Protective Effects of Microbiome-Derived Inosine on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Damage and Inflammation in Mice via Mediating the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Targeting antioxidant factor Nrf2 by raffinose ameliorates lipid dysmetabolism-induced pyroptosis, inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a persistent liver condition that affects both human health and animal productive efficiency on a global scale. A number of naturally occurring compounds activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a transcription factor with important protective effects against many liver diseases, including NAFLD. Raffinose (Ra), an oligosaccharide extracted from several plants, exhibits diverse biological functions. However, the uncertainty lies in determining whether the activation of Nrf2 by Ra can provide a preventive effect on liver lipotoxicity.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to shed light on the molecular pathways by which Ra possesses its protective benefits against NAFLD.

METHODS

Experimental protocols were established using WT and Nrf2-null (Nrf2-/-) mice. Liver samples from each group were collected for Western blot, RT-qPCR, H & E, Sirius red and Oil red O staining. Additionally, serums were processed for ELISA. ALM12 cells were gathered for Western blot and immunofluorescence. Moreover, to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Ra, molecular docking was performed.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that Ra remarkably alleviated liver lipotoxic in vivo and in vitro. Ra treatment effectively corrected hepatic steatosis, the release of AST, ALT, TG, and TC, as well as the depletion of HDL and LDL. Meanwhile, Ra efficiently prevented inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway and pyroptosis. Additionally, these findings implied that Ra reduced the production of fibrosis-related proteins, which enhanced collagen deposition. Molecular docking revealed that Ra possessed the ability to bind specific regions of Nrf2, resulting in the enhancement of Nrf2 activation and nuclear translocation. Ra treatment restored serum redox factors and antioxidant enzymes to normal levels; however, these alterations were clearly reversed in Nrf2-/- mice.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals novel information on Ra's protective benefits against liver injury caused by abnormal lipid metabolism; these effects are mostly mediated by Nrf2 activation, suggesting a potential new medicine or treatment strategy for NAFLD.

Inosine pretreatment of pregnant rats ameliorates maternal inflammation-mediated hypomyelination in pups via microglia polarization switch

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a neurological condition observed in premature infants, characterized by hypomyelination and activation of microglia. Maternal inflammation-induced brain injury in offspring significantly contributes to the development of PVL. Currently, there are no clinical pharmaceutical interventions available for pregnant women to prevent maternal inflammation-mediated brain injury in their offspring. Inosine has been shown to modulate the immune response in diverse stressful circumstances, such as injury, ischemia, and inflammation. The aim of this investigation was to examine the potential prophylactic impact of inosine on offspring PVL induced by maternal inflammation. This was accomplished by administering a 1 mg/ml inosine solution (40 ml daily) to pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for 16 consecutive days prior to their intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (350 µg/kg, once a day, for two days). The results showed that maternal inosine pretreatment significantly reversed the reduction in MBP and CNPase (myelin-related markers), CC-1 and Olig2 (oligodendrocyte-related markers) in their PVL pups (P7), suggesting that inosine administration during pregnancy could improve hypomyelination and enhance the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in their PVL pups. Furthermore, the protective mechanism of inosine against PVL is closely associated with the activation and polarization of microglia. This is evidenced by a notable reduction in the quantity of IBA 1-positive microglia, a decrease in the level of CD86 (a marker for M1 microglia), an increase in the level of Arg 1 (a marker for M2 microglia), as well as a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and an increase in the level of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 in the brain of PVL pups following maternal inosine pretreatment. Taken together, inosine pretreatment of pregnant rats can improve hypomyelination in their PVL offspring by triggering the M1/M2 switch of microglia.

Optimized combination of Cervus nippon (Sika deer), Angelica (Dangui), and Rehmannia (Suk-jihwang) mitigates LPS-induced inflammation: exploring signaling pathways through plasma metabolomics

This study aimed to determine the optimal combination of three anti-inflammatory materials [i.e., Cervus nippon Temminck (CT), Angelica gigas Nakai (AN), and Rehmannia glutinosa (RG)] for the strongest anti-inflammatory potential. Eighteen combinations of the three materials were tested in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells via assessing nitric oxide (NO). The best combination from in vitro studies was administered to LPS-treated C57BL/6J mice for five days. Subsequently, plasma metabolites were profiled by bioinformatics analyses and validations. As results, 2, 20, and 50 µg/mL of CT, AN, and RG (TM) were the most effective combination suppressing inflammation. In mice, TM mitigated hepatic inflammatory markers. Similarly, the metabolomics indicated that TM may suppress NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating hepatic inflammation. TM also decreased systemic and hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, we found the optimal combination of TM for mitigating inflammation; thus further studies on safety, mechanisms, and clinical models are warranted for human applications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01476-x.

Symbiotic combination of Akkermansia muciniphila and inosine alleviates alcohol-induced liver injury by modulating gut dysbiosis and immune responses

Background

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is exacerbated by disruptions in intestinal microecology and immune imbalances within the gut-liver axis. The present study assesses the therapeutic potential of combining Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) with inosine in alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice, subjected to a Lieber-DeCarli diet with 5% alcohol for 4 weeks, served as the alcoholic liver injury model. Various analyzes, including quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), ELISA, immunochemistry, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and flow cytometry, were employed to evaluate liver injury parameters, intestinal barrier function, microbiota composition, and immune responses.

Results

Compared to the model group, the A. muciniphila and inosine groups exhibited significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, reduced hepatic fat deposition and neutrophil infiltration, alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation, and increased expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1). These effects were further pronounced in the A. muciniphila and inosine combination group compared to individual treatments. While alcohol feeding induced intestinal dysbiosis and gut barrier disruption, the combined treatment reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (Oscillibacter, Escherichia/Shigella, and Alistipes) induced by alcohol consumption, promoting the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria (Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Clostridium IV). Flow cytometry revealed that alcohol consumption reduced T regulatory (Treg) populations while increasing those of T-helper (Th) 1 and Th17, which were restored by A. muciniphila combined with inosine treatment. Moreover, A. muciniphila and inosine combination increased the expression levels of intestinal CD39, CD73, and adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) along with enhanced proportions of CD4+CD39+Treg and CD4+CD73+Treg cells in the liver and spleen. The A2AR antagonist KW6002, blocked the beneficial effects of the A. muciniphila and inosine combination on liver injury in ALD mice.

Conclusion

This study reveals that the combination of A. muciniphila and inosine holds promise for ameliorating ALD by enhancing the gut ecosystem, improving intestinal barrier function, upregulating A2AR, CD73, and CD39 expression, modulating Treg cells functionality, and regulating the imbalance of Treg/Th17/Th1 cells, and these beneficial effects are partly A2AR-dependent.

Effects of dietary arsenic exposure on liver metabolism in mice

Arsenic, a ubiquitous environmental toxicant with various forms and complex food matrix interactions, can reportedly exert differential effects on the liver compared to drinking water exposure. To examine its specific liver-related harms, we targeted the liver in C57BL/6 J mice (n=48, 8-week-old) fed with arsenic-contaminated food (30 mg/kg) for 60 days, mimicking the rice arsenic composition observed in real-world scenarios (iAsV: 7.3%, iAsIII: 72.7%, MMA: 1.0%, DMA: 19.0%). We then comprehensively evaluated liver histopathology, metabolic changes, and the potential role of the gut-liver axis using human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and microbiota/metabolite analyses. Rice arsenic exposure significantly altered hepatic lipid (fatty acids, glycerol lipids, phospholipids, sphingolipids) and metabolite (glutathione, thioneine, spermidine, inosine, indole-derivatives, etc.) profiles, disrupting 33 metabolic pathways (bile secretion, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, ferroptosis, etc.). Pathological examination revealed liver cell necrosis/apoptosis, further confirmed by ferroptosis induction in HepG2 cells. Gut microbiome analysis showed enrichment of pathogenic bacteria linked to liver diseases and depletion of beneficial strains. Fecal primary and secondary bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and branched-chain amino acids were also elevated. Importantly, mediation analysis revealed significant correlations between gut microbiota, fecal metabolites, and liver metabolic alterations, suggesting fecal metabolites may mediate the impact of gut microbiota and liver metabolic disorders. Gut microbiota and its metabolites may play significant roles in arsenic-induced gut-liver injuries. Overall, our findings demonstrate that rice arsenic exposure triggers oxidative stress, disrupts liver metabolism, and induces ferroptosis.

Exploring Impact of Probiotic-Fermented Soymilk on Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis via Modulating Inflammation and Gut Microbiota Profile

SCOPE

Lactic acid bacteria with probiotic functions and their fermentation products play a role in regulating ulcerative colitis (UC). This study investigates the potential role of fermented soymilk (FSM4) rich in isoflavones on DSS-induced UC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice received 3% DSS and are supplemented daily once for 1 week by NFSM and FSM4. DSS usually causes intestinal inflammation and alters the gut microbiota. FSM4 intervention improves the UC-related inflammation and gut microbiota alteration. It considerably decreases pro-inflammatories such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum and COX-2 and MPO in colon tissues and pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella). This facilitates gut-healthy bacteria growth. These healthy bacteria negatively correlat with pro-inflammatory factors but positively associated with acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, which may act for PPAR-γ pathway activating and NF-κB p65 pathway inhibiting, lowering the risk of UC. Overall, FSM4 might alleviate UC and significantly reverse the dysbiosis of gut microbiota via the PPAR-γ activation. It could be a good alternative for developing functional food to protect against UC.

CONCLUSION

FSM4 attenuates intestinal inflammation and modulates the SCFA-producing bacteria growth, which enable the PPAR-γ activation to alleviate the UC target, which could be a dietary intervention strategy for gut health.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CCFM1222 Ameliorated the Intestinal Barrier and Regulated Gut Microbiota in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei has been regarded as a probiotic bacterium because of its role in anti-inflammatory properties and maintenance of intestinal barrier permeability. Here, we explored the anticolitic effects and mechanism of L. paracasei CCFM1222. The results showed that L. paracasei CCFM1222 supplementation could suppress the disease activity index (DAI) and colon length shortening in colitis mice, accompanied by a moderate increase in colonic tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1). L. paracasei CCFM1222 intervention significantly suppressed the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and significantly elevated the activities of antioxidant enzymes (including SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) in the colon by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in colitis mice. In addition, L. paracasei CCFM1222 significantly shifted the gut microbiota, including elevating the abundance of Catabacter, Ruminiclostridium 9, Alistipes, and Faecalibaculum, as well as reducing the abundance of Mucispirillum, Escherichia-Shigella, and Salmonella, which was associated with the improvement of colonic barrier damage. Overall, these results suggest that L. paracasei CCFM1222 is a good candidate for probiotic of improving colonic barrier damage and associated diseases.

Non-targeted metabolomics study for discovery of hepatocellular carcinoma serum diagnostic biomarker

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers worldwide. Due to the asymptomatic features of HCC at early stages, patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages and missed effective treatment. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify sensitive and specific biomarkers for HCC early diagnosis. In the present study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) approach was used to profile serum metabolites from HCC patients, liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and normal controls (NC). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to obtain the metabolomic differences of the three groups and select significantly changed metabolites that can be used as diagnostic biomarkers. In total, 757 differential metabolites were quantified among the three groups, and pathway enrichment analysis of these metabolites indicated that glycerophospholipid metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and linoleic acid metabolism were the most altered pathways involved in HCC development. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to select and evaluate the diagnostic biomarker performance. Seven metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers that can differentiate HCC from LC and NC, and LC from NC with the good diagnostic performance of area under the curve (AUC) from 0.890 to 0.990. In summary, our findings provide highly effective biomarker candidates to differentiate HCC from LC and NC, LC, and NC, which shed insight into HCC pathological mechanisms and will be helpful in better understanding and managing HCC.

Optimal compatibility proportional screening of Trichosanthis Pericarpium - Trichosanthis Radix and its anti - Inflammatory components effect on experimental zebrafish and coughing mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The herbal pair of Trichosanthis Pericarpium (TP) - Trichosanthis Radix (TR) can be seen in the famous formula "Beimu Gualou San". It is a commonly selected combination of medicinal herbs for the treatment of cough with lung heat. Both drugs are derived from Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim, a medicinal plant known for its ability to clear heat, resolve phlegm, produce saliva, and alleviate dryness. However, the optimal combination ratio and active ingredients of TP-TR have yet to be determined.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the optimal combination ratio of TP-TR and its anti-inflammatory active ingredients in cough treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A zebrafish (Danio rerio) inflammatory injury model and response surface method were applied in the present study to determine the appropriate proportion of TP-TR. Chemical constituents in TP-TR were identified using HPLC-ELSD and UPLC-MS/MS methods. Subsequently, a cough mouse model was created using an ammonia solution to evaluate the effectiveness of the optimal TP-TR ratio. Network pharmacology and intestinal flora sequencing were used to validate the anti-inflammatory components of TP-TR.

RESULTS

The herbal pair of TP - TR at the ratio of 1:2 showed an optimal anti-inflammatory effect, with a composite inflammatory factor score of 119.645 in the zebrafish experiment. TP-TR combination facilitated the dissolution of glutamine, inosine, cytosine, isoquercetin, and other substances. In the animal model, the TP-TR (1:2) treatment significantly reduced the frequency of coughs and prolonged cough latency compared to the model group. Results of the network pharmacology indicated that inflammatory-related factors such as TLR4, STAT3, EGFR, and AKT1 played crucial roles in cough treatment with TP-TR, consistent with the validation experiment. The 16s rDNA sequencing results revealed a significant increase in the abundance of Clostridia_UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae, Christenella, Ruminococcus, and other species in the intestinal tract of mice after modelling. TP-TR (1:2) reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory flora such as Clostridium_UCG-014 and Lachnospira, which were closely associated with L-lysine and trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline present in TP-TR according to correlation analysis.

CONCLUSION

TP-TR may promote the dissolution of glutamine, thymidine, inosine, cytosine, isoquercetin, and other components through their combination, thereby regulating the abundance of Clostridium_UCG-014 and Lachnospira and exerting an antitussive effect. This study, for the first time, showed that TP-TR at a 1:2 ratio exhibits superior anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to inflammatory mediators like EGFR, TLR4, AKT1, and STAT3, gut microbes could also serve as potential regulatory targets of TP-TR in the treatment of cough. 2'-Deoxyguanosine monohydrate, L-lysine, L-leucine, γ-aminobutyric acid, L-valine, L-tryptophan, L-proline, trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, L-methionine, uridine, 2'-deoxyinosine, guanosine, cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin D were identified as its anti-inflammatory active ingredients.

Cisplatin and doxorubicin chemotherapy alters gut microbiota in a murine osteosarcoma model

The gut microbiota is closely associated with tumor progression and treatment in a variety of cancers. However, the alteration of the gut microbiota during the progression and chemotherapy of osteosarcoma remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the relationship between dysbiosis in the gut microbiota during osteosarcoma growth and chemotherapy treatment. We used BALB/c nude mice to establish osteosarcoma xenograft tumor models and administered cisplatin (CDDP) or doxorubicin (DOX) intraperitonially once every 2 days for a total of 5 times to establish effective chemotherapy models. Fecal samples were collected and processed for 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the composition of the gut microbiota. We observed that the abundances of Colidextribacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, and Lachnoclostridium decreased, and the abundances of Alloprevotella and Enterorhabdus increased in the osteosarcoma mouse model group compared to those in the control group. In addition, genera, such as Lachnoclostridium and Faecalibacterium were more abundant in chemotherapy-treated mice than those in saline-treated mice. Additionally, we observed that alterations in some genera, including Lachnoclostridium and Colidextribacter in the osteosarcoma animal model group returned to normal after CDDP or DOX treatment. Furthermore, the function of the gut microbiota was inferred through PICRUSt2 (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States), which indicated that metabolism-related microbiota was highly enriched and significantly different in each group. These results indicate correlations between dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and osteosarcoma growth and chemotherapy treatment with CDDP or DOX and may provide novel avenues for the development of potential adjuvant therapies.

Probiotic Clostridium butyricum ameliorates cognitive impairment in obesity via the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Obesity is a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The gut microbiota-brain axis is altered in obesity and linked to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we targeted obesity-induced cognitive impairment by testing the impact of the probiotic Clostridium butyricum, which has previously shown beneficial effects on gut homeostasis and brain function. Firstly, we characterized and analyzed the gut microbial profiles of participants with obesity and the correlation between gut microbiota and cognitive scores. Then, using an obese mouse model induced by a Western-style diet (high-fat and fiber-deficient diet), the effects of Clostridium butyricum on the microbiota-gut-brain axis and hippocampal cognitive function were evaluated. Finally, fecal microbiota transplantation was performed to assess the functional link between Clostridium butyricum remodeling gut microbiota and hippocampal synaptic protein and cognitive behaviors. Our results showed that participants with obesity had gut microbiota dysbiosis characterized by an increase in phylum Proteobacteria and a decrease in Clostridium butyricum, which were closely associated with cognitive decline. In diet-induced obese mice, oral Clostridium butyricum supplementation significantly alleviated cognitive impairment, attenuated the deficit of hippocampal neurite outgrowth and synaptic ultrastructure, improved hippocampal transcriptome related to synapses and dendrites; a comparison of the effects of Clostridium butyricum in mice against human AD datasets revealed that many of the genes changes in AD were reversed by Clostridium butyricum; concurrently, Clostridium butyricum also prevented gut microbiota dysbiosis, colonic barrier impairment and inflammation, and attenuated endotoxemia. Importantly, fecal microbiota transplantation from donor-obese mice with Clostridium butyricum supplementation facilitated cognitive variables and colonic integrity compared with from donor obese mice, highlighting that Clostridium butyricum's impact on cognitive function is largely due to its ability to remodel gut microbiota. Our findings provide the first insights into the neuroprotective effects of Clostridium butyricum on obesity-associated cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration via the gut microbiota-gut-brain axis.

A study on the effectiveness of sodium selenite in treating cadmium and perfluoro octane sulfonic (PFOS) poisoned zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS) and cadmium (Cd) are toxic elements in the environment. As a micronutrient trace element, selenium (Se) can mitigate the adverse effects induced by PFOS and Cd. However, few studies have examined the correlation between Se, PFOS and Cd in fish. The present study focused on the antagonistic effects of Se on PFOS+Cd-induced accumulation in the liver of zebrafish. The fish was exposed to PFOS (0.08mg/L), Cd (1mg/L), PFOS+ Cd (0.08 mg/L PFOS+1 mg/L Cd), L-Se (0.07mg/L Sodium selenite +0.08mg/L PFOS+1mg/L Cd), M-Se (0.35mg/L Sodium selenite + 0.08mg/L PFOS+ 1 mg/L Cd), H-Se (1.75 mg/L Sodium selenite + 0.08 mg/L PFOS+ 1mg/L Cd) for 14d. The addition of selenium to fish exposed to PFOS and Cd has been found to have significant positive effects. Specifically, selenium treatments can alleviate the adverse effects of PFOS and Cd on fish growth, with a 23.10% improvement observed with the addition of T6 compared to T4. In addition, selenium can alleviate the negative effects of PFOS and Cd on antioxidant enzymes in zebrafish liver, thus reducing the liver toxicity caused by PFOS and Cd. Overall, the supplementation of selenium can reduce the health risks to fish and mitigate the injuries caused by PFOS and Cd in zebrafish.

Research Progress Regarding the Effect and Mechanism of Dietary Polyphenols in Liver Fibrosis

The development of liver fibrosis is a result of chronic liver injuries may progress to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. In recent years, liver fibrosis has become a major global problem, and the incidence rate and mortality are increasing year by year. However, there are currently no approved treatments. Research on anti-liver-fibrosis drugs is a top priority. Dietary polyphenols, such as plant secondary metabolites, have remarkable abilities to reduce lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and inflammation, and are attracting more and more attention as potential drugs for the treatment of liver diseases. Gradually, dietary polyphenols are becoming the focus for providing an improvement in the treatment of liver fibrosis. The impact of dietary polyphenols on the composition of intestinal microbiota and the subsequent production of intestinal microbial metabolites has been observed to indirectly modulate signaling pathways in the liver, thereby exerting regulatory effects on liver disease. In conclusion, there is evidence that dietary polyphenols can be therapeutically useful in preventing and treating liver fibrosis, and we highlight new perspectives and key questions for future drug development.

The study on the impact of sex on the structure of gut microbiota of bamboo rats in China

Introduction

Bamboo rats are rodents that eat bamboo, and their robust capacity for bamboo digestion is directly correlated with their gut flora. Chinese bamboo rat (Rhizomys sinensis) is a common bamboo rat in Chinese central and southern regions. As a single-stomach mammal, bamboo rats are a famous specificity bamboo-eating animal and their intestinal microbial composition may also play a key role in the digestion of cellulose and lignin. So, the gut microbiota of bamboo rat may play an important role in the adaptation of bamboo rats for digesting lignocellulose-based diet.

Methods

To study the microbiome differences of bamboo rats from different sexes, the microbial genomic DNA was extracted from each fecal sample and the V4 region of 16S rRNA genes was amplified and sequencing on an IlluminaHiSeq6000 platform. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were classified, the OTUs in different sexes was identified and compared at phylum and genus levels. For isolation and screening of cellulose degradation bacteria from bamboo rats, fresh feces from randomly selected bamboo rats were collected and used for the isolation and screening of cellulose degradation bacteria using Luria Bertani (LB) Agar medium containing Carboxymethyl cellulose. The cellulase activity, biochemical characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the purified bacteria strains were characterized.

Results and discussion

A total of 3,833 OTUs were classified. The total microbial diversity detected in the female and male rats was 3,049 OTUs and 3,452 OTUs, respectively. The Shannon index revealed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05), though they were all captive and had the same feeding conditions. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria were prominent in the microbial community. At the genus level, the microbial community was dominated by Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Prevotella, but there was a significant difference between the two groups of bamboo rats; ~90 bacteria genus in the female group was significantly higher than the male group. Among them, Bacteroides, Colidextribacter, and Oscillibacter were significantly higher genera, and the genera of Lachnoclostridium, Oscillibacter, and Papillibacter had the highest FC value among the male and female bamboo rats. The KEGG function annotation and different pathways analysis revealed that membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, and amino acid metabolism were the most enriched metabolic pathways in the two groups, and multiple sugar transport system permease protein (K02025 and K02026), RNA polymerase sigma-70 factor (K03088), and ATP-binding cassette (K06147) were the three different KEGG pathways (p < 0.05). Two cellulose degradation bacteria strains-Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis-were isolated and characterized from the feces of bamboo rats.

Effects of extracted oil of fermented Tartary buckwheat on lipid-lowering, inflammation modulation, and gut microbial regulation in mice

This study investigated the composition of Tartary buckwheat oil fermented by Monascus purpureus and extracted under supercritical CO2 conditions (FTBO) and evaluated its effects on lipid-lowering, inflammation modulation, and gut microbial regulation in mice that were fed a high-fat diet (MOD). Compared with the raw oil (TBO), the γ-oryzanol content reached 27.09 mg g-1; the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (such as oleic acid and palmitic acid) was elevated; and the antioxidant capacities of DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl were improved in FTBO (p < 0.0001). Then, supplementation with FTBO had a remarkable effect on reducing the body weight and visceral obesity as well as alleviating hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammatory reactions, and liver damage. The TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in the liver and plasma were reduced, and the HDL-C levels in the liver were increased (p < 0.05). In particular, the high-dose group (FTBOH) exhibited the most significant effect on reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines ET, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the liver, which were 18.85, 570.12, 50.47, and 26.22 pg mL-1, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, FTBO reversed intestinal disorders and increased the intestinal microbial diversity and richness. The relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, were increased, and the relative abundance of the harmful bacteria Staphylococcus and Lachnoclostridium were reduced. In summary, FTBO has potential applications as a dietary supplement or dietary modifier in lowering blood lipids, modulating immune activity, and reversing intestinal disorders. This study provides reference guidance for the subsequent industrialization and development of Tartary buckwheat, the extension of the industrial chain, the development of new products, and the extraction of functional components.

2'-Fucosyllactose alleviates OVA-induced food allergy in mice by ameliorating intestinal microecology and regulating the imbalance of Th2/Th1 proportion

Food allergy (FA) has become a prominent problem in public health. 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) was reported to alleviate FA symptoms; however, the regulatory mechanism is still unclear. This study evaluated the 2'-FL antiallergic potential in an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mouse model and explored the systemic effects of 2'-FL on gut microecology and the intestinal immune barrier. The results showed that 2'-FL alleviated allergy symptoms, decreased serum allergic indicator levels, enhanced the intestinal barrier, and attenuated low-grade inflammation. The up-regulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) was associated with higher levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in 2'-FL intervention mice. 2'-FL also improved the intestinal microbiota diversity and increased the abundance of Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae UCG-006, and Ruminococcaceae while suppressing Muribaculaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae. Additionally, 2'-FL ameliorated the imbalance of Th2/Th1, mainly by decreasing Th2-type immune response and enhanced CD4 + Foxp3 + Treg immunoreaction. These results suggest that 2'-FL restores intestinal barrier defects, gut microbiota disorder, and immune impairment while alleviating ovalbumin-induced allergic symptoms in FA mice.

Response differences of gut microbiota in oligofructose and inulin are determined by the initial gut Bacteroides/Bifidobacterium ratios

Prebiotics are known to modulate the gut microbiota, but there is host variability, mainly due to differences in carbohydrate-utilisation by gut microbiota. Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides are powerful carbohydrate-utilising bacteria, and the ratio of both is closely related to the utilisation of prebiotics. However, the differential impact of prebiotics on the composition and function of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in participants with different Bacteroides/Bifidobacterium (Ba/Bi) ratios have not been studied. Here, we conducted a 4-week randomised double-blind, parallel four-arm trial using two prebiotics (oligofructose and inulin) in two populations with high Ba/Bi (H) and low Ba/Bi (L). The response to prebiotics in both populations was influenced by the baseline microbiota background specificity. Notably, at an overall level, FOS was slightly better than inulin in modulating the gut microbiota. Difference in gut microbiota regulation by FOS across microbiota contexts were significant between the two groups. Butyric acid-producing bacteria were significantly more abundant in H and further elevated butyric acid and related metabolite levels, with H more likely to benefit from the FOS intervention. The two groups showed only metabolic differences in their response to inulin, with L showing a significant increase in propionic acid and being enriched in glycolysis functions, whereas H was enriched in amino acids and aminoglycolysis functions. Overall, these results provide a basis for selecting appropriate prebiotics for participants with different gut backgrounds.

The impact of dioctyl phthalate exposure on multiple organ systems and gut microbiota in mice

Dioctyl phthalate, commonly known as bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is a widely used plasticizer in various industries and has been shown to directly or indirectly impact human health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies evaluating the potential health risks associated with DEHP accumulation in different organs across various age groups. This study aimed to assess the effects of low (50 mg/kg·bw) and high (500 mg/kg·bw) doses of DEHP on five different organs in mice at young (4-week-old) and aged (76-week-old) life stages. Our findings revealed that both low and high doses of DEHP exposure led to significant dose-dependent inflammation in the liver, spleen, and kidney. Furthermore, regardless of age, DEHP exposure resulted in elevated activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the liver, as well as increased levels of creatinine (Cr) and urea in the kidney. Moreover, analysis of the fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that DEHP exposure disrupted the homeostasis of the gut microbiota, characterized by an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Desulfovibrio and Muribaculum, and a decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus. This study provides compelling evidence that DEHP at different concentrations can induce damage to multiple organs and disrupt gut microbiota composition. These findings lay the groundwork for further investigations into DEHP toxicity in various human organs, contributing to a better understanding of the potential health risks associated with DEHP exposure.

Long-term effects on liver metabolism induced by ceftriaxone sodium pretreatment

Ceftriaxone is an emerging contaminant due to its potential harm, while its effects on liver are still need to be clarified. In this study, we first pretreated the 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice with high dose ceftriaxone sodium (Cef, 400 mg/mL, 0.2 mL per dose) for 8 days to prepare a gut dysbiosis model, then treated with normal feed for a two-month recovery period, and applied non-targeted metabolomics (including lipidomics) to investigate the variations of fecal and liver metabolome, and coupled with targeted determination of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs). Lastly, the correlations and mediation analysis between the liver metabolism and gut metabolism/microbes were carried, and the potential mechanisms of the mal-effects on gut-liver axis induced by Cef pretreatment were accordingly discussed. Compared to the control group, Cef pretreatment reduced the rate of weight gain and hepatosomatic index, induced bile duct epithelial cells proliferated around the central vein and appearance of binucleated hepatocytes, decreased the ratio of total branching chains amino acids (BCAAs) to total aromatic amino acids (AAAs) in liver metabolome. In fecal metabolome, the total fecal SCFAs and BAs did not change significantly while butyric acid decreased and the primary BAs increased after Cef pretreatment. Correlation and mediation analysis revealed one potential mechanism that Cef may first change the intestinal microbiota (such as destroying its normal structure, reducing its abundance and the stability of the microbial network or certain microbe abundance like Alistipes), and then change the intestinal metabolism (such as acetate, caproate, propionate), leading to liver metabolic disorder (such as spermidine, inosine, cinnamaldehyde). This study proved the possibility of Cef-induced liver damage, displayed the overall metabolic profile of the liver following Cef pretreatment and provided a theoretical framework for further research into the mechanism of Cef-induced liver damage.

Lactobacillus reuteri Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Modulating the Gut Microbiota in Mice

Acute lung injury (ALI) causes lung inflammation and edema as well as resulting in gut microbiota disorder. Probiotics, however, can improve the gut microbiota composition and modulate its immune response, playing an important role in ALI pathogenesis. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice and to probe the mechanism of its synergistic modulatory effect on the lungs and intestines. We assessed the therapeutic effects of L. reuteri in the ALI mouse model by histopathology, alveolar lavage fluid and serum inflammatory factor analysis and explored microbiome and transcriptome alterations. L. reuteri intervention effectively attenuated lung tissue injury and significantly reduced the LPS-induced inflammatory response and macrophage and neutrophil infiltration. Additionally, L. reuteri improved the intestinal barrier function and remodeled the disordered microbiota. In conclusion, our study showed that L. reuteri attenuated the inflammatory response, ameliorated the pulmonary edema, repaired the intestinal barrier, and remodeled the gut microbiota in ALI mice. This study provides new perspectives on the clinical treatment of ALI.

Tibetan tea reduces obesity brought on by a high-fat diet and modulates gut flora in mice

It has been shown that Tibetan tea (TT) inhibits obesity and controls lipid metabolism. The fundamental processes by which TT prevents obesity are yet entirely unknown. Consequently, this research aimed to ascertain if TT may prevent obesity by modifying the gut flora. Our research demonstrated that TT prevented mice from gaining weight and accumulating fat due to the high-fat diet (HFD), decreased levels of blood total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and raised levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Adipogenesis-related genes such as acetyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1, LOC107476), fatty acid synthase (Fas, LOC14104), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c, LOC20787), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα, LOC12606), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1, LOC20249), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ, LOC19016) had their expression downregulated by lowering the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and controlling the number of certain gut bacteria. TT also alleviated HFD-induced abnormalities of the gut microbiota. The Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136_group, Alistipes, and Odoribacter families were identified as the major beneficial gut microorganisms using Spearman's correlation analysis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) demonstrated that TT's anti-obesity and gut microbiota-modulating benefits might be transmitted to mice on an HFD, demonstrating that one of TT's targets for preventing obesity is the gut microbiota. TT also increased the amount of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces, including acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. These results indicate the possible development of TT as a prebiotic to combat obesity and associated disorders. These results suggest that TT may act as a prebiotic against obesity and its associated diseases.

Intestinal Microbiomics and Metabolomics Insights into the Hepatoprotective Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei CCFM1222 Against the Acute Liver Injury in Mice

In recent years, acute liver injury (ALI) has received wide-range attention in the world due to its relatively high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effect of Lactobacillus paracasei CCFM1222 against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mice and further elaborate its mechanism of action from the perspective of intestinal microbiomics and metabolomics. The results displayed that L. paracasei CCFM1222 pretreatment significantly decreased the serum ALT, and AST levels, inhibited the releases of hepatic TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, and activated the SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities in LPS-treated mice. The cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) levels were increased in LPS-treated mice with L. paracasei CCFM1222 pretreatment. In addition, L. paracasei CCFM1222 pretreatment remarkably shifted the intestinal microbiota composition, including the higher abundance of Faecalibaculum, Bifidobacterium, and lower abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, which is positively associated with the cecal propionic, butyric, valeric, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids. The metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF/MS revealed that L. paracasei CCFM1222 pretreatment significantly regulated the composition of feces metabolites in LPS-treated mice, especially the potential biomarker-related butanoate metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, caffeine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, arginine, and proline metabolism. Moreover, L. paracasei CCFM1222 pretreatment remarkably regulated the expression of gene-associated ALI (including Tlr4, Myd88, Nf-kβ, iNOS, Cox2, Iκ-Bα, Nrf2, and Sirt-1). In conclusion, these results suggest the possibility that L. paracasei CCFM1222 supplementation has beneficial effects on preventing the occurrence and development of ALI by inhibiting the inflammatory responses and altering intestinal microbiota composition and their metabolites.

Mitigation of Dextran-Sodium-Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice through Oral Administration of Microbiome-Derived Inosine and Its Underlying Mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Colonic and serum inosine are significantly reduced in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

This study aimed to explore whether microbiome-derived inosine alleviates colitis and its underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

An inosine intervention effectively improved the clinical signs in colitis mice, suppressed inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β) by regulating the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and elevated the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes (including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)) by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Additionally, the inosine intervention significantly elevated the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occudin, and claudin-1) in mice with colitis. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the inosine intervention also prevented gut microbiota disorder by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Romboutsia, Marvinbryantia, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Bifidobacterium) and reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Tyzzerella) in mice with colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Inosine played a significant role in mitigating colitis-related intestinal barrier injury and could potentially be used for therapy in clinical practice.

Essential oil from Artemisia argyi alleviated liver disease in zebrafish (Danio rerio) via the gut-liver axis

The popularity of intensive fish farming has led to the emergence of fish diseases characterized by hepatobiliary syndrome. Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) essential oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, their alleviating effects and mechanism on liver disease in fish are still unclear. Thus, adult zebrafish were used to construct an animal model to observe histopathological damages, determine biochemical parameters and expression of inflammatory cytokines and mRNAs in the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway, and conduct 16 S sequencing of intestinal microbiota. The results found that after treatment with A. argyi essential oil, the histopathological damage caused by ethanol was relieved; the CAT, SOD, and GSH levels were remarkably elevated, while the MDA level was obviously lowered (P < 0.05); the expression levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNAs were enhanced, but the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, PPAR-γ, NF-κB, and TNF-α mRNAs were reduced (P < 0.05) relative to the EtOH group. A. argyi essential oil remarkably attenuated the damage to intestinal tissue structure, and elevated the levels of Muc2, ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin mRNA (P < 0.05). Sequencing of the gut flora showed that A. argyi essential oil significantly altered the composition of gut microbes compared with the EtOH group. In addition, KEGG and COG analyses also showed significant (P < 0.05) changes in acetate cycling metabolism in the EtOH group, catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase and nitroreductase were significantly increased (P < 0.001), and lipid metabolism and terpenoid synthesis were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) in A. argyi essential oil group. The results indicate that A. argyi essential oil could effectively relieve ethanol-caused histopathological damage of livers by modulating the composition of gut microbiota, thus inhibiting the level of IL-1β and mRNAs in the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway, increasing the IL-10 level, reducing the oxidative stress. This may offer a rationale for further research on the rationality of A. argyi as a substitute for feed antibiotics in aquaculture.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Chlorin e6-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy on Mice with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) for anti-obesity activities in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse models. We induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice by HFD and administered Ce6 (2.5 or 5 mg/kg) orally with 3 h of incubation. The mice were then exposed to light of high fluence rate (4.96 mW/cm²) or low fluence rate (2.56 mW/cm²) in the designed LED mouse chamber 2-3 days a week for up to 8 weeks. The study also analyzed the pharmacokinetics and optimization of the drug by evaluating the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of Ce6 in the rat models. Both low doses (2.5 mg/kg) and high doses (5 mg/kg) of Ce6 with high irradiation dose showed better anti-obesity effects than other groups with decreased body weight. The lipid accumulation in the liver and adipocyte size in epididymal adipose tissues were found to be decreased by Ce6-PDT in comparison to vehicle-treated HFD groups. We also observed increased levels of the lipidomic biomarkers, such as leptin and LDL cholesterol, while observing decreasing levels of total cholesterol and adiponectin in the Ce6-PDT-treated mice. These findings may provide valuable insight into Ce6-PDT as an alternative and non-invasive therapeutic methodology for obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Using the collaborative cross to identify the role of host genetics in defining the murine gut microbiome

BACKGROUND

The human gut microbiota is a complex community comprised of trillions of bacteria and is critical for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Bacterial communities of the intestinal microbiota influence the development of several conditions and diseases. We studied the effect of host genetics on gut microbial composition using Collaborative Cross (CC) mice. CC mice are a panel of mice that are genetically diverse across strains, but genetically identical within a given strain allowing repetition and deeper analysis than is possible with other collections of genetically diverse mice.

RESULTS

16S rRNA from the feces of 167 mice from 28 different CC strains was sequenced and analyzed using the Qiime2 pipeline. We observed a large variance in the bacterial composition across CC strains starting at the phylum level. Using bacterial composition data, we identified 17 significant Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) linked to 14 genera on 9 different mouse chromosomes. Genes within these intervals were analyzed for significant association with pathways and the previously known human GWAS database using Enrichr analysis and Genecards database. Multiple host genes involved in obesity, glucose homeostasis, immunity, neurological diseases, and many other protein-coding genes located in these regions may play roles in determining the composition of the gut microbiota. A subset of these CC mice was infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. Using infection outcome data, an increase in abundance of genus Lachnospiraceae and decrease in genus Parasutterella correlated with positive health outcomes after infection. Machine learning classifiers accurately predicted the CC strain and the infection outcome using pre-infection bacterial composition data from the feces.

CONCLUSION

Our study supports the hypothesis that multiple host genes influence the gut microbiome composition and homeostasis, and that certain organisms may influence health outcomes after S. Typhimurium infection. Video Abstract.

Dopaminergic neuroprotective effects of inosine in MPTP-induced parkinsonian mice via brain-derived neurotrophic factor upregulation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. However, no curative or modifying therapy is known. Inosine is a purine nucleoside that increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the brain through adenosine receptors. Herein, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of inosine and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its pharmacological action. Inosine rescued SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells from MPP⁺ injury in a dose-dependent manner. Inosine protection correlated with BDNF expression and the activation of its downstream signaling cascade, as the TrkB receptor inhibitor, K252a and siRNA against the BDNF gene remarkably reduced the protective effects of inosine. Blocking the A₁ or A_2A adenosine receptors diminished BDNF induction and the rescuing effect of inosine, indicating a critical role of adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptors in inosine-related BDNF elevation. We assessed whether the compound could protect dopaminergic neurons from MPTP-induced neuronal injury. Beam-walking and challenge beam tests revealed that inosine pretreatment for 3 weeks reduced the MPTP-induced motor function impairment. Inosine ameliorated dopaminergic neuronal loss and MPTP-mediated astrocytic and microglial activation in the substantia nigra and striatum. Inosine ameliorated the depletion of striatal dopamine and its metabolite following MPTP injection. BDNF upregulation and the activation of its downstream signaling pathway seemingly correlate with the neuroprotective effects of inosine. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of inosine against MPTP neurotoxicity via BDNF upregulation. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of inosine in dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD brains.

Potential effects of Ag ion on the host by changing the structure of its gut microbiota

Silver (Ag) can change the structure of the gut microbiota (GM), but how such change may affect host health is unknown. In this study, mice were exposed to silver acetate daily for 120 days. During this period, Ag accumulation in the liver was measured, its effects on GM structure were analyzed, and potential metabolic changes in liver and serum were examined. Although Ag accumulation remained unchanged in most treatments, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at the phylum level increased and changes in the relative abundance of 33 genera were detected, suggesting that Ag altered the energy metabolism of mice via changes in the gut GM. In serum and liver, 34 and 72 differentially expressed metabolites were identified, respectively. The KEGG pathways thus enriched mainly included those involving the metabolism of amino acids, organic acids, lipids, and purine. Strong correlations were found between 33 % of the microorganisms with altered relative abundances and 46 % of the differentially expressed metabolites. The resulting clusters yielded two communities responsible for host inflammation and energy metabolism. Overall, these results demonstrate potential effects of Ag on the host, by changing its GM structure, and the need to consider them when evaluating the health risk of Ag.

The Effects of Temperature and Humidity Index on Growth Performance, Colon Microbiota, and Serum Metabolome of Ira Rabbits

This study investigates the effects of different THI values on growth performance, intestinal microbes, and serum metabolism in meat rabbits. The results showed that there were significant differences in THI in different location regions of the rabbit house. The high-THI group (HG) could significantly reduce average daily gain and average daily feed intake in Ira rabbits (p < 0.05). The low-THI group (LG) significantly increased the relative abundance of Blautia (p < 0.05). The HG significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and reduced bacterial community interaction (p < 0.05). The cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, and toll-like receptor signaling pathway in each rabbit's gut were activated when the THI was 26.14 (p < 0.05). Metabolic pathways such as the phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolisms were activated when the THI was 27.25 (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the TRPV3 and NGF genes that were associated with heat sensitivity were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). In addition, five metabolites were found to be able to predict THI levels in the environment with an accuracy of 91.7%. In summary, a THI of 26.14 is more suitable for the growth of meat rabbits than a THI of 27.25, providing a reference for the efficient feeding of meat rabbits.

Research on the improvement effect of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk on rheumatoid arthritis based on the "component-target-pathway" association

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk in rats with complete Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

The chemical targets and RA targets of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk were acquired by the network pharmacological method. The complete Freund's adjuvant-induced rat RA model was used to further explore the mechanism of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk in improving RA. Pathological changes in the volume of toes, body weight and synovial tissues of joints as well as serum inflammatory factor levels before and after the intervention of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk were investigated. The key metabolic pathways were screened by correlations between metabolites and key targets. Finally, a quantitative analysis of key targets and metabolites was experimentally validated.

RESULTS

Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk administration increased body weight, mitigated foot swelling and downregulated inflammatory cytokine levels in model rats. The histopathology showed that treatment with Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk can induce inflammatory cell infiltration and synovial hyperplasia and obviously reduce cartilage injuries, thus improving arthritis symptoms in rats. According to the network pharmacology-metabonomics association analysis results, the purine metabolic signaling pathway might be the key pathway for RA intervention with Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk. Targeted metabonomics, Western blotting (WB) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR) assays showed that the recombinant adenosine deaminase (ADA) mRNA expression level and metabolic level of inosine in Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk administration group were lower than those of the model group. This reflected that Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk could improve RA by downregulating ADA mRNA expression levels and the metabolic level of inosine in the purine signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Based on the "component-disease-target" association analysis, this study concludes that Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk improves complete Freund's adjuvant-induced RA symptoms in rats mainly by downregulating ADA mRNA expression levels in the purine metabolic signaling pathway, mitigating foot swelling, improving the levels of serum inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), and decreasing the ADA protein expression level to intervene in purine metabolism.

The Effects of Synbiotics on Dextran-Sodium-Sulfate-Induced Acute Colitis: The Impact of Chitosan Oligosaccharides on Endogenous/Exogenous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

In this work, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) isolated from mice feces (LP-M) and pickles (LP-P) were chosen as the endogenous and exogenous L. plantarum, respectively, which were separately combined with chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) to be synbiotics. The anti-inflammatory activity of LP-M, LP-P, COS, and the synbiotics was explored using dextran-sodium-sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis mice, as well as by comparing the synergistic effects of COS with LP-M or LP-P. The results revealed that L. plantarum, COS, and the synbiotics alleviated the symptoms of mice colitis and inhibited the changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) caused by DSS. In addition, the intervention of L. plantarum, COS, and the synbiotics increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus and suppressed the pathogenic bacteria Turicibacter and Escherichia-Shigella. There was no statistically difference between LP-M and the endogenous synbiotics on intestinal immunity and metabolism. However, the exogenous synbiotics improved SCFAs, inhibited the changes in cytokines and MPO activity, and restored the gut microbiota more effectively than exogenous L. plantarum LP-P. This indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity of exogenous LP-P can be increased by combining it with COS as a synbiotic.

Supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC14917 mitigates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat-diet-fed rats

Atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Many clinical studies have underlined the link between NAFLD and atherosclerosis. Our previous experiments have discovered that Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum ATCC14917 supplementation could decrease the progression of atherosclerotic lesion formation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of supplementation of L. plantarum ATCC14917 mitigates liver injury in rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD, 45% kcal from fat). A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups, including two intervention groups, who fed with HFD and administering either 1 × 10⁷ or 1 × 10⁹ colony forming units (CFU) of L. plantarum ATCC14917, the normal control group, and the HFD control group. The results showed that supplementation with low-dose and high-dose of L. plantarum ATCC14917 for 8 weeks could alleviate the body weight gain (p < 0.05), hepatic steatosis, and serum lipid metabolism (p < 0.05) in HFD-fed rats. Moreover, supplementation of L. plantarum ATCC 14917 decreased total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (p < 0.05) in serum, and improved HFD-associated inflammation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, cecal contents were analyzed by high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. The results indicated that supplementation of L. plantarum ATCC 14917 could ameliorate HFD-induced gut dysbiosis. In summary, our findings suggest that supplementation of L. plantarum ATCC 14917 could mitigate NAFLD in rats, suggesting it may be considered as a probiotic agent for preventing HFD-induced obesity.

Clostridium butyricum Reduces Obesity in a Butyrate-Independent Way

Accumulating evidence from recent studies links the gut microbiota to obesity, and microbiome therapy has been examined as a treatment. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum), an intestinal symbiont, protects the host from a range of diseases. Studies have shown a negative correlation between the relative abundance of C. butyricum and a predisposition for obesity. However, the physiological function and material basis of C. butyricum for obesity are unclear. Here, five C. butyricum isolates were administered to mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) to determine their anti-obesity effects. All isolates suppressed the formation and inflammation of subcutaneous fat, and the two effective strains considerably reduced weight gain and ameliorated dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation. These positive effects were not achieved by increasing the concentration of intestinal butyrate, and the effective strains could not be replaced by sodium butyrate (NaB). We also discovered that oral supplementation with the two most effective strains changed the metabolism of tryptophan and purine and altered the composition of the gut microbiota. In summary, C. butyricum improved the metabolic phenotypes under the HFD by controlling the composition of the gut microbiota and modulating intestinal metabolites, thereby demonstrating its ability to fight obesity and providing a theoretical foundation for microbial preparations production.

Structural Characteristics and Immunomodulatory Effects of Melanoidins from Black Garlic

Melanoidins are considered to have several biological activities. In this study, black garlic melanoidins (MLDs) were collected using ethanol solution extraction; 0%, 20%, and 40% ethanol solutions were used for chromatography. Three kinds of melanoidins were produced by macroporous resin, named MLD-0, MLD-20, and MLD-40. The molecular weight was determined, and the infrared and microscopic structures were studied. In addition, Balb/c mice were induced with cyclophosphamide (CTX) to establish an immune deficiency model to evaluate the immune efficacy of black garlic melanoidins (MLDs). The results showed that MLDs restored the proliferation and phagocytosis ability of macrophages, and the proliferation activity of B lymphocytes in the MD group was 63.32% (♀) and 58.11% (♂) higher than that in the CTX group, respectively. In addition, MLDs alleviated the abnormal expression of serum factors such as IFN-γ, IL-10, and TNF-α. 16SrDNA sequencing of intestinal fecal samples of mice showed that MLDs changed the structure and quantity of intestinal flora, and especially that the relative abundance of Bacteroidaceae was significantly increased. The relative abundance of Staphylococcaceae was significantly reduced. These results showed that MLDs improved the diversity of intestinal flora in mice, and improved the adverse state of immune organs and immune cells. The experiments confirm that black garlic melanoidins have potential value in immune activity, which provides an important basis for the development and utilization of melioidosis.

Intestinal microbiomics and hepatic metabolomics insights into the potential mechanisms of probiotic Bifidobacterium pseudolongum CCFM1253 preventing acute liver injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Bifidobacterium pseudolongum is widely exists in mammal gut and its abundance is associated with human and animal health. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of B. pseudolongum CCFM1253 on protecting against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) by metagenomic analysis and liver metabolomic profiles.

RESULTS

Bifidobacterium pseudolongum CCFM1253 preintervention remarkably attenuated the influence of LPS on serum alanine transaminase and aspartate amino transferase activities. B. pseudolongum CCFM1253 preintervention remarkably attenuated the inflammation responses (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6) and elevated antioxidative enzymes activities [total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase] in ALI mice by intervening in the Nf-kβ and Nrf2 pathways, respectively. Bifidobacterium pseudolongum CCFM1253 treatment elevated the proportion of Alistipes and Bifidobacterium, and decreased the proportion of uncultured Bacteroidales bacterium, Muribaculum, Parasutterella and Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 in ALI mice, which were strongly correlated with the inhibition of inflammation responses and oxidative stress. Untargeted liver metabolomics exhibited that the hepatoprotective efficacy of B. pseudolongum CCFM1253 might be achieved by altering liver metabolites-related riboflavin metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, alanine, citrate cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle), and so on. Furthermore, riboflavin exposure could control the contents of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in hydrogen peroxide-treated HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Bifidobacterium pseudolongum CCFM1253 can effectively alleviate inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and regulate the intestinal microbiota composition and liver metabolism, and elevate the liver riboflavin content in LPS-treated mice. Therefore, B. pseudolongum CCFM1253 could serves as a potential probiotic to ameliorate the host health. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

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.

Dose-Response Efficacy and Mechanisms of Orally Administered Bifidobacterium breve CCFM683 on IMQ-Induced Psoriasis in Mice

This study aimed to investigate the dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM683 on relieving psoriasis and its underlying patterns. Specifically, the expression of keratin 16, keratin 17, and involucrin were substantially decreased by administration of 10⁹ CFU and 10¹⁰ CFU per day. Moreover, interleukin (IL)-17 and TNF-α levels were substantially decreased by 10⁹ and 10¹⁰ CFU/day. Furthermore, the gut microbiota in mice treated with 10⁹ or 10¹⁰ CFU/day was rebalanced by improving the diversity, regulating microbe interactions, increasing Lachnoclostridium, and decreasing Oscillibacter. Moreover, the concentrations of colonic bile acids were positively correlated with the effectiveness of the strain in relieving psoriasis. The gavage dose should be more than 10^8.42 CFU/day to improve psoriasis according to the dose-effect curve. In conclusion, CCFM683 supplementation alleviated psoriasis in a dose-dependent manner by recovering microbiota, promoting bile acid production, regulating the FXR/NF-κB pathway, diminishing proinflammatory cytokines, regulating keratinocytes, and maintaining the epidermal barrier function. These results may help guide probiotic product development and clinical trials in psoriasis.

Lycium barbarum Oligosaccharides Alleviate Hepatic Steatosis by Modulating Gut Microbiota in C57BL/6J Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

High-fat diets (HFD) can promote the development of hepatic steatosis by altering the structure and composition of gut flora. In this study, the potential therapeutic mechanism of Lycium barbarum oligosaccharide (LBO) against hepatic steatosis was investigated by analyzing the changes in the intestinal flora and metabolites in mice. Mice on an HFD were administered LBO by gavage once daily for a continuous period of eight weeks. Compared with the HFD group, the levels of triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum, and hepatic TG were significantly reduced in the LBO group, and liver lipid accumulation was obviously improved. In addition, LBO could regulate the HFD-induced alteration of intestinal flora. The HFD increased the proportion of Barnesiellaceae, Barnesiella, and CHKCI001. LBO increased the proportion of Dubosiella, Eubacterium, and Lactobacillus. LBO also altered the fecal metabolic profile. Significantly different metabolites between LBO and the HFD, such as taurochenodeoxycholate, taurocholate, fluvastatin, and kynurenic acid, were related to the cholesterol metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolic pathways. In light of the above, LBO can alleviate HFD-induced NAFLD by modulating the components of the intestinal flora and fecal metabolites.

Cherry juice alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice by resolving gut microbiota dysbiosis and regulating microRNA

Cherry is a nutrient-rich food that is good for health. This study demonstrated the inhibitory action of dietary cherry juice on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Cherry juice intervention significantly decreased body weight, fat contents, and blood lipid levels in obese mice. The overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines was suppressed by dietary cherry juice, which was accompanied by the elevation of tight junction proteins to maintain intestinal barrier. Moreover, dietary cherry juice restored the decreased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by regulating the composition and abundance of gut microbiota. In addition, dietary cherry juice also suppressed the expression of some microRNAs associated with obesity such as miR-200c-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-132-3p, and miR-223-3p and target proteins related with microRNAs in the inguinal or epididymal white tissue in the obese mice. These results offer a fresh perspective on cherry juice's role in the prevention of obesity caused by the HFD.

Broccoli seed extract rich in polysaccharides and glucoraphanin ameliorates DSS-induced colitis via intestinal barrier protection and gut microbiota modulation in mice

BACKGROUND

Broccoli has received widespread attention because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to explore the composition of broccoli seed extract (BSE) and its effect on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).

RESULTS

BSE mainly comprises glucoraphanin and polysaccharides composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose and mannose. Animal experiments suggested that BSE intervention effectively reversed body weight loss, suppressed the levels of proinflammatory interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, and elevated the levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione in DSS-induced colitis mice. According to histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of colon tissue, BSE intervention may repair the intestinal barrier by upregulating mRNA levels and the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin and zonula occludens-1). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis demonstrated that cecal short-chain fatty acids in mice with BSE administration were significantly increased compared with the model group. Sulforaphane and sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine were only detected in BSE group mice by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS analysis. In addition, BSE intervention evidently increased the abundance of Alistipeds, Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002 and Bifidobacterium and decreased the abundance of Escheichia-Shinella, Lachnospiraceae others, Parabacteroides, Ruminococcaceae others and Turicibacter, which possibly promoted carbohydrate metabolism and short-chain fatty acid production.

CONCLUSION

The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of BSE on colitis and found that BSE, as a novel food ingredient, has great potential for the improvement of colitis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cordyceps militaris extracts and cordycepin ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites

Introduction:Cordyceps militaris, which has many potential medicinal properties, has rarely been reported to alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: The effects of C. militaris extracts (CE) and cordycepin (CCS) on high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) induced T2DM mice were analysed by gut microbiome and metabolomics methods in this study.

Results: The results demonstrated that glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammation cytokines were down-regulated in the CCS and CE groups. A comparative analysis of the fecal samples from mice in the model and experimental groups showed that experimental groups resulted in a higher abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that C. militaris can be used as a food supplement to relieve T2DM, which provides a promising prospect for new functional food in it.

Glucose oxidase as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters improves the immunity function, antioxidative status, and cecal microbiota environment in white-feathered broilers

This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of glucose oxidase (GOD) on broilers as a potential antibiotic substitute. A total of four hundred twenty 1-day-old male Cobb500 broilers were randomly assigned into five dietary treatments, each with six replicates (12 chicks per replicate). The treatments included two control groups (a basal diet and a basal diet with 50 mg/kg aureomycin) and three GOD-additive groups involving three different concentrations of GOD. Analysis after the t-test showed that, on day 21, the feed:gain ratio significantly decreased in the 1,200 U/kg GOD-supplied group (GOD1200) compared to the antibiotic group (Ant). The same effect was also observed in GOD1200 during days 22-42 and in the 600 U/kg GOD-supplied group (GOD600) when compared to the control group (Ctr). The serum tests indicated that, on day 21, the TGF-β cytokine was significantly decreased in both GOD600 and GOD1200 when compared with Ctr. A decrease in malondialdehyde and an increase in superoxide dismutase in GOD1200 were observed, which is similar to the effects seen in Ant. On day 42, the D-lactate and glutathione peroxidase activity changed remarkably in GOD1200 and surpassed Ant. Furthermore, GOD upregulated the expression of the jejunal barrier genes (MUC-2 and ZO-1) in two phases relative to Ctr. In the aureomycin-supplied group, the secretory immunoglobulin A significantly decreased in the jejunum at 42 days. Changes in microbial genera were also discovered in the cecum by sequencing 16S rRNA genes at 42 days. The biomarkers for GOD supplementation were identified as Colidextribacter, Oscillibacter, Flavonifractor, Oscillospira, and Shuttleworthia. Except for Shuttleworthia, all the abovementioned genera were n-butyrate producers known for imparting their various benefits to broilers. The PICRUSt prediction of microbial communities revealed 11 pathways that were enriched in both the control and GOD-supplied groups. GOD1200 accounted for an increased number of metabolic pathways, demonstrating their potential in aiding nutrient absorption and digestion. In conclusion, a diet containing GOD can be beneficial to broiler health, particularly at a GOD concentration of 1,200 U/kg. The improved feed conversion ratio, immunity, antioxidative capacity, and intestinal condition demonstrated that GOD could be a valuable alternative to antibiotics in broiler breeding.

Protopanaxadiol manipulates gut microbiota to promote bone marrow hematopoiesis and enhance immunity in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mice

Protopanaxadiol (PPD) has potential immunomodulatory effects, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we explored the potential roles of gut microbiota in the immunity regulation mechanisms of PPD using a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression mouse model. Our results showed that a medium dose of PPD (PPD-M, 50 mg/kg) effectively ameliorated the immunosuppression induced by CTX treatment by promoting bone marrow hematopoiesis, increasing the number of splenic T lymphocytes and regulating the secretion of serum immunoglobulins and cytokines. Meanwhile, PPD-M protected against CTX-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Oscillospirales, Turicibacter, Coldextribacter, Lachnospiraceae, Dubosiella, and Alloprevotella and reducing the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. Importantly, PPD-M lost the ability to promote bone marrow hematopoiesis and enhance immunity when the gut microbiota was depleted by broad-spectrum antibiotics. Moreover, PPD-M promoted the production of microbiota-derived immune-enhancing metabolites including cucurbitacin C, l-gulonolactone, ceramide, DG, prostaglandin E2 ethanolamide, palmitoyl glucuronide, 9R,10S-epoxy-stearic acid, and 9'-carboxy-gamma-chromanol. KEGG topology analysis showed that the PPD-M treatment significantly enriched the sphingolipid metabolic pathway with ceramide as a main metabolite. Our findings reveal that PPD enhances immunity by manipulating gut microbiota and has the potential to be used as an immunomodulator in cancer chemotherapy.

Potential Probiotic Properties of Blautia producta Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Blautia is a genus of anaerobic microbe extensively present in the intestine and feces of mammals. This study aims to investigate the influence of Blautia producta to prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and elaborate on its hepatoprotective mechanisms. B. producta D4 and DSM2950 pretreatment decreased the activities of serum aspartate transferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) in mice with LPS treatment significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increased the activities of antioxidative superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Compared with the model group, B. producta D4 and B. producta DSM2950 pretreatment slightly increased the levels of cecal propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid (p > 0.05). Metagenomic analysis showed that B. producta D4 and DSM2950 pretreatment remarkably increased the relative abundance of [Eubacterium] xylanophilum group, Lachnospira, Ruminiclostridium, Ruminiclostridium 9, Coprococcus 2, Odoribacter, Roseburia, Alistipes, and Desulfovibrio in ALI mice, and their abundance is negatively related to the levels of inflammatory TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 as revealed by Spearman's correlation analysis. Moreover, transcription and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that B. producta D4 and B. producta DSM2950 intervention remarkably suppressed the transcription and expression levels of hepatic Tlr4, MyD88, and caspase-3 (p < 0.05). These data indicated that B. producta may be a good candidate for probiotics in the prevention of ALI.

Ferulic acid supplementation alleviates hyperuricemia in high-fructose/fat diet-fed rats via promoting uric acid excretion and mediating the gut microbiota

The prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) has been rising, and it is typically accompanied by renal injury and intestinal flora disorder, leading to a non-negligible health crisis. Ferulic acid (FA), as a familiar polyphenol, has been proven to exert anti-hyperuricemic properties via inhibiting uric acid (UA) synthesis; however, the detailed underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory effect of FA on UA excretion as a potential strategy for reducing UA levels, and the comorbidities of HUA. FA treatment downregulated the expression of urate absorption transporter genes and repressed the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway in UA-stimulated HK-2 cells. To examine these effects in vivo, FA or allopurinol (positive control) was given to rats with HUA induced by a high-fructose/fat diet (HFFD) for 20 weeks. FA markedly decreased the serum UA, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels. The expression of urate absorption transporters was downregulated, whereas the expression of secretion transporters was upregulated in the kidneys and intestines of FA-treated HUA rats. Additionally, FA mitigated renal oxidative stress, and suppressed the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the downstream inflammatory response-related markers in the kidneys. Moreover, FA remodeled the composition of the gut microbiota, characterized by an increase in beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus) and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides). In conclusion, our study validated FA as an effective nutrient to ameliorate HFFD-induced HUA, suggesting its potential to mitigate the HUA-associated renal impairment and intestinal microbiota disturbance.

Bifidobacterium longum CCFM1206 Promotes the Biotransformation of Glucoraphanin to Sulforaphane That Contributes to Amelioration of Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Glucoraphanin, rich in broccoli seed extract (BSE), is generally inert but can be biotransformed into active sulforaphane by gut bacteria. This study aimed to screen probiotics with glucoraphanin-metabolizing ability and explore the effect of a combination of strain and BSE on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice. Bifidobacterium longum CCFM1206 was isolated from healthy adult feces. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography Q Exactive mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of sulforaphane, sulforaphane-l-cysteine, and erucin in the BSE supernatant fermented by B. longum CCFM1206 in vitro. Combined and individual interventions of BSE and B. longum CCFM1206 were applied to explore the effects on DSS-induced colitis. The results suggested that the combination of B. longum CCFM1206 and BSE could ameliorate colitis symptoms, relieve colonic inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, and protect the intestinal barrier in DSS-induced mice. In comparison to the BSE intervention alone, the combined intervention of B. longum CCFM1206 and BSE promoted the generation of sulforaphane and sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine in mice colon from 220.88 ± 19.81 to 333.99 ± 36.46 nmol/g and from 232.04 ± 26.48 to 297.50 ± 40.08 nmol/g dry weight feces, respectively. According to quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis, B. longum CCFM1206 and BSE effectively activated the transcription and expression of genes related to the Nrf2 signaling pathway. These results were intended to elucidate that probiotics could elevate the bioactivity of dietary phytochemicals in vivo, and the combination had potential for therapeutic treatment of colitis.

Ameliorative Effect of Mannuronate Oligosaccharides on Hyperuricemic Mice via Promoting Uric Acid Excretion and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Mannuronate oligosaccharide (MOS) is α-D-mannuronic acid polymer with 1,4-glycosidic linkages that possesses beneficial biological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypouricemic effect of MOS in hyperuricemic mice and demonstrate the possible protective mechanisms involved. In this research, 200 mg/kg/day of MOS was orally administered to hyperuricemic mice for four weeks. The results showed that the MOS treatment significantly reduced the serum uric acid (SUA) level from 176.4 ± 7.9 μmol/L to 135.7 ± 10.9 μmol/L (p < 0.05). MOS alleviated the inflammatory response in the kidney. Moreover, MOS promoted uric acid excretion by regulating the protein levels of renal GLUT9, URAT1 and intestinal GLUT9, ABCG2. MOS modulated the gut microbiota in hyperuricemic mice and decreased the levels of Tyzzerella. In addition, research using antibiotic-induced pseudo-sterile mice demonstrated that the gut microbiota played a crucial role in reducing elevated serum uric acid of MOS in mice. In conclusion, MOS may be a potential candidate for alleviating HUA symptoms and regulating gut microbiota.

Alterations in intestinal microbiota and metabolites in individuals with Down syndrome and their correlation with inflammation and behavior disorders in mice

The intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolome have been shown to play a vital role in human health, and can be affected by genetic and environmental factors. We found that individuals with Down syndrome (DS) had abnormal serum cytokine levels indicative of a pro-inflammatory environment. We investigated whether these individuals also had alterations in the intestinal microbiome. High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene in fecal samples from 17 individuals with DS and 23 non-DS volunteers revealed a significantly higher abundance of Prevotella, Escherichia/Shigella, Catenibacterium, and Allisonella in individuals with DS, which was positively associated with the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. GC-TOF-MS-based fecal metabolomics identified 35 biomarkers (21 up-regulated metabolites and 14 down-regulated metabolites) that were altered in the microbiome of individuals with DS. Metabolic pathway enrichment analyses of these biomarkers showed a characteristic pattern in DS that included changes in valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation; synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; tyrosine metabolism; lysine degradation; and the citrate cycle. Treatment of mice with fecal bacteria from individuals with DS or Prevotella copri significantly altered behaviors often seen in individuals with DS, such as depression-associated behavior and impairment of motor function. These studies suggest that changes in intestinal microbiota and the fecal metabolome are correlated with chronic inflammation and behavior disorders associated with DS.

Effects of whole maize high-grain diet feeding on colonic fermentation and bacterial community in weaned lambs

High-grain diet is commonly used in intensive production to boost yield in short term, which may cause adverse effects such as rumen and colonic acidosis in ruminants. Maize is one of the key components of high-grain diet, and different processing methods of maize affect the digestive absorption and gastrointestinal development of ruminants. To investigate the effects of maize form in high-grain diets on colonic fermentation and bacterial community of weaned lambs, twenty-two 2.5-month-old healthy Hu lambs were fed separately a maize meal low-grain diet (19.2% grain; CON), a maize meal high-grain diet (50.4% grain; CM), and a whole maize high-grain diet (50.4% grain; CG). After 7 weeks of feeding, the total volatile fatty acid concentration (P = 0.035) were significantly higher in lambs from CM than that from CON. The sequencing results of colonic content microbial composition revealed that the relative abundance of genera Parasutterella (P = 0.028), Comamonas (P = 0.031), Butyricicoccus (P = 0.049), and Olsenella (P = 0.010) were higher in CM than those in CON; compared with CM, the CG diet had the higher relative abundance of genera Bacteroides (P = 0.024) and Angelakisella (P = 0.020), while the lower relative abundance of genera Olsenella (P = 0.031) and Paraprevotella (P = 0.006). For colonic mucosal microbiota, the relative abundance of genera Duncaniella (P = 0.024), Succiniclasticum (P = 0.044), and Comamonas (P = 0.012) were significantly higher in CM than those in CON. In comparison, the relative abundance of genera Alistipes (P = 0.020) and Campylobacter (P = 0.017) were significantly lower. And the relative abundance of genera Colidextribacter (P = 0.005), Duncaniella (P = 0.032), Christensenella (P = 0.042), and Lawsonibacter (P = 0.018) were increased in the CG than those in the CM. Furthermore, the CG downregulated the relative abundance of genes encoding infectious-disease-parasitic (P = 0.049), cancer-specific-types (P = 0.049), and neurodegenerative-disease (P = 0.037) in colonic microbiota than those in the CM. Overall, these results indicated that maize with different grain sizes might influence the colonic health of weaned lambs by altering the composition of the colonic bacterial community.

Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide reduces obesity in high-fat diet-fed mice by modulation of gut microbiota

Obesity is a metabolic disease associated with gut microbiota and low-grade chronic inflammation. Tremella fuciformis is a medicinal and edible fungus; polysaccharide (TP) is the main active component, which has a variety of biological activities, such as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic. However, the anti-obesity effects and potential mechanisms of TP have never been reported. This study was conducted to elucidate the inhibitory effect of TP on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Mice were split into five groups: normal chow diet (NCD) group, NCD_TP_H group, HFD group, HFD_TP_L group and HFD_TP_H group. Our study showed that TP inhibited high-fat diet-induced weight gain and fat accumulation in mice and reduced blood glucose, hyperlipidemia and inflammation. TP also improved gut microbiota disorders by reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and modulating the relative abundance of specific gut microbiota. We also found that the anti-obesity and gut microbiota-modulating effects of TP could be transferred to HFD-fed mice via faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), confirming that the gut microbiota was one of the targets of TP for obesity inhibition. Further studies showed that TP increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and the secretion of intestinal hormones. Our studies showed that TP inhibited obesity by modulating inflammation and the microbe-gut-brain axis, providing a rationale for developing TP to treat obesity and its complications.