The cross talk between microbiota and the immune system: metabolites take center stage

Maternal group B Streptococcus decreases infant length and alters the early-life microbiome: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Maternal colonization with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disrupts the vaginal microbiota, potentially affecting infant microbiota assembly and growth. While the gut microbiota's importance in infant growth is recognized, the specific effects of maternal GBS on growth remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of maternal vaginal GBS during pregnancy on early infant growth, microbiome, and metabolomics.

METHODS

We recruited and classified 453 pregnant women from southern China into GBS or healthy groups based on GBS vaginal colonization. Their infants were categorized as GBS-exposed or GBS-unexposed groups. We comprehensively analyzed infant growth, gut microbiota, and metabolites during early life, along with maternal vaginal microbiota during pregnancy, using 16S rDNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics.

RESULTS

GBS-exposed infants exhibited lower length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) than GBS-unexposed infants, especially at 2 months. Altered gut microbiota and metabolites in GBS-exposed infants correlated with growth, mediating the impact of maternal GBS on infant LAZ. Changes in the vaginal microbiota of the GBS group during the third trimester correlated with infant LAZ. Additionally, differences in neonatal gut microbiota, metabolites, and vaginal microbiota during pregnancy were identified between infants with overall LAZ<-1 within 8 months after birth and their counterparts, enhancing the discriminatory power of fundamental data for predicting the occurrence of LAZ<-1 during the first 8 months of life.

CONCLUSIONS

GBS exposure is associated with decreased infant length growth, with altered microbiota and metabolites potentially mediating the effects of maternal GBS on offspring length growth, offering potential targets for predicting and addressing growth impairment.

Delivery of butyrate to the lower gut by polymeric micelles prolongs survival of distal skin allografts

The microbiota composition is known to influence the kinetics of graft rejection, but many questions remain as to whether/how microbiota-derived metabolites affect graft outcome. We investigated the effects of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, a product of dietary fiber fermentation. Sustained intragastric administration of a micelle-based formulation of butyrate (butyrate micelle [ButM]) that releases its cargo in the lower gastrointestinal tract elevated cecal butyrate content and significantly prolonged minor-mismatched and major-mismatched skin allograft survival in mice. While ButM did not influence regulatory T cells or the adaptive alloimmune responses we tested, it modulated the myeloid cell compartment. At steady state, ButM treatment reduced the number of circulating Ly6ChiCD11b+ monocytes and other myeloid cells in secondary lymphoid organs and skin, altered their expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism and key inflammatory processes, and reduced their ability to produce TNFa, likely via an indirect mechanism. ButM treatment also reduced numbers of graft-infiltrating monocytes but not T cells. Consistent with its critical effect on myeloid cells, ButM's extension of graft survival depended on the presence of CCR2+ cells. These findings imply that cecal ButM improves distal allograft outcomes by quantitatively and qualitatively modulating myeloid cells, thereby inhibiting the innate immune cell-mediated effector phase of alloimmunity.

Isolation and Immunomodulatory Activity of Cyanidin-3-O-(3,6-O-dimalonyl-β-D-glucoside) from the Black Corncob (Zea mays L.) and its Effect on Gut Microbiota in Elderly Feces under Anaerobic Conditions in vitro

Black corn (Zea mays L.), native to Latin America, has been cultivated for millennia and holds significant cultural and culinary importance. While anthocyanins are well-characterized flavonoids in black corn, acylated derivatives remain insufficiently explored. Here, this study isolated a cyanidin derivative with two malonyl groups from black corncobs, identified as cyanidin-3-O-(3,6-O-dimalonyl-b-D-glucoside) (C3GdM) by mass spectrometry. The effects of C3GdM on the gut microbiota of the elderly and its immunomodulatory activity were examined in vitro. The findings revealed that C3GdM markedly improved gut microbiota composition, promoting beneficial bacteria growth such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while suppressing harmful bacteria like Escherichia/Shigella. Correspondingly, C3GdM elevated the levels of short-chain fatty acids in the feces of the elderly. Additionally, C3GdM upregulated genes associated with anti-inflammatory responses and antioxidant capacity in the elderly gut microbiota. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, C3GdM reduced nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6, along with their mRNA expression. Thus, C3GdM is a promising candidate for remodeling gut microbiota in the aging population.

Immune crosstalk between respiratory and intestinal mucosal tissues in respiratory infections

Mucosal tissues, including those in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, are critical barrier surfaces for pathogen invasion. Infections at these sites not only trigger local immune response, but also recruit immune cells from other tissues. Emerging evidence in the mouse models and human samples indicates that the immune crosstalk between the lung and gut critically impacts and determines the course of respiratory disease. Here we summarize the current knowledge of the immune crosstalk between the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and discuss how immune cells are recruited and migrate between these tissues during respiratory infections. We also discuss how commensal bacteria contribute to these processes.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis promotes cognitive impairment via bile acid metabolism in major depressive disorder

Evidence suggests that complex interactions among the gut microbiome, metabolic abnormalities, and brain have important etiological and therapeutic implications in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the influence of microbiome-gut-brain cross-talk on cognitive impairment in MDD remains poorly characterized. We performed serum metabolomic profiling on 104 patients with MDD and 77 healthy controls (HCs), and also performed fecal metagenomic sequencing on a subset of these individuals, including 79 MDD patients and 60 HCs. The findings were validated in a separate cohort that included 40 patients with MDD and 40 HCs using serum-targeted metabolomics. Abnormal bile acid metabolism was observed in patients with MDD, which is related to cognitive dysfunction. The following gut microbiota corresponded to changes in bile acid metabolism and enzyme activities involved in the bile acid metabolic pathway, including Lachnospiraceae (Blautia_massiliensis, Anaerostipes_hadrus, Dorea_formicigenerans, and Fusicatenibacter_saccharivorans), Ruminococcaceae (Ruminococcus_bromii, Flavonifractor_plautii, and Ruthenibacterium_lactatiformans), and Escherichia_coli. Furthermore, a combinatorial marker classifier that robustly differentiated patients with MDD from HCs was identified. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the gut-brain interactions in the cognitive phenotype of MDD, indicating a potential therapeutic strategy for MDD-associated cognitive impairment by targeting the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism.

Redefining Roles: A Paradigm Shift in Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism for Innovative Clinical Applications

The tryptophan-kynurenine (KYN) pathway has long been recognized for its essential role in generating metabolites that influence various physiological processes. Traditionally, these metabolites have been categorized into distinct, often opposing groups, such as pro-oxidant versus antioxidant, excitotoxic/neurotoxic versus neuroprotective. This dichotomous framework has shaped much of the research on conditions like neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as cancer, where metabolic imbalances are a key feature. The effects are significantly influenced by various factors, including the concentration of metabolites and the particular cellular milieu in which they are generated. A molecule that acts as neuroprotective at low concentrations may exhibit neurotoxic effects at elevated levels. The oxidative equilibrium of the surrounding environment can alter the function of KYN from an antioxidant to a pro-oxidant. This narrative review offers a comprehensive examination and analysis of the contemporary understanding of KYN metabolites, emphasizing their multifaceted biological functions and their relevance in numerous physiological and pathological processes. This underscores the pressing necessity for a paradigm shift in the comprehension of KYN metabolism. Understanding the context-dependent roles of KYN metabolites is vital for novel therapies in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Comprehensive pathway modulation, including balancing inflammatory signals and enzyme regulation, offers promising avenues for targeted, effective treatments.

The gut microbial metabolite indole-3-aldehyde alleviates impaired intestinal development by promoting intestinal stem cell expansion in weaned piglets

BACKGROUND

Weaning stress-induced diarrhea is widely recognized as being associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, it has been challenging to clarify which specific intestinal microbiota and their metabolites play a crucial role in the antidiarrhea process of weaned piglets.

RESULTS

In this study, we first observed that piglets with diarrhea exhibited a lower average daily gain and higher diarrhea score, and elevated levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-lactate (D-LA) compared to healthy piglets. Subsequently, we analyzed the differences in intestinal microbial composition and metabolite levels between healthy and diarrheal weaned piglets. Diarrheal piglets demonstrated intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, characterized primarily by a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio, a deficiency of Lactobacillus amylovorus and Lactobacillus reuteri, and an increased abundance of Bacteroides sp.HF-5287 and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Functional profiling of the gut microbiota based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) data was performed, and the results showed that tryptophan metabolism was the most significantly inhibited pathway in piglets with diarrhea. Most tryptophan metabolites were detected at lower concentrations in diarrheal piglets than in healthy piglets. Furthermore, we explored the effects of dietary indole-3-aldehyde (IAld), a key tryptophan metabolite, on intestinal development and gut barrier function in weaned piglets. Supplementation with 100 mg/kg IAld in the diet increased the small intestine index and improved intestinal barrier function by promoting intestinal stem cell (ISC) expansion in piglets. The promotion of ISC expansion by IAld was also confirmed in porcine intestinal organoids.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed that intestinal microbial tryptophan metabolite IAld alleviates impaired intestinal development by promoting ISC expansion in weaned piglets.

Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites and Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A Narrative Review

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease that occurs predominantly in premature infants and is characterized by the inflammation and necrosis of the intestine, showing high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite decades of research efforts, a specific treatment is currently lacking, and preventive strategies are the mainstays of care. This review aims to help understand the complex interplay between gut microbiota and their metabolites in NEC pathogenesis. In particular, we focused on how these factors can influence gut health, immune responses, and intestinal barrier integrity. Discussion: Current research has increasingly focused on the role of the gut microbiota and their metabolites in NEC pathogenesis, thanks to their involvement in modulating gut health, immune responses, and intestinal barrier integrity. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of the interplay between gut microbiota and their metabolites is essential for developing personalized strategies to prevent NEC. By targeting these microbial interactions, new therapeutic approaches may emerge that offer improved outcomes for preterm infants at a high risk of NEC.

Enzymatic approaches for diversifying bioproducts from cellulosic biomass

Cellulosic biomass is the most abundantly available natural carbon-based renewable resource on Earth. Its widespread availability, combined with rising awareness, evolving policies, and changing regulations supporting sustainable practices, has propelled its role as a crucial renewable feedstock to meet the escalating demand for eco-friendly and renewable materials, chemicals, and fuels. Initially, biorefinery models using cellulosic biomass had focused on single-product platform, primarily monomeric sugars for biofuel. However, since the launch of the first pioneering cellulosic plants in 2014, these models have undergone significant revisions to adapt their biomass upgrading strategy. These changes aim to diversify the bioproduct portfolio and improve the revenue streams of cellulosic biomass biorefineries. Within this area of research and development, enzyme-based technologies can play a significant role by contributing to eco-design in producing and creating innovative bioproducts. This Feature Article highlights our strategies and recent progress in utilizing the biological diversity and inherent selectivity of enzymes to develop and continuously optimize sustainable enzyme-based technologies with distinct application approaches. We have advanced technologies for standalone platforms, which produce various forms of cellulose nanomaterials engineered with customized and enhanced properties and high yields. Additionally, we have tailored technologies for integration within a biorefinery concept. This biorefinery approach prioritizes designing tailored processes to establish bionanomaterials, such as cellulose and lignin nanoparticles, and bioactive molecules as part of a new multi-bioproduct platform for cellulosic biomass biorefineries. These innovations expand the range of bioproducts that can be produced from cellulosic biomass, transcending the conventional focus on monomeric sugars for biofuel production to include biomaterials biorefinery. This shift thereby contributes to strengthening the Bioeconomy strategy and supporting the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Gut microbiome composition and dysbiosis in immune thrombocytopenia: A review of literature

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by excessive reticuloendothelial platelet destruction and inadequate compensatory platelet production. However, the pathogenesis of ITP is relatively complex, and its exact mechanisms and etiology have not been definitively established. The gut microbiome, namely a diverse community of symbiotic microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal system, affects health through involvement in human metabolism, immune modulation, and maintaining physiological balance. Emerging evidence reveals that the gut microbiome composition differs in patients with ITP compared to healthy individuals, which is related with platelet count, disease duration, and response to treatment. These findings suggest that the microbiome and metabolome profiles of individuals could unveil a new pathway for aiding diagnosis, predicting prognosis, assessing treatment response, and formulating personalized therapeutic approaches for ITP. However, due to controversial reports, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn, and further investigations are needed.

Gut-muscle axis mechanism of exercise prevention of sarcopenia

Sarcopenia refers to an age-related systemic skeletal muscle disorder, which is characterized by loss of muscle mass and weakening of muscle strength. Gut microbiota can affect skeletal muscle through a variety of mechanisms. Gut microbiota present distinct features among elderly people and sarcopenia patients, including a decrease in microbial diversity, which might be associated with the quality and function of the skeletal muscle. There might be a gut-muscle axis; where gut microbiota and skeletal muscle may affect each other bi-directionally. Skeletal muscle can affect the biodiversity of the gut microbiota, and the latter can, in turn, affect the anabolism of skeletal muscle. This review examines recent studies exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and skeletal muscle, summarizes the effects of exercise on gut microbiota, and discusses the possible mechanisms of the gut-muscle axis.

Modulating Whey Proteins Antigenicity with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DLPU F-36 Metabolites: Insights from Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Studies

Numerous studies have highlighted the potential of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation of whey proteins for alleviating allergies. Nonetheless, the impact of LAB-derived metabolites on whey proteins antigenicity during fermentation remains uncertain. Our objective was to elucidate the impact of small molecular metabolites on the antigenicity of α-lactalbumin (α-LA) and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG). Through metabolomic analysis, we picked 13 bioactive small molecule metabolites from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DLPU F-36 for coincubation with α-LA and β-LG, respectively. The outcomes revealed that valine, arginine, benzoic acid, 2-keto butyric acid, and glutaric acid significantly diminished the sensitization potential of α-LA and β-LG, respectively. Moreover, chromatographic analyses unveiled the varying influence of small molecular metabolites on the structure of α-LA and β-LG, respectively. Notably, molecular docking underscored that the primary active sites of α-LA and β-LG involved in protein binding to IgE antibodies aligned with the interaction sites of small molecular metabolites. In essence, LAB-produced metabolites wield a substantial influence on the antigenic properties of whey proteins.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid as a potential postbiotic mediator in the gut-brain axis

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a crucial role in the central nervous system as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Imbalances of this neurotransmitter are associated with neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Since GABA has long been believed to not cross the blood-brain barrier, the effects of circulating GABA on the brain are neglected. However, emerging evidence has demonstrated that changes in both circulating and brain levels of GABA are associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and that changes in GABA levels and microbiota composition play a role in modulating mental health. This recent research has raised the possibility that GABA may be a potent mediator of the gut-brain axis. This review article will cover up-to-date information about GABA-producing microorganisms isolated from human gut and food sources, explanation why those microorganisms produce GABA, food factors inducing gut-GABA production, evidence suggesting GABA as a mediator linking between gut microbiota and mental health, including anxiety, depression, stress, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and novel information regarding homocarnosine-a predominant brain peptide that is a putative downstream mediator of GABA in regulating brain functions. This review will help us to understand how the gut microbiota and GABA-homocarnosine metabolism play a significant role in brain functions. Nonetheless, it could support further research on the use of GABA production-inducing microorganisms and food factors as agents to treat neurological and psychological disorders.

Magnesium and the Hallmarks of Aging

Magnesium is an essential ion in the human body that regulates numerous physiological and pathological processes. Magnesium deficiency is very common in old age. Age-related chronic diseases and the aging process itself are frequently associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, called 'inflammaging'. Because chronic magnesium insufficiency has been linked to excessive generation of inflammatory markers and free radicals, inducing a chronic inflammatory state, we formerly hypothesized that magnesium inadequacy may be considered among the intermediaries helping us explain the link between inflammaging and aging-associated diseases. We show in this review evidence of the relationship of magnesium with all the hallmarks of aging (genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, disabled autophagy, dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation), which may positively affect the human healthspan. It is feasible to hypothesize that maintaining an optimal balance of magnesium during one's life course may turn out to be a safe and economical strategy contributing to the promotion of healthy aging. Future well-designed studies are necessary to further explore this hypothesis.

Aging Hallmarks and Progression and Age-Related Diseases: A Landscape View of Research Advancement

Aging is a dynamic, time-dependent process that is characterized by a gradual accumulation of cell damage. Continual functional decline in the intrinsic ability of living organisms to accurately regulate homeostasis leads to increased susceptibility and vulnerability to diseases. Many efforts have been put forth to understand and prevent the effects of aging. Thus, the major cellular and molecular hallmarks of aging have been identified, and their relationships to age-related diseases and malfunctions have been explored. Here, we use data from the CAS Content Collection to analyze the publication landscape of recent aging-related research. We review the advances in knowledge and delineate trends in research advancements on aging factors and attributes across time and geography. We also review the current concepts related to the major aging hallmarks on the molecular, cellular, and organismic level, age-associated diseases, with attention to brain aging and brain health, as well as the major biochemical processes associated with aging. Major age-related diseases have been outlined, and their correlations with the major aging features and attributes are explored. We hope this review will be helpful for apprehending the current knowledge in the field of aging mechanisms and progression, in an effort to further solve the remaining challenges and fulfill its potential.

Diet, Gut Microbes, and Cancer

Gut microbes are important and may play important role in spreading cancers specially the gastrointestinal malignancies preferably colorectal cancers. Gut microbes and diet can influence the tissues in gastrointestinal tract increasing the risk of cancer spread. Insufficient nutrient intake and imbalance diet can disturb the microbiome of gastrointestinal tract causing metabolism of xenobiotics which is beneficial as well as detrimental. Dietary imbalance may also weaken the immune system which is another reason for spreading and development of cancers. The triage of gut microbiome, host immune system, and dietary patterns may help the initiation of mechanism of carcinogenesis. In addition to its role in carcinogenesis and tumor development, there is still growing evidence as to how intestinal microflora influences the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy and immunotherapy by the gut microbiome. It can therefore be used as a biomarker to predict treatment response or poor response and can also be modified to improve cancer treatment.

Recent advances in understanding the role of the skin microbiome in the treatment of atopic dermatitis

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and histologically consists of the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Humans maintain a cooperative symbiotic relationship with their skin microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on the surface of the skin, and which act as a barrier to protect the body from the inside and outside. The skin is a 'habitat' and vast 'ecosystem' inhabited by countless microbes; as such, relationships have been forged through millions of years of coevolution. It is not surprising then that microbes are key participants in shaping and maintaining essential physiological processes. In addition to maintaining barrier function, the unique symbiotic microbiota that colonizes the skin increases the immune response and provides protection against pathogenic microbes. This review examines our current understanding of skin microbes in shaping and enhancing the skin barrier, as well as skin microbiome-host interactions and their roles in skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). We also report on the current status of AD therapeutic drugs that target the skin microbiome, related research on current therapeutic strategies, and the limitations and future considerations of skin microbiome research. In particular, as a future strategy, we discuss the need for a skin-on-a-chip-based microphysiological system research model amenable to biomimetic in vitro studies and human skin equivalent models, including skin appendages.

Bifidobacterium mechanisms of immune modulation and tolerance

Bifidobacterium is a widely distributed commensal bacterial genus that displays beneficial pro-homeostatic and anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory properties. Depletion or absence of Bifidobacterium in humans and model organisms is associated with autoimmune responses and impaired immune homeostasis. At the cellular level, Bifidobacterium upregulates suppressive regulatory T cells, maintains intestinal barrier function, modulates dendritic cell and macrophage activity, and dampens intestinal Th2 and Th17 programs. While there has been a large volume of literature characterizing the probiotic properties of various Bifidobacterial species, the likely multifactorial mechanisms underlying these effects remain elusive, in particular, its immune tolerogenic effect. However, recent work has shed light on Bifidobacterium surface structural polysaccharide and protein elements, as well as its metabolic products, as commensal mediators of immune homeostasis. This review aims to discuss several mechanisms Bifidobacterium utilizes for immune modulation as well as their indirect impact on the regulation of gut microbiome structure and function, from structural molecules to produced metabolites. These mechanisms are pertinent to an increasingly networked understanding of immune tolerance and homeostasis in health and disease.

L-arabinose Attenuates LPS-Induced Intestinal Inflammation and Injury through Reduced M1 Macrophage Polarization

BACKGROUND

L-arabinose has anti-inflammatory and metabolism-promoting properties, and macrophages participate in the alleviation of inflammation; however, the mechanism by which they contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of L-arabinose is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the involvement of macrophages in the mitigation of L-arabinose in an intestinal inflammation model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

Five-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups: a control and an LPS group that both received normal water supplementation, and an L-arabinose (ARA+LPS) group that received 5% L-arabinose supplementation. Mice in the LPS and ARA+LPS groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (10 mg/kg body weight), whereas the control group was intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of saline. Intestinal morphology, cytokines, tight junction proteins, macrophage phenotypes, and microbial communities were profiled at 6 h postinjection.

RESULTS

L-arabinose alleviated LPS-induced damage to intestinal morphology. L-arabinose down-regulated serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and toll-like receptor-4 in jejunum and colon compared with those of the LPS group (P < 0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of occludin and claudin-1 were significantly increased by L-arabinose (P < 0.05). Interferon regulatory factor-5 (IRF-5) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-1), key genes characterized by M1 macrophages, were elevated in the jejunum and colon of LPS mice (P < 0.05) but decreased in the ARA+LPS mice (P < 0.05). In vitro, L-arabinose decreased the proportion of M1 macrophages and inhibited mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, as well as IRF-5 and STAT-1 (P < 0.01). Moreover, L-arabinose restored the abundance of norank_f__Muribaculaceae, Faecalibaculum, Dubosiella, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, and Paraasutterella compared with those of LPS (P < 0.05) and increased the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The anti-inflammatory effects of L-arabinose are achieved by reducing M1 macrophage polarization, suggesting that L-arabinose could be a candidate functional food or nutritional strategy for intestinal inflammation and injury.

Soil microbiome influences human health in the context of climate change

Soil microbiomes continue to evolve and shape the human microbiota according to external anthropogenic and climate change effects. Ancient microbes are being exposed as a result of glacier melting, soil erosion and poor agricultural practices. Soil microbes subtly regulate greenhouse gas emissions and undergo profound alterations due to poor soil maintenance. This review highlights how the soil microbiome influences human digestion processes, mineral and vitamin production, mental health and mood stimulation. Although much about microbial functions remains unknown, increasing evidence suggests that beneficial soil microbes are vital for enhancing human tolerance to diseases and pathogens. Further research is essential to delineate the specific role of the soil microbiome in promoting human health, especially in light of the increasing anthropogenic pressures and changing climatic conditions.

Cyclic dipeptides and the human microbiome: Opportunities and challenges

Research into the human microbiome has implicated its constituents in a variety of non-communicable diseases, with certain microbes found to promote health and others leading to dysbiosis and pathogenesis.Microbes communicate and coordinate their behaviour through the secretion of small molecules, such as cyclic dipeptides (CDPs), into their surrounding environment. CDPs are ubiquitous signalling molecules thatexhibit a wide range of biological activities, with particular relevance to human health due to their potential to act as microbiome modulators.

Role of microbiota short-chain fatty acid chains in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases

There is emerging evidence that microbiota and its metabolites play an important role in helath and diseases. In this regard, gut microbiota has been found as a crucial component that influences immune responses as well as immune-related disorders such as autoimmune diseases. Gut bacterial dysbiosis has been shown to cause disease and altered microbiota metabolite synthesis, leading to immunological and metabolic dysregulation. Of note, microbiota in the gut produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate, and remodeling in these microbiota metabolites has been linked to the pathophysiology of a number of autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In this review, we will address the most recent findings from the most noteworthy studies investigating the impact of microbiota SCFAs on various autoimmune diseases.

Short-chain fatty acids directly exert anti-inflammatory responses in podocytes and tubular epithelial cells exposed to high glucose

Aims: Gut-microbiome derived short-chain fatty acids exert anti-inflammatory effects and delay progression of kidney disease in diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to examine the impact in vivo and in vitro of short-chain fatty acid treatment on cellular pathways involved in the development of experimental diabetic nephropathy. Methods: To determine the effect of short-chain fatty acids in diabetic nephropathy, we compared wildtype, GPR43-/- and GPR109A-/- mice diabetic mice treated with acetate or butyrate and assessed variables of kidney damage. We also examined the impact of short-chain fatty acid treatment on gene expression in renal tubular cells and podocytes under high glucose conditions. Results: Short-chain fatty acid treatment with acetate or butyrate protected wild-type mice against development of diabetic nephropathy, exhibiting less glomerular hypertrophy, hypercellularity and interstitial fibrosis compared to diabetic controls. Acetate and butyrate treatment did not provide the same degree of protection in diabetic GPR43-/- and GPR109A-/- diabetic mice respectively. Consistent with our in vivo results, expression of pro-inflammatory genes in tubular epithelial cells exposed to high glucose were attenuated by acetate and butyrate treatment. Acetate did not reduce inflammatory or fibrotic responses in glucose stimulated GPR43-/- TECs. Butyrate mediated inhibition of pro-fibrotic gene expression in TECs through GPR109A, and in podocytes via GPR43. Conclusion: SCFAs protect against progression of diabetic nephropathy and diminish podocyte and tubular epithelial injury and interstitial fibrosis via direct, GPR-pathway dependent effects on intrinsic kidney cells. GPR43 and GPR109A are critical to short-chain fatty acid mediated reno-protection and have potential to be harnessed as a therapeutic target in diabetic nephropathy.

Gut microbiota induces hepatic steatosis by modulating the T cells balance in high fructose diet mice

Metabolic diseases are often associated with high fructose (HF) consumption. HF has also been found to alter the gut microbiota, which then favors the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the mechanisms underlying of the gut microbiota on this metabolic disturbance are yet to be determined. Thus, in this study, we further explored the effect the gut microbiota concerning the T cells balance in an HF diet mouse model. We fed mice 60% fructose-enriched diet for 12 weeks. At 4 weeks, HF diet did not affect the liver, but it caused injury to the intestine and adipose tissues. After 12 weeks, the lipid droplet aggregation was markedly increased in the liver of HF-fed mice. Further analysis of the gut microbial composition showed that HF decreased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and increased the levels of Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, and Oscillibacter. In addition, HF can increase the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the serum. T helper type 1 cells were significantly increased, and regulatory T(Treg) cells were markedly decreased in the mesenteric lymph nodes of the HF-fed mice. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation alleviates systemic metabolic disorder by maintaining liver and intestinal immune homeostasis. Overall, our data indicated that intestinal structure injury and intestinal inflammation might be early, and liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis may be a subsequent effect following HF diets. Gut microbiota disorders impairing the intestinal barrier function and triggering immune homeostasis imbalance may be an importantly responsible for long-term HF diets induced hepatic steatosis.

The diet-microbiota axis: a key regulator of intestinal permeability in human health and disease

The intestinal barrier orchestrates selective permeability to nutrients and metabolites while excluding noxious stimuli. Recent scientific advances establishing a causal role for the gut microbiota in human health outcomes have generated a resurgent interest toward intestinal permeability. Considering the well-established role of the gut barrier in protection against foreign antigens, there is mounting evidence for a causal link between gut permeability and the microbiome in regulating human health. However, an understanding of the dynamic host-microbiota interactions that govern intestinal barrier functions remains poorly defined. Furthermore, the system-level mechanisms by which microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics and prebiotics, simultaneously promote intestinal barrier function and host health remain an area of active investigation. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding the dynamics of intestinal permeability in human health and its integration with gut microbiota. We further summarize mechanisms by which probiotics/prebiotics influence the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier functions.

Disruption of the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Induced by High Fructose and Restraint Stress Is Regulated by the Intestinal Microbiota and Microbiota Metabolites

Environmental (restraint stress) and dietary (high fructose) factors are key triggers for flares of inflammatory bowel disease; however, the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which restraint stress and high fructose damage the intestinal mucosal immune barrier. The feces of C57BL/6J mice were subjected to 16S rRNA and untargeted metabolome sequencing, and the intestinal histological structure was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein levels of the intestinal protein were analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The metabolites of the microbiota were tested in vitro, and Akkermansia muciniphila was used for colonization in vivo. Dietary fructose exacerbated the development of restraint stress, with an extensive change in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. The disturbance of the microbiota composition led to an increase in the abundance of histamine and a decrease in the abundance of taurine, which inhibited the expression of tight junction and MUC2 proteins, destroyed the function of NLRP6, and reduced intestinal autophagy level; this in turn disrupted the function of colonic goblet cells to secrete mucus, leading to defects in the intestinal mucosal barrier, which ultimately codrives colon autoinflammation. However, A. muciniphila supplementation counteracted damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier by high fructose and restraint stress. Therefore, the gut microbiota and microbiota metabolites play an important role in maintaining microenvironment homeostasis of the intestinal mucosal barrier. IMPORTANCE A high-fructose diet aggravated restraint stress-induced changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome, in which the abundance of A. muciniphila was significantly increased. The high-fructose diet exacerbated restraint stress-induced the changes in the composition of the microbial metabolites, with taurine abundance being downregulated and histamine abundance upregulated. High fructose and restraint stress induced colonic mucosal immune barrier damage, possibly due to changes in the abundance of the microbial metabolites taurine and histamine. Colonization with A. muciniphila stimulated the expression of the NLRP6 inflammasome and activated autophagy in goblet cells, thereby producing more new mucins, which could protect the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Insufficient or excessive dietary carbohydrates affect gut health through change in gut microbiota and regulation of gene expression of gut epithelial cells in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Dietary carbohydrate levels can affect gut health, but the roles played by gut microbiota and gut epithelial cells, and their interactions remain unclear. In this experiment, we investigated gut health, gut microbiota, and the gene expression profiles of gut epithelial cells in grass carp consuming diets with different carbohydrate levels. Compared to the moderate-carbohydrate diet, low-carbohydrate diet significantly increased the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Ralstonia and Elizabethkingia) and decreased the abundance of metabolism in cofactors and vitamins, implying a dysregulated gut microbiota and compromised metabolic function. Moreover, low-carbohydrate diet inhibited the expression levels of key genes in autophagy-related pathways in gut epithelial cells, which might directly lead to reduced clearance of defective organelles and pathogenic microorganisms. These aforementioned factors may be responsible for the imperfect organization of the intestinal tract. High-carbohydrate diet also significantly increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Flavobacterium), which directly contributed to a decrease in the abundance of immune system of the microbiota. Furthermore, the active pathways of staphylococcus aureus infection and complement and coagulation cascades, as well as the inhibition of the glutathione metabolism pathway were observed. Above results implied that high-carbohydrate diet might ultimately cause severe gut damage by affecting immune function of microbiota, mentioned immune-related pathways, and the antioxidant capacity. Finally, the correlation network diagram revealed strong correlations of the differentially immune-related gene major histocompatibility complex class I antigen (MR1) with Enhydrobacter and Ruminococcus_gnavus_group in low-carbohydrate diet group, and Arenimonas in high-carbohydrate diet group, respectively, suggesting that MR1 might be a central target for immune responses in gut epithelial cells induced by gut microbiota at different levels of dietary carbohydrate. All these results provided insight in the development of antagonistic probiotics and target genes to improve the utilization of carbohydrate.

Meals, Microbiota and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents (MMM-Study): A protocol for an observational longitudinal case-control study

Recent studies indicate that the interplay between diet, intestinal microbiota composition, and intestinal permeability can impact mental health. More than 10% of children and adolescents in Iceland suffer from mental disorders, and rates of psychotropics use are very high. The aim of this novel observational longitudinal case-control study, "Meals, Microbiota and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents (MMM-Study)" is to contribute to the promotion of treatment options for children and adolescents diagnosed with mental disorders through identification of patterns that may affect the symptoms. All children and adolescents, 5-15 years referred to the outpatient clinic of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department at The National University Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland, for one year (n≈150) will be invited to participate. There are two control groups, i.e., sex-matched children from the same postal area (n≈150) and same parent siblings (full siblings) in the same household close in age +/- 3 years (n<150). A three-day food diary, rating scales for mental health, and multiple questionnaires will be completed. Biosamples (fecal-, urine-, saliva-, blood samples, and buccal swab) will be collected and used for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the oral and gut microbiome, measurements of serum factors, quantification of urine metabolites and host genotype, respectively. For longitudinal follow-up, data collection will be repeated after three years in the same groups. Integrative analysis of diet, gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, serum metabolites, and mental health will be conducted applying bioinformatics and systems biology approaches. Extensive population-based data of this quality has not been collected before, with collection repeated in three years' time, contributing to the high scientific value. The MMM-study follows the "Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology" (STROBE) guidelines. Approval has been obtained from the Icelandic National Bioethics Committee, and the study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov. The study will contribute to an improved understanding of the links between diet, gut microbiota and mental health in children through good quality study design by collecting information on multiple components, and a longitudinal approach. Furthermore, the study creates knowledge on possibilities for targeted and more personalized dietary and lifestyle interventions in subgroups. Trial registration numbers: VSN-19-225 & NCT04330703.

New hallmarks of ageing: a 2022 Copenhagen ageing meeting summary

Genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication were the original nine hallmarks of ageing proposed by López-Otín and colleagues in 2013. The proposal of these hallmarks of ageing has been instrumental in guiding and pushing forward research on the biology of ageing. In the nearly past 10 years, our in-depth exploration on ageing research has enabled us to formulate new hallmarks of ageing which are compromised autophagy, microbiome disturbance, altered mechanical properties, splicing dysregulation, and inflammation, among other emerging ones. Amalgamation of the 'old' and 'new' hallmarks of ageing may provide a more comprehensive explanation of ageing and age-related diseases, shedding light on interventional and therapeutic studies to achieve healthy, happy, and productive lives in the elderly.

A dysregulated sebum-microbial metabolite-IL-33 axis initiates skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis

Microbial dysbiosis in the skin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD); however, whether and how changes in the skin microbiome initiate skin inflammation, or vice versa, remains poorly understood. Here, we report that the levels of sebum and its microbial metabolite, propionate, were lower on the skin surface of AD patients compared with those of healthy individuals. Topical propionate application attenuated skin inflammation in mice with MC903-induced AD-like dermatitis by inhibiting IL-33 production in keratinocytes, an effect that was mediated through inhibition of HDAC and regulation of the AhR signaling pathway. Mice lacking sebum spontaneously developed AD-like dermatitis, which was improved by topical propionate application. A proof-of-concept clinical study further demonstrated the beneficial therapeutic effects of topical propionate application in AD patients. In summary, we have uncovered that the dysregulated sebum-microbial metabolite-IL-33 axis might play an initiating role in AD-related skin inflammation, thereby highlighting novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD.

Contribution of the Environment, Epigenetic Mechanisms and Non-Coding RNAs in Psoriasis

Despite the increasing research and clinical interest in the predisposition of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, the multitude of genetic and environmental factors involved in its pathogenesis remain unclear. This complexity is further exacerbated by the several cell types that are implicated in Psoriasis’s progression, including keratinocytes, melanocytes and various immune cell types. The observed interactions between the genetic substrate and the environment lead to epigenetic alterations that directly or indirectly affect gene expression. Changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications that alter DNA-binding site accessibility, as well as non-coding RNAs implicated in the post-transcriptional regulation, are mechanisms of gene transcriptional activity modification and therefore affect the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis. In this review, we summarize the research conducted on the environmental factors contributing to the disease onset, epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs exhibiting deregulation in Psoriasis, and we further categorize them based on the under-study cell types. We also assess the recent literature considering therapeutic applications targeting molecules that compromise the epigenome, as a way to suppress the inflammatory cutaneous cascade.

Abnormal gut microbiota and bile acids in patients with first-episode major depressive disorder and correlation analysis

AIM

Gut microbiota and its metabolite bile acids may play a significant role in the occurrence and development of major depressive disorder (MDD). Therefore, this study analyzes gut microbiota and bile acids, as well as their correlation in patients.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with MDD and 29 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. We collected their both blood and feces. Plasma bile acid content was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gut microbiota was detected by 16SrRNA gene sequencing and subsequently analyzed. We also analyzed the correlation between different gut microbiota, bile acids, and Hamilton Depression (HAMD) score.

RESULTS

The α-diversity analysis found that Simpson and Pielou evenness index was much higher in HCs than in the patients with MDD. The β-diversity of the two groups were differences by nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis identified 16 different strains. Bile acids detection showed that 23-nordeoxycholic acid in patients with MDD was significantly higher than in HCs, whereas taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), glycolithocholic acid (GLCA), and lithocholic acid 3-sulfate were significantly lower. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Turicibacteraceae, Turicibacterales, and Turicibacter were positively related with TLCA, GLCA, glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA), and taurodeoxycholic acid, and were negatively correlated with HAMD score. At the same time, TLCA, GLCA, and GDCA were negatively correlated with HAMD score.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota and bile acids metabolism are disturbances in MDD, and there exists a correlation between gut microbiota and bile acids metabolism. Moreover, their interaction may be related to the pathophysiological mechanism of MDD.

Functional changes of the gastric bypass microbiota reactivate thermogenic adipose tissue and systemic glucose control via intestinal FXR-TGR5 crosstalk in diet-induced obesity

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective therapy for adiposity reduction and remission of type 2 diabetes. Although different bariatric procedures associate with pronounced shifts in the gut microbiota, their functional role in the regulation of energetic and metabolic benefits achieved with the surgery are not clear.

METHODS

To evaluate the causal as well as the inherent therapeutic character of the surgery-altered gut microbiome in improved energy and metabolic control in diet-induced obesity, an antibiotic cocktail was used to eliminate the gut microbiota in diet-induced obese rats after gastric bypass surgery, and gastric bypass-shaped gut microbiota was transplanted into obese littermates. Thorough metabolic profiling was combined with omics technologies on samples collected from cecum and plasma to identify adaptions in gut microbiota-host signaling, which control improved energy balance and metabolic profile after surgery.

RESULTS

In this study, we first demonstrate that depletion of the gut microbiota largely reversed the beneficial effects of gastric bypass surgery on negative energy balance and improved glucolipid metabolism. Further, we show that the gastric bypass-shaped gut microbiota reduces adiposity in diet-induced obese recipients by re-activating energy expenditure from metabolic active brown adipose tissue. These beneficial effects were linked to improved glucose homeostasis, lipid control, and improved fatty liver disease. Mechanistically, these effects were triggered by modulation of taurine metabolism by the gastric bypass gut microbiota, fostering an increased abundance of intestinal and circulating taurine-conjugated bile acid species. In turn, these bile acids activated gut-restricted FXR and systemic TGR5 signaling to stimulate adaptive thermogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Our results establish the role of the gut microbiome in the weight loss and metabolic success of gastric bypass surgery. We here identify a signaling cascade that entails altered bile acid receptor signaling resulting from a collective, hitherto undescribed change in the metabolic activity of a cluster of bacteria, thereby readjusting energy imbalance and metabolic disease in the obese host. These findings strengthen the rationale for microbiota-targeted strategies to improve and refine current therapies of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Video Abstract Bariatric Surgery (i.e. RYGB) or the repeated fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) from RYGB donors into DIO (diet-induced obesity) animals induces shifts in the intestinal microbiome, an effect that can be impaired by oral application of antibiotics (ABx). Our current study shows that RYGB-dependent alterations in the intestinal microbiome result in an increase in the luminal and systemic pool of Taurine-conjugated Bile acids (TCBAs) by various cellular mechanisms acting in the intestine and the liver. TCBAs induce signaling via two different receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR, specifically in the intestines) and the G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor TGR5 (systemically), finally resulting in metabolic improvement and advanced weight management. BSH, bile salt hydrolase; BAT brown adipose tissue.

β-1,6-Glucan From Pleurotus eryngii Modulates the Immunity and Gut Microbiota

Polysaccharides from Pleurotus eryngii exhibit a variety of biological activities. Here, we obtained a homogeneous branched β-1,6-glucan (APEP-A-b) from the fruiting bodies of P. eryngii and investigated its effect on immunity and gut microbiota. Our results showed that APEP-A-b significantly increases splenic lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell activity and phagocytic capacity of peritoneal cavity phagocytes. Furthermore, we found that the proportion of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in lamina propria are significantly increased upon APEP-A-b treatment. Additionally, APEP-A-b supplementation demonstrated pronounced changes in microbiota reflected in promotion of relative abundances of species in the Lachnospiraceae and Rikenellaceae families. Consistently, APEP-A-b significantly increased the concentration of acetic and butyric acid in cecum contents. Overall, our results suggest that β-1,6-glucan from P. eryngii might enhance immunity by modulating microbiota. These results are important for the processing and product development of P. eryngii derived polysaccharides.

Gardnerella vaginalis induces matrix metalloproteinases in the cervicovaginal epithelium through TLR-2 activation

Lactobacillus-deficient cervicovaginal microbiota, including Gardnerella vaginalis, are implicated in cervical remodeling and preterm birth. Mechanisms by which microbes drives outcomes are not fully elucidated. We hypothesize that Gardnerella vaginalis induces matrix metalloproteinases through TLR-2, leading to epithelial barrier dysfunction and premature cervical remodeling. Cervicovaginal cells were treated with live Gardnerella vaginalis or Lactobacillus crispatus or their bacteria-free supernatants for 24 h. For TLR-2 experiments, cells were pretreated with TLR-2 blocking antibody. A Luminex panel was run on cell media. For human data, we conducted a case-control study from a prospective pregnancy cohort of Black individuals with spontaneous preterm (sPTB) (n = 40) or term (n = 40) births whose vaginal microbiota had already been characterized. Cervicovaginal fluid was obtained between 20 and 24 weeks' gestation. Short cervix was defined as < 25 mm by second trimester transvaginal ultrasound. MMP-9 was quantified by ELISA. Standard analytical approaches were used to determine differences across in vitro conditions, as well as MMP-9 and associations with clinical outcomes. Gardnerella vaginalis induced MMP-1 in cervical cells (p = 0.01) and MMP-9 in cervical and vaginal (VK2) cells (p ≤ 0.001 for all). TLR-2 blockade mitigated MMP-9 induction by Gardnerella vaginalis. MMP-9 in cervicovaginal fluid is higher among pregnant individuals with preterm birth, short cervix, and Lactobacillus-deficient microbiota (p < 0.05 for all). MMP-9 is increased in the cervicovaginal fluid of pregnant individuals with subsequent sPTB. Our in vitro work ascribes a potential mechanism by which a cervicovaginal microbe, commonly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, may disrupt the cervicovaginal epithelial barrier and promote premature cervical remodeling in spontaneous preterm birth.

The 4E approach to the human microbiome: Nested interactions between the gut-brain/body system within natural and built environments

The complexity of the human mind and its interaction with the environment is one of the main epistemological debates throughout history. Recent ideas, framed as the 4E perspective to cognition, highlight that human experience depends causally on both cerebral and extracranial processes, but also is embedded in a particular sociomaterial context and is a product of historical accumulation of trajectory changes throughout life. Accordingly, the human microbiome is one of the most intriguing actors modulating brain function and physiology. Here, we present the 4E approach to the Human Microbiome for understanding mental processes from a broader perspective, encompassing one's body physiology and environment throughout their lifespan, interconnected by microbiome community structure and dynamics. We review evidence supporting the approach theoretically and motivates the study of the global set of microbial ecosystem networks encountered by a person across their lifetime (from skin to gut to natural and built environments). We furthermore trace future empirical implementation of the approach. We finally discuss novel research opportunities and clinical interventions aimed toward developing low-cost/high-benefit integrative and personalized bio-psycho-socio-environmental treatments for mental health and including the brain-gut-microbiome axis.

Theabrownin-targeted regulation of intestinal microorganisms to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in Goto-Kakizaki rats

Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by a disturbance of glucose metabolism. Theabrownin (TB) is one of the most active and abundant pigments in Pu-erh tea, and it is a brown pigment with multiple aromatic rings and attached residues of polysaccharides and proteins. TB has been shown to be hypolipidemic and displays fasting blood glucose (FBG)-lowering properties in rats fed a high-fat diet, but the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. This study aimed to determine the effect of TB in treating diabetes and explore the underlying mechanism of action of intestinal microbes by using Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Diabetic GK rats were treated up to 8 weeks with TB (GK-TB). Following treatment, the body weight, triglyceride (TG) content, fasting blood glucose (FBG) content, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower in the GK-TB group than in the GK control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the circulating adiponectin (ADPN), leptin, and glucokinase levels in the serum of the GK-TB group were significantly higher than those in the GK group, while there was little difference in hepatic lipase (HL) and hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase (HSL) enzyme activities (P > 0.05). Furthermore, with the extension of treatment time, the number of unique intestinal microorganisms in GK rats greatly increased and an interaction among intestinal microorganisms was observed. The Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio was decreased significantly, and the composition of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria was increased. The use of multiple omics technologies showed that TB is involved in the targeted regulation of the core characteristic intestinal flora including Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT), Lactobacillus murinus (LM), Parabacteroides distasonis (PD), and Bacteroides_acidifaciens (BA) which improved the glucose and lipid metabolism of GK rats via the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, bile secretion and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Intragastric administration of BT, LM, PD, or BA led to a significantly reduced HOMA-IR in GK rats. Furthermore, BT significantly reduced serum lipid TG and total cholesterol (TC) and BA significantly reduced the serum lipid TC and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). PD significantly reduced serum LDL, while the effect of LM was not significant. However, LM and PD significantly increased the content of ADPN in serum. Taken together, our results indicated that the effect of TB on diabetic rats mainly depends on the targeted regulation of intestinal microorganisms and that TB is a functional food component with great potential to treat or prevent diabetes.

Long-chain glucomannan supplementation modulates immune responsiveness, as well as intestinal microbiota, and impacts infection of broiler chickens with Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis

The zoonotic pathogen Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE) causes severe disease in young chickens. Restriction on antibiotic use requires alternative SE control strategies such as nutritional solutions to improve the resistance of chickens. In this study, chickens were fed long-chain glucomannan (GM) or standard diet and challenged with SE at seven days of age. During 21 days post-infection (dpi), we determined numbers and responsiveness of natural killer (NK) and T cells in ileum and spleen, and SE-specific antibody titers in serum. Microbiota compositions in ileum and caeca were determined, as well as correlations of these with numbers and function of immune cells. Some of the samples in the control group had numerically higher CFUs than the GM-treated group. In addition, the relative abundance of SE based on DNA assessment was significantly lower at 21 dpi upon GM supplementation. At 3 dpi, numbers of intraepithelial NK cells were significantly higher, while activation of intraepithelial NK cells (7 dpi), numbers of intraepithelial cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells (14 dpi) and SE-specific antibodies (14 dpi) were numerically higher. Furthermore, relative abundance of the commensal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) significantly increased with GM supplementation post-infection. Higher relative abundance of streptococci was associated with reduced SE in ileal and caecal contents at 21 dpi. Relative abundance of streptococci negatively correlated with SE counts and positively correlated with NK cell activation and SE-specific antibodies, which suggests involvement of the commensal LAB in NK cell responsiveness. These results indicate that GM supplementation modulates the immune system, intestinal microbiota and impacts SE infection of young chickens.

Vitamin D supplementation for autoimmune hepatitis: A need for further investigation

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease harboring an autoimmune basis and progressive character. Despite still obscurity in etiology and pathogenesis, some evidence supports the importance of sustaining the immune system. Vitamin D is a lipo-soluble vitamin, which has been identified as decreased in our body. It is often due to the daily habit change and decrease of individual sun exposure due to the increase of the ultraviolet-induced potential melanocytic transformation. Here, we emphasize the importance of vitamin D supplementation in patients affected with liver disease.

A high-fat High-fructose Diet Dysregulates the Homeostatic Crosstalk Between Gut Microbiome, Metabolome and Immunity in an Experimental Model of Obesity

SCOPE

Ample evidence supports the prominent role of gut-liver axis in perpetuating pathological networks of high-fat high-fructose (HFF) diet induced metabolic disorders, however, the molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Herein, we aim to present a holistic delineation and scientific explanation for the crosstalk between the gut and liver, including the potential mediators involved in orchestrating the metabolic and immune systems.

METHODS

An experimental obesity associated metaflammation rat model was induced with a HFF diet. An integrative multi-omics analysis was then performed. Following the clues illustrated by the multi-omics discoveries, putative pathways were subsequently validated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

HFF diet led to obese phenotypes in rats, as well as histopathological changes. Integrated omics analysis showed there existed a strong interdependence among gut microbiota composition, intestinal metabolites and innate immunity regulation in the liver. Some carboxylic acids might contribute to gut-liver communication. Moreover, activation of the hepatic LPS-TLR4 pathway in obesity was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

HFF-intake disturbs gut flora homeostasis. Crosstalk between gut microbiota and innate immune system mediated hepatic metaflammation in obese rats, associated with LPS-TLR4 signaling pathway activation. Moreover, α-hydroxyisobutyric acid and some other organic acids may play a role as messengers in the liver-gut axis. High-fat high-fructose diet (HFF) induces obesity associated chronic inflammation; HFF dysregulates the rat intestinal metabolome and gut microbiota composition; HFF impacts hepatic expression of genes involved in innate immunity; Modulation of gut microbiota composition and innate immunity are connected partly via TLR4 signalling; Small molecular carboxylic acids are potential mediators of gut-liver axis communication in chronic obesity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Paludibacter propionicigenes GH10 xylanase as a tool for enzymatic xylooligosaccharides production from heteroxylans

Bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added products relies on polysaccharides depolymerization by carbohydrate active enzymes. This work reports biochemical characterization of Paludibacter propionicigenes xylanase from GH10 (PpXyn10A) and its application for enzymatic xylooligosaccharides (XOS) production from commercial heteroxylans and liquor of hydrothermally pretreated corn cobs (PCC). PpXyn10A is tolerant to ethanol and NaCl, and releases xylobiose (X2) and xylotriose (X3) as the main hydrolytic products. The conversion rate of complex substrates into short XOS was approximately 30% for glucuronoxylan and 8.8% for rye arabinoxylan, after only 4 h; while for PCC, PpXyn10A greatly increased unbranched XOS yields. B. adolescentis fermentation with XOS from beechwood glucuronoxylan produced mainly acetic and lactic acids. Structural analysis shows that while the glycone region of PpXyn10A active site is well preserved, the aglycone region has aromatic interactions in the +2 subsite that may explain why PpXyn10A does not release xylose.

Microbiome-Mediated Immune Signaling in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer: Support From Meta-omics Data

Chronic intestinal inflammation and microbial dysbiosis are hallmarks of colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. However, the mechanistic relationship between gut dysbiosis and disease has not yet been fully characterized. Although the “trigger” of intestinal inflammation remains unknown, a wealth of evidence supports the role of the gut microbiome as a mutualistic pseudo-organ that significantly influences intestinal homeostasis and is capable of regulating host immunity. In recent years, culture-independent methods for assessing microbial communities as a whole (termed meta-omics) have grown beyond taxonomic identification and genome characterization (metagenomics) into new fields of research that collectively expand our knowledge of microbiomes. Metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics are meta-omics techniques that aim to describe and quantify the functional activity of the gut microbiome. Uncovering microbial metabolic contributions in the context of IBD and CRC using these approaches provides insight into how the metabolic microenvironment of the GI tract shapes microbial community structure and how the microbiome, in turn, influences the surrounding ecosystem. Immunological studies in germ-free and wild-type mice have described several host-microbiome interactions that may play a role in autoinflammation. Chronic colitis is a precursor to CRC, and changes in the gut microbiome may be an important link triggering the neoplastic process in chronic colitis. In this review, we describe several microbiome-mediated mechanisms of host immune signaling, such as short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and bile acid metabolism, inflammasome activation, and cytokine regulation in the context of IBD and CRC, and discuss the supporting role for these mechanisms by meta-omics data.

High yield biorefinery products from sugarcane bagasse: Prebiotic xylooligosaccharides, cellulosic ethanol, cellulose nanofibrils and lignin nanoparticles

An integrated biorefining strategy was applied to fractionate Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) into its major constituents, enabling high-yield conversion of the fractionated materials into high-value coproducts alongside cellulosic ethanol. Pilot-scale steam explosion produced a hydrolysate rich in low molecular weight xylooligosaccharides that had a high in vitro efficacy as a prebiotic towards different bifidobacteria. Lignin recovered after alkaline treatment of the steam-exploded SCB was converted into uniform spherical lignin nanoparticles (11.3 nm in diameter) by a green mechanical method. The resulting cellulose was hydrolyzed at 17.5% (w/v) consistency and low enzyme loading (17.5 mg/g) to yield a pure glucose hydrolysate at a high concentration (100 g/L) and a cellulosic solid residue that was defibrillated by disc ultra-refining into homogeneous cellulose nanofibrils (20.5 nm in diameter). Statistical optimization of the cellulosic hydrolysate fermentation led to ethanol production of 67.1 g/L, with a conversion yield of 0.48 g/g and productivity of 1.40 g/L.h.

A non-optimal cervicovaginal microbiota in pregnancy is associated with a distinct metabolomic signature among non-Hispanic Black individuals

Biomechanical and molecular processes of premature cervical remodeling preceding spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) likely result from interactions between the cervicovaginal microbiota and host immune responses. A non-optimal cervicovaginal microbiota confers increased risk of sPTB. The cervicovaginal space is metabolically active in pregancy; microbiota can produce, modify, and degrade metabolites within this ecosystem. We establish that cervicovaginal metabolomic output clusters by microbial community in pregnancy among Black individuals, revealing increased metabolism within the amino acid and dipeptide pathways as hallmarks of a non-optimal microbiota. Few differences were detected in metabolomic profiles when stratified by birth outcome. The study raises the possibility that metabolites could distinguish women with greater risk of sPTB among those with similar cervicovaginal microbiota, and that metabolites within the amino acid and carbohydrate pathways may play a role in this distinction.

Research progress of gut microbiota and frailty syndrome

Frailty is a clinical syndrome caused by homeostasis imbalance. It is characterized by marked vulnerability to endogenous or exogenous stressors, reduced self-care ability, and increased mortality risk. This aging-related syndrome is common in individuals older than 65 years and carries an increased risk for poor health outcomes. These include falls, incident disability, incapacity, and mortality. In addition, it can result in a poor prognosis for other comorbidities. With the aging population, frailty increases the burden of adverse health outcomes. Studies on frailty are at their infancy. In addition, there is a lack of thorough understanding of its pathogenesis. Several studies have suggested that frailty is caused by chronic inflammation due to enhanced intestinal permeability following gut microbiota imbalance as well as pathogen-related antibodies entering the circulation system. These result in musculoskeletal system disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. However, this assumption has not been validated in large cohort-based studies. Several studies have suggested that inflammation is not the only cause of frailty. Hence, further studies are necessary to extend our understanding of its pathogenesis. This review summarizes the research findings in the field and expands on the possible role of the gut microbiota in frailty syndrome.

Microbiota and epigenetics: promising therapeutic approaches?

The direct/indirect responsibility of the gut microbiome in disease induction in and outside the digestive tract is well studied. These results are usually from the overpopulation of certain species on the cost of others, interaction with beneficial microflora, interference with normal epigenetic control mechanisms, or suppression of the immune system. Consequently, it is theoretically possible to cure such disorders by rebalancing the microbiome inside our bodies. This can be achieved by changing the lifestyle pattern and diet or by supplementation with beneficial bacteria or their metabolites. Various approaches have been explored to manipulate the normal microbial inhabitants, including nutraceutical, supplementations with prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and antibiotics, or through microbiome transplantation (fecal, skin, or vaginal microbiome transplantation). In the present review, the interaction between the microbiome and epigenetics and their role in disease induction is discussed. Possible future therapeutic approaches via the reestablishment of equilibrium in our internal micro-ecosystem are also highlighted.

An Overview of Physical, Microbiological and Immune Barriers of Oral Mucosa

The oral mucosa, which is the lining tissue of the oral cavity, is a gateway to the body and it offers first-line protection against potential pathogens, exogenous chemicals, airborne allergens, etc. by means of its physical and microbiological-immune barrier functions. For this reason, oral mucosa is considered as a mirror to the health of the individual as well as a guard or early warning system. It is organized in two main components: a physical barrier, which consists of stratified epithelial cells and cell-cell junctions, and a microbiological-immune barrier that keeps the internal environment in a condition of homeostasis. Different factors, including microorganism, saliva, proteins and immune components, have been considered to play a critical role in disruption of oral epithelial barrier. Altered mucosal structure and barrier functions results in oral pathologies as well as systemic diseases. About 700 kinds of microorganisms exist in the human mouth, constituting the oral microbiota, which plays a significant role on the induction, training and function of the host immune system. The immune system maintains the symbiotic relationship of the host with this microbiota. Crosstalk between the oral microbiota and immune system includes various interactions in homeostasis and disease. In this review, after reviewing briefly the physical barriers of oral mucosa, the fundamentals of oral microbiome and oral mucosal immunity in regard to their barrier properties will be addressed. Furthermore, their importance in development of new diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for certain diseases as well as in the application for personalized medicine will be discussed.

Glucose Oligosaccharide and Long-Chain Glucomannan Feed Additives Induce Enhanced Activation of Intraepithelial NK Cells and Relative Abundance of Commensal Lactic Acid Bacteria in Broiler Chickens

Restrictions on the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry stimulate the development of alternative nutritional solutions to maintain or improve poultry health. This requires more insight in the modulatory effects of feed additives on the immune system and microbiota composition. Compounds known to influence the innate immune system and microbiota composition were selected and screened in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo. Among all compounds, 57 enhanced NK cell activation, 56 increased phagocytosis, and 22 increased NO production of the macrophage cell line HD11 in vitro. Based on these results, availability and regulatory status, six compounds were selected for further analysis. None of these compounds showed negative effects on growth, hatchability, and feed conversion in in ovo and in vivo studies. Based on the most interesting numerical results and highest future potential feasibility, two compounds were analyzed further. Administration of glucose oligosaccharide and long-chain glucomannan in vivo both enhanced activation of intraepithelial NK cells and led to increased relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) amongst ileum and ceca microbiota after seven days of supplementation. Positive correlations between NK cell subsets and activation, and relative abundance of LAB suggest the involvement of microbiota in the modulation of the function of intraepithelial NK cells. This study identifies glucose oligosaccharide and long-chain glucomannan supplementation as effective nutritional strategies to modulate the intestinal microbiota composition and strengthen the intraepithelial innate immune system.

Critical roles of bile acids in regulating intestinal mucosal immune responses

Bile acids are a class of cholesterol derivatives that have been known for a long time for their critical roles in facilitating the digestion and absorption of lipid from the daily diet. The transformation of primary bile acids produced by the liver to secondary bile acids appears under the action of microbiota in the intestine, greatly expanding the molecular diversity of the intestinal environment. With the discovery of several new receptors of bile acids and signaling pathways, bile acids are considered as a family of important metabolites that play pleiotropic roles in regulating many aspects of human overall health, especially in the maintenance of the microbiota homeostasis and the balance of the mucosal immune system in the intestine. Accordingly, disruption of the process involved in the metabolism or circulation of bile acids is implicated in many disorders that mainly affect the intestine, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. In this review, we discuss the different metabolism profiles in diseases associated with the intestinal mucosa and the diverse roles of bile acids in regulating the intestinal immune system. Furthermore, we also summarize recent advances in the field of new drugs that target bile acid signaling and highlight the importance of bile acids as a new target for disease intervention.