Gut Microbiota Modulation by Polyphenols from Aronia melanocarpa of LPS-Induced Liver Diseases in Rats

Polyphenols Influence the Development of Endometrial Cancer by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Dysbiosis of the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract can induce the development of gynaecological tumours, particularly in postmenopausal women, by causing DNA damage and alterations in metabolite metabolism. Dysbiosis also complicates cancer treatment by influencing the body's immune response and disrupting the sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain homeostasis in the gut microbiota through the effective use of food components that affect its structure. Recent studies have shown that polyphenols, which are likely to be the most important secondary metabolites produced by plants, exhibit prebiotic properties. They affect the structure of the gut microbiota and the synthesis of metabolites. In this review, we summarise the current state of knowledge, focusing on the impact of polyphenols on the development of gynaecological tumours, particularly endometrial cancer, and emphasising that polyphenol consumption leads to beneficial modifications in the structure of the gut microbiota.

Effects of Neolamarckia cadamba leaves extract on microbial community and antibiotic resistance genes in cecal contents and feces of broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharides

The effects of Neolamarckia cadamba leaves extract (NCLE), with effective ingredients of flavonoids, on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and relevant microorganisms in cecal contents and feces of broilers treated with or without lipopolysaccharide stimulation (LPS) were investigated. LPS stimulation increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as tet(W/N/W), APH(3')-IIIa, ErmB, tet (44), ANT (6)-Ia, tet(O), tet (32), Vang_ACT_CHL, myrA, ANT (6)-Ib, IncQ1, tniB, and rep2 in cecal contents. However, the difference disappeared (P > 0.05) when NCLE was added at the same time. These differential ARGs and MGEs were mainly correlated (P < 0.01) with Clostridiales bacterium, Lachnospiraceae bacterium, and Candidatus Woodwardibium gallinarum. These species increased in LPS-stimulated broilers and decreased when NCLE was applied at the same time. In feces, LPS stimulation decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of tet(Q), adeF, ErmF, Mef(En2), OXA-347, tet (40), npmA, tmrB, CfxA3, and ISCrsp1, while the LPS + NCLE treated group showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) on these ARGs. These differential ARGs and MGEs in feces were mainly correlated (P < 0.01) with Clostridiales bacterium, Pseudoflavonifractor sp. An184, Flavonifractor sp. An10, Ruminococcaceae bacterium, etc. These species increased in LPS-stimulated broilers and increased when NCLE was applied at the same time. In conclusion, LPS stimulation and NCLE influenced microbial communities and associated ARGs in both cecal contents and feces of broilers. NCLE alleviated the change of ARGs and MGEs in LPS-induced broilers by maintaining the microbial balance.IMPORTANCEAntibiotics showed a positive effect on gut health regulation and growth performance improvement in livestock breeding, but the antimicrobial resistance threat and environment pollution problem are increasingly severe with antibiotics abuse. As alternatives, plant extract containing bioactive substances are increasingly used to improve immunity and promote productivity. However, little is known about their effects on diversity and abundance of ARGs. Here, we investigated the effects of NCLE, with effective ingredients of flavonoids, on ARGs and relevant microorganisms in cecal contents and feces of broilers treated with or without lipopolysaccharide stimulation. We found that NCLE reduced the abundance of ARGs in cecal contents of lipopolysaccharide-induced broilers by maintaining the microbial balance. This study provides a comprehensive view of cecal and fecal microbial community, ARGs, and MGEs of broiler following LPS stimulation and NCLE treatment. It might be used to understand and control ARGs dissemination in livestock production.

Enhanced expression of miR-204 attenuates LPS stimulated inflammatory injury through inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via targeting CCND2

One of the most common bacterial diseases of the reproductive system in dairy cows is endometritis, which will cause huge economic loss. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of miR-204 on LPS-stimulated endometritis in vitro and in vivo. Experiments displayed that the expression of miR-204 was lower in bovine uterine tissue samples or bovine endometrial epithelial cell line (BEND) that stimulated by LPS. Compared with the negative group, miR-204 treatment significantly suppressed the production of proinflammatory factors and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. Additionally, the result of the dual luciferase assay showed that miR-204 targeted cyclin D2. More importantly, up-regulation of miR-204 alleviated LPS induced uterine injury was confirmed in vivo studies. Molecular experiments indicated that the expression level of tight junctional proteins Claudin3 and cadherin1 were both enchanced by miR-204 treatment. Accordingly, miR-204 may serve as a new measure to prevent and treat endometritis caused by LPS.

Effects of Mulberry Leaf Fu Tea on the Intestines and Intestinal Flora of Goto-Kakizaki Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by hyperglycemia, an imbalance in the intestinal flora and disruption of the endocrine system. At present, it is primarily controlled through drug treatment and an improved diet. Mulberry leaf and fu brick tea were considered to have excellent hypoglycemic effects. This study used mulberry leaves and fu brick tea as raw materials to develop a dietary regulator that can assist in the prevention and alleviation of diabetes. The experiment used the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of mulberry leaf fu tea (MFT) and its influence on the intestinal flora of diabetic rats through methods including ELISA, tissue section observation and 16S RNA microbial sequencing. The results showed that, compared with the GK group, the intervention of mulberry leaf fu tea significantly reduced the activities of α-glucosidase (p < 0.05) and α-amylase (p < 0.05) in the duodenum of GK diabetic rats. The height of the duodenal villi was significantly reduced (p < 0.001), leading to decreased intestinal sugar absorption. At the same time, MFT alleviates the imbalance of intestinal flora caused by high blood sugar, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, etc.), and inhibits the reproduction of harmful bacteria (Blautia, Klebsiella, Helicobacter, Alistipes, etc.). MFT helps reduce the secretion of toxic substances (lipopolysaccharide, p < 0.001), decreases oxidative stress and inflammation, mitigates organ damage, and improves symptoms of diabetes. Finally, the random blood glucose value of GK rats dropped from 22.79 mmol/L to 14.06 mmol/L. In summary, mulberry leaf fu tea can lower sugar absorption in diabetic rats, reduce the body's oxidative stress and inflammatory response, regulate intestinal flora, and reduce blood sugar levels in GK rats. It is hinted that mulberry leaf fu tea could be used as a functional drink to help prevent the occurrence of diabetes.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in broiler chickens attacked by lipopolysaccharide: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Oxidative stress (OS) constitutes a pivotal factor in the initiation and progression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenges in broiler chickens. Increasing studies have demonstrated that Alleviation of oxidative stress seems to be a reasonable strategy to alleviate LPS-mediated afflictions in broilers. Nonetheless, the relationship between OS-related indicators and exposure to LPS remains a topic of debate. The aim of this investigation was to precisely and holistically evaluate the effect of LPS exposure on OS-associated markers. We conducted a systematic search of four electronic databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane for relevant studies, and a total of 31 studies were included. The overall results showed that the LPS treatment significantly increased the levels of oxygen radicals and their products, such as malondialdehydes (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), while significantly reduced the levels of antioxidants, such as total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH), in the chickens. Intriguingly, though the observed trends in alterations were not strictly correlated with LPS concentrations, the enzyme activity levels were indeed influenced by the concentration of LPS. This observation highlights the complex relationship between LPS exposure and the body's antioxidant response. Despite some limitations, all the included studies were deemed credible. Subgroup evaluations revealed that the jejunum and duodenum has demonstrated stronger antioxidant capability compared to other tissues. Overall, our study presents compelling evidence that exposure to LPS induces significant OS in chickens. And we also found that the extent of OS was related to LPS doses, target tissues, and dietary ingredients.

Tea Tree Oil Improves Energy Metabolism, Non-Specific Immunity, and Microbiota Diversity via the Intestine-Hepatopancreas Axis in Macrobrachium rosenbergii under Low Fish Meal Diet Administration

Tea tree oil (TTO) is an essential plant oil with diverse antibacterial and antioxidant properties; however, whether the role played by TTO in low fish meal (LF) diets induced the observed effects in the farmed crustaceans remains unclear. Therefore, this study used Macrobrachium rosenbergii as the model crustacean, and an 8-week feeding experiment with NF (normal fish meal), LF (soybean meal replacing 40% fish meal), and LFT (LF with 200 mg/kg TTO) diets was conducted to evaluate the positive effects of TTO under the LF diet. Compared to the NF diet, the LF diet reduced hemolymph antioxidant capacity and non-specific immunity, and induced hepatopancreas apoptosis and damage. However, in comparison with LF, LTF significantly ameliorated morphological impairment in the hepatopancreas, improved hepatopancreas energy metabolism by upregulating the Bcl-2/Bax and Akt/mTOR pathways, and enhanced antioxidant and non-specific immune capacity by activating the NF-κB/NO pathway. In addition, LFT repaired intestinal barrier injury and the imbalance of intestinal microbiota induced by the LF diet. Moreover, the Pearson correlation revealed the variations of the above indicators, which were related to the abundance changes of Klebsiella, Clostridium sensu stricto 12, Thermobifida, Bifidobacterium, and Alistipes, indicating that these microbes might serve as prospective targets for the intestine-hepatopancreas axis to affect hepatopancreas apoptosis, metabolism, and non-specific immunity. In summary, 200 mg/kg TTO supplementation mediated gut microbiota and positively improved energy metabolism and non-specific immunity, thereby alleviating hepatopancreas dysplasia and damage induced by the LF diet in M. rosenbergii.

Interactions between gut microbiota and polyphenols: A mechanistic and metabolomic review

BACKGROUND

Polyphenols are a class of naturally sourced compounds with widespread distribution and an extensive array of bioactivities. However, due to their complex constituents and weak absorption, a convincing explanation for their remarkable bioactivity remains elusive for a long time. In recent years, interaction with gut microbiota is hypothesized to be a reasonable explanation of the potential mechanisms for natural compounds especially polyphenols.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to present a persuasive explanation for the contradiction between the limited bioavailability and the remarkable bioactivities of polyphenols by examining their interactions with gut microbiota.

METHODS

We assessed literatures published before April 10, 2023, from several databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The keywords used include "polyphenols", "gut microbiota", "short-chain fatty acids", "bile acids", "trimethylamine N-oxide", "lipopolysaccharides" "tryptophan", "dopamine", "intestinal barrier", "central nervous system", "lung", "anthocyanin", "proanthocyanidin", "baicalein", "caffeic acid", "curcumin", "epigallocatechin-3-gallate", "ferulic acid", "genistein", "kaempferol", "luteolin", "myricetin", "naringenin", "procyanidins", "protocatechuic acid", "pterostilbene", "quercetin", "resveratrol", etc. RESULTS: The review first demonstrates that polyphenols significantly alter gut microbiota diversity (α- and β-diversity) and the abundance of specific microorganisms. Polyphenols either promote or inhibit microorganisms, with various factors influencing their effects, such as dosage, treatment duration, and chemical structure of polyphenols. Furthermore, the review reveals that polyphenols regulate several gut microbiota metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, dopamine, trimethylamine N-oxide, bile acids, and lipopolysaccharides. Polyphenols affect these metabolites by altering gut microbiota composition, modifying microbial enzyme activity, and other potential mechanisms. The changed microbial metabolites induced by polyphenols subsequently trigger host responses in various ways, such as acting as intestinal acid-base homeostasis regulators and activating on specific target receptors. Additionally, polyphenols are transformed into microbial derivatives by gut microbiota and these polyphenols' microbial derivatives have many potential advantages (e.g., increased bioactivity, improved absorption). Lastly, the review shows polyphenols maintain intestinal barrier, central nervous system, and lung function homeostasis by regulating gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

The interaction between polyphenols and gut microbiota provides a credible explanation for the exceptional bioactivities of polyphenols. This review aids our understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind the bioactivity of polyphenols.

A multi-omics analysis strategy reveals the molecular mechanism of the inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa and its application

Water pollution causes the propagation of pathogenic microorganisms, which poses a serious threat to human life. Escherichia coli O157:H7, as a representative organism that can directly exhibit molecular response to stress, was selected as the indicator bacteria for the study. Tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics and non-targeted metabolomics were used to study the response of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Aronia melanocarpa anthocyanin (AMA) treatment. The results showed that 628 proteins and 1338 metabolites changed significantly after treatment with AMAs. According to bioinformatics analysis, integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and metabolites participate in pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism and the pentose phosphate pathway. This study preliminarily proposed the inhibition mechanism of AMAs on Escherichia coli O157:H7 from the perspective of multi-omics, providing a theoretical basis for the application of natural preservatives in fresh cut vegetables.

Sulfated Chinese Yam Polysaccharides Alleviate LPS-Induced Acute Inflammation in Mice through Modulating Intestinal Microbiota

This study aimed to test the preventive anti-inflammatory properties of Chinese yam polysaccharides (CYP) and sulfated Chinese yam polysaccharides (SCYP) on LPS-induced systemic acute inflammation in mice and investigate their mechanisms of action. The results showed that SCYP can efficiently reduce plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels, exhibiting an obvious anti-inflammation ability. Moreover, SCYP reduced hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β secretion more effectively than CYP, and significantly altered intestinal oxidative stress levels. In addition, a 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that CYP regulated the gut microbiota by decreasing Desulfovibrio and Sutterella and increasing Prevotella. SCYP changed the gut microbiota by decreasing Desulfovibrio and increasing Coprococcus, which reversed the microbiota dysbiosis caused by LPS. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) revealed that treatment with CYP and SCYP can produce more biomarkers of the gut microbiome that can promote the proliferation of polysaccharide-degrading bacteria and facilitate the intestinal de-utilization of polysaccharides. These results suggest that SCYP can differentially regulate intestinal flora, and that they exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, thus providing a new reference to rationalize the exploitation of sulfated yam polysaccharides.

Health Benefits of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in the Fruits and Leaves of Lonicera caerulea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot

Lonicera caerulaea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot fruits are frequently used for their health benefits as they are rich in bioactive compounds. They are recognized as a source of natural and valuable phytonutrients, which makes them a superfood. L. caerulea presents antioxidant activity three to five times higher than other berries which are more commonly consumed, such as blackberries or strawberries. In addition, their ascorbic acid level is the highest among fruits. The species A. melanocarpa is considered one of the richest known sources of antioxidants, surpassing currants, cranberries, blueberries, elderberries, and gooseberries, and contains one of the highest amounts of sorbitol. The non-edible leaves of genus Aronia became more extensively analyzed as a byproduct or waste material due to their high polyphenol, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content, along with a small amount of anthocyanins, which are used as ingredients in nutraceuticals, herbal teas, bio-cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, food and by the pharmaceutical industry. These plants are a rich source of vitamins, tocopherols, folic acid, and carotenoids. However, they remain outside of mainstream fruit consumption, being well known only to a small audience. This review aims to shed light on L. caerulaea and A. melanocarpa and their bioactive compounds as healthy superfoods with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic effects, and hepato-, cardio-, and neuro-protective potential. In this view, we hope to promote their cultivation and processing, increase their commercial availability, and also highlight the ability of these species to be used as potential nutraceutical sources, helpful for human health.

Effects of Dietary Ferulic Acid on Intestinal Health and Ileal Microbiota of Tianfu Broilers Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been considered the primary agent to establish animal models of inflammation, immunological stress, and organ injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that LPS impaired gastrointestinal development and disrupted intestinal microbial composition and metabolism. Ferulic acid (FA) isolated from multiple plants exhibits multiple biological activities. This study investigated whether FA ameliorated intestinal function and microflora in LPS-challenged Tianfu broilers. The results showed that LPS challenge impaired intestinal function, as evidenced by decreased antioxidant functions (p < 0.05), disrupted morphological structure (p < 0.05), and increased intestinal permeability (p < 0.05); however, these adverse effects were improved by FA supplementation. Additionally, FA supplementation preserved sIgA levels (p < 0.05), increased mRNA expression levels of CLDN and ZO-1 (p < 0.05), and enhanced epithelial proliferation (p < 0.05) in the ileal mucosa in LPS-challenged chickens. Moreover, FA supplementation rectified the ileal microflora disturbances in the LPS-challenged broilers. The results demonstrate that dietary FA supplementation decreased LPS-induced intestinal damage by enhancing antioxidant capacity and maintaining intestinal integrity. Furthermore, FA supplementation protects intestinal tight junctions (TJs), elevates secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, and modulates ileal microflora composition in LPS-challenged broilers.

Red-fleshed apple flavonoid extract alleviates CCl4-induced liver injury in mice

In recent years, the global incidence of liver damage has increased. Despite the many known health benefits of red-fleshed apple flavonoids, their potential liver-protective effects have not yet been investigated. In this study, we analyzed the composition of red-fleshed apple flavonoid extract (RAFE) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We then induced liver damage in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and performed interventions with RAFE to analyze its effect on liver damage, using bifendate as a positive control. The results showed that catechin was the most abundant flavonoid in 'XJ4' RAFE (49.346 mg/100 g). In liver-injured mice, the liver coefficients converged to normal levels following RAFE intervention. Moreover, RAFE significantly reduced the enzymatic activity levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (ALT), glutamic alanine transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in mouse serum. Furthermore, RAFE significantly increased the content or enzyme activity level of total glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase, and significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde in the liver of mice. In parallel, we performed histopathological observations of mouse livers for each group. The results showed that RAFE restored the pathological changes caused by CCl4 around the central hepatic vein in mice and resulted in tightly bound hepatocytes. The recovery effect of RAFE was dose-dependent in the liver tissue. Regarding intestinal microorganisms, we found that RAFE restored the microbial diversity in liver-injured mice, with a similar microbial composition in the RAFE intervention group and normal group. RAFE reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, increased the levels of probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Clostridium, and reduced the levels of harmful bacteria, such as Erysipelothrix Rosenbach. Therefore, RAFE ameliorated CCl4-induced liver damage by modulating the abundance and composition of intestinal microorganisms in mice. In conclusion, RAFE alleviated CCl4-induced liver damage in mice, with H-RAFE (5 mg kg-1) significantly improving liver damage in mice but M-RAFE (1 mg kg-1) significantly improving the imbalance of intestinal microorganisms in mice. Our research suggests that RAFE could be employed for the adjuvant treatment and prevention of liver damage, and may have important applications in food and medicine.

Dysbiotic Gut Microbiota Modulation by Aronia Fruits Extract Administration

The administration of chokeberry extract in vitro in the GIS1 system was evaluated for the modulation capacity of the dysbiotic pattern resulting from the consumption of stevia. The microbial pattern determined by molecular method, the metabolomic one (fatty acids), the evolution of the antioxidant status, and the cytotoxic effect were determined comparatively for six months. This study presented for the first time that Aronia extract has a strong antimicrobial effect but also a presence of new organic acids that can be used as a biomarker. The functional supplement had the impact of a gradual increase in antioxidant status (DPPH scavenging activity) for up to three months and a subsequent decrease correlated with the reduction of the microbial load (especially for Enterobacteriaceae). The effect on metabolomic activity was specific, with butyric acid being generally unaffected (0.6-0.8 mg/mL) by the antimicrobial effect manifested after three months of administration. The pH was strongly acidic, corresponding to the constant presence of maximum values for acetic and lactic acid. The non-selective elimination of a part of the microbiota could also be correlated with a decrease in metabolomic efficiency. The results in the GIS1 system indicated for the first time that the controlled use of this extract had a pronounced antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect. This has helped to correct the dysbiotic pattern that results after the long-term use of sweeteners based on an increase of 0.2 log UFC/mL for favorable strains.

Dietary Polyphenols Alleviate Autoimmune Liver Disease by Mediating the Intestinal Microenvironment: Challenges and Hopes

Autoimmune liver disease is a chronic liver disease caused by an overactive immune response in the liver that imposes a significant health and economic cost on society. Due to the side effects of existing medicinal medications, there is a trend toward seeking natural bioactive compounds as dietary supplements. Currently, dietary polyphenols have been proven to have the ability to mediate gut-liver immunity and control autoimmune liver disease through modulating the intestinal microenvironment. Based on the preceding, this Review covers the many forms of autoimmune liver illnesses, their pathophysiology, and the modulatory effects of polyphenols on immune disorders. Finally, we focus on how polyphenols interact with the intestinal milieu to improve autoimmune liver disease. In conclusion, we suggest that dietary polyphenols have the potential as gut-targeted modulators for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune liver disease and highlight new perspectives and critical issues for future pharmacological applications.

Cellular Antioxidant Effect of an Aronia Extract and Its Polyphenolic Fractions Enriched in Proanthocyanidins, Phenolic Acids, and Anthocyanins

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation contribute to some chronic diseases. Aronia berries are rich in polyphenols. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cellular antioxidant effect of an aronia extract to reflect the potential physiological in vivo effect. Cellular in vitro assays in three cell lines (Caco-2, HepG2, and SH-SY5Y) were used to measure the antioxidant effect of AE, in three enriched polyphenolic fractions (A1: anthocyanins and phenolic acids; A2: oligomeric proanthocyanidins; A3: polymeric proanthocyanidins), pure polyphenols and microbial metabolites. Both direct (intracellular and membrane radical scavenging, catalase-like effect) and indirect (NRF2/ARE) antioxidant effects were assessed. AE exerted an intracellular free radical scavenging activity in the three cell lines, and A2 and A3 fractions showed a higher effect in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells. AE also exhibited a catalase-like activity, with the A3 fraction having a significant higher activity. Only A1 fraction activated the NRF2/ARE pathway. Quercetin and caffeic acid are the most potent antioxidant polyphenols, whereas cyanidin and 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone showed the highest antioxidant effect among polyphenol metabolites. AE rich in polyphenols possesses broad cellular antioxidant effects, and proanthocyanidins are major contributors. Polyphenol metabolites may contribute to the overall antioxidant effect of such extract in vivo.

TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analyses Reveal the Antibacterial Mechanisms of Anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa against Escherichia coli O157:H7

Aronia melanocarpa anthocyanins (AMAs), as natural plant extracts, can control pathogens and are attracting increasing attention. In this study, a tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics method combined with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to explore the antibacterial mechanism of AMAs against Escherichia coli at the protein level. The results showed that 1739 proteins were identified in E. coli treated with AMAs, of which 628 were altered, including 262 downregulated proteins and 366 upregulated proteins. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these differentially expressed proteins have different molecular functions and participate in different molecular pathways. AMAs can affect E. coli protein biosynthesis, DNA replication and repair, oxidative stress response, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and homeostasis. These pathways induce morphological changes and cell death. The results of this study help understand the molecular mechanism of the inhibitory effect of AMAs on food-borne pathogens and provide a reference for further development of plant-derived antimicrobial agents.

Chokeberry (A. melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott)—A Natural Product for Metabolic Disorders?

Abnormal metabolism of substances in the body can result in metabolic disorders which include obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants can help to prevent and treat various types of disorders. Chokeberry fruits are rich in polyphenols, especially cyanidins, and therefore, can show a beneficial health effect. The aim of this study was to summarize and systematize reports about the effects of chokeberry on various metabolic parameters. Studies from 2000 to 2021, published in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed. The review of studies shows that chokeberry may have a positive effect in dyslipidemia and hypertension and may increase the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect, in turn, may translate into a reduction in the risk of metabolic disorders over a longer period of use. Changes in glucose levels were reported by studies in which the intervention lasted more than 10 weeks in patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The effects of protecting the liver, inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering uric acid levels, and having a protective effect on the kidneys require additional confirmation in human clinical trials. Consumption of chokeberry fruit did not impact on anthropometric measurements; however, it seems that chokeberry fruit can be recommended in many metabolic disorders due to the richness of bioactive ingredients.

Anti-inflammatory and intestinal microbiota modulation properties of high hydrostatic pressure treated cyanidin-3-glucoside and blueberry pectin complexes on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis mice

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and blueberry pectin (BP) complexes on mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis before and after high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and 16S rDNA sequencing were used to study the expression of inflammation-related factors, activation of signal pathway-related proteins, and changes in the intestinal flora in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. The results showed that HHP-treated C3G-BP complexes significantly relieved diarrhea and blood loss in the stool of UC mice and alleviated colon shortening. The potential mechanism of action involved reduction in intestinal oxidative stress mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors, improvement in anti-inflammatory factor levels, inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, increased protein levels of Bcl-2/Bax and caspase-3/cleaved caspase-3 genes, and improved gut microbiota composition. Compared with other experimental groups, the HHP-treated C3G-BP complexes group exhibited the best anti-inflammatory effect on DSS-induced UC mice. The results may provide new ideas for using C3G-BP complexes for treating UC and help develop better processing methods.

Putative Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Polyphenols in Murine Models of Metabolic Disorders in Relation to Gut Microbiota

The beneficial effects of polyphenols on metabolic disorders have been extensively reported. The interaction of these compounds with the gut microbiota has been the focus of recent studies. In this review, we explored the fundamental mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of polyphenols in relation to the gut microbiota in murine models of metabolic disorders. We analyzed the effects of polyphenols on three murine models of metabolic disorders, namely, models of a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disorder, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, and a metabolic disorder not associated with HFD or DSS. Regardless of the model, polyphenols ameliorated the effects of metabolic disorders by alleviating intestinal oxidative stress, improving inflammatory status, and improving intestinal barrier function, as well as by modulating gut microbiota, for example, by increasing the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Consequently, polyphenols reduce circulating lipopolysaccharide levels, thereby improving inflammatory status and alleviating oxidative imbalance at the lesion sites. In conclusion, polyphenols likely act by regulating intestinal functions, including the gut microbiota, and may be a safe and suitable therapeutic agent for various metabolic disorders.

Exopolysaccharide Produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-12 Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation and Colon Cancer Symptoms by Modulating the Gut Microbiome and Metabolites of C57BL/6 Mice Treated by Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt

Exopolysaccharide produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-12 (LPEPS) exhibited the anti-proliferating effect on human colon cancer cell line HT-29 in vitro. The purpose of the study was to determine the alleviating effects of LPEPS on colon cancer development of the C57BL/6 mice treated by azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium salt (AOM/DSS). The C57BL/6 mice treated by AOM/DSS were orally administered LPEPS daily for 85 days. The results showed that LPEPS oral administration enhanced colon tight-junction protein expression and ameliorated colon shortening and tumor burden of the AOM/DSS treated mice. Furthermore, LPEPS oral administration significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β levels and increased anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 level in the serum of the AOM/DSS-treated mice. LPEPS oral administration reversed the alterations of gut flora in AOM/DSS-treated mice, as evidenced by the increasing of the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, Muribaculaceae, Burkholderiaceae, and norank_o__Rhodospirillales and the decreasing of the abundance of Firmicutes, Desulfovibrionaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Helicobacteraceae. The fecal metabolites of the AOM/DSS-treated mice were altered by LPEPS oral administration, involving lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Together, these results suggested that LPEPS oral administration alleviated AOM/DSS-induced colon cancer symptoms of the C57BL/6 mice by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites, enhancing intestine barrier, inhibiting NF-κB pathway, and activating caspase cascade.

Polyphenol extract and essential oil of Amomum tsao-ko equally alleviate hypercholesterolemia and modulate gut microbiota

This study explored the effects of polyphenol extract (TKP) and essential oil (TKO) from Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire (tsao-ko) on plasma total cholesterol and gut microbiota. Four groups of hamsters (n = 8 each) were fed one of four diets, respectively, namely a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) containing 0.1% cholesterol, a HCD containing 0.5% cholestyramine (PCD), a HCD with daily oral administration of 1000 mg per kg body weight TKP, and a HCD with daily oral administration of 200 mg per kg body weight TKO for 6 weeks. TKP and TKO equally lowered plasma total cholesterol (TC) by 13-18% via increasing the fecal elimination of total acidic sterols by 50-191%. This might be due to up-regulation of liver cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) at both transcriptional and translational levels. At a family level, TKP and TKO diets favorably modified the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Desulfovibrionaceae associated with acidic sterols and CYP7A1. It was therefore concluded that TKP and TKO were equally effective in alleviating hypercholesterolemia in hamsters via the interaction between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism.