Exhaustive exercise increases the TNF-α production in response to flagellin via the upregulation of toll-like receptor 5 in the large intestine in mice

Revitalizing the Gut Microbiome in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Therapeutic Potential of Physical Activity

Both physical inactivity and disruptions in the gut microbiome appear to be prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Engaging in physical activity could present a novel nonpharmacological strategy for enhancing the gut microbiome and mitigating the adverse effects associated with microbial dysbiosis in individuals with CKD. This narrative review explores the underlying mechanisms through which physical activity may favorably modulate microbial health, either through direct impact on the gut or through interorgan crosstalk. Also, the development of microbial dysbiosis and its interplay with physical inactivity in patients with CKD are discussed. Mechanisms and interventions through which physical activity may restore gut homeostasis in individuals with CKD are explored.

Distinct gut and vaginal microbiota profile in women with recurrent implantation failure and unexplained infertility

BACKGROUND

Female reproductive tract dysbiosis impacts implantation. However, whether gut dysbiosis influences implantation failure and whether it accompanies reproductive tract dysbiosis remains scantly explored. Herein, we examined the gut-vaginal microbiota axis in infertile women.

METHODS

We recruited 11 fertile women as the controls, and a cohort of 20 infertile women, 10 of whom had recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and another 10 had unexplained infertility (UE). Using amplicon sequencing, which employs PCR to create sequences of DNA called amplicon, we compared the diversity, structure, and composition of faecal and vaginal bacteria of the controls with that of the infertile cohort. Of note, we could only sequence 8 vaginal samples in each group (n = 24/31).

RESULT

Compared with the controls, α-diversity and β-diversity of the gut bacteria among the infertile groups differed significantly (p < 0.05). Taxa analysis revealed enrichment of Gram-positive bacteria in the RIF group, whereas Gram-negative bacteria were relatively abundant in the UE group. Strikingly, mucus-producing genera declined in the infertile cohort (p < 0.05). Hungatella, associated with trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production, were enriched in the infertile cohort (p < 0.05). Vaginal microbiota was dominated by the genus Lactobacillus, with Lactobacillus iners AB-1 being the most abundant species across the groups. Compared with the infertile cohort, overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, associated with vaginal dysbiosis, such as Leptotrichia and Snethia, occurred in the controls.

CONCLUSION

The gut microbiota had little influence on the vaginal microbiota. Gut dysbiosis and vaginal eubiosis occurred in the infertile women, whereas the opposite trend occurred in the controls.

Changes in Cytokines Concentration Following Long-Distance Running: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Long-distance running is an exhausting effort for the whole organism. Prolonged aerobic exercise induces changes in inflammatory markers. However, predicting muscle damage in response has limitations in terms of selecting biomarkers used to measure inflammatory status. The present study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles focusing in ultra-marathon, marathon, and half-marathon and levels of cytokines. The search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, resulting in the inclusion of 76 articles. IL-6 was highlighted, evaluated in 62 studies and show increase in the standard mean difference (SMD): half-marathon (SMD −1.36; IC 95%: −1.82, −0.89, Ch²:0.58; tau²:0.00; p < 0.0001), marathon (SMD −6.81; IC 95%: −9.26, −4.37; Ch²:481.37 tau²:11.88; p < 0.0001) and ultra-marathon (SMD −8.00 IC 95%: −10.47, −5.53; Ch²:328.40; tau²:14.19; p < 0.0001). In contrast meta-regression analysis did not show relationship to the running distance (p = 0.864). The meta-analysis evidenced increase in the concentration of IL-1ra (p < 0.0001), IL-1B (p < 0.0001), IL-8 (p < 0.0001), IL-10 (p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (p < 0.0001). Reduction in IL-2 (p < 0.0001) and INF-y (p < 0.03) and no change in the IL-4 (p < 0.56). The number of studies evaluating the effect of adipokines was limited, however Leptin and Resistin were recurrent. The effects of an acute bout of prolonged aerobic exercise will protect against chronic systemic inflammation. The time to return to baseline values showed a substantial and dose-dependent relationship with run volume. The concentration of IL-6 was robustly studied and the marathon running was the most explored. Network of endocrine interactions in which circulating factors, released in extreme exercises, interplay through inter-organ crosstalk and physiologic changes were expressed. The running volume variability was able to modulate compounds that play a fundamental role in the maintenance of homeostasis and cell signaling.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors: Pleiotropic Signaling Complexes and Their Differential Effects

Since its discovery in 1975, TNFα has been a subject of intense study as it plays significant roles in both immunity and cancer. Such attention is well deserved as TNFα is unique in its engagement of pleiotropic signaling via its two receptors: TNFR1 and TNFR2. Extensive research has yielded mechanistic insights into how a single cytokine can provoke a disparate range of cellular responses, from proliferation and survival to apoptosis and necrosis. Understanding the intracellular signaling pathways induced by this single cytokine via its two receptors is key to further revelation of its exact functions in the many disease states and immune responses in which it plays a role. In this review, we describe the signaling complexes formed by TNFR1 and TNFR2 that lead to each potential cellular response, namely, canonical and non-canonical NF-κB activation, apoptosis and necrosis. This is followed by a discussion of data from in vivo mouse and human studies to examine the differential impacts of TNFR1 versus TNFR2 signaling.

Therapeutic responses to Roseomonas mucosa in atopic dermatitis may involve lipid-mediated TNF-related epithelial repair

Dysbiosis of the skin microbiota is increasingly implicated as a contributor to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). We previously reported first-in-human safety and clinical activity results from topical application of the commensal skin bacterium Roseomonas mucosa for the treatment of AD in 10 adults and 5 children older than 9 years of age. Here, we examined the potential mechanism of action of R. mucosa treatment and its impact on children with AD less than 7 years of age, the most common age group for children with AD. In 15 children with AD, R. mucosa treatment was associated with amelioration of disease severity, improvement in epithelial barrier function, reduced Staphylococcus aureus burden on the skin, and a reduction in topical steroid requirements without severe adverse events. Our observed response rates to R. mucosa treatment were greater than those seen in historical placebo control groups in prior AD studies. Skin improvements and colonization by R. mucosa persisted for up to 8 months after cessation of treatment. Analyses of cellular scratch assays and the MC903 mouse model of AD suggested that production of sphingolipids by R. mucosa, cholinergic signaling, and flagellin expression may have contributed to therapeutic impact through induction of a TNFR2-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These results suggest that a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of R. mucosa treatment in individuals with AD is warranted and implicate commensals in the maintenance of the skin epithelial barrier.

Sparassis crispa Intake Improves the Reduced Lipopolysaccharide-Induced TNF-α Production That Occurs upon Exhaustive Exercise in Mice

Our previous study showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production is inhibited by acute exhaustive exercise in mice, leading to transient immunodepression after exercise. Sparassis crispa (SC), an edible mushroom, has immunopotentiative properties. This study aimed to clarify the effects of SC intake on reduced LPS-induced TNF-α production upon exhaustive exercise in mice. Male C3H/HeN mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal chow intake + resting sedentary, normal chow intake + acute exhaustive treadmill running exercise, and SC intake (chow containing 5% SC powder for 8 weeks) + the exhaustive exercise groups. Each group was injected with LPS immediately after the exhaustive exercise or rest. Plasma and tissue TNF-α levels were significantly decreased by exhaustive exercise. However, this reduction of the TNF-α level was partially attenuated in the plasma and small intestine by SC intake. Although levels of TLR4 and MyD88 protein expression were significantly decreased in tissues by exhaustive exercise, the reduction of TLR4 and MyD88 levels in the small intestine was partially attenuated by SC intake. These results suggest that SC intake attenuates exhaustive exercise-induced reduction of TNF-α production via the retention of TLR4 and MyD88 expression in the small intestine.

Six-Week Endurance Exercise Alters Gut Metagenome That Is not Reflected in Systemic Metabolism in Over-weight Women

Recent studies suggest that exercise alters the gut microbiome. We determined whether six-weeks endurance exercise, without changing diet, affected the gut metagenome and systemic metabolites of overweight women. Previously sedentary overweight women (n = 19) underwent a six-weeks endurance exercise intervention, but two were excluded due to antibiotic therapy. The gut microbiota composition and functions were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomics. Body composition was analyzed with DXA X-ray densitometer and serum metabolomics with NMR metabolomics. Total energy and energy-yielding nutrient intakes were analyzed from food records using Micro-Nutrica software. Serum clinical variables were determined with KONELAB instrument. Soluble Vascular Adhesion Protein 1 (VAP-1) was measured with ELISA and its' enzymatic activity as produced hydrogen peroxide. The exercise intervention was effective, as maximal power and maximum rate of oxygen consumption increased while android fat mass decreased. No changes in diet were observed. Metagenomic analysis revealed taxonomic shifts including an increase in Akkermansia and a decrease in Proteobacteria. These changes were independent of age, weight, fat % as well as energy and fiber intake. Training slightly increased Jaccard distance of genus level β-diversity. Training did not alter the enriched metagenomic pathways, which, according to Bray Curtis dissimilarity analysis, may have been due to that only half of the subjects' microbiomes responded considerably to exercise. Nevertheless, tranining decreased the abundance of several genes including those related to fructose and amino acid metabolism. These metagenomic changes, however, were not translated into major systemic metabolic changes as only two metabolites, phospholipids and cholesterol in large VLDL particles, decreased after exercise. Training also decreased the amine oxidase activity of pro-inflammatory VAP-1, whereas no changes in CRP were detected. All clinical blood variables were within normal range, yet exercise slightly increased glucose and decreased LDL and HDL. In conclusion, exercise training modified the gut microbiome without greatly affecting systemic metabolites or body composition. Based on our data and existing literature, we propose that especially Akkermansia and Proteobacteria are exercise-responsive taxa. Our results warrant the need for further studies in larger cohorts to determine whether exercise types other than endurance exercise also modify the gut metagenome.

Novel recombinant protein FlaA N/C increases tumor radiosensitivity via NF-κB signaling in murine breast cancer cells

The recombinant protein flagellin A (FlaA) N/C, derived from the flagellin protein of Legionella pneumophila, has been shown to increase the expression of cytoprotective cytokines, activate the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and increase the survival of mice following total body irradiation. Determi ning whether FlaA N/C has a sensitizing effect on tumor radiation or a direct tumoricidal effect is critical for its application as an effective radiation protection agent. The present study investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the tumor radiosensitivity of FlaA N/C. FlaA N/C was found to increase tumor apoptosis and autophagy, regulate the cell cycle and increase radiosensitivity in 4T1 tumor cells. Furthermore, FlaA N/C was found to promote radiosensitivity by activating NF-κB signaling. Finally, the present study analyzed FlaA N/C-enhanced radiosensitivity in animal models, and FlaA N/C was found to significantly prolong the survival period of mice after total body radiation. This indicates that FlaA N/C might be a novel radiation sensitizer in tumor radiation therapy.

Exercise and the Regulation of Inflammatory Responses

Exercise initiates a cascade of inflammatory events, which ultimately lead to long-term effects on human health. During and after acute exercise in skeletal muscle, interactions between immune cells, cytokines, and other intracellular components, create an inflammatory milieu responsible for the recovery and adaption from an exercise bout. In the systemic circulation, cytokines released from muscle (myokines) mediate metabolic and inflammatory processes. Moderate exercise training results in improvements in systemic inflammation, evident by reductions in acute phase proteins. The anti-inflammatory effects of regular exercise include actions dependent and independent of changes in adipose tissue mass. Future research should encompass approaches, which attempt to integrate other, less-recognized physiological processes with acute and long-term inflammatory changes. This will include investigation into metabolic, endocrine, and immune components of various tissues and organs.

Fucoidan supplementation improves exercise performance and exhibits anti-fatigue action in mice

Fucoidan (FCD) is a well-known bioactive constituent of seaweed extract that possess a wide spectrum of activities in biological systems, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and modulation of immune systems. However, evidence on the effects of FCD on exercise performance and physical fatigue is limited. Therefore, we investigated the potential beneficial effects of FCD on ergogenic and anti-fatigue functions following physiological challenge. Male ICR mice from three groups (n = 8 per group) were orally administered FCD for 21 days at 0, 310 and 620 mg/kg/day, which were, respectively, designated the vehicle, FCD-1X and FCD-2X groups. The results indicated that the FCD supplementations increased the grip strength (p = 0.0002) and endurance swimming time (p = 0.0195) in a dose-depend manner. FCD treatments also produced dose-dependent decreases in serum levels of lactate (p < 0.0001) and ammonia (p = 0.0025), and also an increase in glucose level (p < 0.0001) after the 15-min swimming test. In addition, FCD supplementation had few subchronic toxic effects. Therefore, we suggest that long-term supplementation with FCD can have a wide spectrum of bioactivities on health promotion, performance improvement and anti-fatigue.