of Dendrobium candidum (D. candidum), which is mainly distributed in tropical areas, have mainly focused on its functional polysaccharide; the effects of D. candidum polyphenols, the chemical composition of which may be improved by fermentation, have received limited attention, especially in in vivo models, which inevitably involve interactions with intestinal microorganisms. To address this challenge, metagenomic and metabolomic techniques, were applied, and immune factors and mucosal barrier-related proteins were determined to reveal the effects of fermented D. candidum polyphenols (FDC) on intestinal inflammation induced by oxazolone in zebrafish. The results showed that fermentation significantly changed the chemical composition of D. candidum and that FDC significantly improved the intestinal immune index. After the 21st day of FDC intervention, the abundance of Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Rummeliibacillus increased, but the abundance of the genera Shewanella, Geodermatophilus, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Mycobacterium decreased. At the same time, FDC significantly increased intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In addition, network analysis based on multi-omics indicated that FDC intake leads to changes in intestinal microbiota and intestinal metabolites, resulting in enhanced host immune function. These results indicate that FDC can improve intestinal health by regulating the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites to treat intestinal inflammation and regulate the host immune system. The present research improved our understanding of the utilization of D. candidum polyphenols and provided new evidence for the impacts of fermented D. candidum on host health.

Anti-obesity potential of Moringa olifera seed extract and lycopene on high fat diet induced obesity in male Sprauge Dawely rats

Present research explored the anti-obesity effect of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and lycopene (LYC). Forty eight male Sprauge Dawely rats were divided equally into 6 groups. Group Ι (C) served as control, group ΙΙ (MC) was given Moringa olifera seed oil extract (800 mg/kg b.wt) for 8 weeks, group ΙΙΙ (LC) was given (20 mg/kg b.wt) LYC for 8 weeks, group ΙV (O) received high fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks, group Ѵ (MO), was given HFD for 20 weeks and received (800 mg/kg b.wt) Moringa olifera seed oil extract for last 8 weeks and group ѴΙ (LO), received HFD for 20 weeks and was given (20 mg/kg b.wt) LYC for last 8 weeks. Hematology, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, lipid profile, serum liver and kidney biomarkers, inflammatory markers, leptin, resistin and heart fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) were determined. Also histopathology for liver, kidney and aorta were performed besides immunohistochemistry (IHC) for aortic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Administration of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and LYC significantly ameliorated the HFD induced hematological and metabolic perturbations as well as reduced leptin and resistin. Both treatments exerted these effects through promotion of antioxidant enzymes and reducing lipid peroxidation as well as inflammatory cytokines along with reduced iNOS protein expression. Administration of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and LYC have anti-obesity potential in HFD induced obesity in male Sprauge Dawely rats.

The landscape of microbiota research in Iran; a bibliometric and network analysis

OBJECTIVES

To introduce bibliometric features of Iranian documents on microbiota and to provide descriptive information about retrieved documents related to the medical sciences and documents utilizing molecular techniques for microbiota detection.

METHODS

This is a descriptive bibliometric study of all Iranian documents on microbiota in any language that were indexed in Scopus before 7 September 2019. We assessed the research performance through statistical analysis of the bibliometric indicators, including number of publications, citations, institutions and journals activities, co-citations and bibliographic couplings, and network analysis of co-authorships, countries' collaborations, terms and keywords.

RESULTS

We extracted 425 relevant documents, 260 of which pertain to the medical sciences. The most focused microbiota modulating interventions and diseases in 33 clinical trials are 'synbiotics' (n = 8) and 'probiotics' (n = 8), and 'Obesity' (n = 3) and 'non-alcoholic fatty liver disease' (n = 3), respectively. During the last decade, Iranian microbiota publications have increasingly grown with a constant upward slope, particularly in the area of medical sciences after 2016. Citation counting reveals that originals and reviews have been cited 4221 times, with an average 10.76 citations and H-index of 34. The most significant performance in publishing Iranian microbiota documents belongs to 'Tehran University of Medical Sciences' as the active institution (n = 89 publications) and the supporting sponsor (n = 19), 'Microbial Pathogenesis' as the productive journal (n = 12), 'Seidavi A' as the most authorships (n = 19), and 'the United States' as the collaborative country (n = 46).

CONCLUSIONS

The qualitative and quantitative information of this study will be a practical guidance for future study planning and policy-decision making.

Effects of dietary microencapsulated tannic acid supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota in weaning piglets

Antibiotics are commonly overused to reduce weaning stress that leads to economic loss in swine production. As potential substitutes of antibiotics, plant extracts have attracted the attention of researchers. However, one of the plant extracts, tannic acid (TA), has an adverse effect on the growth performance, palatability, and intestinal absorption in weaning piglets when used at a large amount. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a proper dose of microencapsulated TA on the growth performance, organ and intestinal development, intestinal morphology, intestinal nutrient transporters, and colonic microbiota in weaning piglets. Forty-five Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire] (initial body weight = 5.99 ± 0.13 kg, weaned days = 21 d) piglets were randomly divided into five treatment groups (n = 9) and raised in 14 d. The piglets in the control group were raised on a basal diet; the piglets in the antibiotic test group were raised on a basal diet with three antibiotics (375 mg/kg Chlortetracycline 20%, 500 mg/kg Enramycin 4%, 1,500 mg/kg Oxytetracycline calcium 20%); and the other three groups were raised on a basal diet with three doses of microencapsulated TA (TA1, 500 mg/kg; TA2, 1,000 mg/kg; TA3, 1,500 mg/kg). All the piglets were raised in the same environment and given the same amount of nutrients for 2 wk. The results showed that both TA1 and TA2 groups had no adverse effect on the growth performance, organ weight and intestinal growth, and the pH value of gastrointestinal content. TA2 treatment improved the duodenal morphology (P < 0.05), increased the gene expression level of solute carrier family 6, member 19 and solute carrier family 15, member 1 (P < 0.05) in the ileum, and modulated the colonic bacteria composition (P < 0.05), but inhibited the activity of maltase in the ileum (P < 0.05) and the jejunal gene expression level of solute carrier family 5, member 1 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study suggests that a dosage between 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of microencapsulated TA is safe to be included in the swine diet and that 1,000 mg/kg of microencapsulated TA has beneficial effects on intestinal morphology, intestinal nutrient transporter, and intestinal microbiota in weaning piglets. These findings provide new insights into suitable alternatives to antibiotics for improving growth performance and colonic microbiota.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis in polycystic ovary syndrome: association with obesity - a preliminary report

The objective was to explore if and how the microbiota changed in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women compared with healthy women. Eight obese PCOS (PO group), 10 nonobese PCOS (PN group), and nine healthy normal weight women (control) (C group) were enrolled. Insulin (INS), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were detected with radioimmunoassay. Antimullerian hormone (AMH), fasting glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were determined by a chemiluminescence immunoassay, glucose oxidase method, and HPLC, respectively. Gut microbiota composition was evaluated by PCR. Alpha diversity was assessed using Chao1 and the Shannon index. PCOS women showed significantly higher T, LH, and LH/FSH and lower FSH levels than the C group (p < 0.05). The AMH level was significantly higher in the PO than in the PN group (p < 0.05). The PO group presented a significantly higher fasting INS level and HMOA-IR scores than the other groups, lower observed SVs and alpha diversity than the C group, higher beta diversity than the PN group (p < 0.05), and decreased abundances of genera (mainly butyrate producers). Regression analysis showed that decreased abundances of several genera were correlated with higher circulating T and impaired glucose metabolism. PCOS is associated with changes in the gut microbiota composition. Obesity has a driving role in the development of dysbiotic gut microbiota in PCOS.

Release and metabolism of bound polyphenols from carrot dietary fiber and their potential activity in in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation

Dietary fiber is a carrier of abundant polyphenols and the potential benefits have attracted increasing attention.

In Vivo Effects of Salbutamol Residues on Blood Lipid, Lung Structure, Gene Expression, and Gut Microorganism Composition

Salbutamol (SAL), one of the prohibited veterinary drugs, has been proven to be harmful to animals, but very few studies reported the underlying mechanism of actions and the effects after SAL intake. In this study, Ba-Ma minipigs were used as the animal model to demonstrate the impacts of SAL residues on blood lipid and the lung bronchial structures and the regulation of gene expression and gut microorganism population. The results showed that (1) SAL decreased the indexes of serum lipid and organ, (2) SAL widely retained in various tissues and organs, (3) the lung bronchial expanded under the influence of SAL, (4) the gene expression of growth-related ghrelin has increased, and (5) the residues of SAL affected the composition of gut microorganism population, which could be associated with the mechanism of action of SAL on pig. The findings suggest that SAL could be harmful to minipigs by altering the blood lipid, bronchial morphology, gastric mucosal gene expression, and the gut microorganism population.