Dietary supplementation with strawberry induces marked changes in the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiome in diabetic mice

Diet-Induced Rodent Obesity Is Prevented and the Fecal Microbiome Is Improved with Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) Juice Powder

Anthocyanin-rich edible berries protect against diet-induced obesity in animal models. Prevention is mediated through the bidirectional relationship with the fecal microbiome, and gut-derived phenolic metabolite absorption increases with physical activity, which may influence bioactivity. The objective of this study was to test elderberry juice powder on the development of diet-induced obesity and its influence on the fecal microbiome alone or in combination with physical activity. Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to one of four treatments, including (1) high-fat diet without wheel access; (2) high-fat diet with unlimited wheel access; (3) high-fat diet supplemented with 10% elderberry juice powder without wheel access; and (4) high-fat diet supplemented with 10% elderberry juice powder with unlimited wheel access. Body weight gain, fat pads, and whole-body fat content in mice fed elderberry juice were significantly less than in mice fed the control diet independent of wheel access. At the end of the study, active mice fed elderberry juice ate significantly more than active mice fed a control diet. There was no difference in the physical activity between active groups. Elderberry juice increasedBifidobacterium, promotedAkkermansia and Anaeroplasma, and prevented the growth of Desulfovibrio. Elderberry juice is a potent inhibitor of diet-induced obesity with action mediated by the gut microbiota.

Blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry as modulators of the gut microbiota: target for treatment of gut dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease? From current evidence to future possibilities

Gut dysbiosis is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with uremic toxin production, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease development. Therefore, healthy dietary patterns are essential modulators of gut microbiota. In this context, studies suggest that consuming berry fruits, rich in polyphenols and nutrients, may positively affect the gut microbiota, promoting the selective growth of beneficial bacteria and improving clinical status. However, studies on the effects of berry fruits on gut microbiota in CKD are scarce, and a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of berry fruits on gut microbiota is needed to guide future clinical studies and clinical practice in CKD. The objective was to discuss how berry fruits (blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry) could be a therapeutic strategy to modulate the gut microbiota and possibly reverse the dysbiosis in CKD. Overall, available evidence shows that berry fruits can promote an increase in diversity by affecting the abundance of mucus-producing bacteria and short-chain fatty acids. Moreover, these fruits can increase the expression of mRNA involved in tight junctions in the gut such as occludin, tight junction protein 1 (TJP1), and mucin. Studies on the exact amount of berries leading to these effects show heterogeneous findings. However, it is known that, with 5 mg/day, it is already possible to observe some effects in animal models. Wild berries could possibly improve the uremic condition by reducing the levels of uremic toxins via modulation of the gut microbiota. In the long term, this could be an excellent strategy for patients with CKD. Therefore, clinical studies are encouraged to evaluate better these effects on CKD as well as the safe amount of these fruits in order to promote a better quality of life or even the survival of these patients.

Lowering glycemic levels via gastrointestinal tract factors: the roles of dietary fiber, polyphenols, and their combination

Dietary fiber (DF) and polyphenols (DP) are typical blood sugar-lowering components, and both play distinct yet interconnected roles in exerting their blood sugar-lowering effects. We comprehensively summarized the single and combined effects of DF and DP on blood glucose homeostasis through regulating the relevant factors in the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGT) and lower gastrointestinal tract (LGT). In the UGT, DF slowed down glucose metabolism by enhancing digesta viscosity and hindering enzyme-substrate interaction. DP primarily targeted enzymes and substrates. When combined, DP enhanced the adsorption capacity of DF for glucose. DF weakened DP's inhibitory effect on enzymes. Both DF and DP disrupted glucose intestinal uptake via physical or genomic modulation, but the co-consumption of DF and DP demonstrated a lower inhibitory effect on glucose uptake than DP alone. In the LGT, DF and DP showed synergistic or antagonistic effects on gut microbiota. Remarkably, whole foods exhibited potent prebiotic effects due to their compound-rich matrix, potentially enhancing glucose homeostasis and expanding dietary options for glucose regulation research.

Scientific Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Dietary Blueberries on Gut Health: A Systematic Review

Emerging evidence indicates the association between an unhealthy gut and chronic diseases. A healthy gut comprises an intact gut epithelium and balanced gut microbes. Diet is one of the critical factors that modulate gut health by positively or negatively affecting the intestinal barrier and gut microbes. Blueberries are an excellent source of health-promoting bioactive components, and this systematic review is conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary blueberries on gut health. A literature search is conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases to review relevant studies published between 2011 and 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation Risk of Bias (SYRCLE-RoB) tool is used for methodological quality assessments. Sixteen studies included from four countries are reviewed and the results are synthesized narratively. This data analysis indicates that blueberry supplementation improves gut health by improving intestinal morphology, reducing gut permeability, suppressing oxidative stress, ameliorating gut inflammation, and modulating the composition and function of gut microbes. However, there are significant knowledge gaps in this field. These findings indicate that further studies are needed to establish the beneficial effects of blueberries on gut health.

Heat-treated foxtail millet protein delayed the development of pre-diabetes to diabetes in mice by altering gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles

Millet protein has gained much attention for its beneficial effects in mitigating metabolic diseases. However, most individuals pass through a prediabetic phase before developing full-blown diabetes, and whether millet protein has hypoglycemic effects on prediabetic mice remains unclear. In the present study, heat-treated foxtail millet protein (HMP) supplementation significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels, alleviated insulin resistance, and improved impaired glucose tolerance in prediabetic mice. In addition, HMP altered the intestinal flora composition, as evidenced by the reduction in the abundance of Dubosiella and Marvinbryantia and the increase in the content of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and norank_f_Erysipelotrichaceae. Moreover, HMP supplementation dramatically regulated the levels of serum metabolites (i.e., LysoPCs, 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, and sphingosine) and related metabolic pathways, such as sphingolipid metabolism and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. In conclusion, the improvement of gut microbiota and serum metabolic profiles was related to the hypoglycemic potential of HMP in prediabetes.

Recent Innovations in Non-dairy Prebiotics and Probiotics: Physiological Potential, Applications, and Characterization

Non-dairy sources of prebiotics and probiotics impart various physiological functions in the prevention and management of chronic metabolic disorders, therefore nutraceuticals emerged as a potential industry. Extraction of prebiotics from non-dairy sources is economical and easily implemented. Waste products during food processing, including fruit peels and fruit skins, can be utilized as a promising source of prebiotics and considered "Generally Recognized As Safe" for human consumption. Prebiotics from non-dairy sources have a significant impact on gut microbiota and reduce the population of pathogenic bacteria. Similarly, next-generation probiotics could also be isolated from non-dairy sources. These sources have considerable potential and can give novel strains of probiotics, which can be the replacement for dairy sources. Such strains isolated from non-dairy sources have good probiotic properties and can be used as therapeutic. This review will elaborate on the potential non-dairy sources of prebiotics and probiotics, their characterization, and significant physiological potential.

Fecal Microbiota Composition as a Metagenomic Biomarker of Dietary Intake

Gut microbiota encompasses the set of microorganisms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract with mutual relationships that are key for host homeostasis. Increasing evidence supports cross intercommunication between the intestinal microbiome and the eubiosis-dysbiosis binomial, indicating a networking role of gut bacteria as potential metabolic health surrogate markers. The abundance and diversity of the fecal microbial community are already recognized to be associated with several disorders, such as obesity, cardiometabolic events, gastrointestinal alterations, and mental diseases, which suggests that intestinal microbes may be a valuable tool as causal or as consequence biomarkers. In this context, the fecal microbiota could also be used as an adequate and informative proxy of the nutritional composition of the food intake and about the adherence to dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean or Western diets, by displaying specific fecal microbiome signatures. The aim of this review was to discuss the potential use of gut microbial composition as a putative biomarker of food intake and to screen the sensitivity value of fecal microbiota in the evaluation of dietary interventions as a reliable and precise alternative to subjective questionnaires.

Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder Supplementation in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Elevated Cholesterol

OBJECTIVE

Recommended dietary patterns improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as blood pressure and LDL-C, as well as emerging markers that confer residual risk. Strawberry consumption has been shown to improve CVD risk factors, but further research is needed to better understand these effects using a dose-response model that evaluates a standard serving and a higher (but still achievable) dose.

METHODS

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover trial was conducted in middle-aged adults with overweight or obesity (n = 40; mean BMI = 29.4 ± 0.2 kg/m²; mean age = 50 ± 1.0 years) and moderately elevated LDL-C (mean LDL-C: 140 ± 3 mg/dL) to investigate the effect of two doses of strawberry supplementation on LDL-C and other CVD risk factors. Study interventions were: 0 g/d (control), 13 g/d (low-dose), and 40 g/d (high-dose) of freeze-dried strawberry powder (4-week supplementation periods separated by a 2-week compliance break).

RESULTS

There was a significant main effect of treatment for the primary outcome of LDL-C, with a 4.9% reduction following the low-dose strawberry supplement compared to the high-dose (P = 0.01), but not compared to the control. There was also a significant effect on total cholesterol (TC), with a 2.8% and 2.4% reduction following the low-dose compared to the control and high-dose, respectively (P ≤ 0.05 in post-hoc analyses). There was a near significant effect for direct LDL-C (P = 0.07). There were no significant treatment effects for other atherogenic lipoprotein characteristics, indices of vascular function, measures of inflammation, or HDL efflux.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose supplementation with freeze-dried strawberry powder, equivalent to ∼1 serving/day of fresh strawberries, improved cholesterol in adults with overweight or obesity, compared to both the high-dose (∼3 servings/day of fresh strawberries) and control, but did not alter other markers of CVD.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at.

Anthocyanins as Promising Molecules Affecting Energy Homeostasis, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes with Special Reference to Impact of Acylation

Anthocyanins, the red-orange to blue-violet colorants present in fruits, vegetables, and tubers, have antidiabetic properties expressed via modulating energy metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota. Acylation of the glycosyl moieties of anthocyanins alters the physicochemical properties of anthocyanins and improves their stability. Thus, acylated anthocyanins with probiotic-like property and lower bioavailability are likely to have different biological effects from nonacylated anthocyanins on diabetes. This work highlights recent findings on the antidiabetic effects of acylated anthocyanins from the perspectives of energy metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota compared to the nonacylated anthocyanins and particularly emphasizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of these bioactive molecules, providing a new perspective to explore the different biological effects induced by structurally different anthocyanins. Acylated anthocyanins may have greater modulating effects on energy metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes compared to nonacylated anthocyanins.

Gut Microbes Are Associated with the Vascular Beneficial Effects of Dietary Strawberry on Metabolic Syndrome-Induced Vascular Inflammation

SCOPE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) alters the gut microbial ecology and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigates whether strawberry consumption reduces vascular complications in an animal model of MetS and identifies whether this effect is associated with changes in the composition of gut microbes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seven-week-old male mice consume diets with 10% (C) or 60% kcal from fat (high-fat diet fed mice; HF) for 12 weeks and subgroups are fed a 2.35% freeze-dried strawberry supplemented diet (C+SB or HF+SB). This nutritional dose is equivalent to ≈160 g of strawberry. After 12 weeks treatment, vascular inflammation is enhanced in HF versus C mice as shown by an increased monocyte binding to vasculature, elevated serum chemokines, and increased mRNA expression of inflammatory molecules. However, strawberry supplementation suppresses vascular inflammation in HF+SB versus HF mice. Metabolic variables, blood pressure, and indices of vascular function were similar among the groups. Further, the abundance of opportunistic microbe is decreased in HF+SB. Importantly, circulating chemokines are positively associated with opportunistic microbes and negatively associated with the commensal microbes (Bifidobacterium and Facalibaculum).

CONCLUSION

Dietary strawberry decreases the abundance of opportunistic microbe and this is associated with a decrease in vascular inflammation resulting from MetS.

Modulation of gut microbiota by bioactive compounds for prevention and management of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Gut microbiota (GM) are specific groups of microbes colonized in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They profoundly influence health, disease protection, and associated with metabolic activities, and play a vital role in the production of functional metabolites from dietary substances. Dysbiosis of GM has been linked to the onset of T2DM and can be altered to attain eubiosis by intervention with various nutritional bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, prebiotics, and probiotics. This review presents an overview of the evidence and underlying mechanisms by which bioactive compounds modulate the GM for the prevention and management of T2DM.

Chemical Compounds of Berry-Derived Polyphenols and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Cancer

Berry-derived polyphenols are bioactive compounds synthesized and secreted by several berry fruits. These polyphenols feature a diversity of chemical compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Here, we report the beneficial health effects of berry-derived polyphenols and their therapeutical application on gut-microbiota-related diseases, including inflammation and cancer. Pharmacokinetic investigations have confirmed the absorption, availability, and metabolism of berry-derived polyphenols. In vitro and in vivo tests, as well as clinical trials, showed that berry-derived polyphenols can positively modulate the gut microbiota, inhibiting inflammation and cancer development. Indeed, these compounds inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and also promote beneficial bacteria. Moreover, berry-derived polyphenols exhibit therapeutic effects against different gut-microbiota-related disorders such as inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, these polyphenols can manage the inflammation via various mechanisms, in particular the inhibition of the transcriptional factor Nf-κB. Berry-derived polyphenols have also shown remarkable effects on different types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, esophageal, and prostate cancer. Moreover, certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes and atherosclerosis were also managed by berry-derived polyphenols through different mechanisms. These data showed that polyphenols from berries are a promising source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating the intestinal microbiota, and therefore managing cancer and associated metabolic diseases. However, further investigations should be carried out to determine the mechanisms of action of berry-derived polyphenol bioactive compounds to validate their safety and examinate their clinical uses.

Cordyceps inhibits ceramide biosynthesis and improves insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis

Ectopic ceramide accumulation in insulin-responsive tissues contributes to the development of obesity and impairs insulin sensitivity. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT), the first enzyme essential for ceramide biosynthesis using myriocin in rodents reduces body weight and improves insulin sensitivity and associated metabolic indices. Myriocin was originally extracted from fruiting bodies of the fungus Isaria sinclairii and has been found abundant in a number of closely related fungal species such as the Cordyceps. Myriocin is not approved for human use but extracts from Cordyceps are routinely consumed as part of traditional Chinese medication for the treatment of numerous diseases including diabetes. Herein, we screened commercially available extracts of Cordyceps currently being consumed by humans, to identify Cordyceps containing myriocin and test the efficacy of Cordyceps extract containing myriocin in obese mice to improve energy and glucose homeostasis. We demonstrate that commercially available Cordyceps contain variable amounts of myriocin and treatment of mice with a human equivalent dose of Cordyceps extract containing myriocin, reduces ceramide accrual, increases energy expenditure, prevents diet-induced obesity, improves glucose homeostasis and resolves hepatic steatosis. Mechanistically, these beneficial effects were due to increased adipose tissue browning/beiging, improved brown adipose tissue function and hepatic insulin sensitivity as well as alterations in the abundance of gut microbes such as Clostridium and Bilophila. Collectively, our data provide proof-of-principle that myriocin containing Cordyceps extract inhibit ceramide biosynthesis and attenuate metabolic impairments associated with obesity. Moreover, these studies identify commercially available Cordyceps as a readily available supplement to treat obesity and associated metabolic diseases.

Dietary Blueberry Ameliorates Vascular Complications in Diabetic Mice Possibly through NOX4 and Modulates Composition and Functional Diversity of Gut Microbes

SCOPE

In diabetes, endothelial inflammation and dysfunction play a pivotal role in the development of vascular disease. This study investigates the effect of dietary blueberries on vascular complications and gut microbiome in diabetic mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seven-week-old diabetic db/db mice consume a standard diet (db/db) or a diet supplemented with 3.8% freeze-dried blueberry (db/db+BB) for 10 weeks. Control db/+ mice are fed a standard diet (db/+). Vascular inflammation is assessed by measuring monocyte binding to vasculature and inflammatory markers. Isometric tension procedures are used to assess mesenteric artery function. db/db mice exhibit enhanced vascular inflammation and reduced endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation as compared to db/+ mice, but these are improved in db/db+BB mice. Blueberry supplementation reduces the expression of NOX4 and IκKβ in the aortic vessel and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from db/db+BB compared to db/db mice. The blueberry metabolites serum reduces glucose and palmitate induced endothelial inflammation in mouse aortic ECs. Further, blueberry supplementation increases commensal microbes and modulates the functional potential of gut microbes in diabetic mice.

CONCLUSION

Dietary blueberry suppresses vascular inflammation, attenuates arterial endothelial dysfunction, and supports the growth of commensal microbes in diabetic mice. The endothelial-specific vascular benefits of blueberries are mediated through NOX4 signaling.

Health improvements of type 2 diabetic patients through diet and diet plus fecal microbiota transplantation

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health problem, and gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated in the emergence of T2D in humans. Dietary interventions can indirectly influence the health status of patients with type 2 diabetes through their modulatory effects on the intestinal microbiota. In recent years, fecal microbiota transplantation is becoming familiar as a new medical treatment that can rapidly improve intestinal health. We conducted a 90-day controlled open-label trial to evaluate the health improvement ability of a specially designed diet, and the diet combined with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). According to our study, both diet and diet plus FMT treatments showed great potential in controlling blood glucose and blood pressure levels. Sequencing the V4 region of 16S rRNA gene on the Illumina MiniSeq platform revealed a shift of intestinal microbial community in T2D patients, and the changes were also observed in response to the treatments. FMT changed the gut microbiota more quickly than diet. Beneficial bacterium, such as Bifidobacterium, increased along the study and was negatively correlated with blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid and BMI. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), Bilophila and Desulfovibrio, decreased significantly after treatment, showed a positive correlation with blood glucose indices. Thus, the specially designed diet is beneficial to improve blood glucose control in diabetic patients, it also showed the potential to reverse dyslipidemia and dysarteriotony.

Shaping the gut microbiota by bioactive phytochemicals: An emerging approach for the prevention and treatment of human diseases

The human digestive tract is the cottage to trillions of live microorganisms, which regulate health and illness. A healthy Gut Microbiota (GM) is necessary for preventing microbial growth, body growth, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and enhancing immunity. The equilibrium in GM's composition and the presence/absence of critical species enable specific responses to be essential for the host's better health condition. Research evidences revealed that the dietary plants and their bioactive phytochemicals (BPs) play an extensive and critical role in shaping the GM to get beneficial health effects. BPs are also known to improve gastrointestinal health and reduce the risk of several diseases by modulating GM-mediated cellular and molecular processes. Regular intake of BPs-rich vegetables, fruits, and herbal preparations promotes probiotic bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species, while inhibiting unwanted gut residents' development Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium etc. Upon consumption, BPs contact the GM that gets transformed before being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Biotransformation of BPs by GM is linked with the enhancement of bioactivity/toxicity diminishment of the BPs compared to parental phytochemicals. Therefore, the current review focuses on the role of BPs in shaping GM for the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

Microbial Diversity and Abundance of Parabacteroides Mediate the Associations Between Higher Intake of Flavonoid-Rich Foods and Lower Blood Pressure

[Figure: see text].

The anti-obesogenic effects of dietary berry fruits: A review

The prevalence of obesity in the world is fearsomely climbing, which has brought about heavy threats on human health and economic development. For coping with this problem, researchers have looked at the profound potentials of natural products for resolving obesity because of their high efficiencies and few undesirable outcomes in the recent years. Berry fruits are huge reservoirs of bioactive components, and their anti-obesity potentials are arousing much interests. In this review, the current main strategies to manage obesity were summarized, including inhibiting appetite and lowering the food intake, improving energy expenditure and thermogenesis, suppressing absorption and digestion, reducing lipid synthesis and storage as well as modulating composition of gut microbiota. In addition, this review discussed the potentials of dietary berry fruits (blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, mulberries, lingonberries, blackberries, black chokeberries, elderberries, bilberries, grape, blackcurrants, jaboticabas, red bayberries, sea-buckthorns, goldenberries and goji berries) to counteract obesity or obesity-associated complications based on recent animal experiments and human studies. Then, the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds present in berry fruits was discussed. On the other hand, several challenges including securing effective dosage, further understanding their interaction with human tissues, improving bioavailability and protection of functional ingredients during delivery should be taken into account and conquered in the coming years.

Dietary supplementation with mung bean coat alleviates the disorders in serum glucose and lipid profile and modulates gut microbiota in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced prediabetic mice

As amajor by-product of mung bean processing, mung bean coat (MBC), which is rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber, is deemed to be mainly responsible for the health benefits of mung bean. However, its beneficial effects on the hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and gut microbiota composition in prediabetic mice is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of MBC in alleviating high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced prediabetes. Herein, compared with the model control, dietary supplementation with MBC (3%, w/w) for 12 weeks significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose (24.60%), total cholesterol (15.72%), triglyceride (14.41%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (22.45%). Furthermore, the improvements in glucose tolerance were reflected in the reduction of the area under the curve (AUC) and incremental AUC by approximately 23.08% and 51.18%, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbiota suggested that MBC promoted the enrichment of beneficial bacteria (Roseburia and Bifidobacterium) and the production of short-chain fatty acids. All of the results from this study provided a scientific reference for avoiding the functional ingredients waste of MBC and expanding its application value.

A comparison between whole mung bean and decorticated mung bean: beneficial effects on the regulation of serum glucose and lipid disorders and the gut microbiota in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced prediabetic mice

The aim of this study is to investigate the beneficial effects of whole mung bean (WMB) and decorticated mung bean (DMB) on the regulation of serum glucose and lipid disorders in high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced prediabetic mice, and to further explore their gut microbiota modulatory effects. In the present study, the ability of mung bean-based diets to combat prediabetes-related metabolic disorders was determined by assessing the changes in the physiological, biochemical, and histological parameters, and the gut microbiota composition of prediabetic mice. The supplementation of both WMB and DMB can effectively alleviate HFD and STZ-induced impaired glucose tolerance (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by improvements in pancreatic β-cell damage and hepatic steatosis. However, only WMB supplementation significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose and fasting serum insulin levels by sensitizing insulin action (P < 0.05), and reduced the serum lipid profiles and glycosylated serum protein levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, high-throughput pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that WMB and DMB supplementation could prevent HFD and STZ-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially for the enrichment of some benign bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia, and the reduction of some harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus and Enterococcus). Overall, although decortication processing had an impact on the beneficial effects of mung bean, it did not cause the loss of all health benefits.

A Pilot Microbiota Study in Parkinson's Disease Patients versus Control Subjects, and Effects of FTY720 and FTY720-Mitoxy Therapies in Parkinsonian and Multiple System Atrophy Mouse Models

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients often suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and GI dysbiosis (microbial imbalance). GI dysfunction also occurs in mouse models of PD and MSA.

OBJECTIVES

To assess gut dysfunction and dysbiosis in PD subjects as compared to controls, identify potential shared microbial taxa in humans and mouse models of PD and MSA, and to assess the effects of potential therapies on mouse GI microbiota.

METHODS

In this human pilot study, GI function was assessed by fecal consistency/frequency measured using the Bristol Stool Form Scale and GI transit time assessed using Sitzmarks pills and abdominal radiology. Human and mouse microbiota were analyzed by extracting fecal genomic DNA followed by 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

In our PD patients genera Akkermansia significantly increased while a trend toward increased Bifidobacterium and decreased Prevotella was observed. Families Bacteroidaceae and Lachnospiraceae and genera Prevotella and Bacteroides were detected in both humans and PD mice, suggesting potential shared biomarkers. In mice treated with the approved multiple sclerosis drug, FTY720, or with our FTY720-Mitoxy-derivative, we saw that FTY720 had little effect while FTY720-Mitoxy increased beneficial Ruminococcus and decreased Rickenellaceae family.

CONCLUSION

Akkermansia and Prevotellaceae data reported by others were replicated in our human pilot study suggesting the use of those taxa as potential biomarkers for PD diagnosis. The effect of FTY720-Mitoxy on taxa Rikenellaceae and Ruminococcus and the relevance of S24-7 await further evaluation. It also remains to be determined if mouse microbiota have predictive power for human subjects.

Alteration of the Gut Microbiome in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and Its Association With Serum Free Immunoglobulin Light Chains

Objectives

Gut dysbiosis is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and serum free immunoglobulin light chains (FLCs) are biomarkers for CKD. This study aims to assess the CKD gut microbiome and to determine its impact on serum FLC levels.

Methods

To control for confounders, 100 patients and sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The gut microbiome was assessed by sequencing 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 hypervariable regions. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States was applied to infer functional metabolic pathways. When observing group differences in the microbiome and predicted metabolic pathways, demographic confounders were adjusted using binary logistic regression; when examining impacts of the gut microbiome and metabolic pathways on serum FLCs, factors influencing FLC levels were adjusted using multiple regression.

Results

Principal coordinate analysis revealed a significantly different bacterial community between the CKD and HC groups (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, lower Chao 1, observed species and Shannon indices based on binary logistic regression predicted CKD prevalence. Actinobacteria, Alistipes, Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium longum enrichment, upregulation of metabolic pathways of bacterial toxin, chloroalkane and chloroalkene degradation, and Staphylococcus aureus infection also predicted CKD prevalence (P < 0.05). Furthermore, depletion of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium and reduced chloroalkane and chloroalkene degradation predicted high levels of FLC λ (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Gut dysbiosis in CKD patients was confirmed by controlling for confounders in the present study. Additionally, the association between gut dysbiosis and FLC λ levels demonstrates the existence of crosstalk between the microbiome and immune response in CKD.

Anthocyanins, Microbiome and Health Benefits in Aging

The percentage of individuals over the age of 60 is projected to reach 22% by 2050; chronic diseases associated with aging can present challenges for these individuals. Anthocyanins and the gut microbiome have each been studied as independent influencers of health. Both these factors have shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular and bone health in individuals, as well as on the prevention or treatment of certain forms of cancers. Anthocyanins have shown to modulate the composition of the gut microbiome and may have overlapping mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and aging-associated bone loss. These health outcomes are responsible for the hospitalization and deaths of millions of Americans every year and they cost the United States billions of dollars each year to maintain, prevent and treat. Alternative methods of treatment and prevention are desired since conventional methods (surgical and pharmacological methods, physical therapy, etc.) can be costly and have significant side effects; evidence suggests that anthocyanins and the gut microbiome may be potential avenues for this. This review evaluates the findings of existing literature on the role of anthocyanins and the gut microbiome on health and their potential as a natural therapeutic agent or a target organ to provide an alternative to the conventional methods of disease prevention and treatment.

Berry polyphenols metabolism and impact on human gut microbiota and health

Berries are rich in phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins. These molecules are often reported as being responsible for the health effects attributed to berries. However, their poor bioavailability, mostly influenced by their complex chemical structures, raises the question of their actual direct impact on health. The products of their metabolization, however, may be the most bioactive compounds due to their ability to enter the blood circulation and reach the organs. The main site of metabolization of the complex polyphenols to smaller phenolic compounds is the gut through the action of microorganisms, and reciprocally polyphenols and their metabolites can also modulate the microbial populations. In healthy subjects, these modulations generally lead to an increase in Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, therefore suggesting a prebiotic-like effect of the berries or their compounds. Finally, berries have been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms of gut inflammation through the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and have chemopreventive effects towards colon cancer through the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation and angiogenesis. This review recapitulates the knowledge available on the interactions between berries polyphenols, gut microbiota and gut health and identifies knowledge gaps for future research.

Select Polyphenol-Rich Berry Consumption to Defer or Deter Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Complications

Berries are considered "promising functional fruits" due to their distinct and ubiquitous therapeutic contents of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, hydroxycinnamic, ellagic acid derivatives, and organic acids. These polyphenols are part of berries and the human diet, and evidence suggests that their intake is associated with a reduced risk or the reversal of metabolic pathophysiologies related to diabetes, obesity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertension. This work reviewed and summarized both clinical and non-clinical findings that the consumption of berries, berry extracts, purified compounds, juices, jams, jellies, and other berry byproducts aided in the prevention and or otherwise management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related complications. The integration of berries and berries-derived byproducts into high-carbohydrate (HCD) and high-fat (HFD) diets, also reversed/reduced the HCD/HFD-induced alterations in glucose metabolism-related pathways, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid oxidation in healthy/obese/diabetic subjects. The berry polyphenols also modulate the intestinal microflora ecology by opposing the diabetic and obesity rendered symbolic reduction of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction-restoring bacteria, short-chain fatty acids, and organic acid producing microflora. All studies proposed a number of potential mechanisms of action of respective berry bioactive compounds, although further mechanistic and molecular studies are warranted. The metabolic profiling of each berry is also included to provide up-to-date information regarding the potential anti-oxidative/antidiabetic constituents of each berry.

Brás N, Mateus N, de Freitas V, Fernandes I. Anthocyanins as Antidiabetic Agents-In Vitro and In Silico Approaches of Preventive and Therapeutic Effects

Many efforts have been made in the past two decades into the search for novel natural and less-toxic anti-diabetic agents. Some clinical trials have assigned this ability to anthocyanins, although different factors like the food source, the amount ingested, the matrix effect and the time of consumption (before or after a meal) seem to result in contradictory conclusions. The possible mechanisms involved in these preventive or therapeutic effects will be discussed-giving emphasis to the latest in vitro and in silico approaches. Therapeutic strategies to counteract metabolic alterations related to hyperglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may include: (a) Inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes; (b) reduction of glucose transporters expression or activity; (c) inhibition of glycogenolysis and (d) modulation of gut microbiota by anthocyanin breakdown products. These strategies may be achieved through administration of individual anthocyanins or by functional foods containing complexes of anthocyanin:carbohydrate:protein.

Impact of Cyanidin-3-Glucoside on Gut Microbiota and Relationship with Metabolism and Inflammation in High Fat-High Sucrose Diet-Induced Insulin Resistant Mice

The present study assessed the effects of freeze-dried cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), an anthocyanin enriched in dark-red berries, compared to Saskatoon berry powder (SBp) on metabolism, inflammatory markers and gut microbiota in high fat-high sucrose (HFHS) diet-induced insulin-resistant mice. Male C57 BL/6J mice received control, HFHS, HFHS + SBp (8.0 g/kg/day) or HFHS + C3G (7.2 mg/kg/day, equivalent C3G in SBp) diet for 11 weeks. The HFHS diet significantly increased plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers. The HFHS + SBp diet increased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes (B/F) ratio and relative abundance of Muriculaceae family bacteria in mouse feces detected using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The HFHS + SBp or HFHS + C3G diet attenuated glucose, lipids, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers, and increased the B/F ratio and Muriculaceae relative abundance compared to the HFHS diet alone. The relative abundances of Muriculaceae negatively correlated with body weight, glucose, lipids, insulin resistance and inflammatory mediators. Functional predication analysis suggested that the HFHS diet upregulated gut bacteria genes involved in inflammation, and downregulated bacteria involved in metabolism. C3G and SBp partially neutralized HFHS diet-induced alterations of gut bacteria. The results suggest that C3G is a potential prebiotic, mitigating HFHS diet-induced disorders in metabolism, inflammation and gut dysbiosis, and that C3G contributes to the metabolic beneficial effects of SBp.

The role of anthocyanins as antidiabetic agents: from molecular mechanisms to in vivo and human studies

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose concentration. Nowadays, type 2 diabetes or insulin resistant diabetes is the most common diabetes, mainly due to unhealthy lifestyle. Healthy habits like appropriate nutritional approaches or the consumption of certain natural products or food supplements have been suggested as non-pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Some of the main bioactive compounds from plant foods are polyphenols, important mainly for their antioxidant capacity in oxidative stress conditions and ageing. Anthocyanins are polyphenols of the flavonoid group, which act as pigments in plants, especially in fruits such as berries. A search of in vitro, in vivo and human studies in relation with antidiabetic properties of anthocyanins has been performed in different electronic databases. Results of this review demonstrate that these compounds have the ability to inhibit different enzymes as well as to influence gene expression and metabolic pathways of glucose, such as AMPK, being able to modulate diabetes and other associated disorders, as hyperlipidaemia, overweight, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, human interventional studies have shown that high doses of anthocyanins have potential in the prevention or treatment of type 2 diabetes; nevertheless, anthocyanins used in these studies should be standardized and quantified in order to make general conclusions about its use and to claim benefits for the human population.

Gut Microbiota, Blood Metabolites, and Spleen Immunity in Broiler Chickens Fed Berry Pomaces and Phenolic-Enriched Extractives

This study evaluated the performance, gut microbiota, and blood metabolites in broiler chickens fed cranberry and blueberry products for 30 days. A total of 2,800 male day-old broiler Cobb-500 chicks were randomly distributed between 10 diets: control basal diet; basal diet with bacitracin (BACI); four basal diets with 1 and 2% of cranberry (CP1, CP2) and blueberry (BP1, BP2) pomaces; and four basal diets supplemented with ethanolic extracts of cranberry (COH150, COH300) or blueberry (BOH150, BOH300) pomaces. All groups were composed of seven replicates (40 birds per replicate). Cecal and cloacal samples were collected for bacterial counts and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Blood samples and spleens were analyzed for blood metabolites and gene expressions, respectively. The supplementation of COH300 and BOH300 significantly increased the body weight (BW) during the starting and growing phases, respectively, while COH150 improved (P < 0.05) the overall cumulated feed efficiency (FE) compared to control. The lowest prevalence (P = 0.01) of necrotic enteritis was observed with CP1 and BP1 compared to BACI and control. Cranberry pomace significantly increased the quinic acid level in blood plasma compared to other treatments. At days 21 and 28 of age, the lowest (P < 0.05) levels of triglyceride and alanine aminotransferase were observed in cranberry pomace and blueberry product-fed birds, respectively suggesting that berry feeding influenced the lipid metabolism and serum enzyme levels. The highest relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae was found in ceca of birds fed CP2 (P < 0.05). In the cloaca, BOH300 significantly (P < 0.005) increased the abundances of Acidobacteria and Lactobacillaceae. Actinobacteria showed a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation with feed intake (FI) and FE in COH300-treated birds, whereas Proteobacteria positively correlated with the BW but negatively correlated with FI and FE, during the growing phase. In the spleen, cranberry products did not induce the release of any pro-inflammatory cytokines but upregulated the expression of several genes (IL4, IL5, CSF2, and HMBS) involved in adaptive immune responses in broilers. This study demonstrated that feed supplementation with berry products could promote the intestinal health by modulating the dynamics of the gut microbiota while influencing the metabolism in broilers.

Whole Food–Based Approaches to Modulating Gut Microbiota and Associated Diseases

Intake of whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may confer health benefits to the host. The beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables were mainly attributed to their richness in polyphenols and microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs). Components in fruits and vegetables modulate composition and associated functions of the gut microbiota, whereas gut microbiota can transform components in fruits and vegetables to produce metabolites that are bioactive and important for health. The progression of multiple diseases, such as obesity and inflammatory bowel disease, is associated with diet and gut microbiota. Although the exact causality between these diseases and specific members of gut microbiota has not been well characterized, accumulating evidence supported the role of fruits and vegetables in modulating gut microbiota and decreasing the risks of microbiota-associated diseases. This review summarizes the latest findings on the effects of whole fruits and vegetables on gut microbiota and associated diseases.

An Integrated Fecal Microbiome and Metabolomics in T2DM Rats Reveal Antidiabetes Effects from Host-Microbial Metabolic Axis of EtOAc Extract from Sophora flavescens

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease. Sophora flavescens (S. flavescens), also named Kushen, is a famous Chinese herbal medicine that has been used to prevent and cure T2DM both in folk medicine and in medical institution. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, the pharmacodynamic effects of S. flavescens EtOAc extract (SFE) on high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced T2DM rats were examined. Fecal metabolomics analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were applied to determine the influence of T2DM and SFE treatment on gut microbiota and host metabolism. Based on the consistency of the results of metabolic pathways in metabolomics analysis and phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved state (PICRUSt) analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the level of metabolites and the operational taxonomic units of gut bacteria were combined, and Spearman's analysis was implemented. Our data showed that SFE significantly decreased fasted blood glucose levels and improved lipid profile, glycosylated serum protein, glycosylated hemoglobin index, and pancreas damage. Metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis indicated gut bacteria disorder, disturbed lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and especially amino acid metabolism in T2DM and that SFE can regulated these metabolic pathways through the influence on gut bacteria. Spearman's analysis indicated that the amino acid metabolism that included tryptophan, branched chain amino acid, aromatic amino acid, beta-alanine, and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, lipid metabolism, including lysophosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylethanolamines, primary bile acid and linoleic acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism positively correlated with Faecalibacterium, Flexispira, Phascolarctobacterium, Prevotella, Roseburia, and [Prevotella]. In addition, arginine and proline metabolism, steroid hormone, steroid biosynthesis, and sphingolipid metabolism positively correlated with Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, Parabacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Streptococcus. Taken together, we speculated that SFE may have an effect on T2DM by mediating host-microbial metabolic axis. Exploration of SFE treatment for T2DM by multiomics is expected to provide a reference for clinical treatment.

Characterization of Nutritional, Physicochemical, and Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Three Strawberry "Fragaria × ananassa Duch." Cultivars ("Primoris", "Endurance", and "Portola") from Western Region of Portugal

In this study, nutritional composition (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, ash, and moisture), physicochemical properties (soluble solid content, titratable acidity, texture and instrumental colour on surface, and internal section), phytochemicals (total phenolic content and anthocyanin content), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH—2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power) of three strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars (cv. “Primoris”, cv. “Endurance”, and cv. “Portola”) produced in the western region of Portugal (Caldas da Rainha) were evaluated. From the obtained, results no significant differences (P > 0.05) in nutritional composition were detected in all of the cultivars; with the exception of lower protein content observed in cv. “Portola” (0.57 g/100 g ± 0.04; P < 0.05). Regarding the a* value of whole strawberry fruits, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in any of the cultivars, which revealed a similar redness. The cv. “Endurance” revealed the highest bioactivity content compared to the other cultivars. Overall, these results provide important information about the high quality of strawberry produced in the western region of Portugal and may be used as a tool for adding value to a functional food in the Mediterranean diet due to the phytochemical composition and nutritional value of strawberry fruits