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Shekarabi A, Qureishy I, Puglisi CH, Dalseth M, Vuong HE. Host-microbe interactions: communication in the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 80:102494. [PMID: 38824840 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Animals harbor a diverse array of symbiotic micro-organisms that coexist in communities across different body sites. These microbes maintain host homeostasis and respond to environmental insults to impact host physiological processes. Trillions of indigenous microbes reside in the gastrointestinal tract and engage with the host central nervous system (microbiota-gut-brain axis) by modulating immune responses, interacting with gut intrinsic and extrinsic nervous system, and regulating neuromodulators and biochemicals. These gut microbiota to brain signaling pathways are constantly informed by each other and are hypothesized to mediate brain health across the lifespan. In this review, we will examine the crosstalk of gut microbiota to brain communications in neurological pathologies, with an emphasis on microbial metabolites and neuromodulators, and provide a discussion of recent advances that help elucidate the microbiota as a therapeutic target for treating brain and behavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryan Shekarabi
- University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Division, USA
| | - Izhan Qureishy
- University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Division, USA
| | - Chloe H Puglisi
- University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Division, USA
| | - Marge Dalseth
- University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Division, USA
| | - Helen E Vuong
- University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Division, USA.
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2
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Ionescu MI, Zahiu CDM, Vlad A, Galos F, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Zagrean AM, O'Mahony SM. Nurturing development: how a mother's nutrition shapes offspring's brain through the gut. Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38781488 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2349336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a transformative period marked by profound physical and emotional changes, with far-reaching consequences for both mother and child. Emerging research has illustrated the pivotal role of a mother's diet during pregnancy in influencing the prenatal gut microbiome and subsequently shaping the neurodevelopment of her offspring. The intricate interplay between maternal gut health, nutrition, and neurodevelopmental outcomes has emerged as a captivating field of investigation within developmental science. Acting as a dynamic bridge between mother and fetus, the maternal gut microbiome, directly and indirectly, impacts the offspring's neurodevelopment through diverse pathways. This comprehensive review delves into a spectrum of studies, clarifying putative mechanisms through which maternal nutrition, by modulating the gut microbiota, orchestrates the early stages of brain development. Drawing insights from animal models and human cohorts, this work underscores the profound implications of maternal gut health for neurodevelopmental trajectories and offers a glimpse into the formulation of targeted interventions able to optimize the health of both mother and offspring. The prospect of tailored dietary recommendations for expectant mothers emerges as a promising and accessible intervention to foster the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, potentially leading to enhanced cognitive outcomes and reduced risks of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Ioana Ionescu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Denise Mihaela Zahiu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina Vlad
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felicia Galos
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Section Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, Section-ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Zagrean
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Siobhain M O'Mahony
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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3
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Frerichs NM, de Meij TG, Niemarkt HJ. Microbiome and its impact on fetal and neonatal brain development: current opinion in pediatrics. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2024; 27:297-303. [PMID: 38488112 PMCID: PMC10990016 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000001028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota and its metabolites regulate neurodevelopment and cognitive functioning via a bi-directional communication system known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). RECENT FINDINGS The MGBA influences brain development and function via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the vagal nerve, immune signaling, bacterial production of neurotransmitters, and microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan derivatives, and bile acids. Animal studies show fetal neurodevelopment is mediated by maternal microbiota derivatives, immune activation, and diet. Furthermore, manipulation of the microbiota during critical windows of development, like antibiotic exposure and fecal microbiota transplantation, can affect cognitive functioning and behavior in mice. Evidence from human studies, particularly in preterm infants, also suggests that a disrupted gut microbiota colonization may negatively affect neurodevelopment. Early microbial signatures were linked to favorable and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. SUMMARY The link between the gut microbiota and the brain is evident. Future studies, including experimental studies, larger participant cohort studies with longitudinal analyses of microbes, their metabolites, and neurotransmitters, and randomized controlled trials are warranted to further elucidate the mechanisms of the MGBA. Identification of early, predictive microbial markers could pave the way for the development of novel early microbiota-based intervention strategies, such as targeted probiotics, and vaginal or fecal microbiota transplantation, aimed at improving infant neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M. Frerichs
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research Institute, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Tim G.J. de Meij
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research Institute, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J. Niemarkt
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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4
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Cui J, Wang S, Zhai Z, Song X, Qiu T, Yu L, Zhai Q, Zhang H. Induction of autism-related behavior in male mice by early-life vitamin D deficiency: association with disruption of the gut microbial composition and homeostasis. Food Funct 2024; 15:4338-4353. [PMID: 38533674 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo00279b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) during early life emerges as a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with autism commonly exhibit lower vitamin D (VD) levels compared to the general population, and VD deficiency is prevalent during pregnancy and lactation. Moreover, gastrointestinal comorbidity, prevalent in ASD patients, correlates closely with disruptions in the gut microbiota and altered intestinal permeability. Therefore, it is fascinating and significant to explore the effects of maternal VD deficiency during pregnancy and lactation on the maturation of the gut microbiota of the offspring and its relevance to autism spectrum disorders. In this study, we established maternal pregnancy and lactation VD-deficient mouse models, employed shotgun macrogenomic sequencing to unveil alterations in the gut microbiome of offspring mice, and observed autism-related behaviours. Furthermore, fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) reversed repetitive and anxious behaviours and alleviated social deficits in offspring mice by modulating the gut microbiota and increasing short-chain fatty acid levels in the cecum, along with influencing the concentrations of claudin-1 and occludin in the colon. Our findings confirm that VDD during pregnancy and lactation is a risk factor for autism in the offspring, with disturbances in the structure and function of the offspring's gut microbiota contributing at least part of the effect. The study emphasises the importance of nutrition and gut health early in life. Simultaneously, this study further demonstrates the effect of VDD on ASD and provides potential ideas for early prevention and intervention of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Cui
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Child Health Care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Shumin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Zidan Zhai
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Child Health Care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiaoyue Song
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University/Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Ting Qiu
- Department of Child Health Care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Leilei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Qixiao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Child Health Care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University/Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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5
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Weber KT, Varian BJ, Erdman SE. The gut microbiome and sociability. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1372274. [PMID: 38629051 PMCID: PMC11018908 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1372274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiome plays an important role in the maturation of the neural, immune, and endocrine systems. Research data from animal models shows that gut microbiota communicate with the host's brain in an elaborate network of signaling pathways, including the vagus nerve. Part of the microbiome's influence extends to the behavioral and social development of its host. As a social species, a human's ability to communicate with others is imperative to their survival and quality of life. Current research explores the gut microbiota's developmental influence as well as how these gut-brain pathways can be leveraged to alleviate the social symptoms associated with various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases. One intriguing vein of research in animal models centers on probiotic treatment, which leads to downstream increased circulation of endogenous oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone relevant to sociability. Further research may lead to therapeutic applications in humans, particularly in the early stages of their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan E. Erdman
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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6
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Matz LM, Shah NS, Porterfield L, Stuyck OM, Jochum MD, Kayed R, Taglialatela G, Urban RJ, Buffington SA. Microbial determinants of dementia risk in subjects of Mexican descent with type 2 diabetes living in South Texas. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.20.24304637. [PMID: 38562743 PMCID: PMC10984044 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.20.24304637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a common forerunner of neurodegeneration and dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. Individuals of Mexican descent living in South Texas have increased prevalence of comorbid T2D and early onset AD, despite low incidence of the predisposing APOE-e4 variant and an absence of the phenotype among relatives residing in Mexico - suggesting a role for environmental factors in coincident T2D and AD susceptibility. Here, in a small clinical trial, we show dysbiosis of the human gut microbiome could contribute to neuroinflammation and risk for AD in this population. Divergent Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) responses, despite no differences in expressed dietary preferences, provided the first evidence for altered gut microbial ecology among T2D subjects (sT2D) versus population-matched healthy controls (HC). Metataxonomic 16S rRNA sequencing of participant stool revealed a decrease in alpha diversity of sT2D versus HC gut communities and identified BMI as a driver of gut community structure. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified a significant decrease in the relative abundance of the short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibacterium, and Alistipes and an increase in pathobionts Escherichia-Shigella, Enterobacter, and Clostridia innocuum among sT2D gut microbiota, as well as differentially abundant gene and metabolic pathways. These results suggest characterization of the gut microbiome of individuals with T2D could identify key actors among "disease state" microbiota which may increase risk for or accelerate the onset of neurodegeneration. Furthermore, they identify candidate microbiome-targeted approaches for prevention and treatment of neuroinflammation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Matz
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nisarg S Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Porterfield
- Department of Family Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Olivia M Stuyck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Jochum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Randall J Urban
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Shelly A Buffington
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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7
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Lu X, Shi Z, Jiang L, Zhang S. Maternal gut microbiota in the health of mothers and offspring: from the perspective of immunology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362784. [PMID: 38545107 PMCID: PMC10965710 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the physiological alteration during pregnancy, maternal gut microbiota changes following the metabolic processes. Recent studies have revealed that maternal gut microbiota is closely associated with the immune microenvironment in utero during pregnancy and plays a vital role in specific pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and recurrent miscarriages. Some other evidence has also shown that aberrant maternal gut microbiota increases the risk of various diseases in the offspring, such as allergic and neurodevelopmental disorders, through the immune alignment between mother and fetus and the possible intrauterine microbiota. Probiotics and the high-fiber diet are effective inventions to prevent mothers and fetuses from diseases. In this review, we summarize the role of maternal gut microbiota in the development of pregnancy complications and the health condition of future generations from the perspective of immunology, which may provide new therapeutic strategies for the health management of mothers and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Lu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction, Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhan Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction, Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction, Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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8
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Hung LY, Margolis KG. Autism spectrum disorders and the gastrointestinal tract: insights into mechanisms and clinical relevance. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:142-163. [PMID: 38114585 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are recognized as central neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed by impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviours. The recognition of ASD as a central nervous system (CNS)-mediated neurobehavioural disorder has led most of the research in ASD to be focused on the CNS. However, gastrointestinal function is also likely to be affected owing to the neural mechanistic nature of ASD and the nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract (enteric nervous system). Thus, it is unsurprising that gastrointestinal disorders, particularly constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, are highly comorbid in individuals with ASD. Gastrointestinal problems have also been repeatedly associated with increased severity of the core symptoms diagnostic of ASD and other centrally mediated comorbid conditions, including psychiatric issues, irritability, rigid-compulsive behaviours and aggression. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in ASD and its associated behavioural comorbidities, the specific links between these two conditions have not been clearly delineated, and current data linking ASD to gastrointestinal dysfunction have not been extensively reviewed. This Review outlines the established and emerging clinical and preclinical evidence that emphasizes the gut as a novel mechanistic and potential therapeutic target for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Y Hung
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kara Gross Margolis
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Nguyen JB, Marshall CW, Cook CN. The buzz within: the role of the gut microbiome in honeybee social behavior. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246400. [PMID: 38344873 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Gut symbionts influence the physiology and behavior of their host, but the extent to which these effects scale to social behaviors is an emerging area of research. The use of the western honeybee (Apis mellifera) as a model enables researchers to investigate the gut microbiome and behavior at several levels of social organization. Insight into gut microbial effects at the societal level is critical for our understanding of how involved microbial symbionts are in host biology. In this Commentary, we discuss recent findings in honeybee gut microbiome research and synthesize these with knowledge of the physiology and behavior of other model organisms to hypothesize how host-microbe interactions at the individual level could shape societal dynamics and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - C W Marshall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - C N Cook
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
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10
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Mogi K, Akiyama U, Futagawa N, Tamura K, Kamiya M, Mizuta M, Yamaoka M, Kamimura I, Kuze-Arata S, Kikusui T. Intergenerational transmission of maternal behavioral traits in mice: involvement of the gut microbiota. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1302841. [PMID: 38260015 PMCID: PMC10800389 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1302841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The matrilineal transmission of maternal behavior has been reported in several species. Studies, primarily on rats, have suggested the importance of postnatal experience and the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating these transmissions. This study aims to determine whether the matrilineal transmission of maternal behavior occurs in mice and whether the microbiota is involved. We first observed that early weaned (EW) female mice showed lower levels of maternal behavior, particularly licking/grooming (LG) of their own pups, than normally weaned (NW) female mice. This difference in maternal behavioral traits was also observed in the second generation, even though all mice were weaned normally. In the subsequent cross-fostering experiment, the levels of LG were influenced by the nurturing mother but not the biological mother. Finally, we transplanted the fecal microbiota from EW or NW mice into germ-free (GF) mice raising pups. The maternal behaviors that the pups exhibited toward their own offspring after growth were analyzed, and the levels of LG in GF mice colonized with microbiota from EW mice were lower than those in GF mice colonized with microbiota from NW mice. These results clearly indicate that, among maternal behavioral traits, LG is intergenerationally transmitted in mice and suggest that the vertical transmission of microbiota is involved in this process. This study demonstrates the universality of the intergenerational transmission of maternal behavioral traits and provides new insights into the role of microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Mogi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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11
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Khan R, Di Gesù CM, Lee J, McCullough LD. The contribution of age-related changes in the gut-brain axis to neurological disorders. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2302801. [PMID: 38237031 PMCID: PMC10798364 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2302801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Trillions of microbes live symbiotically in the host, specifically in mucosal tissues such as the gut. Recent advances in metagenomics and metabolomics have revealed that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in the regulation of host immunity and metabolism, communicating through bidirectional interactions in the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). The gut microbiota regulates both gut and systemic immunity and contributes to the neurodevelopment and behaviors of the host. With aging, the composition of the microbiota changes, and emerging studies have linked these shifts in microbial populations to age-related neurological diseases (NDs). Preclinical studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota-targeted therapies can improve behavioral outcomes in the host by modulating microbial, metabolomic, and immunological profiles. In this review, we discuss the pathways of brain-to-gut or gut-to-brain signaling and summarize the role of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites across the lifespan and in disease. We highlight recent studies investigating 1) microbial changes with aging; 2) how aging of the maternal microbiome can affect offspring health; and 3) the contribution of the microbiome to both chronic age-related diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloidosis), and acute brain injury, including ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romeesa Khan
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Claudia M. Di Gesù
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Juneyoung Lee
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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12
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Jia X, Chen Q, Wu H, Liu H, Jing C, Gong A, Zhang Y. Exploring a novel therapeutic strategy: the interplay between gut microbiota and high-fat diet in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1291853. [PMID: 38192650 PMCID: PMC10773723 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1291853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, the rapid increase in the incidence of metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and hyperuricemia, has been attributed to high-fat diets (HFD) and decreased physical activity levels. Although the phenotypes and pathologies of these metabolic diseases vary, patients with these diseases exhibit disease-specific alterations in the composition and function of their gut microbiota. Studies in germ-free mice have shown that both HFD and gut microbiota can promote the development of metabolic diseases, and HFD can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota. Therefore, investigating the interaction between gut microbiota and HFD in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic strategies for these diseases. This review takes HFD as the starting point, providing a detailed analysis of the pivotal role of HFD in the development of metabolic disorders. It comprehensively elucidates the impact of HFD on the balance of intestinal microbiota, analyzes the mechanisms underlying gut microbiota dysbiosis leading to metabolic disruptions, and explores the associated genetic factors. Finally, the potential of targeting the gut microbiota as a means to address metabolic disturbances induced by HFD is discussed. In summary, this review offers theoretical support and proposes new research avenues for investigating the role of nutrition-related factors in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders in the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokang Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Qiliang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiwen Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Chunying Jing
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Aimin Gong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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13
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Di Gesù CM, Matz LM, Fultz R, Bolding IJ, Buffington SA. Monospecies probiotic preparation and administration with downstream analysis of sex-specific effects on gut microbiome composition in mice. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102386. [PMID: 37379217 PMCID: PMC10331592 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is implicated in the growing burden of non-communicable chronic diseases, including neurodevelopmental disorders, and both preclinical and clinical studies highlight the potential for precision probiotic therapies in their prevention and treatment. Here, we present an optimized protocol for the preparation and administration of Limosilactobacillus reuteri MM4-1A (ATCC-PTA-6475) to adolescent mice. We also describe steps for performing downstream analysis of metataxonomic sequencing data with careful assessment of sex-specific effects on microbiome composition and structure. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Di Gesù et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Di Gesù
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lisa M Matz
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Robert Fultz
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ian J Bolding
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Shelly A Buffington
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Microbiome Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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14
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Ding L, Liu J, Zhou L, Zhang Q, Yu M, Xiao X. Maternal High-Fat Diet Results in Long-Term Sex-Specific Alterations to Metabolic and Gut Microbial Diurnal Oscillations in Adult Offspring. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023; 67:e2200753. [PMID: 37334884 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202200753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Circadian rhythms profoundly impact metabolism and the gut microbiota. A maternal high-fat diet (HFD) exerts effects on the metabolic syndrome of adult offspring in a sex-specific manner, the underlying mechanisms, however, remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS Female mice are fed an HFD and raise their offspring on a standard chow diet until 24 weeks. The glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and diurnal rhythms of serum metabolic profiles are assessed in male and female adult offspring. Simultaneously, 16S rRNA is applied to characterize gut microbiota diurnal rhythms. The study finds that maternal HFD tends to deteriorate glucose tolerance and impairs insulin sensitivity in male offspring, but not female offspring, which can be associated with the circadian alterations of serum metabolic profiles in male offspring. As expected, maternal HFD sex-specifically alters diurnal rhythms of the gut microbiota, which exhibits putative associations with metabolic profiles in males. CONCLUSIONS The present study identifies the critical role of gut microbiota diurnal rhythms in triggering sex-biased metabolic diurnal rhythms in response to maternal HFD, at least in part. As early life may be a critical window for preventing metabolic diseases, these findings provide the basis for developing chronobiology applications targeting the gut microbiota to combat early metabolic alterations, especially in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ding
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jieying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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15
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Nohesara S, Abdolmaleky HM, Thiagalingam S. Epigenetic Aberrations in Major Psychiatric Diseases Related to Diet and Gut Microbiome Alterations. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1506. [PMID: 37510410 PMCID: PMC10379841 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and metabolism modify epigenetic signatures like histone acetylation and DNA methylation. Histone acetylation and DNA methylation in the central nervous system (CNS) can be altered by bioactive nutrients and gut microbiome via the gut-brain axis, which in turn modulate neuronal activity and behavior. Notably, the gut microbiome, with more than 1000 bacterial species, collectively contains almost three million functional genes whose products interact with millions of human epigenetic marks and 30,000 genes in a dynamic manner. However, genetic makeup shapes gut microbiome composition, food/nutrient metabolism, and epigenetic landscape, as well. Here, we first discuss the effect of changes in the microbial structure and composition in shaping specific epigenetic alterations in the brain and their role in the onset and progression of major mental disorders. Afterward, potential interactions among maternal diet/environmental factors, nutrition, and gastrointestinal microbiome, and their roles in accelerating or delaying the onset of severe mental illnesses via epigenetic changes will be discussed. We also provide an overview of the association between the gut microbiome, oxidative stress, and inflammation through epigenetic mechanisms. Finally, we present some underlying mechanisms involved in mediating the influence of the gut microbiome and probiotics on mental health via epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Nohesara
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02218, USA; (S.N.); (S.T.)
| | - Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02218, USA; (S.N.); (S.T.)
- Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boson, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02218, USA; (S.N.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02218, USA
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16
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Amaral WZ, Lubach GR, Rendina DN, Phillips GJ, Lyte M, Coe CL. Significant Microbial Changes Are Evident in the Reproductive Tract of Pregnant Rhesus Monkeys at Mid-Gestation but Their Gut Microbiome Does Not Shift until Late Gestation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1481. [PMID: 37374982 PMCID: PMC10304935 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal and rectal specimens were obtained from cycling, pregnant, and nursing rhesus monkeys to assess pregnancy-related changes in the commensal bacteria in their reproductive and intestinal tracts. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, significant differences were found only in the vagina at mid-gestation, not in the hindgut. To verify the apparent stability in gut bacterial composition at mid-gestation, the experiment was repeated with additional monkeys, and similar results were found with both 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenomic sequencing. A follow-up study investigated if bacterial changes in the hindgut might occur later in pregnancy. Gravid females were assessed closer to term and compared to nonpregnant females. By late pregnancy, significant differences in bacterial composition, including an increased abundance of 4 species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, were detected, but without a shift in the overall community structure. Progesterone levels were assessed as a possible hormone mediator of bacterial change. The relative abundance of only some taxa (e.g., Bifidobacteriaceae) were specifically associated with progesterone. In summary, pregnancy changes the microbial profiles in monkeys, but the bacterial diversity in their lower reproductive tract is different from women, and the composition of their intestinal symbionts remains stable until late gestation when several Firmicutes become more prominent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriele R. Lubach
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA; (G.R.L.); (D.N.R.)
| | - Danielle N. Rendina
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA; (G.R.L.); (D.N.R.)
- Health and Biosciences, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Gregory J. Phillips
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.J.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Mark Lyte
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.J.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Christopher L. Coe
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA; (G.R.L.); (D.N.R.)
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17
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AIZAWA S, UEBANSO T, SHIMOHATA T, MAWATARI K, TAKAHASHI A. Effects of the loss of maternal gut microbiota before pregnancy on gut microbiota, food allergy susceptibility, and epigenetic modification on subsequent generations. BIOSCIENCE OF MICROBIOTA, FOOD AND HEALTH 2023; 42:203-212. [PMID: 37404565 PMCID: PMC10315195 DOI: 10.12938/bmfh.2022-093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal environments affect the health of offspring in later life. Changes in epigenetic modifications may partially explain this phenomenon. The gut microbiota is a critical environmental factor that influences epigenetic modifications of host immune cells and the development of food allergies. However, whether changes in the maternal gut microbiota affect the development of food allergies and related epigenetic modifications in subsequent generations remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of antibiotic treatment before pregnancy on the development of the gut microbiota, food allergies, and epigenetic modifications in F1 and F2 mice. We found that pre-conception antibiotic treatment affected the gut microbiota composition in F1 but not F2 offspring. F1 mice born to antibiotic-treated mothers had a lower proportion of butyric acid-producing bacteria and, consequently, a lower butyric acid concentration in their cecal contents. The methylation level in the DNA of intestinal lamina propria lymphocytes, food allergy susceptibility, and production of antigen-specific IgE in the F1 and F2 mice were not different between those born to control and antibiotic-treated mothers. In addition, F1 mice born to antibiotic-treated mothers showed increased fecal excretion related to the stress response in a novel environment. These results suggest that the maternal gut microbiota is effectively passed onto F1 offspring but has little effect on food allergy susceptibility or DNA methylation levels in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinta AIZAWA
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho,
Tokushima-shi, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Takashi UEBANSO
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho,
Tokushima-shi, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Department of Microbial Control, Institute of Biomedical
Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima-shi,
Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Takaaki SHIMOHATA
- Faculty of Marine Biosciences, Fukui Prefectural University,
1-1 Gakuen-cho, Obama-shi, Fukui 917-0003, Japan
| | - Kazuaki MAWATARI
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho,
Tokushima-shi, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Department of Microbial Control, Institute of Biomedical
Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima-shi,
Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Akira TAKAHASHI
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho,
Tokushima-shi, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Department of Microbial Control, Institute of Biomedical
Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima-shi,
Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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