Effects of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharides on rats with antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Elucidation of the beneficial role of co-fermented whole grain quinoa and black barley with Lactobacillus on rats fed a western-style diet via a multi-omics approach

Long-term consumption of Western-style diet (WSD) can lead to metabolic disorders and dysbiosis of gut microbiota, presenting a critical risk factor for various chronic conditions such as fatty liver disease. In the present study, we investigated the beneficial role of co-fermented whole grain quinoa and black barley with Lactobacillus kisonensis on rats fed a WSD. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, aged six weeks and weighing 180 ± 10 g, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the normal control group (NC, n = 7), the WSD group (HF, n = 7), and the WSD supplemented with a co-fermented whole grain quinoa with black barley (FQB) intervention group (HFF, n = 7). The findings indicated that FQB was effective in suppressing body weight gain, mitigating hepatic steatosis, reducing perirenal fat accumulation, and ameliorating pathological damage in the livers and testicular tissues of rats. Additionally, FQB intervention led to decreased levels of serum uric acid (UA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). These advantageous effects can be ascribed to the regulation of FQB on gut microbiota dysbiosis, which includes the restoration of intestinal flora diversity, reduction of the F/B ratio, and promotion of probiotics abundance, such as Akkermansia and [Ruminococcus] at the genus level. The study employed the UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE technique to analyze metabolites in fecal and hepatic samples. The findings revealed that FQB intervention led to a regression in the levels of specific metabolites in feces, including oxoadipic acid and 20a, 22b-dihydroxycholesterol, as well as in the liver, such as pyridoxamine, xanthine and xanthosine. The transcriptome sequencing of liver tissues revealed that FQB intervention modulated the mRNA expression of specific genes, including Cxcl12, Cidea, and Gck, known for their roles in anti-inflammatory and anti-insulin resistance mechanisms in the context of WSD. Our findings indicate that co-fermented whole-grain quinoa with black barley has the potential to alleviate metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation resulting from the consumption of WSD.

From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine

The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, playing a pivotal role in the clinical application of TCM. While advancements in energy metabolism, chemical composition analysis, machine learning, ion current modeling, and supercritical fluid technology have provided valuable insight into how aspects of TCM property theory may be measured, these studies only capture specific aspects of TCM property theory in isolation, overlooking the holistic perspective inherent in TCM. To systematically investigate the modern interpretation of the TCM property theory from multidimensional perspectives, we consulted the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) to compile a list of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Then, using the Latin names of each CMM and gut microbiota as keywords, we searched the PubMed database for relevant research on gut microbiota and CMM. The regulatory patterns of different herbs on gut microbiota were then summarized from the perspectives of the four natures, the five flavors and the meridian tropism. In terms of the four natures, we found that warm-natured medicines promoted the colonization of specific beneficial bacteria, while cold-natured medicines boosted populations of some beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of the five flavors revealed that sweet-flavored and bitter-flavored CMMs positively influenced beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria. CMMs with different meridian tropism exhibited complex modulative patterns on gut microbiota, with Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Lung) meridian CMMs generally exerting a stronger effect. The gut microbiota may be a biological indicator for characterizing the TCM property theory, which not only enhances our understanding of classic TCM theory but also contributes to its scientific advancement and application in healthcare. Please cite this article as: Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med. 2024; Epub ahead of print.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological activity of polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis: A review

Schisandra chinensis (SC), a plant of the Magnoliaceae family, commonly known as "North Schisandra chinensis", has been listed as a top-grade Chinese medicine in the Shennong Materia Medica Classic for its high medicinal value since ancient times. Polysaccharides from S. chinensis fruits (SCPs) are an active component in SC, which have various biological activity, including immune regulation, anti-tumor, antioxidant, liver protective, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic activity. Research has shown that the extraction methods of SCPs include hot water extraction, water extraction and alcohol precipitation, ultrasonic-assisted, microwave-assisted and so on. Different extraction methods can affect the yield and purity of polysaccharides, and to improve the extraction yield of SCPs, two or more extraction methods can be combined. SCPs are mainly composed of glucose, mannose, rhamnose, galactose, galacturonic acid and arabinose. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the research progress in the extraction and separation methods, structural characterization, and biological activity of SCPs both domestically and internationally in recent years. This deeply explores the pharmacological activity and action mechanism of SCPs, and provides a certain point of reference for the research and clinical application of SC.

Isolation, structural properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Crataegus pinnatifida

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGIC RELEVANCE

Crataegus pinnatifida, commonly known as hawthorn, is a plant species with a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine. Hawthorn polysaccharides (HP) have gained worldwide attention due to their decent biological activities and potential health benefits. Their excellent antioxidant activity, antitumor activity, immunomodulatory activity, hypoglycemic effect and hypolipidemic effects, intestinal microbiota modulatory activity makes them valuable in the field of ethnopharmacological research.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the current review is to provide a systematic and comprehensive summary of the latest literatures and put forward the future perspectives on hawthorn polysaccharides in the context of its extraction, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities. Furthermore, the underlying structure-bioactivity relationship of hawthorn polysaccharides was also explored and discussed. The current review would provide the important research underpinnings and the update the information for future development and application of hawthorn polysaccharides in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We use Google Scholar, CNKI, PubMed, Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, Web of Science and other online databases to search and obtain the literature on extraction, isolation, structural analysis and the biological activity of hawthorn polysaccharides published before October 2023. The key words are "extraction", "isolation and purification", "bioactivities", and "Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharides ".

RESULTS

Crataegus pinnatifida has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, inflammatory and oxidative stress in traditional Chinese medicine. Polysaccharides are the key active components of Crataegus pinnatifida which have gained widespread attention. The structure and bioactivity of polysaccharides from Crataegus pinnatifida varies in terms of raw materials, extraction methods and purification techniques. Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharides possess diverse bioactivities, including antitumor, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic activity, cardioprotective and antioxidant activities, among others. These biological properties can not only lay firm foundation for the treatment of diverse diseases, but also provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth study of the structure-activity relationship. In addition, the underlying structure-activity relationship is also explored and discussed, and further research and development of hawthorn polysaccharides are also prospected.

CONCLUSION

As a natural compound, hawthorn polysaccharides has garnered significant attention and held immense research potential. Hawthorn polysaccharides can be obtained through different extraction methods, including hot water extraction method, ultrasonic extraction method and enzymatic extraction method etc. The structures of hawthorn polysaccharides have also been characterized and reported in numerous studies. Moreover, hawthorn polysaccharides exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, such as the antioxidant activity, the antitumor activity, the immunomodulatory activity, the hypoglycemic effect and the hypolipidemic effect, as well as the intestinal microbiota modulatory activity. These diverse bioactivities contribute to the growing interest in hawthorn polysaccharides and its potential applications. Hawthorn polysaccharides has promising application prospects in various industries, including functional food, pharmaceuticals and biomedical research. Therefore, it is imperative to fully explore and harness the potential of hawthorn polysaccharides in the food and medicine fields.

Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCFM1285 combined with yeast β-glucan alleviates the gut microbiota and metabolic disturbances in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a self-limiting condition that can occur during antibiotic therapy. Our previous studies have found that a combination of Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium adolescentis can effectively alleviate AAD. However, the use of B. uniformis is still strictly limited. Therefore, this study attempted to use yeast β-glucan to enrich the abundance of B. uniformis in the intestine and supplement Bifidobacterium adolescentis to exert a synergistic effect. The lincomycin hydrochloride-induced AAD model was administered yeast β-glucan or a mixture of B. adolescentis CCFM1285 by gavage for one week. Subsequently, changes in the colonic histopathological structure, inflammatory factors, intestinal epithelial permeability and integrity, metabolites, and gut microbiota diversity were assessed. We found that yeast β-glucan, alone or in combination with B. adolescentis CCFM1285, can help attenuate systemic inflammation, increase the rate of tissue structural recovery, regulate metabolism, and restore the gut microbiota. Specifically, the combination of yeast β-glucan and B. adolescentis CCFM1285 was more effective in decreasing interleukin-6 levels, improving pathological changes in the colon, and upregulating occludin expression. Therefore, our study showed that the combination of yeast β-glucan and B. adolescentis CCFM1285 is an efficacious treatment for AAD.

A first characterization of the microbiota-resilience link in swine

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in understanding complex biological mechanisms, including host resilience to stressors. Investigating the microbiota-resilience link in animals and plants holds relevance in addressing challenges like adaptation of agricultural species to a warming environment. This study aims to characterize the microbiota-resilience connection in swine. As resilience is not directly observable, we estimated it using four distinct indicators based on daily feed consumption variability, assuming animals with greater intake variation may face challenges in maintaining stable physiological status. These indicators were analyzed both as linear and categorical variables. In our first set of analyses, we explored the microbiota-resilience link using PERMANOVA, α-diversity analysis, and discriminant analysis. Additionally, we quantified the ratio of estimated microbiota variance to total phenotypic variance (microbiability). Finally, we conducted a Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to assess the classification performance of the microbiota with indicators expressed in classes.

RESULTS

This study offers four key insights. Firstly, among all indicators, two effectively captured resilience. Secondly, our analyses revealed robust relationship between microbial composition and resilience in terms of both composition and richness. We found decreased α-diversity in less-resilient animals, while specific amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and KEGG pathways associated with inflammatory responses were negatively linked to resilience. Thirdly, considering resilience indicators in classes, we observed significant differences in microbial composition primarily in animals with lower resilience. Lastly, our study indicates that gut microbial composition can serve as a reliable biomarker for distinguishing individuals with lower resilience.

CONCLUSION

Our comprehensive analyses have highlighted the host-microbiota and resilience connection, contributing valuable insights to the existing scientific knowledge. The practical implications of PLS-DA and microbiability results are noteworthy. PLS-DA suggests that host-microbiota interactions could be utilized as biomarkers for monitoring resilience. Furthermore, the microbiability findings show that leveraging host-microbiota insights may improve the identification of resilient animals, supporting their adaptive capacity in response to changing environmental conditions. These practical implications offer promising avenues for enhancing animal well-being and adaptation strategies in the context of environmental challenges faced by livestock populations. Video Abstract.

Molecular Mechanism of Polysaccharides Extracted from Chinese Medicine Targeting Gut Microbiota for Promoting Health

The accumulating evidence revealed that gut microbiota plays an important role in pathological process of disease including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Polysaccharides extracted from Chinese medicine (CM) can not only alleviate pathological status but also promote health by anti-inflammatory, regulating immunity, lowering blood glucose and lipids, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidation. The alterations of gut microbiota composition and metabolism pathways are the potential mechanisms of CM polysaccharides treatment. In addition, they exert functions through gut-organ axis or play an indirect role by synergistic actions with other drugs or components mediated by gut microbiota. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of CM polysaccharides interacted with intestinal microbial inhabitants as potential prebiotics for promoting health.

Effects of ginseng on short-chain fatty acids and intestinal microbiota in rats with spleen-qi deficiency based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and 16s rRNA technology

RATIONALE

Spleen-qi deficiency syndrome, a common weakness syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, results from insufficient spleen-qi levels. For centuries, ginseng has been relied upon as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat spleen-qi deficiency syndrome. Until now, the mechanism feature of ginseng in treating temper deficiency through intestinal bacteria and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

This study established a rat model of spleen-qi deficiency via multi-factor compound modeling that involved fatigue injury and a controlled diet. The content of SCFAs between different treatment groups was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. And the 16s rRNA sequencing technology was applied to reveal the effects of ginseng on the intestinal microecological environment of the rats.

RESULTS

It was found that the ginseng treatment group exhibited the most remarkable regulatory effect on propionic acid, surpassing all other administration groups. Ginseng increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and decreased that of harmful bacteria at the genus level in rats with spleen-qi deficiency syndrome. And propionic acid is significantly positively correlated with Lactobacillus level and significantly negatively correlated with uncultured_bacterium_f_Muribaculaceae (p < 0.05). n-Butyric acid is negatively correlated with the Faecalibaculum level (p < 0.01). n-Valeric acid is significantly negatively correlated with the Romboutsia level (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The mechanism of ginseng treatment for spleen-qi deficiency is elucidated from the perspective of gut microbiota and its metabolite SCFAs. It provides a new way for further development and utilization of ginseng and a theoretical basis.

Preparation, identification, and application of PEG/ZIF-8@ Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharide as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles loaded with polysaccharides are excellent drug-delivery carriers with high loading capacity and pH sensitivity. This study describes the one-step encapsulation of Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharides (DHP) in ZIF-8. The resultant PEG6000/ZIF-8@DHP complex exhibited drug release properties in acidic microenvironments, possessed water solubility, demonstrated high drug loading capacity, and displayed effective encapsulation. The effects of PEG6000/ZIF-8@ DHP administration on immunoregulation, antioxidant activities, and resistance against Aeromonas veronii in channel catfish were assessed. The study revealed that the PEG6000/ZIF-8@DHP complex stimulated cellular proliferation and phagocytosis, while also inducing the production of cytokines and nitric oxide. Additionally, the complex exhibited improved antioxidant properties and increased serum lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase activities. PEG6000/ZIF-8@DHP exhibited efficacy in vivo against Aeromonas veronii infection. These results indicate that PEG6000/ZIF-8@DHP is an efficient immunostimulant and vaccine adjuvant for enhancing immunity in channel catfish.

Preclinical pharmacokinetics-related pharmacological effects of orally administered polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicines: A review

Polysaccharides (TCMPs) derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), such as Ganoderma lucidum, Astragalus membranaceus, Lycium barbarum, and Panax ginseng, are considered to be the main active constituents in TCMs. However, the significant pharmacological effects of orally administered TCMPs do not align well with their poor pharmacokinetics. This article aims to review the literature published mainly from 2010 to 2022, focusing on the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects. It has been found that unabsorbed TCMPs can exert local pharmacological effects in the gut, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, regulation of intestinal flora, modulation of intestinal immunity, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. Unabsorbed TCMPs can also produce systemic pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumor activity and immune system modulation, by regulating intestinal flora and immunity. Conversely, some TCMPs can be absorbed and distributed to various tissues, especially the liver, where they exhibit tissue-protecting effects against inflammation and oxidative stress-induced damage and improve glucose and lipid metabolism. In future studies, it is important to improve quality control and experimental design. Furthermore, research on enhancing the oral bioavailability of TCMPs, exploring the activity of TCMP metabolites, investigating pharmacokinetic interactions between TCMPs and oral drugs, and developing oral drug delivery systems using TCMPs holds great significance.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Weissella viridescens on the Gut Microbiota and Serum Metabolites of Mice with Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) refers to diarrhea caused by gut microbiota disorders after the use of antibiotics, which seriously threatens the health of humans and animals. Therefore, it is necessary to find an effective therapy to treat AAD. This research aimed to explore the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum H-6 (L. plantarum H-6) and Weissella viridescens J-1 (W. viridescens J-1) on alleviating antibiotic-associated diarrhea induced by lincomycin hydrochloride (LH) in mice. The results show that L. plantarum H-6 could significantly reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and IL-6 in colon tissue. At the same time, L. plantarum H-6 significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, decreased the abundance of Bacteroides, and increased the contents of L-tryptophan, LysoPC (20:4 (8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z)), reduced riboflavin, threoninyl-methionine, and N-palmitoyl in serum. However, W. viridescens J-1 had little effect on the treatment of AAD. It can be concluded that L. plantarum H-6 can regulate mice's colonic microbial composition, improve their serum metabolic process, and alleviate antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This research may provide a novel therapeutic option for AAD.

Relationship among Chinese herb polysaccharide (CHP), gut microbiota, and chronic diarrhea and impact of CHP on chronic diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea, including diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), osmotic diarrhea, bile acid diarrhea, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, is a common problem which is highly associated with disorders of the gut microbiota composition such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and so on. A growing number of studies have supported the view that Chinese herbal formula alleviates the symptoms of diarrhea by modulating the fecal microbiota. Chinese herbal polysaccharides (CHPs) are natural polymers composed of monosaccharides that are widely found in Chinese herbs and function as important active ingredients. Commensal gut microbiota has an extensive capacity to utilize CHPs and play a vital role in degrading polysaccharides into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Many CHPs, as prebiotics, have an antidiarrheal role to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the colonization of pathogenic bacteria. This review systematically summarizes the relationship among gut microbiota, chronic diarrhea, and CHPs as well as recent progress on the impacts of CHPs on the gut microbiota and recent advances on the possible role of CHPs in chronic diarrhea.

An analysis of the nutritional effects of Schisandra chinensis components based on mass spectrometry technology

OBJECTIVE

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (S. chinensis) is a Traditional Chinese medicinal herb that can be used both for medicinal purposes and as a food ingredient due to its beneficial properties, and it is enriched with a wide of natural plant nutrients, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, lignans, triterpenes, organic acids, and sugars. At present, there is lack of comprehensive study or systemic characterization of nutritional and active ingredients of S. chinensis using innovative mass spectrometry techniques.

METHODS

The comprehensive review was conducted by searching the PubMed databases for relevant literature of various mass spectrometry techniques employed in the analysis of nutritional components in S. chinensis, as well as their main nutritional effects. The literature search covered the past 5 years until March 15, 2023.

RESULTS

The potential nutritional effects of S. chinensis are discussed, including its ability to enhance immunity, function as an antioxidant, anti-allergen, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety agent, as well as its ability to act as a sedative-hypnotic and improve memory, cognitive function, and metabolic imbalances. Meanwhile, the use of advanced mass spectrometry detection technologies have the potential to enable the discovery of new nutritional components of S. chinensis, and to verify the effects of different extraction methods on these components. The contents of anthocyanins, lignans, organic acids, and polysaccharides, the main nutritional components in S. chinensis, are also closely associated to its quality.

CONCLUSION

This review will provide guidelines for an in-depth study on the nutritional value of S. chinensis and for the development of healthy food products with effective components.

Inflammatory cytokines and prenatal depression: Is there a mediating role of maternal gut microbiota?

OBJECTIVE

The mechanism of levels of inflammatory cytokines that affects brain function and mood through gut microbiota has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of gut microbiota between maternal inflammatory cytokines levels and prenatal depression.

DESIGN

There were 29 women in the prenatal depression group and 27 women in the control group enrolled in this study. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of 10 was considered the cut-off value for prenatal depression. We collected demographic information, stool and blood samples. The gut microbiota was profiled using V3-V4 gene sequence of 16S rRNA, and the concentration of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. The mediation model was analyzed by using the model 4 in the process procedure for SPSS.

RESULTS

There were significance differences in the concentration of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)(Z = -2.383, P = 0.017) and IL-17A (Z = -2.439, P = 0.015) between the prenatal depression group and control group. There was no significant difference in α- diversity and β-diversity between the two groups. Intestinibacter (OR: 0.012; 95% CI, 0.001-0.195) and Escherichia_Shigella (OR: 0.103; 95% CI, 0.014-0.763) were protective factors for prenatal depression, while Tyzzerella (OR: 17.941; 95% CI, 1.764-182.445) and Unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae (OR: 22.607; 95% CI, 1.242-411.389) were risk factors. And Intestinibacter play a mediation effect between IL-17A and prenatal depression.

CONCLUSION

Maternal gut microbiota is a significant mediator of the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and prenatal depression. Further research is still needed in exploring the mediating mechanisms of gut microbiota between inflammatory cytokines and depression.

Effects of Schisandra chinensis Polysaccharide-Conjugated Selenium Nanoparticles on Intestinal Injury in Mice

Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide (SCP) is an experimental therapeutic for the treatment of intestinal injury. Selenium nanoparticle modification can improve the bioactivity of polysaccharides. In this study, SCP was firstly extracted and purified by a DEAE-52 column, then SCP-Selenium nanoparticles (SCP-Se NPs) were prepared, and the procedure was optimized. Thereafter, the obtained SCP-Se NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of different storage environments on the stability of colloidal SCP-Se NPs was also investigated. Finally, the therapeutic effects of SCP-Se NPs on LPS-induced intestinal inflammatory injuries in mice were evaluated. Results showed that the optimized SCP-Se NPs were amorphous, uniform, spherical particles with a diameter of 121 nm, and the colloidal solution was stable at 4 °C for at least 14 d. Moreover, SCP-Se NPs could more effectively alleviate LPS-induced diarrhea, intestinal tissue injury, and tight junction destruction and decrease the elevated expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 compared with SCP. These results demonstrate that SCP-Se NPs may alleviate LPS-induced enteritis through their anti-inflammatory effects, indicating that SCP-Se NPs can serve as a good candidate for preventing and treating enteritis in the livestock and poultry industry.

Effects of Nemacystus decipiens polysaccharide on mice with antibiotic associated diarrhea and colon inflammation

Antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common side effect of antibiotic therapy in which gut microbiota plays an important role in the disease. However, the function of gut microbiota in this disease is still not entirely clear. Polysaccharides have shown strong activity in shaping gut microbiota. Whether the polysaccharide can intervene with the microbiota to improve ADD has not been determined. In this study, we extract crude polysaccharides from Nemacystus decipiens (N. decipiens), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), named NDH0. The crude polysaccharide NDH0 might significantly relieve the symptom of mice with AAD, including a reduction in body weight, shortening of cecum index and the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the colon. NDH0-treated mice exhibited more abundant gut microbial diversity; significantly increased the abundance of Muribaculum, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium and decreased the abundance of Enterobacter and Clostridioides at genus level. NDH0 treatment down-regulated the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-6 in colon tissue. NDH0 protected the integrity of colon tissues and partially inactivated the related inflammation pathway by maintaining occludin and SH2-containing Inositol 5'-Phosphatase (SHIP). NDH0 could alleviate symptoms of diarrhea by modulating gut microbiota composition, improving intestinal integrity and reducing inflammation. The underlying protective mechanism was to reduce the abundance of opportunistic pathogens and maintain SHIP protein expression. Collectively, our results demonstrated the role of NDH0 as a potential intestinal protective agent in gut dysbiosis.

Lentinan improves intestinal inflammation and gut dysbiosis in antibiotics-induced mice

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is already a global problem after antibiotic overuse. This study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of lentinan and the mechanism of recovery of intestinal inflammation on broad-spectrum antibiotic-driven gut microbial dysbiosis in mice. Gut microbiota was elucidated by the Illumina MiSeq platform. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to investigate short-chain fatty acid content. Colon histology, expression of tight-junction associated proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were evaluated. The results showed that the gut microbiota of diversity and richness were reduced and various taxonomic levels of the gut microbiota were perturbed after antibiotics gavage. The abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes shifted to Proteobacteria and increased the relative abundance of harmful microbiota (Parabacteroides and Klebsiella) post-antibiotics, whereas lentinan administration reversed the dysbiosis and increased beneficial microbiota, including S24-7, Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus and Allobaculum. The concentrations of propionic acid and butyric acid were significantly increased by treatment with lentinan. And lentinan improved colon tissue morphology and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines via altering NF-κB signaling pathway in antibiotic-driven gut microbial dysbiosis mice. Taken together, the results proved that lentinan can be used as a prebiotic and the result provided a theoretical basis for improving the clinical treatment of broad-spectrum antibiotics side effects.

Beneficial Effect of Paeonol on Antibiotic-Associated Inflammatory Response in Mice with Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common adverse effect of antibiotics particularly that acts on anaerobes. Moutan Radicis Cortex (MRC) is an herbal medicine used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the active components of MRC to determine their effect on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and anti-inflammatory effects. Of the various components of MRC, seven compounds (gallic acid, oxypaeoniflorin, paeoniflorin, ethyl gallate, benzoic acid, benzoylpaeoniflorin, paeonol) were identified and assessed for anti-inflammation effects. Paeonol was found to effectively reduce nitric oxide production and levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner. Paeonol also effectively reduced the mRNA expression level of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Western blotting analysis confirmed the reduction of COX-2 and NF-κB levels; p-p38 MAPK levels increased in the presence of a low concentration (25 μM) of paeonol but decreased in the presence of a high concentration (50 μM). In the mouse model of lincomycin-induced AAD, all experimental groups treated with paeonol (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg concentrations) showed diminished diarrhea status scores. Finally, the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-4 were reduced compared with those in the control group. Therefore, paeonol may have active compounds of MRC to alleviate the diarrhea symptoms of AAD and reduce inflammatory mediators. Other components of the MRC extract could contribute to its known anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity and should be tested for their possible activity.

The effects of fucoidan as a dairy substitute on diarrhea rate and intestinal barrier function of the large intestine in weaned lambs

This paper explores the effects of fucoidan on the frequency of diarrhea, colon morphology, colon antioxidant status, cytokine content, short-chain fatty acids, and microflora of cecal contents in early weaned lambs in order to provide a reference for the intestinal health of young ruminants. Fucoidan is a natural active polysaccharide extracted from kelp and other large brown algae. It has many biological effects, such as improving immunity, nourishing the stomach and intestines, and anti-tumor properties. This study investigated the effects of fucoidan supplementation in milk replacer on the large intestine's ability to act as an intestinal barrier in weaned lambs. With six duplicate pens and one lamb per pen, a total of 24 weaned lambs (average starting body weight of 7.32 ± 0.37 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four milk replacer treatments. Four concentrations of fucoidan supplementation (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6% dry matter intake) were employed to investigate the effects of fucoidan on cecal fermentation and colon microbial organization. The test period lasted 37 days (1 week before the test and 1 month after the test), and lamb cecal contents and colon organization were collected for examination. In addition, the fecal status of all lambs was observed and recorded daily, allowing us to calculate the incidence of diarrhea in weaned lambs. The findings demonstrated that fucoidan may significantly increase the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (propionic acid and butyric acid) in the cecal digesta of weaned lambs. In weaned lambs, 16S rDNA testing showed that fucoidan at 0.3-0.6% (dry matter intake) was beneficial for boosting the variety of the intestinal bacteria and modifying the relative abundance of a few bacterial strains. In addition, fucoidan enhanced colon antioxidant and immune functions and decreased the diarrhea rate to relieve weaning stress. This result demonstrates that milk replacer supplementation with fucoidan contributes to the improvement in the large intestinal health of weaned lambs.

Polysaccharides from Bamboo Shoot (Leleba oldhami Nakal) Byproducts Alleviate Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice through Their Interactions with Gut Microbiota

A water-soluble polysaccharide BSP was extracted from the basal part of bamboo shoot, a main by-product of bamboo shoot processing. BSP is composed of glucose (72.8%), xylose (19.43%) and a small amount of galactose, arabinose, glucuronic acid and mannose. The effects of BSP on mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) were investigated. The mice fed with BSP exhibited significant higher bodyweight gain, lower pH value and higher concentrations of SCFAs in the feces compared with those fed with saline. BSP administration reduced the inflammatory cells in the small intestine and colon in the AAD mice, and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut was decreased from 0.56 to 0.19. Moreover, BSP administration affected the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in the AAD mice, particularly on the improvement of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Our results suggest that the polysaccharides from bamboo shoot by-products could be an attractive natural component for gut health and AAD treatment.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside extracted from the Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) alleviates antibiotic-associated diarrhea by regulating gut microbiota and down-regulating inflammatory factors in NF-κB pathway

Chinese bayberry has been used to treat diarrhea in China for more than 2,000 years, but the mechanism is not clear. Due to the extensive use of antibiotics, antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is becoming more and more common in clinic, but there is no effective drug for the treatment. The present study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of Chinese bayberry on AAD for the first time, and explained the underlying mechanism from different aspects. The BALB/c mice model was established by intragastric administration of lincomycin (3 g/kg). Successfully modeled mice were treated with purified water, dried bayberry powder suspension (100 mg/kg), C3G suspension (40 mg/kg) and montmorillonite powder suspension (40 mg/kg), respectively. The changes of body weight, diarrhea index, diarrhea status score were recorded and calculated regularly. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, intestinal immunofluorescence and inflammatory factor detection were further performed. The treatment with dried bayberry powder suspension and C3G suspension could rapidly reduce the diarrhea score and diarrhea index, increase food intake and restore body weight gain. The gut microbiota richness and diversity were significantly increased after dried bayberry powder suspension and C3G suspension treatments, typically decreased bacterial genera Enterococcus and Clostridium senus stricto 1. In addition, intake of Chinese bayberry powder and C3G significantly decreased the level of p65 phosphorylation, and up-regulated the expression of intestinal tight junction protein claudin-1 and ZO-1. Chinese bayberry fruit had the effect of alleviating AAD, and C3G was supposed to play the predominant role. The mechanism was indicated to be related with restoring the homeostasis of gut microbiota, inhibiting the level of harmful bacteria and increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, down-regulating TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 factors to reduce inflammation, restoring intestinal tight junction proteins and reducing intestinal permeability.

Regulatory Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 2-33 on Intestinal Microbiota of Mice With Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the common adverse reactions in antibiotic treatment, which is usually caused by the imbalance of intestinal flora, and probiotics play an important role in the structure of intestinal flora. Therefore, this experiment studied the regulatory effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 2-33 on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) mice. First, the AAD mice model was established by the mixed antibiotic solution of gentamicin sulfate and cefradine. Then, the physiological indexes and diarrhea of mice were observed and recorded by gastric perfusion of low dose (1.0 × 10⁷ CFU/ml), medium dose (1.0 × 10⁸CFU/ml), and high dose (1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/ml) strain 2-33. 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 regions were sequenced in colon contents of mice in control group, model group, self-healing group, and experimental group, respectively, and the diversity of intestinal flora and gene function prediction were analyzed. The results showed that the intestinal flora of AAD mice was not significantly regulated by gastric perfusion of strain 2-33 to 7 days, but the relative abundance and diversity of intestinal flora of AAD mice were significantly improved by gastric perfusion to 14 days (p < 0.05). In addition, at the genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased significantly, and the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Bacillus decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the regulation of strain 2-33 on intestinal flora of AAD mice was time- and dose-dependent, short-term gastric perfusion, and low dose had no significant effect (p > 0.05). Strain 2-33 can significantly increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10, significantly decrease the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ (p < 0.05), and can also adjust carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism to normal levels, thus accelerating the recovery of intestinal flora structure of AAD mice. In summary, strain 2-33 can improve the structure and diversity of intestinal flora of AAD mice, balance the level of substance and energy metabolism, and play a positive role in relieving diarrhea, maintaining and improving the intestinal microecological balance.

Inhibitory Effect of Fermented Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharides on Mice Intestinal Inflammation

To investigate the effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs) on mice intestinal inflammation, FVPs were extracted from Flammulina velutipes (FV) using a solid anaerobic fermentation technique. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of FVP and fermented FVP (FFVP) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the yield of FFVP (9.44%) was higher than that of FVP (8.65%), but the molecular weight (MW) of FFVP (15,702 Da) was lower than that of FVP (15,961 Da). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of FFVP were higher than that of FVP in preventing mice diarrhea, enhancing antioxidant capacities, and reducing the secretion and mRNA expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of FVP and FFVP were analyzed by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway using an LPS-induced mice model. This study indicated that FFVP could be used as a functional antioxidant, indicating a potential application in functional food and health products.

Polysaccharides from soybean residue fermented by Neurospora crassa alleviate DSS-induced gut barrier damage and microbiota disturbance in mice

Soluble polysaccharides derived from microbial fermentation of agricultural by-products were considered as potential functional ingredients, primarily having probiotic properties. Herein, soluble polysaccharides (FSRP) were isolated from soybean residue fermented by Neurospora crassa, and FSRP mainly contained rhamnose, arabinose, fucose, mannose, glucose, and galactose, according to GC-MS analysis. To further investigate the protective effect of FSRP against colitis, dextran sulfate sodium induction (DSS)-treated mice were orally gavaged with FSRP (200 mg kg-1 d-1) or inulin (400 mg kg-1 d-1, a positive control) for 7 d. The results showed that DSS-treated mice displayed symptoms of body weight loss, atrophy, and histopathological changes of colon, as well as gut barrier damage, which were recovered after FSRP supplementation (similar to inulin). Furthermore, the beneficial effects of FSRP were linked to a decreased inflammatory response and increased protein expression of E-cadherin, claudin-1 and ZO-1. Illumina-MiSeq sequencing analysis revealed that FSRP increased microbial diversity and altered community structure. Specifically, FSRP could modulate the abundance of inflammation-related bacteria (such as Tenericutes, Clostridia, and Bacilli) to ameliorate colitis symptoms. Therefore, FSRP can relieve DSS-induced colitis, which is closely associated with reduced levels of inflammatory factors, improved gut barrier function and gut microbiota homeostasis.

Associations of Gut Microbiota and Fatty Metabolism With Immune Thrombocytopenia

Objective

To determine whether gut microbiota, fatty metabolism and cytokines were associated with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Methods

In total, 29 preliminarily diagnosed ITP patients and 33 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Fecal bacterial were analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing. Plasma cytokines and motabolites were analyzed using flow cytometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), respectively.

Results

Bacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, and Lactobacillus were enriched at the genus level in ITP patients, while Ruminococcaceae UCG-002, Eubacterium coprostanoligeues, Megamonas, and Lachnospiraceae NC2004 were depleted. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi increased in ITP patients, while Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased. Plasma levels of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), 6-trans-12-epi-leukotriene B4 (6t,12e-LTB₄), and resolvin D2 (RvD₂) were upregulated, and stachydrine, dowicide A, dodecanoylcarnitine were downregulated in ITP patients. Furthermore, RvD₂ is positively correlated with order Bacteroidetes VC2.1 Bac22, 5-HETE is positively correlated with genus Azospirillum, and 6t,12e-LTB₄ is positively correlated with genus Cupriavidus. In addition, stachydrine is positively correlated with family Planococcaceae, dowicide A is positively correlated with class MVP-15, and dodecanoylcarnitine is positively correlated with order WCHB1-41. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were upregulated in ITP patients.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a relationship between microbiota and fatty metabolism in ITP. Gut microbiota may participate in the pathogenesis of ITP through affecting cytokine secretion, interfering with fatty metabolism.

Effects of Lacidophilin Tablets, Yogurt, and Bifid Triple Viable Capsules on the Gut Microbiota of Mice with Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common morbidity caused by antibiotic use and is characterized by the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Several clinical trials have shown that probiotics can prevent AAD. This study aimed at investigating the effects of Lacidophilin tablets (LB), yogurt (YG), and bifid triple viable capsules (BT) on the gut microbiota of mice with AAD. Mice with diarrhea were randomly allocated to treatment groups or the control group and were treated with either LB, YG, BT, or vehicle control. The body weight, diarrhea scores, cecum index, and cecal length were determined. Fecal samples of all mice were analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that LB, YG, and BT significantly decreased the diarrhea scores and inhibited increases in the cecum index and cecal length induced by AAD. In addition, they significantly changed the composition and richness of the gut microbiota. Specifically, they increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and decreased the abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes and the family Bacteroidaceae. Treatment with LB and YG also decreased the abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria and only LB could mediate the reduced levels of Lactobacillaceae in AAD mice. At the genus level, YG and BT treatment decreased the abundance of Bacteroides or Parasutterella. To our surprise, only LB treatment dramatically increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased that of potential pathogens, such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Parasutterella, to almost normal values. Our findings indicate that LB, YG, and BT ameliorated diarrhea by regulating the composition and structure of the gut microbiota and that LB plays an important role in regulating the gut microbiota.

The Protective Effects of Ginseng Polysaccharides and Their Effective Subfraction against Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis

Polysaccharides from Panax ginseng are natural carbohydrates with multiple activities. However, little was known about its functions on colitis. In this study, we aim to investigate the protective effects of ginseng polysaccharides and its effective subfraction on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Water soluble ginseng polysaccharides (WGP) were obtained from dry ginseng root, then purified to neutral fraction (WGPN) and acidic fraction (WGPA) by ion exchange chromatography. An animal model was constructed with male Wistar rats, which were treated with a normal diet (con group), DSS (DSS group), WGP (WGP group), WGPN (WGPN group), and WGPA (WGPA group), respectively. Both WGP and WGPA alleviated the colitis symptoms and colon structure changes of colitis rats. They decreased the disease activity index (DAI) scores and improved colon health; reduced colon damage and recovered the intestinal barrier via regulating the tight-junction-related proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin); downregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17) and inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB-signaling pathway in the colon; regulated the diversity and composition of gut microbiota, especially the relative abundance of Ruminococcus; enhanced the production of SCFAs. In conclusion, WGP exerted a protective effect against colitis with its acidic fraction (WGPA) as an effective fraction. The results support the utilization and investigation of ginseng polysaccharides as a potential intervention strategy for the prevention of colitis.

Panax quinquefolius Polysaccharides Ameliorate Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea Induced by Lincomycin Hydrochloride in Rats via the MAPK Signaling Pathways

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is an herbal medicine with polysaccharides as its important active ingredient. The purpose of this research was to identify the effects of the polysaccharides of P. quinquefolius (WQP) on rats with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) induced by lincomycin hydrochloride. WQP was primarily composed of galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose. The yield, total sugar content, uronic acid content, and protein content were 6.71%, 85.2%, 31.9%, and 2.1%, respectively. WQP reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the ileum and colon, reduced the IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α levels, increased the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in colon tissues, improved the production of acetate and propionate, regulated the gut microbiota diversity and composition, improved the relative richness of Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, and reduced the relative richness of Blautia and Coprococcus. The results indicated that WQP can enhance the recovery of the intestinal structure in rats, reduce inflammatory cytokine levels, improve short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, promote recovery of the gut microbiota and intestinal mucosal barrier, and alleviate antibiotic-related side effects such as diarrhoea and microbiota dysbiosis caused by lincomycin hydrochloride. We found that WQP can protect the intestinal barrier by increasing Occludin and Claudin-1 expression. In addition, WQP inhibited the MAPK inflammatory signaling pathway to improve the inflammatory status. This study provides a foundation for the treatment of natural polysaccharides to reduce antibiotic-related side effects.

Modulatory effects of polysaccharides from plants, marine algae and edible mushrooms on gut microbiota and related health benefits: A review

Naturally occurring carbohydrate polymers containing non-starch polysaccharides (NPs) are a class of biomacromolecules isolated from plants, marine algae, and edible mushrooms, and their biological activities has shown potential uses in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Importantly, NPs serve as prebiotics to provide health benefits to the host through stimulating the proliferation of beneficial gut microbiota (GM) and enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The composition and diversity of GM play a critical role in regulating host health and have been extensively studied in recent years. In this review, the extraction, isolation, purification, and structural characterization of NPs derived from plants, marine algae, and edible mushrooms are outlined. Importantly, the degradation and metabolism of these NPs in the intestinal tract, the effects of NPs on the microbial community and SCFAs generation, and the beneficial effects of NPs on host health by modulating GM are systematically highlighted. Overall, we hope that this review can provide some theoretical references and a new perspective for applications of NPs as prebiotics in functional food and drug development.

Sishen Pill Maintained Colonic Mucosal Barrier Integrity to Treat Ulcerative Colitis via Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway

Sishen Pill (SSP) is a classical prescription of traditional Chinese medicine and often used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC). However, its mechanism is still unclear. We aimed to determine the mechanism of SSP in the treatment of UC by investigating if it maintains the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier via the Rho A/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway. Administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) successfully induced chronic UC in rats, while the treatment effect of SSP was evaluated by body weight change, colonic length, colonic weight, colonic weight index, histological injury score, and pathological injury score after colitis rats were treated for 7 days. TNF-α and IL-1β levels were analyzed by ELISA, and the proteins of PI3K/Akt and RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and junction proteins expression were measured by western blotting assay, and the distribution of Claudin 5 was shown by immunofluorescence. SSP significantly improved the clinical symptoms of colitis in rats and reduced the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK1, PI3K, and Akt in the colon mucosa, while it increased the expression of p-Rac and related proteins (Claudin-5, JAM1, VE-cadherin, and Connexin 43). In addition, SSP increased p-AMPKα and PTEN proteins expression, decreased Notch1 level, and hinted that activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was inhibited. In conclusion, SSP effectively treated chronic colitis induced by TNBS, which may have been achieved by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signal to suppress activation of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway to finally maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Cereus sinensis Polysaccharide Alleviates Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea Based on Modulating the Gut Microbiota in C57BL/6 Mice

The present study investigated whether the purified polysaccharide from Cereus sinensis (CSP-1) had beneficial effects on mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). The effects of CSP-1 on gut microbiota were evaluated by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that CSP-1 increased the diversity and richness of gut microbiota. CSP-1 enriched Phasecolarctobacterium, Bifidobacterium and reduced the abundance of Parabacteroides, Sutterella, Coprobacillus to near normal levels, modifying the gut microbial community. Microbial metabolites were further analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results indicated CSP-1 promoted the production of various short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and significantly improved intestinal microflora dysfunction in AAD mice. In addition, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to assess the effects of CSP-1 on cytokine levels and intestinal tissue in AAD mice. Results demonstrated that CSP-1 inhibited the secretion of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and improved the intestinal barrier. Correspondingly, the daily records also showed that CSP-1 promoted recovery of diarrhea status score, water intake and body weight in mice with AAD. In short, CSP-1 helped alleviate AAD by regulating the inflammatory cytokines, altering the composition and richness of intestinal flora, promoting the production of SCFAs, improving the intestinal barrier as well as reversing the dysregulated microbiota function.

Effects of Bacteroides-Based Microecologics against Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a self-limiting disease mediated by antibiotic therapy. In clinical practice, several types of probiotics are used in treating AAD, but minimal research has been done on Bacteroides-based microecologics. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Bacteroidetes uniformis FGDLZ48B1, B. intestinalis FJSWX61K18, Bifidobacterium adolescentis FHNFQ48M5, and B. bifidum FGZ30MM3 and their mixture on AAD in mice. The lincomycin hydrochloride-induced AAD models were gavaged with a single strain or a probiotic mixture for a short period to assess the changes in colonic histopathology and cytokine concentrations, intestinal epithelial permeability and integrity, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the diversity of intestinal microbiota. Our data indicated that both the sole use of Bacteroides and the combination of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium beneficially weakened systemic inflammation, increased the recovery rate of tissue structures, increased the concentrations of SCFAs, and restored the gut microbiota. Moreover, the probiotic mixture was more effective than the single strain. Specifically, B. uniformis FGDLZ48B1 combined with the B. adolescentis FHNFQ48M5 group was more effective in alleviating the pathological features of the colon, downregulating the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, and upregulating the expression of occludin. In summary, our research suggests that administration of a mixture of B. uniformis FGDLZ48B1 and B. adolescentis FHNFQ48M5 is an effective approach for treating AAD.

Altered Fecal Microbiota Correlated With Systemic Inflammation in Male Subjects With Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a major public health problem worldwide with limited effective treatment options. Previous studies have reported methamphetamine-associated alterations in gut microbiota. A potential role of gut microbiota in regulating methamphetamine-induced brain dysfunction through interactions with the host immune system has been proposed, but evidence for this hypothesis is limited. The present study aimed to investigate the alterations in the fecal microbiota and explore its relationship with systemic inflammation in MUD. Fecal samples were obtained from 26 male subjects with MUD and 17 sex- and age- matched healthy controls. Fecal microbial profiles were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Plasma inflammatory markers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between fecal microbiota, systemic inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics were examined by Spearman partial correlation analysis while controlling for possible confounders. Compared with healthy controls, individuals with MUD showed no difference in fecal microbial diversity, but exhibited differences in the relative abundance of several microbial taxa. At the genus level, a higher abundance of Collinsella, Odoribacter and Megasphaera and lower levels of Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Dorea and Streptococcus were detected in subjects with MUD. More importantly, altered fecal microbiota was found to be correlated with plasma levels of CRP, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10. The order Lactobacillales, exhibiting lower abundance in participants with MUD, was positively related to the duration of methamphetamine abstinence and the plasma level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This study is the first to provide evidence for a link between altered fecal microbiota and systemic inflammation in MUD. Further elucidation of interactions between gut microbiota and the host immune system may be beneficial for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for MUD.

Colon-targeted drug delivery of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers for synergistic treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: A review

Drugs such as immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have certain troubling side effects. Polysaccharide-based nanocarriers with high safety and bioavailability are often used in the construction of colon-targeted drug nanodelivery systems (DNSs). It can help the drug resist the harsh environment of gastrointestinal tract, improve stability and concentrate on the intestinal inflammation regions as much as possible, which effectively reduces drug side effects and enhances its bioavailability. Certain polysaccharides, as prebiotics, can not only endow DNSs with the ability to target the colon based on enzyme responsive properties, but also cooperate with drugs to alleviate IBD due to its good anti-inflammatory activity and intestinal microecological regulation. The changes in the gastrointestinal environment of patients with IBD, the colon-targeted drug delivery process of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers and its synergistic treatment mechanism for IBD were reviewed. Polysaccharides used in polysaccharide-based nanocarriers for IBD were summarized.

Time-course alterations of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids after short-term lincomycin exposure in young swine

Increasing evidence suggests that antibiotic administration causes gut injury, negatively affecting nutrient digestion, immune regulation, and colonization resistance against pathogens due to the disruption of gut microbiota. However, the time-course effects of therapeutic antibiotics on alterations of gut microbes and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in young swine are still unknown. In this study, twenty piglets were assigned into two groups and fed commercial diets with or without lincomycin in the first week for a 28-day trial period. Results showed that 1-week lincomycin exposure (LE) did reduce the body weight on day 14 (p = 0.0450) and 28 (p = 0.0362). The alpha-diversity notably reduced after 1-week LE, and then gradually raised and reached the control group level in the second week on cessation of LE, indicated by the variation of Sobs, Chao, Shannon, and ACE index (p < 0.05). Beta-diversity analysis revealed that the distinct microbial cluster existed persistently for the whole trial period between two groups (p < 0.001). The relative abundance of most microbes including fiber-degrading (e.g., Agathobacter and Coprococcus), beneficial (e.g., Lactobacillus and Mitsuokella), or pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Terrisporobacter and Lachnoclostridium) decreased (LDA score > 3), and the concentration of SCFAs also diminished in the feces of 1-week lincomycin-administrated young swine, indicating that therapeutic LE killed most bacteria and reduced SCFA production with gut dysbiosis occurring. After the LE stopped, the state of gut dysbiosis gradually attenuated and formed new gut-microbe homeostasis distinct from microbial homeostasis of young pigs unexposed to lincomycin. The increased presence of potential pathogens, such as Terrisporobacter, Negativibacillus, and Escherichia-Shigella, and decreased beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Agathobacter, were observed in new homeostasis reshaped by short-lincomycin administration (LDA score > 3 or p < 0.05), adversely affecting gut development and health of young pigs. Collectively, these results suggested that severe disruption of the commensal microbiota occurred after short-term LE or termination of LE in young swine. KEY POINTS: • Therapeutic lincomycin exposure induced gut dysbiosis, killing most bacteria and reducing short-chain fatty acid production. • Gut dysbiosis gradually attenuated and formed new homeostasis after lincomycin exposure stopped. • The new homeostasis, increased Escherichia-Shigella etc. and decreased Lactobacillus etc., was potentially harmful to gut health.

Antibiotic-Induced Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Damages the Intestinal Barrier, Increasing Food Allergy in Adult Mice

(1) Background: The use of antibiotics affects the composition of gut microbiota. Studies have suggested that the colonization of gut microbiota in early life is related to later food allergies. Still, the relationship between altered intestinal microbiota in adulthood and food allergies is unclear. (2) Methods: We established three mouse models to analyze gut microbiota dysbiosis’ impact on the intestinal barrier and determine whether this effect can increase the susceptibility to and severity of food allergy in later life. (3) Results: The antibiotic-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis significantly reduced Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae, and Ruminococcaceae, and increased Enterococcaceae and Clostridiales. At the same time, the metabolic abundance was changed, including decreased short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan, as well as enhanced purine. This change is related to food allergies. After gut microbiota dysbiosis, we sensitized the mice. The content of specific IgE and IgG1 in mice serum was significantly increased, and the inflammatory response was enhanced. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota caused the sensitized mice to have more severe allergic symptoms, ruptured intestinal villi, and a decrease in tight junction proteins (TJs) when re-exposed to the allergen. (4) Conclusions: Antibiotic-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis increases the susceptibility and severity of food allergies. This event may be due to the increased intestinal permeability caused by decreased intestinal tight junction proteins and the increased inflammatory response.

Effects of ginseng soluble dietary fiber on serum antioxidant status, immune factor levels and cecal health in healthy rats

As an important component of ginseng, the in vivo benefits of ginseng water-soluble dietary fiber (ginseng-SDF) have not been fully revealed. To explore these benefits, healthy rats were given ginseng-SDF (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight/day) by gavage for 15 days. The results showed that ginseng-SDF significantly improved the rats' growth performance and serum antioxidant status. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, and IgG) levels in the ginseng-SDF groups were increased. High-dose ginseng-SDF significantly increased the cecal butyric acid proportion compared with the K group. Ginseng-SDF increased the abundance of Firmicutes and promoted the proliferation of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, and cellulose decomposers such as Ruminococcus and Clostridium in cecal microflora. These altered microflora were correlated with growth performance, antioxidant status and immunoglobulin indexes. The above results suggested that ginseng-SDF might have positive effects on growth, oxidative-immune levels and cecal health in rats.

Xianglian Pill ameliorates antibiotic-associated diarrhea by restoring intestinal microbiota and attenuating mucosal damage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xianglian Pill (XLP), a traditional Chinese pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of gastrointestinal disease, possessing anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and analgesic activities, may represent a promising candidate for the treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism of XLP on the amelioration of AAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AAD was induced by intragastric administration of a mixture of cefuroxime and levofoxacin (300 mg/kg. bw + 200 mg/kg. bw) for five consecutive days. Then AAD mice were treated with XLP at the dose of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. bw, respectively for 5 days. The physical manifestations, diarrhea status were monitored during the drug delivery. Histopathology of colon, intestinal microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, tight junction protein and short chain fat acids (SCFAs) were determined.

RESULTS

Mice received cefuroxime and levofoxacin for 5 days developed medium to severe diarrhea. XLP treatment, however, mitigated the diarrhea status. Further evaluation revealed that XLP promoted the recovery of mucosa, maintained the integrity of tight junction, attenuated the inflammatory disorders, restored intestinal microbiota and increased SCFAs level in feces.

CONCLUSION

XLP ameliorates AAD by restoring intestinal microbiota and attenuating mucosal damage.

Modulation of gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function during alleviation of antibiotic-associated diarrhea with Rhizoma Zingiber officinale (Ginger) extract

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is typically mediated by antibiotic therapy, which has increased in prevalence in recent years. Previous studies have suggested that ginger, a common spice and herbal medicine, can modulate the composition of gut microbiota and is beneficial against gastrointestinal disease. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of fresh ginger extract on AAD in a rat model. Gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function were also studied. Ginger was administered to rats with AAD. Diarrhea symptoms were assessed, and 16s rRNA sequencing analysis of gut microbiota was performed. An AAD model was successfully established, and ginger was found to effectively ameliorate AAD-related diarrhea symptoms. After the intervention of ginger decoction, the diversity (rather than richness) of gut microbiota was significantly improved, and the gut microbiota recovery was accelerated. At the genus level, Escherichia_Shigella and Bacteroides levels decreased and increased the most, respectively. Additionally, these changes were demonstrated to be coincidental with the moderate restoration of intestinal barrier function, especially the restoration of tight junction protein ZO-1. Our data indicate that ginger could restore gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function during alleviation of AAD.

Streptococcus thermophiles DMST-H2 Promotes Recovery in Mice with Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is the most common side effect of antibiotics and is routinely treated with probiotics in clinical. Streptococcus thermophiles, extensively utilized for producing dairy foods, has recently been regarded as a new promising probiotic candidate. In this study, the efficacy of Streptococcus thermophiles DMST-H2 (DMST-H2) for AAD treatment in mice was investigated. DMST-H2 was isolated from Chinese traditional yogurt, proved to be non-toxic, and presented tolerance against simulated gastrointestinal conditions in vitro. Additionally, genomic analysis revealed that it possessed genes related to acid tolerance, bile salt tolerance, adhesion, oxidative stress and bacteriocin production. The animal experiment results showed that both DMST-H2 treatment and natural recovery could reduce fecal water content. Compared with spontaneous recovery, DMST-H2 accelerated the recovery of the enlarged caecum and intestinal barrier injury from AAD, and further decreased endotoxin (ET), D-lactate (D-LA) and diamine oxidase (DAO) content in serum. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) were reduced, while interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) increased after treating with DMST-H2. Furthermore, DMST-H2 better restored the structure of intestinal flora. At the phylum level, Firmicutes increased and Proteobacteria decreased. These findings indicate that DMST-H2 could promote recovery in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

The Anti-colitis Effect of Schisandra chinensis Polysaccharide Is Associated With the Regulation of the Composition and Metabolism of Gut Microbiota

Background: The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is linked to an intricate association of environmental, microbial, and host-related factors. Polysaccharide affects host immunity by regulating the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota is the common mechanism of disease resistance. However, the efficacy and mechanism of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide (SCP) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease have not been studied.

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of SCP on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) - induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.

Materials/Methods: In this study, we established a mouse model of UC, and used SCP for treatment intervention. The biochemical indexes related to inflammation were determined by ELISA kit, and the therapeutic effect of SCP on UC was clarified. Then, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to study the effect of SCP on the composition and diversity of gut microbiota. At the same time, GC-MS was used to determine the content of short chain fatty acids in intestinal contents. Finally, the relationship among gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids and inflammatory factors was analyzed, and to comprehensively explain the effect and mechanism of SCP on UC.

Results: The results showed that SCP could significantly improve the physiological state of UC mice and regulate the level of inflammatory factors to normal levels. Meanwhile, SCP could significantly regulate the imbalance of gut microbiota and increase the content of SCFAs. In addition, the results of the correlation between gut microbiota and SCFAs showed that butyric acid, isobutyric acid and valeric acid had the highest correlation with gut microbiota.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this research showed that SCP can inhibit inflammatory bowel disease by regulating the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota, and indicating that SCP may be used as adjuvant therapy for IBD patients.

Functional soluble dietary fiber from ginseng residue: Polysaccharide characterization, structure, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activity

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is the most famous edible Chinese herbal medicine. In the present study, soluble dietary fiber of ginseng (ginseng-SDF, 8.98% content) was extracted from ginseng residue, and its physicochemical characterization, structure, and biological activities were studied. Ginseng-SDF was an acidic heteropolysaccharide (uronic acid, 4.42% content) rich in protein, amino acids, and mineral elements. Glucose was its main monosaccharide composition (58.03%). Ginseng-SDF had a porous microstructure, a typical cellulose I structure and a large number of hydroxyl functional groups. These chemical composition and structural characteristics gave ginseng-SDF a good water solubility (98.56%), oil-holding capacity (OHC) (3.01 g/g), and biological activities, as the antioxidant activity (13.35 μM TE/g, 105.17 μM TE/g, 54.20 μM TE/g for DPPH, ABTs, and FRAP assays, respectively), glucose diffusion retardation index (GDRI, 33.33%-7.43%), and α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ , 6.70 mg/ml, and 4.89 mg/ml, respectively). The results suggested that ginseng residue is a valuable source of functional dietary fiber, and the ginseng-SDF has a potential use in antioxidant and hypoglycemic foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ginseng has long been popular as a health food in Asia, North America, and Europe. Ginseng residue is rich in polysaccharides, dietary fiber, proteins, and other components, which is also of great research value. However, there are few studies focus on the soluble dietary fiber of ginseng at present. The research shows that ginseng residue is a valuable source of functional dietary fiber. The chemical components and structural characteristics give ginseng-SDF a noteworthy antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory activity in vitro. These properties and biological activities indicate that ginseng-SDF has application value in antioxidant and hypoglycemic foods.

Marine polysaccharides from Gelidium pacificum Okamura and Cereus sinensis reveal prebiotic functions

Many marine polysaccharides as prebiotics can promote host health by modulating gut microbiota. This study investigated the beneficial effects of purified marine plant-derived Gelidium pacificum Okamura polysaccharide (GPOP-1) and marine animal-derived Cereus sinensis polysaccharide (CSP-1) on normal mice by modulating gut microbiota. The composition and diversity of gut microbiota were evaluated using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that GPOP-1 and CSP-1 altered the composition of the gut microbiota and promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria. At the genus level, GPOP-1 increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, and decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcus, Helicobacter, Allobaculum, Dorea and AF12. While CSP-1 increased the relative abundance of Coprococcus, Adlercreutzia, Roseburia, Phascolarctobacterium, and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Ruminococcus and Oscillospira. The changes in the gut microbiota may affect the body weight, immune organ index and the production of short-chain fatty acids in normal mice. Compared to the normal control group, GPOP-1 decreased average weight gain while CSP-1 increased average weight gain. Furthermore, both GPOP-1 and CSP-1 significantly increased thymus and spleen indexes and total short chain fatty acids production in mice. In summary, GPOP-1 and CSP-1 exerted prebiotic effects on normal mice.

Inulin improves the egg production performance and affects the cecum microbiota of laying hens

Egg production performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, and microbial composition as affected by dietary inulin supplementation were evaluated in laying hens. A total of 300 laying hens were divided into 5 groups and fed diets containing inulin at levels of 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg, respectively. The results showed that the 15 g/kg inulin supplementation level improved average egg weight by 2.54%, egg mass by 5.76%, and laying rate by 3.09%, and decreased the feed conversion ratio by 3.61% compared to those of the control during feeding weeks 1 to 8. Dietary inulin supplementation improved eggshell thickness, nutrient digestibility and cecum Bacteroidales_S24-7_ group abundance in the laying hens. In conclusion, dietary inulin supplementation, particularly at the level of 15 g/kg, improved the egg production performance and eggshell thickness of laying hens, mainly due to increased nutrient digestibility and selective modulations of the cecum microbial communities.

Fermented black barley ameliorates lung injury induced by cooking oil fumes via antioxidant activity and regulation of the intestinal microbiome in mice

To investigate the effect of fermented black barley on cooking oil fume (COF)-induced lung injury, male ICR mice were randomized into five groups: normal control (NC), fermented black barley treatment (NF), COF exposure (O), COF + fermented black barley treatment (OF) and COF + Lactobacillus treatment (OL). The exposure of mice to COF was performed for 5 min per day and 4 days per week for a total of 9 weeks, and the mice in the OF, NF and OL groups were administered fermented black barley or Lactobacillus continuously for 9 weeks (1 mL/100 g). Our results showed that the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total phenolic, and flavonoid contents significantly increased after fermentation (P < 0.01). In addition, fermented black barley significantly increased SOD activity in the lung tissue, decreased the wet pulmonary coefficient, inhibited the reduction of microbial diversity and richness, and upregulated genes involved in cilium assembly and the cilium axoneme. These findings support the notion that fermented black barley can ameliorate COF-induced lung injury in mice.

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics regulate the intestinal microbiota differentially and restore the relative abundance of specific gut microorganisms

Fermented milk is an effective carrier for probiotics, the consumption of which improves host health. The beneficial effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on gut dysbiosis have been reported previously. However, the way in which specific probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics regulate intestinal microbes remains unclear. Therefore, the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus AS 1.2466 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus ATCC 11842 and the prebiotics xylooligosaccharide and red ginseng extracts were fed to mice to determine their effects on the intestinal microbiota. Then, mice were administered xylooligosaccharide and L. rhamnosus (synthesis) by gavage, and the number of L. rhamnosus was determined in the intestine at different times. The results show that probiotics and prebiotics can quickly reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, inhibit harmful bacteria (such as Klebsiella and Escherichia coli), and accelerate the recovery of beneficial intestinal microorganisms (such as Lactobacillus). In a complex intestinal microecology, different probiotics and prebiotics have different effects on specific intestinal microorganisms that cannot be recovered in the short term. In addition, after 20 d of intragastric xylooligosaccharide addition at 0.12 g/kg of body weight, L. rhamnosus colonization in the mouse ileum was 7.48 log cfu/mL, which was higher than in the low-dose group, prolonging colonization time and increasing the number of probiotics in the intestine. Therefore, this study demonstrated that probiotics and prebiotics can promote the balance of intestinal microbiota by regulating specific microbes in the intestine, and the effects of a suitable combination of synbiotics are beneficial, laying the foundation for the development of new dairy products rich in synbiotics.

Beneficial effects of sulfated polysaccharides from the red seaweed Gelidium pacificum Okamura on mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Gelidium pacificum Okamura polysaccharides (sulfated polysaccharide, GPOP-1) had beneficial effects on mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Compared with the natural recovery group, GPOP-1 increased the richness and diversity of the gut microbiome, as well as altered the composition of the gut microbiota. At the genus level, GPOP-1 significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Oscillospira, and Bifidobacterium and decreased the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Sutterella, and AF12. The metabolic pathway differences according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that the metabolic function of the gut microbiota could be significantly improved by GPOP-1. Furthermore, GPOP-1 downregulated the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), alleviated the pathological features of the cecum, and increased the contents of acetates, propionates, butyrates, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Results indicated that GPOP-1 had beneficial effects on mice with AAD by promoting the recovery of the gut microbiota and mucosal barrier function, reversing metabolic disorders, downregulating the levels of inflammatory cytokines and improving the content of SCFAs.

Effects of polysaccharide from Pueraria lobata on gut microbiota in mice

Polysaccharide was derived from Pueraria lobata (PPL) which was considered as one of the traditional Chinese medicinal and edible herbs. In the present study, PPL was administered in equal doses (12.5 mg/kg) to both normal mice and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) mice for two weeks, and was evaluated in terms of body weight, organ indices, gut structure, gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids. The results showed that normal mice treated with PPL not only reduced the isovaleric acid concentration (P < 0.05), but also significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, involving Oscillospira and Anaerotruncus (P < 0.05). In addition, PPL could relieve colonic pathological changes and gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by AAD. It indicated that PPL was a potential functional food ingredient by modulating gut microbiota.