Effects of cyclophosphamide on immune system and gut microbiota in mice

Intestinal stem cell niche: An upcoming area of immense importance in gastrointestinal disorders

The intestinal stem cell (ISC) niche is vital for maintaining the integrity and function of the intestinal epithelium. ISC populations, characterized by their high proliferation and multipotency, reside within a specialized microenvironment at the base of crypts. Crypt base columnar (CBC) cells at the deepest part of crypts serve as replicating ISCs, while position 4 label-retaining cells (LRCs) located higher up in the crypts are also important for ISC maintenance during experiments. The interplay between CBCs, position 4 LRCs, transient amplifying (TA) cells and other niche components, including the pericrypt stromal cells, ensures a continuous supply of differentiated epithelial cells. Recent advancements in ISC biomarker studies have provided valuable insights into their molecular signatures, regulatory pathways and roles in the pathogenesis of intestinal disorders. Understanding the ISC niche has significant therapeutic implications, as manipulating ISC behaviors and regenerating damaged or diseased intestinal tissue show promise for novel therapeutic approaches. ISC organoids have also provided a platform for studying intestinal diseases and testing personalized therapies. This comprehensive review covers the anatomical composition, physiological regulation, ISC biomarker studies, contribution to intestinal disorder pathogenesis and potential therapeutic implications of the ISC niche.

Gut microbiota interact with breast cancer therapeutics to modulate efficacy

The gut microbiome, or the community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, has emerged as an important factor in breast cancer etiology and treatment. Specifically, the impact of gut bacterial populations on breast cancer therapeutic outcomes is an emerging area of research. The microbiota's role in modifying the pharmacokinetics of chemotherapy and endocrine-targeting therapies can alter drug efficacy and toxicity profiles. In addition, the gut microbiome's capacity to regulate systemic inflammation and immune responses may influence the effectiveness of both conventional and immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of breast cancer. Overall, while the bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiome and breast cancer therapies are still being studied, its impact is increasingly recognized. Future research may provide more definitive insights and help develop personalized therapeutic strategies to harness the microbiome to improve breast cancer treatment outcomes.

Polysaccharides from Yupingfeng granules ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced immune injury by protecting intestinal barrier

Immune injury is the main side effect caused by cyclophosphamide and the disruption of the intestinal barrier may be an important cause. Yupingfeng granules have been reported to have immunomodulatory effects and polysaccharides are important components of them. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of polysaccharides from Yupingfeng granules (YPFP) on cyclophosphamide induced immune injury and reveal their potential mechanisms based on its protective effect on the intestine. YPFP were isolated and preliminarily characterized. Pharmacodynamic evaluation revealed that YPFP treatment could effectively mitigate lesions of immune organs, ameliorate white blood cells and downregulate IL-10 level. Further, the protective effect of intestinal barrier on the basis of intestinal tight junctions, MUC-2, microflora, endogenous metabolites, pathways and immune cells was discussed to outline mechanisms. The results showed that YPFP repaired the integrity of intestinal epithelium, enhanced the abundance of Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Bacteroide and Muribaculum, downgraded the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, improved the excretion of lipids and bile acids especially 3-oxo-LCA, increased the content of SCFAs in feces and inhibited the expression of key proteins of PI3K-AKT and MAPK-JUN pathways. More importantly, Th17 and Treg balance was remodeled after YPFP administration, which might be related to certain differential metabolites and pathways enriched by metabolomics. This study provides a rich understanding of YPFP and lays a foundation for further development of Yupingfeng granules. It was shown for the first time that the immunomodulatory effect of YPFP might be involved in multiple mechanisms of intestinal homeostasis. YPFP could be regarded as an immunomodulator to alleviate immune damage caused by cyclophosphamide.

Health Benefits of Monk Fruit under Traditional Dietary Patterns: Perspective on Immunity and Gut Microbiota Modulatory Functions

Monk fruit is the mature fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey (SG), which contains mogrosides and various nutrients with diverse benefits as a traditional edible herb. The immunomodulatory effects of the ingredients of monk fruit in daily diets are poorly understood. Monk fruit juice concentrate is a commercial product of monk fruit and in this study, the immune-enhancing activity, immunosuppressive prevention, and gut microbiota modulatory effects of the long-term consumption of its diluent (called SG juice) in daily drinking were investigated in both healthy and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-treated mice. The results indicated that SG juice consumption was beneficial to weight management and improved immunity in mice by enhancing various immune factors. 16S rRNA analysis found that SG juice impacted the diversity and gut microbiota composition with the enrichment of immune-related flora, including Alloprevotella, Bifidobacterium_pseudolongum, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides_sartorii. Additionally, the daily intake of SG juice exerted preventive effects on immunosuppressive mice with the recovery of reduced body weight and immunoglobulin levels, and restoration of gut microbiota imbalance. These data provide scientific insights into the immunomodulatory effects of monk fruit and foresee its application in functional foods.

Effects of polysaccharide from hot-compressed steamed Rehmannia glutinosa on the immune system and gut microbiota in an immunosuppressed mice model

In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharide obtained by hot-compressed steaming of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch (HRP) were investigated using both in vitro and in vivo methods. It was found that HRP activated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, up-regulated the intracellular expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and induced of innate immune memory in macrophages. We then investigated the effect of HRP on immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). Surprisingly, HRP improved CTX-induced weight loss and increased the splenic index, alleviated intestinal mucosal damage and hematopoietic insufficiency caused by CTX, as demonstrated by H&E staining. In addition, HRP promoted the expression of key proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB and autophagy pathways in intestinal tissues, thereby enhancing intestinal immune function. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences of colon contents suggested that HRP may alleviate gut microbiota disruption by increasing the populations of Lachnospiraceae and Erysipelotrichaceae while inhibiting Lactobacillaceae. The results of this study show the potential use of HRP as an immunomodulator in functional foods or pharmaceuticals.

Brassica rapa L. (Tibetan Turnip) polysaccharide improves the immune function and regulates intestinal microbiota in immunosuppressive mice

In this paper, active polysaccharides were extracted from Brassica rapa L. polysaccharide (BRP), and structural characterization was preliminarily investigated. Its immunomodulatory activity and molecular biological mechanisms in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice were also explored, as well as its effects on intestinal microbiota. Results indicate that BRP is an acidic heteropolysaccharide with the main components of Ara, GalA, and GlcA and has α- and β-glycosidic linkages with pyranose bonds. The results of the study showed that BRP could effectively improve the thymus and spleen indices and repair Cy-induced immune tissue damage in immunosuppressed mice. Meanwhile, BRP increased the immune cell activity and antioxidant levels in mice. In addition, BRP increased the secretion of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG) in mouse serum. It also regulates the relative expression of genes related to the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways as well as regulates the diversity and composition of mouse intestinal microbiota. In conclusion, BRP was able to regulated the immune function in immunosuppressed mice, providing a theoretical basis for the development of immunomodulators.

Extraction and Identification of Polysaccharide from Lentinus edodes and Its Effect on Immunosuppression and Intestinal Barrier Injury Induced by Cyclophosphamide

Lentinus edodes serves as a significant source of both medicine and food, with its key component, lentinan (LNT), recognized as an effective immunomodulator. However, the mechanisms by which it regulates immune and intestinal functions under conditions of immunosuppression remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the components of lentinan and examine its potential effects on countering cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression, intestinal barrier damage, and dysregulation of gut microbiota. In this study, the effects of LNT were evaluated by serological indicators, histopathological changes in ileum, tight-junction-related protein expression, cytokine expression levels, and gut microbiota 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that LNT was effective in mitigating the abnormalities in body weight, immune organ index, and serum levels of IL-6, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IgG in mice induced by CP (p < 0.05). Furthermore, LNT demonstrated the ability to alleviate intestinal barrier damage induced by CP by increasing the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, Occludin, and ZO-1 (p < 0.05). Additionally, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that LNT also normalized the disrupted abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidets caused by CP. This restoration brought the gut microbiota back to normal levels and increased the abundance of certain tumor-inhibiting bacteria, such as Alistipes. Overall, lentinan demonstrated the ability to reverse the immunosuppressive effects induced by cyclophosphamide and modulate gut microbiota to restore a healthy microbial balance.

A fructan-type garlic polysaccharide upregulates immune responses in macrophage cells and in immunosuppressive mice

The anti-inflammatory effects of plant polysaccharides are well known. However, the stimulatory effects of polysaccharides under immunosuppressive conditions and their link with the polysaccharide structure is underexplored. In this work, the immune modulatory effects of a garlic polysaccharide (GP) are investigated via in vitro and vivo methods. It is observed that GP enhance the immune response of macrophages (RAW264.7) as indicated by the elevated levels of nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-6. The observation that GP are able to stimulate the immune response in vitro was then explored with the use of an immunosuppressed mouse model. Surprisingly, GP exhibited dose-dependent up-regulatory impacts on the cyclophosphamide (CTX) suppressed levels of cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-6 and immunoglobulins (e.g. IgA and IgG). The GP intervention reversed histopathological damage to the small intestine and spleen and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid levels. Moreover, GP modulates the gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of immunogenic bacteria such as g__norank_f__Erysipelotrichaceae, while inhibiting the over-abundance of g_Bacteroides. Functional predictions indicated that gut biomarkers of GP possessed the functions of glycoside hydrolase family 32 (GH32) and β-fructofuranosidase. It is concluded that GP is a promising immunostimulant for immune-compromised individuals.

Unleashing the antitumor power of cyclophosphamide by arabinogalactan and aptamer conjugation

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) (2-oxo-2-di(β-chloroethyl)amino tetrahydro-2,1,3-phosphoxazine) is an alkylating cytostatic compound with a broad spectrum of antitumor activity. Despite its efficacy, the clinical application of CPA is hindered by the significant occurrence of adverse side effects. To address these limitations, a promising approach involves the mechanochemical treatment of CPA with arabinogalactan (AG) to facilitate the dispersion of the drug within the AG matrix. AG stands out from other polymers due to its uniformity, low molecular weight, water solubility, and ability to form drug conjugates, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potency. Moreover, AG possesses immune-modulating properties that have the potential to counteract the immunosuppressive effects induced by CPA. By means of mechanical treatment, we successfully obtained CPA-AG complexes with a CPA:AG ratio of 1:10. These complexes were further modified with As42 aptamers that specifically target Erlich ascites cells. Aptamers, a novel class of oligonucleotide ligands obtained through SELEX technology, possess high affinity and specificity for binding to various receptors. An ascitic form of Ehrlich carcinoma was chosen as an in vitro and in vivo tumor model due to its notable drug resistance. In vitro and in vivo evaluations were conducted to compare the antitumor activity of both the CPA-AG and CPA-AG-As42 complexes with pure CPA. In vitro experiments revealed that the CPA-AG complex displayed superior antitumor activity compared to pure CPA, leading to complete tumor cell death primarily through necrosis. Notably, no toxic effects were observed with the CPA-AG and CPA-AG-As42 complexes, and they significantly prolonged the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice by more than 3.5 times. Histological studies further supported the antitumor efficacy of these complexes. These results underscore the potential of utilizing CPA-AG mechanocomposites, functionalized with aptamers, for the targeted delivery of CPA to tumors.

Immune and microbiome modulatory effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400 in an immunocompromised mouse model

The present study was aimed to assess and validate the safety and functional efficacy of an indigenous probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400 (hereafter, LFN400) in an immunocompromised murine model. The study included four groups; a normal control (NC) group without immune suppression; an experimental model control (MC) with immune suppression induced via intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide (Cy) administration; and two MC groups orally administered with either low dose (LD) or high dose (HD) of LFN400 at dose 108 and 1010 CFU/mouse/day, respectively, for 15-days. Both control groups received normal saline as placebo control. LFN400 improved specific experimental characteristics including hematological and serum biochemical markers. Compared to MC group, LFN400-fed groups showed markedly (P < 0.05) decreased arrays of detrimental caecal enzymes. We did not observe instances of bacterial translocation of LFN400 from gut to bloodstream or extra-intestinal organs. LFN400 intake significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced spleen cell differentiation, immune and oxidative stress markers, and restored Cy-induced histopathological changes in multiple tissues, including the spleen. There was no genotoxic effect of LFN400 on bone marrow cells. Although not statistically significant, LFN400 feeding moderately increased gut microbiome diversity, supporting the growth of beneficial saccharolytic microorganisms and reducing the presence of pathobionts. The findings demonstrate that the probiotic strain LFN400 possesses in vivo safety and immunomodulatory potency and thus should be considered a potential candidate for future human clinical studies.

Surfactin from Bacillus subtilis enhances immune response and contributes to the maintenance of intestinal microbial homeostasis

Surfactin, a lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Bacillus spp., has emerged as a promising bioactive compound due to its potent inhibitory effects on bacterial and viral pathogens. This showcases its potential as a non-antibiotic strategy for managing infectious diseases. Our investigation reveals that surfactin administration significantly promotes weight gain and improves immune organ indices in mice, reflecting enhanced immunity and gut health. Surfactin augments phagocytic function in peritoneal macrophages and boosts proliferative responses in splenic lymphocytes post-chicken red blood cell immunization. Furthermore, it increases intestinal villi height, indicative of superior nutrient absorption. It elevates mucin secretion and expression of intestinal mucosal proteins, such as secretory IgA, Muc1, and Muc2, and tight junction proteins claudin-1, occludin, and Zo-1 in the jejunum and colon. Crucially, surfactin modifies the gut microbiota composition by reducing Escherichia coli populations and ameliorating cyclophosphamide-induced gut dysbiosis. Our data suggest that oral surfactin could be a valuable therapeutic modality to alleviate immune suppression and gut damage, proposing a new pathway for immunomodulatory treatment.

IMPORTANCE

The potential of surfactin as a microbial surfactant extends beyond its surfactant properties, impacting immune regulation and gut health. As the need for alternatives to traditional antibiotics continues to grow, surfactin's ability to enhance host defense mechanisms against common pathogens without directly targeting them with antibiotics offers a strategic advantage. Understanding how surfactin shapes the immune landscape and the gut microbiome can inform innovative interventions against immunosuppression and intestinal impairment, particularly in contexts such as cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity.

New Insights into the Structure-Activity Relationship of a Novel Immunomodulatory Peptide (HPHPHLSF) from Casein Hydrolyzed by Kluyveromyces marxianus JY-1: Molecular Docking, Interaction Evaluation, and HOMO Analysis

Casein is rich in immunomodulatory peptides. In this study, the release of casein-derived immunomodulatory peptides by Kluyveromyces marxianus JY-1 was investigated for the first time, and an immunosuppressive mouse model was used to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity in the casein hydrolysate. The results showed that the cellular and humoral immunity of immunosuppressed mice could be significantly enhanced by casein hydrolysate. Peptide HPHPHLSF with high immunomodulatory activity from casein hydrolysate was screened using the virtual screening technique. HPHPHLSF possessed strong immunomodulatory activity and significantly upregulated the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Next, the interaction of HPHPHLSF with TLR2/4 on the cell surface of RAW264.7 cells was further elucidated by molecular docking and combined analysis of double-stranded small interfering RNA and receptor inhibitors. Further, the results of the highest occupied molecular orbital energy distribution elucidated that the histidine active site C48═O49 played an important role in the immunomodulatory activity of HPHPHLSF. This study confirmed that casein hydrolyzed by K. marxianus JY-1 was a natural immunomodulator, while the structure-activity relationship analysis provided new theoretical and technical support for the targeted preparation and screening of casein-derived immunomodulatory peptides.

Gut Microbiota Disruption in Hematologic Cancer Therapy: Molecular Insights and Implications for Treatment Efficacy

Hematologic malignancies (HMs), including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, involve the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal blood cells, posing significant clinical challenges due to their heterogeneity and varied treatment responses. Despite recent advancements in therapies that have improved survival rates, particularly in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, treatments like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation often disrupt gut microbiota, which can negatively impact treatment outcomes and increase infection risks. This review explores the complex, bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and cancer treatments in patients with HMs. Gut microbiota can influence drug metabolism through mechanisms such as the production of enzymes like bacterial β-glucuronidases, which can alter drug efficacy and toxicity. Moreover, microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids can modulate the host immune response, enhancing treatment effectiveness. However, therapy often reduces the diversity of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium, while increasing pathogenic bacteria like Enterococcus and Escherichia coli. These findings highlight the critical need to preserve microbiota diversity during treatment. Future research should focus on personalized microbiome-based therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Targeting the gut microbiota to alleviate chemotherapy-induced toxicity in cancer

Despite ongoing breakthroughs in novel anticancer therapies, chemotherapy remains a mainstream therapeutic modality in different types of cancer. Unfortunately, chemotherapy-related toxicity (CRT) often leads to dose limitation, and even results in treatment termination. Over the past few years, accumulating evidence has indicated that the gut microbiota is extensively engaged in various toxicities initiated by chemotherapeutic drugs, either directly or indirectly. The gut microbiota can now be targeted to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy. In the current review, we summarized the clinical relationship between the gut microbiota and CRT, as well as the critical role of the gut microbiota in the occurrence and development of CRT. We then summarized the key mechanisms by which the gut microbiota modulates CRT. Furthermore, currently available strategies to mitigate CRT by targeting the gut microbiota were summarized and discussed. This review offers a novel perspective for the mitigation of diverse chemotherapy-associated toxic reactions in cancer patients and the future development of innovative drugs or functional supplements to alleviate CRT via targeting the gut microbiota.

Influence of Gut Microbiota-Mediated Immune Regulation on Response to Chemotherapy

The involvement of the gut microbiota in anti-cancer treatment has gained increasing attention. Alterations to the structure and function of the gut bacteria are important factors in the development of cancer as well as the efficacy of chemotherapy. Recent studies have confirmed that the gut microbiota and related metabolites influence the pharmacological activity of chemotherapeutic agents through interactions with the immune system. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of how malignant tumor and chemotherapy affect the gut microbiota, how the gut microbiota regulates host immune response, and how interactions between the gut microbiota and host immune response influence the efficacy of chemotherapy. Recent advances in strategies for increasing the efficiency of chemotherapy based on the gut microbiota are also described. Deciphering the complex homeostasis maintained by the gut microbiota and host immunity provides a solid scientific basis for bacterial intervention in chemotherapy.

Protective effects of Azilsartan against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in rats model

Background

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an effective alkylating anticancer agent that is widely used in cancer chemotherapy, and it can cause ototoxicity and infertility in women.

Objectives

So, this study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Azilsartan (AZ) as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in a rat model of CP-induced ovarian toxicity.

Materials and Methods

After receiving the 28 female Wister rats, they were acclimatized in proper environmental conditions for a week and then randomly divided into four groups based on the study protocol. After 15 days of the experiment, they were sacrificed, and organs were collected for biomarker detection (Using the ELISA technique) and histopathological analysis.

Results

The level of IL-10 was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in all treated groups compared to control hostile groups, while the TNF-α level was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in AZ (220.67 ± 7.88 ng/mL) and AZ + CP groups (221.78 ± 9.11 ng/mL) compared to control negative/CP groups. Regarding the oxidative biomarker level, a significant increase was only found in the AZ + CP group (176.02 ± 6.71 nmol/mL) compared to the control negative group. On the other hand, histopathological findings revealed that ovarian sections in animals that received a single dose of CP had severe ovarian atrophy with significant follicular regression and deterioration, as well as depletion of stromal supportive tissues.

Conclusions

Azilsartan drastically reduced CP-induced ovarian toxicity in vivo by enhancing oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammatory effects in ovarian cells.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DLPT4 Protects Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice by Regulating Immune Response and Intestinal Flora

In this study, the strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DLPT4 was investigated for the immunostimulatory activity in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. L. plantarum DLPT4 was administered to BALB/c mice by oral gavage for 30 days, and CTX was injected intraperitoneally from the 25th to the 27th days. Intraperitoneal injection of CTX caused damage to the thymic cortex and intestines, and the immune dysfunction of the BALB/c mice. L. plantarum DLPT4 oral administration exerted immunoregulating effects evidenced by increasing serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) levels and reducing the genes expression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) of the CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. The results of the metagenome-sequencing analysis showed that oral administration of L. plantarum DLPT4 could regulate the intestinal microbial community of the immunosuppressed mice by changing the ratio of Lactiplantibacillus and Bifidobacterium. Meanwhile, the abundance of carbohydrate enzyme (CAZyme), immune diseases metabolic pathways, and AP-1/MAPK signaling pathways were enriched in the mice administrated with L. plantarum DLPT4. In conclusion, oral administration of L. plantarum DLPT4 ameliorated symptoms of CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice by regulating gut microbiota, influencing the abundance of carbohydrate esterase in the intestinal flora, and enhancing immune metabolic activity. L. plantarum DLPT4 could be a potential probiotic to regulate the immune response.

Caragana sinica (Buc'hoz) Rehd. (jin ji er) polysaccharide regulates the immune function and intestinal microbiota of cyclophosphamide (CTX) induced immunosuppressed mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Caragana sinica (Buc'hoz) Rehd. is a plant widely grown in Yunnan, China, for both medicinal and edible purposes. The "National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine" describes its nature as "slightly temperate and sweet". Caragana sinica is usually medicated with whole herbs, the main function is to replenish the kidneys and stop bleeding. Caragana sinica was used in folk medicine in Chuxiong, Yunnan, to treat deficiency colds, fatigue, fever, cough, hypertension, and other diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This article investigates the structural characteristics of Caragana sinica polysaccharide (CSP) and explores its immune-regulatory activity and molecular biological mechanisms in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice, as well as its effects on intestinal bacteria.

METHODS

With the water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation method, Caragana sinica polysaccharide were extracted, obtaining CSP by purification. A variety of methods and techniques have been used to analyze the chemical properties and structural characteristics of CSP. Immunosuppressive mice model was established through intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX) to study the immune-regulatory effects and mechanisms of CSP.

RESULTS

The data indicated that CSP is a neutral heteropolysaccharide mainly composed of arabinose and galactose. This article uses immunosuppressive mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) as the model. The results showed that CSP can promote the immune function of CTX treated immunosuppressed mice and regulate the diversity and composition of intestinal microbiota. CSP can increase macrophage phagocytosis, NK cell killing activity, and lymphocyte proliferation activity. It can also repair the index and morphological damage of the thymus and spleen. And by binding to the TLR4 receptor, MyD88 was activated and interacted with TRAF6 to promote the transfer of NF-κB into the nucleus. Thereby promoting cytokine release and increasing the production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IgA, and IgG in the serum. CSP also effectively alleviated the liver damage caused by CTX through antioxidant activity. Furthermore, CSP can dramatically affect the intestinal microbiota and the body's immunity by boosting the relative presence of Bacteroides and Verrucamicrobiota.

CONCLUSIONS

Research results indicated that CSP can regulate the immune function of mice, providing a basis for developing CSP as a potential immune modulator and functional food.

Targeting the gut microbiota to enhance the antitumor efficacy and attenuate the toxicity of CAR-T cell therapy: a new hope?

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) -T cell therapy has achieved tremendous efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and represents a promising treatment regimen for cancer. Despite the striking response in patients with hematologic malignancies, most patients with solid tumors treated with CAR-T cells have a low response rate and experience major adverse effects, which indicates the need for biomarkers that can predict and improve clinical outcomes with future CAR-T cell treatments. Recently, the role of the gut microbiota in cancer therapy has been established, and growing evidence has suggested that gut microbiota signatures may be harnessed to personally predict therapeutic response or adverse effects in optimizing CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we discuss current understanding of CAR-T cell therapy and the gut microbiota, and the interplay between the gut microbiota and CAR-T cell therapy. Above all, we highlight potential strategies and challenges in harnessing the gut microbiota as a predictor and modifier of CAR-T cell therapy efficacy while attenuating toxicity.

Oat protein isolate-Pleurotus ostreatus β-glucan conjugate nanoparticles bound to β-carotene effectively alleviate immunosuppression by regulating gut microbiota

Individuals with immune disorders cannot establish an adequate defense to pathogens, leading to gut microbiota dysbiosis. β-Carotene can regulate immune response, but its bioavailability in vivo is very low. Herein, we developed a glycosylated oat protein-based nanoparticle to improve the application of β-carotene for mitigating cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and gut microbiota imbalance in mice. The results showed that the nanoparticles facilitated a conversion of β-carotene to retinol or retinyl palmitate into the systemic circulation, leading to an increased bioavailability of β-carotene. The encapsulated β-carotene bolstered humoral immunity by elevating immunoglobulin levels, augmenting splenic T lymphocyte subpopulations, and increasing splenic cytokine concentrations in immunosuppressed mice. This effect was accompanied by the alleviation of pathological features observed in the spleen. In addition, the encapsulated β-carotene restored the abnormal gut microbiota associated with immunosuppression, including Erysipelotrichaceae, Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium and Roseburia. This study suggested that nanoparticles loaded with β-carotene have great potential for therapeutic intervention in human immune disorders by specifically targeting the gut microbiota.

The Potential Role of Probiotics, Especially Butyrate Producers, in the Management of Gastrointestinal Mucositis Induced by Oncologic Chemo-Radiotherapy

Many clinical studies have now highlighted how the composition of the intestinal microbiota can regulate the effects of many oncological therapies. In particular, the modulation of microbial composition has been shown to enhance their efficacy and reduce potential side effects. Numerous adverse events induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy appear to be strongly associated with an alteration in the intestinal microbiota caused by these treatments. This supports the hypothesis that the modulation or correction of the microbiota may decrease the toxic impact of therapies, improving patient compliance and quality of life. Among the most debilitating disorders related to oncological treatments is certainly mucositis, and recent clinical data highlight how the deficiency of short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, and specifically the lack of certain bacterial groups responsible for its production (butyrate producers), is strongly associated with this disorder. It is hypothesized that restoring these elements may influence the onset and severity of adverse events. Therefore, the intake of probiotics, especially butyrate producers, and specifically Clostridium butyricum (CBM588), currently the only cultivable and usable strain with a history of data proving its safety, could be a valuable ally in oncological therapies, reducing the associated discomfort and improving compliance, efficacy, and quality of life for patients.

Recurrent Phases of Strict Protein Limitation Inhibit Tumor Growth and Restore Lifespan in A Drosophila Intestinal Cancer Model

Diets that restrict caloric or protein intake offer a variety of benefits, including decreasing the incidence of cancer. However, whether such diets pose a substantial therapeutic benefit as auxiliary cancer treatments remains unclear. We determined the effects of severe protein depletion on tumorigenesis in a Drosophila melanogaster intestinal tumor model, using a human RAF gain-of-function allele. Severe and continuous protein restriction significantly reduced tumor growth but resulted in premature death. Therefore, we developed a diet in which short periods of severe protein restriction alternated cyclically with periods of complete feeding. This nutritional regime reduced tumor mass, restored gut functionality, and rescued the lifespan of oncogene-expressing flies to the levels observed in healthy flies on a continuous, fully nutritious diet. Furthermore, this diet reduced the chemotherapy-induced stem cell activity associated with tumor recurrence. Transcriptome analysis revealed long-lasting changes in the expression of key genes involved in multiple major developmental signaling pathways. Overall, the data suggest that recurrent severe protein depletion effectively mimics the health benefits of continuous protein restriction, without undesired nutritional shortcomings. This provides seminal insights into the mechanisms of the memory effect required to maintain the positive effects of protein restriction throughout the phases of a full diet. Finally, the repetitive form of strict protein restriction is an ideal strategy for adjuvant cancer therapy that is useful in many tumor contexts.

Ginger volatile oil inhibits the growth of MDA-MB-231 in the bisphenol A environment by altering gut microbial diversity

To examine the impact of ginger volatile oil (GVO) on the growth of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) by modulating the diversity of gut microbiota.

METHODS

MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into the right armpit of female BALB/c Nude (nu/nu) mice to create a triple negative breast cancer model. Thirty nude mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group (distilled water every day), BPA control group (distilled PEG-400+ DMSO + cyclodextrin every day), BPA + GVO (0.25 mL/kg) group, BPA + GVO (0.5 mL/kg) group, BPA + GVO (1 mL/kg) group, 6 mice in each group; The drug was given by gavage once a day for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the changes of tumor mass and tumor volume were observed and compared in 5 groups of tumor-bearing mice. High-throughput sequencing (16S rRNA) was used to detect the changes of gut microflora in each group.

RESULTS

The volume and weight of breast cancer decreased in the low, medium and high dose groups of GVO. Among them, the difference between the high-dose group and the BPA group reached a significant level (P < 0.05). The species and abundance of gut flora decreased following BPA treatment, but increased after combined treatment of BPA with GVO. In the tumor control group, the ratio of Firmicutes(F) and Bacteroidea(B) respectively was 0.10:0.79 at the phylum level, while the ratio of BPA group further decreased (0.04:0.88). After feeding GVO, the number of Firmicutes and Bacteroidea increased, the F/B ratio increased, and the level of Lactobacillus and alistipes increased. In the BPA and GVO treatment group, the predominant gut microflora functions are cell membrane biogenesis, carbohydrate transport and metabolism. This is followed by amino acid transport and metabolism, and transcription function. After GVO administration, the Gram-positive bacteria (G+) ratio had an increasing trend and the Gram-negative bacteria (G-)ratio had a decreasing trend.

CONCLUSION

The species and abundance of gut flora decreased following BPA treatment, but increased after combined treatment of BPA with GVO.

A new perspective in the prevention and treatment of antitumor therapy-related cardiotoxicity: Intestinal microecology

The continuous development of antitumor therapy has significantly reduced the mortality of patients with malignancies. However, the antitumor-related cardiotoxicity has become the leading cause of long-term mortality in patients with malignancies. Besides, the pathogenesis of antitumor-related cardiotoxicity is still unclear, and practical means of prevention and treatment are lacking in clinical practice. Therefore, the major challenge is how to combat the cardiotoxicity of antitumor therapy effectively. More and more studies have shown that antitumor therapy kills tumor cells while causing damage to sensitive tissues such as the intestinal mucosa, leading to the increased permeability of the intestine and the dysbiosis of intestinal microecology. In addition, the dysbiosis of intestinal microecology contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases through multiple pathways. Thus, the dysbiosis of intestinal microecology may be a potential mechanism and target for antitumor-related cardiotoxicity. We summarized the characteristics of intestinal microecology disorders induced by antitumor therapy and the association between intestinal microecological dysbiosis and CVD. And on this basis, we hypothesized the potential mechanisms of intestinal microecology mediating the occurrence of antitumor-related cardiotoxicity. Then we reviewed the previous studies targeting intestinal microecology against antitumor-associated cardiotoxicity, aiming to provide a reference for future studies on the occurrence and prevention of antitumor-related cardiotoxicity by intestinal microecology.

Drug-microbiota interactions: an emerging priority for precision medicine

Individual variability in drug response (IVDR) can be a major cause of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and prolonged therapy, resulting in a substantial health and economic burden. Despite extensive research in pharmacogenomics regarding the impact of individual genetic background on pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD), genetic diversity explains only a limited proportion of IVDR. The role of gut microbiota, also known as the second genome, and its metabolites in modulating therapeutic outcomes in human diseases have been highlighted by recent studies. Consequently, the burgeoning field of pharmacomicrobiomics aims to explore the correlation between microbiota variation and IVDR or ADRs. This review presents an up-to-date overview of the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and classical therapeutic agents for human systemic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), endocrine diseases, and others. We summarise how microbiota, directly and indirectly, modify the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs. Conversely, drugs can also modulate the composition and function of gut microbiota, leading to changes in microbial metabolism and immune response. We also discuss the practical challenges, strategies, and opportunities in this field, emphasizing the critical need to develop an innovative approach to multi-omics, integrate various data types, including human and microbiota genomic data, as well as translate lab data into clinical practice. To sum up, pharmacomicrobiomics represents a promising avenue to address IVDR and improve patient outcomes, and further research in this field is imperative to unlock its full potential for precision medicine.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Microcin C7 in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

Microcin C7 (McC) as a viable immunomodulator peptide can be a potential solution for pathogenic microbial infection in the post-antibiotic era and has gained substantial attention. This study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of Microcin C7 in a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunodeficient mouse model. We show that Microcin C7 treatment significantly alleviated the CTX-caused body weight loss, improved the feed and water consumption to improve the state of the mice, and elevated the absolute number and proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes as well as the level of hemoglobulin. We further aim to characterize the phenotypes of the immune function and intestinal health profiles. The results demonstrate that Microcin C7 treatment increased serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, interleukin 6, and hemolysin, promoted splenic lymphocyte proliferation induced by concanavalin A and LPS, and enhanced the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages immunized by sheep red blood cells. Additionally, Microcin C7 treatment decreased levels of diamine oxidase and d-lactate, ameliorated CTX-induced intestinal morphological damage, and increased the levels of zonula occluden 1, occludin, claudin-1, mucin 2, and secretary IgA in the jejunum and colon. Moreover, Microcin C7 administration is sufficient to reverse CTX-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, decreasing the number of Escherichia coli in colonic contents. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Microcin C7 may have protective and immunomodulatory functions and could be a potential candidate used in animal feed, functional foods, and immunological regimens..

1H NMR-based urinary metabolic analysis of high-dose cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in mice

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used in clinical fields. Beside its therapeutic effects, CP shows toxicity depending on dose and administration schedule. In this study, the urinary metabolic profiles were investigated in mice intraperitoneally injected with high-dose CP (150 mg/kg body weight) once a week over four weeks using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics. Twenty-six metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers by multivariate statistical analysis. A decrease in isoleucine, alanine, N-acetylglutamic acid, proline, methionine, valine, phenylacetylglulamine, dimethylamine, hippurate, acetic acid, lactate, α-oxoglutarate, citrate, malonic acid, creatinine, niacin, β-hydroxybutyrate, and betaine, whereas an increase in leucine, glutamate, glycine, taurine, phenylacetylglycine, glucose, creatine, and choline were observed in the urine of high-dose CP-treated mice. Metabolites related to amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and gut microbial metabolism were changed markedly in the urine. Further metabolic pathway analysis suggested that seven metabolic pathways, including alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, glyoxylate, and dicarboxylate metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, d-glutamine and d-glutamate metabolism, arginine, and proline metabolism, citrate cycle, as well as the gut microbiota metabolism, were significantly involved in response to high-dose CP treatment. These findings help to predict the toxicity of CP and understand the biological mechanism of the toxicity of CP.

The Interplay between Gut Microbiota and Oral Medications and Its Impact on Advancing Precision Medicine

Trillions of diverse microbes reside in the gut and are deeply interwoven with the human physiological process, from food digestion, immune system maturation, and fighting invading pathogens, to drug metabolism. Microbial drug metabolism has a profound impact on drug absorption, bioavailability, stability, efficacy, and toxicity. However, our knowledge of specific gut microbial strains, and their genes that encode enzymes involved in the metabolism, is limited. The microbiome encodes over 3 million unique genes contributing to a huge enzymatic capacity, vastly expanding the traditional drug metabolic reactions that occur in the liver, manipulating their pharmacological effect, and, ultimately, leading to variation in drug response. For example, the microbial deactivation of anticancer drugs such as gemcitabine can lead to resistance to chemotherapeutics or the crucial role of microbes in modulating the efficacy of the anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide. On the other hand, recent findings show that many drugs can shape the composition, function, and gene expression of the gut microbial community, making it harder to predict the outcome of drug-microbiota interactions. In this review, we discuss the recent understanding of the multidirectional interaction between the host, oral medications, and gut microbiota, using traditional and machine-learning approaches. We analyze gaps, challenges, and future promises of personalized medicine that consider gut microbes as a crucial player in drug metabolism. This consideration will enable the development of personalized therapeutic regimes with an improved outcome, ultimately leading to precision medicine.

Potential role of gut microbiota in prostate cancer: immunity, metabolites, pathways of action?

The gut microbiota helps to reveal the relationship between diseases, but the role of gut microbiota in prostate cancer (PCa) is still unclear. Recent studies have found that the composition and abundance of specific gut microbiota are significantly different between PCa and non-PCa, and the gut microbiota may have common and unique characteristics between different diseases. Intestinal microorganisms are affected by various factors and interact with the host in a variety of ways. In the complex interaction model, the regulation of intestinal microbial metabolites and the host immune system is particularly important, and they play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of intestinal microorganisms and metabolites. However, specific changes in the composition of intestinal microflora may promote intestinal mucosal immune imbalance, leading to the formation of tumors. Therefore, this review analyzes the immune regulation of intestinal flora and the production of metabolites, as well as their effects and mechanisms on tumors, and briefly summarizes that specific intestinal flora can play an indirect role in PCa through their metabolites, genes, immunity, and pharmacology, and directly participate in the occurrence, development, and treatment of tumors through bacterial and toxin translocation. We also discussed markers of high risk PCa for intestinal microbiota screening and the possibility of probiotic ingestion and fecal microbiota transplantation, in order to provide better treatment options for clinic patients. Finally, after summarizing a number of studies, we found that changes in immunity, metabolites.

Gut microbiota resilience and recovery after anticancer chemotherapy

Although research on the role of the gut microbiota (GM) in human health has sharply increased in recent years, what a "healthy" gut microbiota is and how it responds to major stressors is still difficult to establish. In particular, anticancer chemotherapy is known to have a drastic impact on the microbiota structure, potentially hampering its recovery with serious long-term consequences for patients' health. However, the distinguishing features of gut microbiota recovery and non-recovery processes are not yet known. In this narrative review, we first investigated how gut microbiota layouts are affected by anticancer chemotherapy and identified potential gut microbial recovery signatures. Then, we discussed microbiome-based intervention strategies aimed at promoting resilience, i.e., the rapid and complete recovery of a healthy gut microbial network associated with a better prognosis after such high-impact pharmacological treatments.

Effects of polysaccharides from Gastrodia elata on the immunomodulatory activity and gut microbiota regulation in cyclophosphamide-treated mice

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of malignant tumors and autoimmune diseases. However, it can cause immunosuppression and damage the intestinal mucosa. The development of new agents to counteract these side effects is becoming increasingly important. Previous studies have shown that the polysaccharides from Gastrodia elata (GEPs) have strong immune-enhancing effects; however, their functions regarding the intestines and the underlying mechanism are still unclear. In this study, the effects of GEPs on immunomodulatory activity, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota regulation were investigated in a mouse model of CTX-induced immunosuppression.

RESULTS

Gastrodia elata polysaccharides attenuated the CTX-induced decrease in organ indices of the thymus and spleen, and promoted the secretion of immune-related cytokines and immunoglobulins in the serum. They also improved the intestinal pathology and restored the intestinal barrier function by elevating the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, occludin and ZO-1. Moreover, GEPs restored the composition and abundance of the gut microbiota and increased the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in the colon. The abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria (Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Bacteroidaceae) also increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrodia elata polysaccharides can effectively alleviate immunosuppression and regulate the intestinal barrier integrity and the structure of gut microbiota in CTX-treated mice. They may be used as ingredients to develop functional foods for intestinal health. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Toxicity and Impact of Silica Nanoparticles on the Configuration of Gut Microbiota in Immunodeficient Mice

Nanoparticles (NPs), having exceptional physicochemical and electrical characteristics with lower toxicity, have evolved as dynamic drug delivery carriers in living organisms. Potentially, the intragastric gavage of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) affects gut microbiota profiles in immunodeficient mice. In this study, the impact of SiNPs of variable size and dosage was investigated in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunodeficient mice, specifically on their immune functions and gut microbiota, through physicochemical and metagenomic analysis. SiNPs of different sizes and doses were gavaged to Cy-induced immunodeficient mice for 12 days at an interval of 24 h to investigate their effects on immunological functions and the gut microbiome of mice. Our results showed that SiNPs had no significant toxicological effects on the cellular and hematological activities of immunodeficient mice. Furthermore, after the administration of different levels of SiNPs, no immune dysfunction was found in the immunosuppressed mice groups. However, gut-microbial studies and comparisons of characteristic bacterial diversity and compositions demonstrated that SiNPs significantly affect the abundance of different bacterial communities. LEfSe analysis revealed that SiNPs significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Sphingomonas, Sutterella, Akkermansia, and Prevotella, and potentially reduced Ruminococcus and Allobaculum. Thus, SiNPs significantly regulate and modify the configuration of the gut microbiota in immunodeficient mice. These dynamic variations in the intestinal bacterial community, abundance, and diversity provide new insight into the regulation and administration of silica-based NPs. This would be helpful for the further demonstration of the mechanism of action and prediction of the potential effects of SiNPs.

Integrated Analysis of Gut Microbiome and Liver Metabolome to Evaluate the Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to the occurrence of massive hepatocyte necrosis in a short time, with multiple complications, including inflammatory response, hepatic encephalopathy, and multiple organ failure. Additionally, effective therapies for ALF are lacking. There exists a relationship between the human intestinal microbiota and liver, so intestinal microbiota modulation may be a strategy for therapy of hepatic diseases. In previous studies, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from fit donors has been used to modulate intestinal microbiota widely. Here, we established a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-gal) induced ALF to explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of FMT, and its mechanism of action. We found that FMT decreased hepatic aminotransferase activity and serum total bilirubin levels, and decreased hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS/D-gal challenged mice (p < 0.05). Moreover, FMT gavage ameliorated LPS/D-gal induced liver apoptosis and markedly reduced cleaved caspase-3 levels, and improved histopathological features of the liver. FMT gavage also restored LPS/D-gal-evoked gut microbiota dysbiosis by modifying the colonic microbial composition, improving the abundance of unclassified_o_Bacteroidales (p < 0.001), norank_f_Muribaculaceae (p < 0.001), and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 (p < 0.001), while reducing that of Lactobacillus (p < 0.05) and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis revealed that FMT significantly altered LPS/D-gal induced disordered liver metabolites. Pearson's correlation revealed strong correlations between microbiota composition and liver metabolites. Our findings suggest that FMT ameliorate ALF by modulating gut microbiota and liver metabolism, and can used as a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for ALF.

Immunomodulatory effects of complex probiotics on the immuno-suppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide

Introduction

Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11, Lacticaseibacillus casei Zhang, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P8, respectively. However, studies on the immunomodulatory enhancing effects of three complex probiotics have not been conducted. The aim of our study is to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of complex probiotics effect on the immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX).

Methods

An immunocompromised mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide, which was gavage of different doses of complex probiotics and levamisole hydrochloride. The splenic and thymic indices, intestinal barrier, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, percentage of splenic lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokine levels, and gut microbiota were determined.

Results

Results showed that the complex probiotics significantly elevated the spleen and thymus indices, increased the villi and crypt depth and the goblet cells. The leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and the percentage of splenic lymphocyte subpopulations in the CTX-treated mice were significantly elevated by the complex probiotics. In addition, the cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) were significantly increased after complex probiotic treatment. The complex probiotics restored the gut microbiota structure to the pattern of the control group by reducing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and enhancing the relative abundances of specific microbiota that produced short-chain fatty acids.

Discussion

This study provides theoretical support for the immunity-enhancing function of the complex probiotics as well as a pharmacological basis for its further development and utilization.

Ginger polysaccharides enhance intestinal immunity by modulating gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

In this study, the immunity-enhancing effect of ginger polysaccharides UGP1 and UGP2 on CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice was evaluated. The results showed that ginger polysaccharide could effectively alleviate the symptoms of weight loss and dietary intake reduction induced by CTX, increase fecal water content, reduce fecal pH, and protect immune organs of immunosuppressed mice. In addition, ginger polysaccharides also stimulated the secretion of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α and immunoglobulin Ig-G in the serum of mice, increased the expression of Occludin and Claudin-1, and restored the level of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine to improve immune deficiency. Furthermore, ginger polysaccharides significantly reduced the relative abundance ratio of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in mice and increased the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. At the family level, ginger polysaccharides increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Muribaculaceae, Bacteroidaceae and Lactobacillaceae, and decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Rikenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that ginger polysaccharides could enhance intestinal immunity by modulating gut microbiota associated with immune function. These results indicated that ginger polysaccharides have the potential to be a functional food ingredients or a natural medicine for the treatment of intestinal barrier injury.

Pharmacomicrobiomics in Pediatric Oncology: The Complex Interplay between Commonly Used Drugs and Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome (GM) has emerged in the last few years as a main character in several diseases. In pediatric oncological patients, GM has a role in promoting the disease, modulating the effectiveness of therapies, and determining the clinical outcomes. The therapeutic course for most pediatric cancer influences the GM due to dietary modifications and several administrated drugs, including chemotherapies, antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Interestingly, increasing evidence is uncovering a role of the GM on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, defining a bidirectional relationship. Indeed, the pediatric setting presents some contrasts with respect to the adult, since the GM undergoes a constant multifactorial evolution during childhood following external stimuli (such as diet modification during weaning). In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence of pharmacomicrobiomics in pediatric oncology.

Preventive Mechanism of Lycopene on Intestinal Toxicity Caused by Cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy in Mice by Regulating TLR4-MyD88/TRIF-TRAF6 Signaling Pathway and Gut-Liver Axis

Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is the first-line chemotherapy drug for cancer in clinical practice, and its intestinal toxicity seriously affects the treatment effect and prognosis of patients. Lycopene (LP) is the main pigment of ripe tomatoes and has strong antioxidant activity. However, the mechanism by which LP prevents CYC-induced intestinal injury remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of LP in preventing intestinal toxicity caused by CYC chemotherapy in mice. The results showed that LP significantly prevented spleen and thymus atrophy induced by CYC. In terms of intestinal injury, LP significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-12, and interferon (IFN)-γ, decreased the content of lipid oxidation (MDA), upregulated the protein expressions of toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), toll/IL-1receptor domain containing adaptor protein inducing IFN-β (TRIF), p-P38 MAPK (P38), and p-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65, and improved the small intestine tissue injury induced by CYC. In terms of liver injury, LP significantly increased the content of glutathione (GSH), decreased the contents of MDA, nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and repaired the liver tissue injury induced by CYC. Importantly, 10 mg/kg LP significantly prevented intestinal microbiota dysregulation in CYC mice. These results suggested that LP significantly prevented intestinal injury induced by CYC in mice by regulating the TLR4-MyD88/TRIF-TRAF6 signaling pathway and gut-liver axis.

Research Progress on the Protective Effect of Brown Algae-Derived Polysaccharides on Metabolic Diseases and Intestinal Barrier Injury

In the human body, the intestine is the largest digestive and immune organ, where nutrients are digested and absorbed, and this organ plays a key role in host immunity. In recent years, intestinal health issues have gained attention and many studies have shown that oxidative stress, inflammation, intestinal barrier damage, and an imbalance of intestinal microbiota may cause a range of intestinal diseases, as well as other problems. Brown algae polysaccharides, mainly including alginate, fucoidan, and laminaran, are food-derived natural products that have received wide attention from scholars owing to their good biological activity and low toxic side effects. It has been found that brown algae polysaccharides can repair intestinal physical, chemical, immune and biological barrier damage. Principally, this review describes the protective effects and mechanisms of brown algae-derived polysaccharides on intestinal health, as indicated by the ability of polysaccharides to maintain intestinal barrier integrity, inhibit lipid peroxidation-associated damage, and suppress inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, our review aims to provide new ideas on the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases and act as a reference for the development of fucoidan as a functional product for intestinal protection.

Heat-killed Limosilactobacillus reuteri PSC102 Ameliorates Impaired Immunity in Cyclophosphamide-induced Immunosuppressed Mice

The immune functions of heat-killed Limosilactobacillus reuteri PSC102 (hLR) were investigated in cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated immunosuppressed mice. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, CP group, CP treated with levamisole (positive control group), and CP treated with low- and high-dose hLR. After receiving the samples for 21 days, mice were sacrificed, and different parameters, such as immune organ index, immune blood cells, splenocyte proliferation, lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokines, and immunoglobulins, were analyzed. Results showed that the immune organ (thymus and spleen) indices of hLR treatment groups were significantly increased compared to the CP group (p &lt; 0.05). hLR administration prevented CP-induced reduction in the numbers of white blood cells, lymphocytes, midrange absolute, and granulocytes, providing supporting evidence for hematopoietic activities. Splenocyte proliferation and T-lymphocyte (CD4+ and CD8+) subpopulations were also significantly augmented in mice treated with hLR compared to the CP group (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, Th1-type [interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α] and Th2-type (IL-4 and IL-10) immune factors and immunoglobulin (IgG) showed significant increasing trends (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the other proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) were also significantly elevated (p &lt; 0.05). Taken together, this investigation suggested that orally administered hLR could recover immunosuppression caused by CP and be considered a potential immunostimulatory agent for the treatment of immunosuppressive disorders.

Characterization of Purified Mulberry Leaf Glycoprotein and Its Immunoregulatory Effect on Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

Mulberry leaf protein is a potentially functional food component and health care agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its composition, immunoregulatory effects, and gut microbial regulatory effects are unclear. Herein, ultra-filtrated and gel-fractionated mulberry leaf protein (GUMP) was characterized. Its effects on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice were further investigated. The results indicated that GUMP is a glycoprotein mainly containing glucose, arabinose, and mannose with 9.23% total sugar content. Its secondary structure is mainly β-sheet. LC–MS/MS analysis showed that GUMP closely matched with a 16.7 kDa mannose-binding lectin and a 52.7 kDa Rubisco’s large subunit. GUMP intervention significantly improved serous TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-2 contents; increased serum immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) levels; and reversed splenic damage prominently. Moreover, GUMP administration increased fecal shot-chain fatty acid concentration and up-regulated the relative abundance of Odoribacter, which was positively correlated with SCFAs and cytokine contents. Overall, GUMP alleviated immunosuppression through the integrated modulation of the gut microbiota and immune response. Therefore, GUMP could be a promising dietary supplement to help maintain gut health.

Influence of Pholiota adiposa on gut microbiota and promote tumor cell apoptosis properties in H22 tumor-bearing mice

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of cancer-prevalent worldwide-and one of the causes of cancer-related deaths. In this study, ethanol extracts from Pholiota adiposa (EPA) were used to identify possible targets for HCC treatment and their effects on intestinal microflora were analyzed. Methods: Male mice were randomly assigned to groups-the model group, cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg/d), and EPA groups, in which the mice were categorized based on the different concentrations of each compound (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day). Relevant biochemical indicators were detected using ELISA, H&E staining, and TUNEL assay. Four tumor apoptosis-related proteins and genes, Cleaved Caspases, BAX, Bcl-2, and VEGF, were detected by immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and RT-PCR. The total genomic DNA was obtained from the contents of the small intestine and colon and was sequenced. The V3 + V4 regions of bacterial 16 s rDNA (from 341 to 806) were amplified. Results: The tests revealed that EPA exhibited antitumor activity in vivo by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. Moreover, EPA treatment could increase beneficial and decrease harmful microflorae. These results demonstrate that EPA may be a potential therapy for HCC.

Sulfated Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides improve immune function of immunosuppressed mice by modulating intestinal microbiota

The study was aimed to investigate the effect of Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides (CPP) and the sulfation derivative (S-CPP) on modulate intestinal mucosal immunity and intestinal microbiota in cyclophosphamide-induced mice. The results showed that CPP and S-CPP effectively alleviated intestinal villi injury, enhanced the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in small intestinal tissue and serum, and upregulated IL-1β at gene levels, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin and Claudin-1 at gene and protein levels, thereby promoting the repair of intestinal mechanical barrier and enhancing intestinal mucosal immunity. Moreover, the beneficial modulation of CPP and S-CPP on the overall structure of intestinal microbiota was revealed by performing 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing. Sulfated modification could improve the protection of CPP on the intestinal barrier and the regulation of systemic immunity. S-CPP had a stronger potential to reduce the damage of cyclophosphamide (Cy) on immunity and intestinal microbiota.

The interplay between anticancer challenges and the microbial communities from the gut

Cancer being an increasing burden on human health, the use of anticancer drugs has risen over the last decades. The physiological effects of these drugs are not only perceived by the host's cells but also by the microbial cells it harbors as commensals, notably the gut microbiota. Since the early '50 s, the cytotoxicity of anticancer chemotherapy was evaluated on bacteria revealing some antimicrobial activities that result in an established perturbation of the gut microbiota. This perturbation can affect the host's health through dysbiosis, which can lead to multiple complications, but has also been shown to have a direct effect on the treatment efficiency.We, therefore, conducted a review of literature focusing on this triangular relationship involving the microbial communities from the gut, the host's disease, and the anticancer treatment. We focused specifically on the antimicrobial effects of anticancer chemotherapy, their impact on mutagenesis in bacteria, and the perspectives of using bacteria-based tools to help in the diagnostic and treatment of cancer.

The Insider: Impact of the Gut Microbiota on Cancer Immunity and Response to Therapies in Multiple Myeloma

The human microbiota is a unique set of microorganisms colonizing the human body and evolving within it from the very beginning. Acting as an insider, the microbiota provides nutrients, and mutualistically interacts with the host’s immune system, thus contributing to the generation of barriers against pathogens. While a strong link has been documented between intestinal dysbiosis (i.e., disruption to the microbiota homeostasis) and diseases, the mechanisms by which commensal bacteria impact a wide spectrum of mucosal and extramucosal human disorders have only partially been deciphered. This is particularly puzzling for multiple myeloma (MM), a treatable but incurable neoplasia of plasma cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and lead to end-organ damage. Here we revise the most recent literature on data from both the bench and the bedside that show how the gut microbiota modulates cancer immunity, potentially impacting the progression of asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering MM (SMM) to full blown MM. We also explore the effect of the gut microbiome on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, immunomodulating therapy and cancer immunotherapy in MM patients. Additionally, we identify the most cogent area of investigation that have the highest chance to delineate microbiota-related and pathobiology-based parameters for patient risk stratification. Lastly, we highlight microbiota-modulating strategies (i.e., diet, prebiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation and postbiotics) that may reduce treatment-related toxicity in patients affected by MM as well as the rates of undertreatment of SMM patients.

Effects of Shrimp Peptide Hydrolysate on Intestinal Microbiota Restoration and Immune Modulation in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

The gut microbiota is important in regulating host metabolism, maintaining physiology, and protecting immune homeostasis. Gut microbiota dysbiosis affects the development of the gut microenvironment, as well as the onset of various external systemic diseases and metabolic syndromes. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug that suppresses the host immune system, intestinal mucosa inflammation, and dysbiosis of the intestinal flora. Immunomodulators are necessary to enhance the immune system and prevent homeostasis disbalance and cytotoxicity caused by CTX. In this study, shrimp peptide hydrolysate (SPH) was evaluated for immunomodulation, intestinal integration, and microbiota in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. It was observed that SPH would significantly restore goblet cells and intestinal mucosa integrity, modulate the immune system, and increase relative expression of mRNA and tight-junction associated proteins (Occludin, Zo-1, Claudin-1, and Mucin-2). It also improved gut flora and restored the intestinal microbiota ecological balance by removing harmful microbes of various taxonomic groups. This would also increase the immune organs index, serum levels of cytokines (IFN-ϒ, IL1β, TNF-α, IL-6), and immunoglobin levels (IgA, IgM). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes proportion was decreased in CTX-induced mice. Finally, SPH would be recommended as a functional food source with a modulatory effect not only on intestinal microbiota, but also as a potential health-promoting immune function regulator.