2-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic Acid, an Ascorbic Acid Derivative Isolated from the Fruits of Lycium Barbarum L., Modulates Gut Microbiota and Palliates Colitis in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice

A systematic UHPLC Q-ToF MS approach for the characterization of bioactive compounds from freeze-dried red goji berries (L. barbarum L.) grown in Serbia: Phenolic compounds and phenylamides

The aim of this study was to identify and characterise different classes of bioactive compounds from freeze-dried red goji berries (RGB) grown in Serbia, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC Q-ToF MS). In addition, this study aims to demonstrate the importance of applying the advanced UHPLC Q-ToF MS technique in the identification of various biocompounds. The analysis showed the presence of 28 phenolic compounds, 3 organic acids, and 26 phenylamides. The 2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) was identified by UHPLC Q-ToF MS and quantified by standardised UHPLC-DAD method. Most of the compounds detected were derivatives of caffeic acid and ferulic acid, followed by quercetin derivatives. Among the phenylamides, several glucosylated caffeoyl and/or dihydrocaffeoyl derivatives of spermidine and spermine were characterized, confirming their recent characterization. Some glycosylated/non-glycosylated putrescine derivatives and caffeoyl-dihydrocaffeoyl-feruloyl spermidines were identified in goji berriesfor the first time. Their tentative structures and fragmentations were proposed.

Rosemary leaf powder improves egg quality, antioxidant status, gut barrier function, and cecal microbiota and metabolites of late-phase laying hens

This study sought to determine the effects of rosemary leaf powder (RP) on laying performance, egg quality, serum indices, gut barrier function, and cecal microbiota and metabolites of late-phase laying hens. A total of 84 "Jing Tint 6" laying hens at 65-week old were randomly divided into 2 groups and fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 0.3% RP. Our study revealed that RP improved the Haugh unit and decreased yolk n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio of laying hens, increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), jejunal activities of SOD and catalase (CAT), and jejunal zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression, as well as decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level and jejunal TNF-α mRNA expression. Rosemary leaf powder markedly enhanced (P < 0.05) cecal abundances of Rikenellaceae, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Turicibacter, tended to promote (P = 0.076) butyrate concentration, and reduced (P < 0.05) cecal abundances of Erysipelatoclostridiaceae, Sutterellaceae, Fusobacteriaceae, Campylobacteraceae, Sutterella, Campylobacter, and Fusobacterium, which were closely linked with Haugh unit, yolk n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, serum SOD and TNF-α. In addition, RP altered the metabolic functions of cecal microbiota and enhanced the abundances of butyrate-synthesizing enzymes, including lysine 2,3-aminomutase, β-lysine 5,6-aminomutase, and 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase. Together, 0.3% RP has the potential to enhance egg quality by partially modulating serum antioxidant status, jejunal barrier function, and cecal microbiota structure and metabolites, indicating that RP could be considered a promising feed additive to promote the production performance of late-phase laying hens.

Protective effect of zinc gluconate on intestinal mucosal barrier injury in antibiotics and LPS-induced mice

Objective

The aim of the study is to investigate the function and mechanism of Zinc Gluconate (ZG) on intestinal mucosal barrier damage in antibiotics and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mice.

Methods

We established a composite mouse model by inducing intestinal mucosal barrier damage using antibiotics and LPS. The animals were divided into five groups: Control (normal and model) and experimental (low, medium, and high-dose ZG treatments). We evaluated the intestinal mucosal barrier using various methods, including monitoring body weight and fecal changes, assessing pathological damage and ultrastructure of the mouse ileum, analyzing expression levels of tight junction (TJ)-related proteins and genes, confirming the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and examining the structure of the intestinal flora.

Results

In mice, the dual induction of antibiotics and LPS led to weight loss, fecal abnormalities, disruption of ileocecal mucosal structure, increased intestinal barrier permeability, and disorganization of the microbiota structure. ZG restored body weight, alleviated diarrheal symptoms and pathological damage, and maintained the structural integrity of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Additionally, ZG reduced intestinal mucosal permeability by upregulating TJ-associated proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, and JAM-A) and downregulating MLCK, thereby repairing intestinal mucosal barrier damage induced by dual induction of antibiotics and LPS. Moreover, ZG suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties and preserving barrier integrity. Furthermore, ZG restored gut microbiota diversity and richness, evidenced by increased Shannon and Observed features indices, and decreased Simpson's index. ZG also modulated the relative abundance of beneficial human gut bacteria (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Parabacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia) and harmful bacteria (Proteobacteria and Enterobacter), repairing the damage induced by dual administration of antibiotics and LPS.

Conclusion

ZG attenuates the dual induction of antibiotics and LPS-induced intestinal barrier damage and also protects the intestinal barrier function in mice.

Microencapsulation as a Protective Strategy for Sialylated Immunoglobulin G: Efficacy in Alleviating Symptoms of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice and Potential Mechanisms

Sialylated immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a vital glycoprotein in breast milk with the ability to promote the growth of Bifidobacterium in gut microbiota and relieve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms in vitro. Here, it was found that the microcapsules with sialylated IgG could protect and release sialylated IgG with its structure and function in the intestine. Furthermore, the sialylated IgG microcapsules alleviated the clinical symptoms (body weight, feed quantity, and colon length loss), decreased disease activity index score, suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and MCP-1) and endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide), and enhanced the intestinal mucosal barrier (Claudin1, Muc2, Occludin, and ZO-1) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Additionally, the sialylated IgG microcapsules improved the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of critical microbe Bifidobacterium bifidum and promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Correlation analysis indicated that the key microbes were strongly correlated with pro-inflammatory factors, clinical symptoms, tight junction protein, and SCFAs. These findings suggest that the sialylated IgG microcapsules have the potential to be used as a novel therapeutic approach for treating IBD.

Vitamin D3 supplementation shapes the composition of gut microbiota and improves some obesity parameters induced by high-fat diet in mice

PURPOSE

Individuals with vitamin D (VD) insufficiency have a greater tendency to develop obesity and have increased systemic inflammation. Gut microbiota are involved in the regulation of host inflammation and energy metabolism, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of VD3 on body weight, serum lipids, inflammatory factors, and intestinal barrier function in obese mice and to explore the regulatory effect of VD3 on gut microbiota in obese mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 J mice received a normal chow diet (NCD, 10% fat) or high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat) to induce obesity within 10 weeks. Then, HFD mice were supplemented with 5650, 8475, or 11,300 IU VD3/kg diet for 8 weeks. Finally, 16 s rRNA analysis was performed to analyze gut microbiota composition in cecal contents. In addition, body weight, serum lipids, inflammatory factors, and intestinal barrier function were analyzed.

RESULTS

VD3 supplementation reduced body weight and the levels of TG, TC, HDL-C, TNF-α, IL-1β and LPS, and increased ZO-1 in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, it increased α-diversity, reduced F/B ratio and altered microbiota composition by increasing relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Desulfovibrio, Dehalobacterium, Odoribacter, and Parabacteroides and reducing relative abundance of Firmicutes and Ruminococcus. There were significant differences between HFD and NCD groups in several metabolic pathways, including endotoxin biosynthesis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, lipid synthesis and metabolism, and glycolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Low, medium, and high doses of VD3 inhibited weight gain, reduced levels of blood lipids and inflammatory factors, and improved endotoxemia and gut barrier function in obese mice. It also increased the α-diversity of gut microbiota in obese mice and reduced the relative abundance of some intestinal pathogenic bacteria, increased the relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria, and corrected the intestinal flora disorder of obese mice, with the low- and high-dose groups showing better effects than the medium-dose group.

Sensory-Guided Establishment of Sensory Lexicon and Investigation of Key Flavor Components for Goji Berry Pulp

Many customers prefer goji berry pulp, well-known for its high nutritional content, over fresh goji berries. However, there is limited research on its sensory lexicon and distinctive flavor compounds. This study focused on developing a sensory lexicon for goji berry pulp and characterizing its aroma by sensory and instrumental analysis. Sensory characteristics of goji berry pulp were evaluated by our established lexicon. A total of 83 aromatic compounds in goji berry pulp were quantified using HS-SPME-GC-Orbitrap-MS. By employing OAV in combination, we identified 17 aroma-active compounds as the key ingredients in goji berry pulp. Then, we identified the potentially significant contributors to the aroma of goji berry pulp by combining principal component analysis and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models of aroma compounds and sensory attributes, which included 3-ethylphenol, methyl caprylate, 2-hydroxy-4-methyl ethyl valerate, benzeneacetic acid, ethyl ester, hexanal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, acetylpyrazine, butyric acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 1-pentanol, phenylethyl alcohol, and 2-nonanone. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the quality control and processing technology of goji berry pulp.

A comprehensive review of goji berry processing and utilization

Goji berry (wolfberry, Lycium), is a genus of Solanaceae, in which the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits are for both food and medicinal uses. In recent years, the demand for health food and research purposes has led to increasing attention being paid to the application of goji berry nutrients and resources. There are three general strategies to process and utilize the goji berry plant. First, the primary processing of goji berry products, such as dried goji berry pulp, and fruit wine with its by-products. Second, deep processing of sugar-peptides, carotenoids, and the extraction of other efficacy components with their by-products. Third, the utilization of plant-based by-products (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit residuals). However, the comprehensive use of goji berry is hampered by the non-standardized production technology of resource utilization and the absence of a multi-level co-production and processing technology systems. On the basis of this, we review some novel techniques that are made to more effectively use the resources found in goji berry or its by-products in order to serve as a guide for the thorough use of these resources and the high-quality growth of the goji berry processing industry.

Gut microbiota: A magical multifunctional target regulated by medicine food homology species

BACKGROUND

The relationship between gut microbiota and human health has gradually been recognized. Increasing studies show that the disorder of gut microbiota is related to the occurrence and development of many diseases. Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota are responsible for their extensive regulatory roles. In addition, naturally derived medicine food homology species with low toxicity and high efficiency have been clearly defined owing to their outstanding physiological and pharmacological properties in disease prevention and treatment.

AIM OF REVIEW

Based on supporting evidence, the current review summarizes the representative work of medicine food homology species targeting the gut microbiota to regulate host pathophysiology and discusses the challenges and prospects in this field. It aims to facilitate the understanding of the relationship among medicine food homology species, gut microbiota, and human health and further stimulate the advancement of more relevant research.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

As this review reveals, from the initial practical application to more mechanism studies, the relationship among medicine food homology species, gut microbiota, and human health has evolved into an irrefutable interaction. On the one hand, through affecting the population structure, metabolism, and function of gut microbiota, medicine food homology species maintain the homeostasis of the intestinal microenvironment and human health by affecting the population structure, metabolism, and function of gut microbiota. On the other hand, the gut microbiota is also involved in the bioconversion of the active ingredients from medicine food homology species and thus influences their physiological and pharmacological properties.

Salidroside alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by modulating the gut microbiota

Dysbiosis causes continuous progress of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Herein, we aim to explore whether Salidroside (Sal), which is a major glycoside extracted from Rhodiola rosea L., could ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis by modulating the microbiota. Results showed that oral treatment with 15 mg kg-1 of Sal inhibited DSS-induced colitis in mice as evidenced by colon length, histological analysis, disease activity index (DAI) score, and the proportion and number of macrophages in the intestine. The gut microbiota of colitic mice was also partly restored by Sal. A fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) study was designed to verify the causality. Compared with DSS-treated mice, FM from the Sal-treated donor mice significantly mitigated the symptoms of colitic mice, including reducing the DAI score, alleviating tissue damage, boosting the expression of mucin protein (mucin-2) and tight junction (TJ) proteins (occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and decreasing M1 macrophages in the gut. It was found that both Sal and FMT affected the structure and abundance of the gut microbiota as reflected by the decreased relative abundance of Turicibacter, Alistipes, Romboutsia and the increased relative abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect of Sal disappeared when the gut microbiota was depleted by antibiotics, demonstrating that Sal alleviated the intestinal inflammation in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Thus, Sal could be a remarkable candidate as a functional food for colitis.

Structurally Diverse Phenolic Amides from the Fruits of Lycium barbarum with Potent α-Glucosidase, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitory, and PPAR-γ Agonistic Activities

A total of nine new phenolic amides (1-9), including four pairs of enantiomeric mixtures (3-5 and 8), along with ten known analogues (10-19) were identified from the fruits of Lycium barbarum using bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses, chiral HPLC analyses, and quantum NMR, and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compounds 5-7 are the first example of feruloyl tyramine dimers fused through a cyclobutane ring. The activity results indicated that compounds 1, 11, and 13-17 exhibited remarkable inhibition against α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ of 1.11-33.53 μM, 5-150 times stronger than acarbose (IC₅₀ = 169.78 μM). Meanwhile, compounds 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 13, and 14 exerted moderate agonistic activities for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ), with EC₅₀ values of 10.09-44.26 μM. Especially,compound 14 also presented inhibitory activity on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPPIV), with an IC₅₀ value of 47.13 μM. Furthermore, the banding manner of compounds 14 and 17 with the active site of α-glucosidase, DPPIV, and PPAR-γ was explored by employing molecular docking analysis.

Smilax china L. Polysaccharide Alleviates Dextran Sulphate Sodium-Induced Colitis and Modulates the Gut Microbiota in Mice

This work aimed to investigate the preventive effect of Smilax china L. polysaccharide (SCP) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Smilax china L. polysaccharide was isolated by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, deproteinization, and purification using DEAE-cellulose column chromatography to yield three polysaccharides: SCP_C, SCP_A, and SCP_N. Acute colitis was induced by administering 3% (w/v) DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Sulfasalazine, SCP_C, SCP_A, and SCP_N were administered by gavage for 9 days. SCP_C, SCP_A, and SCP_N could significantly improve symptoms, as evidenced by the declining disease activity index (DAI), decreased spleen weight, increased length of the colon, and improved colonic histology. Moreover, SCP_C, SCP_A, and SCP_N increased serum glutathione and decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase in colon tissues. Additionally, SCP_C, SCP_A, and SCP_N modulated gut microbiota via ascending the growth of Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae, Blautia, and Mucispirillum and descending the abundance of Akkermansiaceae, Deferribacteraceae, and Oscillibacter in mice with UC. The results suggested that Smilax china L. polysaccharide ameliorates oxidative stress, balances inflammatory cytokines, and modulates gut microbiota, providing an effective therapeutic strategy for UC in mice.

The microbiome as a major function of the gastrointestinal tract and its implication in micronutrient metabolism and chronic diseases

The composition and function of microbes harbored in the human gastrointestinal lumen have been underestimated for centuries because of the underdevelopment of nucleotide sequencing techniques and the lack of humanized gnotobiotic models. Now, we appreciate that the gut microbiome is an integral part of the human body and exerts considerable roles in host health and diseases. Dietary factors can induce changes in the microbial community composition, metabolism, and function, thereby altering the host immune response, and consequently, may influence disease risks. An imbalance of gut microbiome homeostasis (i.e., dysbiosis) has been linked to several chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Remarkable progress has recently been made in better understanding the extent to which the influence of the diet-microbiota interaction on host health outcomes in both animal models and human participants. However, the exact causality of the gut microbiome on the development of diseases is still controversial. In this review, we will briefly describe the general structure and function of the intestine and the process of nutrient absorption in humans. This is followed by a summarization of the recent updates on interactions between gut microbiota and individual micronutrients, including carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, folate, iron, and zinc. In the opinion of the authors, these nutrients were identified as representative of vitamins and minerals with sufficient research on their roles in the microbiome. The host responses to the gut microbiome will also be discussed. Future direction in microbiome research, for example, precision microbiome, will be proposed.

Anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of bioactive small molecule garlic polysaccharide

Although garlic polysaccharides have been found to possess anti-inflammatory activities, anti-inflammatory study on small molecule water-soluble garlic polysaccharide (WSGP) is few. In this study, a novel WSGP with a molecular weight of 1853 Da was isolated by DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100 column and the chemical composition was identified by monosaccharide composition and methylation analysis. Furthermore, the antioxidant effects of WSGP and the potential molecular mechanisms on LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. The results showed that WSGP has strong antioxidant activity, such as DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide anion, ABTS radical scavenging capacity, Fe²⁺ chelating ability and reducing power. Meanwhile, WSGP could considerably suppress the manufacturing of NO and the mRNA and protein expression degrees of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in LPS inspired RAW264.7 macrophages WSGP could significantly suppress the production of NO and the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells (p < 0.05). In addition, the phosphorylated IκB-α, p65, and STAT3 proteins were significantly increased in LPS-induced macrophages, while this trend was significantly reversed by WSGP treatment in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Consequently, WSGP supplementation might reduce LPS-induced inflammatory responses by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB and STAT3 pathway activation. The finding of this research would give scientific guidelines for the judicious use of small molecular garlic polysaccharide in anti-inflammatory treatments.

Effects of fermented Andrographis paniculata on growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, and intestinal health in Muscovy ducks

The study aimed to examine the effects of unfermented and fermented Andrographis paniculata on growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, and intestinal health in Muscovy ducks. A total of 450 (16-day-old) Muscovy ducks weighing 271.44 ± 8.25 g were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments (6 replicate pens of 15 ducks per treatment), consisting of one control treatment (basal diet without A. paniculata), one unfermented A. paniculata treatment (basal diet plus 30 g/kg unfermented A. paniculata) and 3 fermented A. paniculata treatments (basal diet plus 10, 30, and 50 g/kg). 30 g/kg unfermented A. paniculata increased the ADG, thymus index, peripheral blood lymphocyte conversion rate, villi height, intestinal thickness, villi surface area, intraepithelial lymphocytes rate, while decreased the FCR. 10 g/kg fermented A. paniculata markedly boosted ADG, bursa of fabricius index, thymus index, serum lysozyme, lymphocyte conversion rate, villi height, vilii width, intestinal thickness, villi surface area, while decreased the FCR. 30 g/kg fermented A. paniculata clearly improved ADG, bursa of fabricius index, thymus index, serum lysozyme, lymphocyte conversion rate, villi height, vilii width, intestinal thickness, villi surface area, intraepithelial lymphocytes, while decreased FCR. 50 g/kg fermented A. paniculata significantly increased villi height, vilii width, and villi surface area, while clearly reduced BW. Additionally, compared to 30 g/kg unfermented A. paniculata, 30 g/kg fermented A. paniculata obviously increased bursa of fabricius indices, lymphocyte conversion rate, vilii width, villi surface area. On top of that, supplementation with unfermented and fermented A. paniculata (30 g/kg each) decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Succinivibrio, Succinatimonas, Sphaerochaeta, and Mucispirillum) and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Rikenellaceae, Methanocorpusculum, Fournierella, Ruminococcaceae) in the ceca of the ducks. However, fermented A. paniculata had considerable better effects than unfermented A. paniculate on all above measured indices. Overall, these results revealed that supplementation with unfermented and fermented A. paniculata across different treatments improved growth, immune status, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota composition and structure in Muscovy ducks, making it a potential alternative to antibiotics in poultry production.

Dark-purple rice extract modulates gut microbiota composition in acetic acid– and indomethacin-induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The disease has been linked with gut microbiota dysbiosis in which the balance of commensal communities is disrupted. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that treatment with biologically active compounds can modulate gut microbiota composition in animal models. Our previous work has also shown the beneficial effect of Luem Pua (LP) rice extract, which is rich in anthocyanins, on inflammation. However, its effect on gut microbiota is yet to be explored. In this study, we profiled fecal microbiota of acetic acid (AA)-induced UC and indomethacin (ID)-induced CD rat models with and without pretreatment with LP rice extract by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that gut microbiota communities of rats were altered by both AA-induced UC and ID-induced CD. The relative abundances of beneficial bacteria, especially the Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and Lactobacillus, were decreased in the AA-induced UC model, while some opportunistic pathogens (Bacteroides, Escherichia/Shigella, Fusobacterium, and Veillonella) were raised by ID-induced CD. Interestingly, pretreatment with LP rice extract before AA-inducing UC in rats increased the proportion of the butyrate-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group). The abundances of these beneficial bacteria and other SCFA-producing bacteria were unaffected by the indomethacin treatment with LP. Overall, our study revealed different impacts of AA-induced UC and ID-induced CD on changes in community composition and hinted at how LP may protect against UC by modifying the gut microbiota.

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2019-2020

This review is the tenth update of the original article published in 1999 on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2020. Also included are papers that describe methods appropriate to analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation techniques, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. The review is basically divided into three sections: (1) general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation, quantification and the use of arrays. (2) Applications to various structural types such as oligo- and polysaccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides and biopharmaceuticals, and (3) other areas such as medicine, industrial processes and glycan synthesis where MALDI is extensively used. Much of the material relating to applications is presented in tabular form. The reported work shows increasing use of incorporation of new techniques such as ion mobility and the enormous impact that MALDI imaging is having. MALDI, although invented nearly 40 years ago is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis and advancements in the technique and range of applications show little sign of diminishing.

Polyphenols from foxtail millet bran ameliorate DSS-induced colitis by remodeling gut microbiome

INTRODUCTION

Polyphenols from plants possess the anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota modulated properties. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L., FM) has potential medical and nutritional functions because of rich phenolic and other phytochemical components.

METHODS

Here, the study explored the effects of bound polyphenol of inner shell (BPIS) from FM bran on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced experimental colitis mice.

RESULTS

Results showed that BPIS administration effectively relieved the weight loss, decreased disease active index (DAI) scores, restrained the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, increased anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-4, IL-5. BPIS prevented gut barrier damage by enhancing tight junction proteins Claudin1, ZO-1 and Occludin, increasing the number of goblet cells and facilitating the gene expressions of mucin family. In addition, BPIS restored the gut microbiota composition and increased the relative abundance of commensal bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae and Rikenellaceae and restrained the growth of S24-7 and Staphylococcaceae. Concentrations of short-chain-fatty acids (SCFAs) generated by gut microbiota were elevated in BPIS treated colitis mice.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that BPIS effectively ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by preventing intestinal barrier damage and promoting gut microbiota community.

Structure and In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Polysaccharides Sequentially Extracted from Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) Leaves

Herein, the chelating agent-soluble fraction (CA), sodium carbonate-soluble fraction (SC), and sodium hydroxide-soluble fraction (SH) were sequentially extracted from the cell wall of goji berry (Lycium barbarum) leaves. Furthermore, SC was purified with Q-Sepharose fast flow resin to obtain the neutral sugar fraction (SC-I) and acid sugar fraction (SC-II). Physicochemical properties of polysaccharides were characterized by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometry detection, size exclusion chromatography-multi-angle laser light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and atomic force microscopy analysis. Additionally, the impact of polysaccharides on modulating human gut microbiota was investigated by in vitro fermentation. A high amount of galacturonic acid (GalA) in CA showed that it was an aggregation of linear homogalacturonan. SC was the main pectic polysaccharide fraction and rich in neutral sugars. SC-I was the neutral sugar fraction with an extremely high molecular weight (2.055 × 10⁶ Da), while SC-II was the acid sugar fraction with a low molecular weight (1.766 × 10⁵ Da). SH seemed like a mixture of pectin and hemicellulose. All the five polysaccharides significantly (P < 0.05) increased the abundance of Bacteroides, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacilli. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the structure and fermentation characteristics of goji berry leaf polysaccharides, which is meaningful to provide a structural basis for further bioactivity research.

Comparison of Selenium-Enriched Lactobacillusparacasei, Selenium-Enriched Yeast, and Selenite for the Alleviation of DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been found to have decreased immune function. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is beneficial for human health, which has a significant stimulating effect on immune function. We compared the effects of different Se forms on the alleviation of colitis in DSS-induced mice. Moreover, we also aimed to determine whether Se-enriched Lactobacillus paracasei CCFM 1089 could be used as a new organic Se supplement. Different Se supplements (Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089, Se-enriched yeast and sodium selenite) were given to Se-deficient mice suffering from colitis. Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089, which is based on selenocysteine (SeCys), had similar effects in terms of reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors to Se-enriched yeast; however, selenase activity in the Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089-treated mice was higher than that in other treatment groups. In addition, Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089 could better protect the intestinal mucosa, which increased the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) in mice. Thus Se-enriched L. paracasei CCFM 1089 was shown to alleviate IBD, suggesting that it has potential as a good organic Se supplement.

Lycium barbarum (Goji) as functional food: a review of its nutrition, phytochemical structure, biological features, and food industry prospects

Lycium genus (Goji berry) is recognized as a good source of homology of medicine and food, with various nutrients and phytochemicals. Lately, numerous studies have focused on the chemical constituents and biological functions of the L. barbarum L., covering phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. We aim to provide exclusive data on the nutrients of L. barbarum L. fruits and phytochemicals, including their structural characterization, the evolution of extraction, and purification processes of different phytochemicals of L. barbarum L. fruit while placing greater emphasis on their wide-ranging health effects. This review also profitably offers innovative approaches for the food industry and industrial applications of L. barbarum L. and addresses some current situations and problems in the development of L. barbarum L. in deep processing products, which can provide clues for the sustainable development of L. barbarum L. industry.

Camel milk modulates the gut microbiota and has anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse model of colitis

Camel milk is a nutritionally rich food that shows anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, and gut microbiota maintenance properties. However, the relationship between camel milk and the intestinal microbiota during colitis is unclear. Herein, we evaluated the protective effect of camel milk in mice with colitis induced using dextran sodium sulfate. Our results showed that camel milk can prevent body weight loss and colon shortening, reduce the disease activity index, and attenuate colon tissue damage. Additionally, camel milk could reduce the overexpression of inflammatory factors, inhibit the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and promote the expression of claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 proteins. Moreover, camel milk effectively regulated intestinal microbiota in mice with colitis by increasing the gut microbiota diversity, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as g_norank_f_Muribaculaceae, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group), and reducing the number of harmful bacteria (Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella). In addition, camel milk increased the levels of intestinal short-chain fatty acids. The results of the present study demonstrated that via regulating the intestinal microbiota, maintaining intestinal barrier function, and inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines, camel milk can ameliorate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis.

Beneficial Effects of Celastrol on Immune Balance by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Experimental Ulcerative Colitis Mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease caused by many factors including colonic inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis. Previous studies have indicated that celastrol (CSR) has strong anti-inflammatory and immune-inhibitory effects. Here, we investigated the effects of CSR on colonic inflammation and mucosal immunity in an experimental colitis model, and addressed the mechanism by which CSR exerts the protective effects. We characterized the therapeutic effects and the potential mechanism of CSR on treating UC using histological staining, intestinal permeability assay, cytokine assay, flow cytometry, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and cell differentiation. CSR administration significantly ameliorated the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, which was evidenced by the recovered body weight and colon length as well as the decreased disease activity index (DAI) score and intestinal permeability. Meanwhile, CSR down-regulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated the amount of anti-inflammatory mediators at both mRNA and protein levels, and improved the balances of Treg/Th1 and Treg/Th17 to maintain the colonic immune homeostasis. Notably, all the therapeutic effects were exerted in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Furthermore, CSR treatment increased the gut microbiota diversity and changed the compositions of the gut microbiota and metabolites, which is probably associated with the gut microbiota-mediated protective effects. In conclusion, this study provides the strong evidence that CSR may be a promising therapeutic drug for UC.

Eurotium cristatum, a Probiotic Fungus from Fuzhuan Brick Tea, and Its Polysaccharides Ameliorated DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Eurotium cristatum is a potential probiotic fungus that is used to enhance Fuzhuan tea quality through fermentation and could reduce obesity by modulating gut dysbiosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of killed E. cristatum (KEC) and its polysaccharides (ECP) in ulcerative colitis (UC) relief. KEC and ECP were administered to mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC. The results showed that UC severity, intestinal inflammation, and tight junction protein levels were greatly improved. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides caccae, Rothia aeria, and Prevotella melaninogenica were depleted, while Alistipes finegoldii and Bacteroides stercorirosoris were enriched. A fecal microbial transplantation trial confirmed that KEC and ECP ameliorated UC by regulating gut dysbiosis. Thus, this research suggests that KEC and ECP are novel, potent, food-based anti-inflammatory agents that relieve UC by modulating gut dysbiosis.

Orange Pectin with Compact Conformation Effectively Alleviates Acute Colitis in Mice

A comprehensive understanding of the relationships between the structure and function is critical for the targeted preparation of functional pectins. In this study, we compared the alleviating effects of five orange pectins (200 mg/kg) extracted using acid (P2), alkali (P10), cellulase (C), acid + cellulase (P2 + C), and alkali + cellulase (P10 + C) on dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis. The physiological and histopathological indicators revealed that the alleviating effects were most significant for P10 + C, followed by P10, P2 + C, P2, and C. P10 + C increased the diversity and relative abundance of Akkermansia, leading to increased generation of colonic short-chain fatty acids as well as mRNA and protein expressions of GPR43, GPR109A, claudin-1, ZO-1, and occludin. Therefore, proinflammatory cytokines were decreased, and anti-inflammatory cytokines were increased. A compact conformation of P10 + C contributed to the alleviation effects on acute colitis. Alkali + cellulase-extracted orange pectin with a compact conformation has potential as adjuvant treatment for intestinal inflammation.

Supplementary selenium in the form of selenylation α-D-1,6-glucan ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis in vivo

The deficiency of selenium has been found in clinical IBD patients and supplementation selenium is recognized as beneficial for colitis treatment. In this study, an organic selenium compound-selenylation α-D-1,6-glucan (sCPA) was prepared, and the effect of sCPA on DSS induced colitis mice was investigated. The results suggested that sCPA prevented the weight loss, colon length shortening, and stool loose of colitis mice. It protected colon mucosal barrier by promoting tight junction protein ZO-1 and Occludin expression. Moreover, sCPA reduced oxidative stress via regulating SOD and MDA levels, and decreased the contents of inflammatory proteins NF-κB and NLRP3 and adjusted TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-10 inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, sCPA repaired intestinal microbiota composition especially Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria that altered by DSS in colitis mice. Meanwhile, SCFAs produced by gut microbiota were restored by sCPA close to the level in the normal group. In conclusion, these findings indicated that the sCPA might be a potential dietary selenium supplementation for the prevention and treatment of colitis.

Prebiotic effects of goji berry in protection against inflammatory bowel disease

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, which is concerning because IBD is a known risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. Emerging evidence highlights environmental factors, particularly dietary factors and gut microbiota dysbiosis, as pivotal inducers of IBD onset. Goji berry, an ancient tonic food and a nutraceutical supplement, contains a range of phytochemicals such as polysaccharides, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Among these phytochemicals, L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are the most important functional constituents, which have protective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Recently, the beneficial effects of goji berry and associated LBPs consumption were linked to prebiotic effects, which can prevent dysbiosis associated with IBD. This review assessed pertinent literature on the protective effects of goji berry against IBD focusing on the gut microbiota and their metabolites in mediating the observed beneficial effects.

Anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota modulatory effects of polysaccharides from Fuzhuan brick tea on colitis in mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium

In this study, the effects of crude Fuzhuan brick tea polysaccharides (CFBTPS) and their purified fraction (FBTPS-3) on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice were investigated. Both CFBTPS and FBTPS-3 exhibited intestinal anti-inflammatory activities, including restoring body weight, colon length and solid fecal weight, and decreasing the disease activity index score in mice. Moreover, the expression of lipocalin-2 in colitis could be significantly reduced. The inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharides in the serum and the expression of inflammation-related mRNA in the colon tissue were decreased. Both CFBTPS and FBTPS-3 could increase tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-1 and ZO-1), promoting the intestinal barrier function. For gut microbiota, DSS treatment resulted in abnormal proliferation of Bifidobacteria, while FBTPS-3 could restore this disorder to a certain extent. In addition, FBPTS-3 promoted the growth of probiotics such as Bacteroides, Parasutterella and Collinsella. Both CFBTPS and FBTPS-3 could attenuate colitis; what's more, FBTPS-3 exhibited a better anti-inflammatory effect than CFBTPS.

Beneficial Role of Fruits, Their Juices, and Freeze-Dried Powders on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Related Dysbiosis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of complex chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It is linked to a number of genetic and environmental factors able to perturb the immune-microbiome axis. Diet is the most investigated variable both for its role in the etiology of IBD and for its beneficial potential in the treatment of the symptoms. Dietary products may influence intestinal inflammation through different mechanisms of action, such as the modulation of inflammatory mediators, the alteration of gene expression, changes in gut permeability, and modifications in enteric flora composition. A consisting number of studies deal with the link between nutrition and microbial community, and particular attention is paid to plant-based foods. The effects of the dietary intake of different fruits have been investigated so far. This review aims to present the most recent studies concerning the beneficial potential of fruit consumption on human gut microbiota. Investigated plant species are described, and obtained results are presented and discussed in order to provide an overview of both in vitro and in vivo effects of fruits, their juices, and freeze-dried powders.

Tricholoma matsutake-derived peptide WFNNAGP protects against DSS-induced colitis by ameliorating oxidative stress and intestinal barrier dysfunction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-specific, chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine. The precise etiology and mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of IBD have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms through which the Tricholoma matsutake-derived peptide, WFNNAGP, exerts protective effects on the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model. WFNNAGP significantly attenuated colitis symptoms in mice, including weight loss, diarrhea, shortened colon, bloody stools, and histopathological changes. WFNNAGP significantly ameliorated the DSS-induced oxidative damage, showing scavenging activity against hydroxyl and DPPH radicals (23.67 ± 4.11% and 34.53 ± 2.45%), increased SOD activity (191.48 ± 4.35 U per mg prot), and decreased MDA activity (1.61 ± 0.24 nmol per mg prot). In addition, WFNNAGP improved the inflammatory response by inhibiting MPO and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and protected the barrier function by promoting the expression of occludin and ZO-1 in the colon. Western blotting showed that WFNNAGP reduced the inflammatory response by downregulating NF-κB expression and inhibiting the formation and activation of NLRP3 and caspase-1. Thus, WFNNAGP may reduce colonic inflammation in mice by enhancing oxidative defense systems and barrier function and may be a promising candidate for IBD intervention.

Jellyfish skin polysaccharides enhance intestinal barrier function and modulate the gut microbiota in mice with DSS-induced colitis

Jellyfish skin polysaccharides (JSP) were isolated from Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye and contained 55.11% polysaccharides and 2.26% uronic acid. To examine the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of JSP in vivo, C57BL/6 mice were induced to develop ulcerative colitis by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and the roles of dietary JSP supplementation in modulating colitis were explored. JSP supplementation reduced the symptoms of colitis in mice, increased colon length, protected goblet cells, and improved intestinal epithelial integrity and permeability. JSP modulated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which was demonstrated by reduced MPO activity, NO level, and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in mice. JSP suppressed NF-κB signaling pathways as evidenced by lower levels of phosphorylated p65 and IKB. Moreover, JSP supplementation enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins, and modulated the composition of the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids. Taken together, these results reveal the anti-inflammatory effect of dietary JSP in vivo, suggesting the potential of JSP as a nutritional supplement or adjunct strategy in preventing or ameliorating colitis.

Dietary Tangeretin Alleviated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice via Inhibiting Inflammatory Response, Restoring Intestinal Barrier Function, and Modulating Gut Microbiota

In this study, the preventive effect of tangeretin (TAN), a natural flavonoid derivative from citrus fruits, on the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice was evaluated. Our results showed that dietary TAN (0.04% and 0.08% w/w in the diet) significantly reduced the severity of colitis caused by DSS treatment in mice, evidenced by the increased colon length, the reduced disease activity index, and the attenuated colonic tissue damages. Moreover, dietary TAN inhibited the inflammatory response via down-regulating the overexpression of colonic inflammatory cytokines. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the intestinal barrier function was restored by TAN through enhancing claudin-1 and ZO-1 expressions. Additionally, dietary TAN modulated gut microbiota in colitic mice via enhancing gut microbiota diversity, ascending the level of beneficial bacteria, e.g., Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae, and descending the level of harmful bacteria, e.g., Enterobacteriaceae and Alistipes. Besides, dietary TAN promoted short-chain fatty acids production in DSS-treated mice. Altogether, these findings provided scientific evidence for the rational utilization of TAN as a preventive agent against colonic inflammation and related diseases.

Metformin Affects Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity Associated with Amelioration of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an increasingly common and globally emergent immune-mediated disorder. The etiology of IBD is complex, involving multiple factors such as immune dysregulation, environmental factors, genetic mutations, and microbiota dysbiosis, exacerbated by a lack of effective clinical therapies. Recently, studies hypothesized that dysbiosis of intestinal flora might participate in the onset of IBD. Metformin is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and has shown beneficial effects in mouse models of IBD, although its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Accumulating studies found that metformin shows beneficial effects for diabetes by affecting microbiota composition. This study explores possible regulatory effects of metformin on intestinal microecology during treatment for IBD.

Methods: Inflammation was induced using 3% Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) solution to generate mice models of IBD. Metformin treatments were assayed by measuring body weights and colon lengths of mice and H&E staining to observe histological effects on colon tissue structures. Changes in bacterial community composition and diversity-related to IBD and metformin treatment were assessed by high-throughput metagenomic sequencing analysis.

Results: Metformin administration significantly ameliorated body weight loss, inhibited colon shrinking, and contributed to preserving the integrity of colon histological structures. The gut microbiota profiles revealed that the biodiversity of intestinal flora lost during inflammation was restored under metformin treatment. Metformin administration was also associated with decreased pathogenic Escherichia shigella and increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Akkermansia.

Conclusion: Metformin appears to induce anti-inflammatory effects, thus ameliorating colitis symptoms, concurrent with enrichment for beneficial taxa and restored microbial diversity, suggesting a viable strategy against IBD.

Potential Mechanisms Mediating the Protective Effects of Tricholoma matsutake-Derived Peptides in Mitigating DSS-Induced Colitis

Intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammatory cytokine secretion play crucial roles in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Herein, we investigated the protective effects of Tricholoma matsutake-derived peptides SDIKHFPF and SDLKHFPF against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Both peptides alleviated colitis signs, including diarrhea, weight loss, bloody stools, colon shortening, and histopathological changes, while reducing mucus destruction, goblet cell exhaustion, and intestinal permeability. SDIKHFPF and SDLKHFPF protected the barrier function by promoting the expression of tight junction (TJ) zonula occludens-1 and occludin within the colon, as well as attenuating colonic inflammation through myeloperoxidase and pro-inflammatory cytokine suppression. Western blotting indicated that the peptides suppressed myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels, inhibiting MLC phosphorylation. SDLKHFPF was more potent than SDIKHFPF. These findings suggest that peptide SDLKHFPF mitigates colitis by regulating TJ protein expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production via NF-κB/MLCK/p-MLC signaling, improving the barrier function.

Silicon-containing water intake confers antioxidant effect, gastrointestinal protection, and gut microbiota modulation in the rodents

We explored the effects of silicon-containing water (BT) intake on gastrointestinal function and gut microbiota. BT was obtained by pressuring tap water through silicon minerals (mullite, Al₆Si₂O₁₃) column. BT decreased H₂O₂ chemiluminescence counts, indicating its antioxidant activity. Four weeks of BT drinking increased H₂O₂ scavenging activity and glutathione peroxidase activity of plasma. BT drinking did not affect the body weight but significantly reduced the weight of feces and gastrointestinal motility. BT drinking significantly suppressed pylorus ligation enhanced gastric juice secretion, gastric reactive oxygen species amount, erythrocyte extravasation, IL-1β production by infiltrating leukocyte, and lipid peroxidation within gastric mucosa. Data from 16S rRNA sequencing revealed BT drinking significantly increased beneficial flora including Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, Prevotellaceae NK3B31, Weissella paramesenteroides, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus murinus and decreased harmful flora including Mucispirillum, Rodentibacter, and Staphylococcus aureus. This study pioneerly provided scientific evidences for the potential effects of water-soluble forms of silicon intake on antioxidant activity, gastrointestinal function, and gut microbiota modulation.

2-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl l-Ascorbic Acid, a Stable Form of Vitamin C, Is Widespread in Crop Plants

2-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl l-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) is a stable, bioavailable vitamin C (AA) derivative. We report the distribution and seasonal variation of AA-2βG in apples and its occurrence in other domesticated crops and in wild harvested Ma̅ori foods. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses showed high AA-2βG concentrations in crab apples (Malus sylvestris) but low concentrations in domesticated apples. Leaves of crab and domesticated apple cultivars contained similar intermediate AA-2βG concentrations. Fruits and leaves of other crops were analyzed: mainly Rosaceae but also Actinidiaceae and Ericaceae. AA-2βG was detected in all leaves (0.5-6.1 mg/100 g fr. wt.) but was at lower concentrations in most fruits (0.0-0.5 mg/100 g fr. wt.) except for crab apples (79.4 mg/100 g fr. wt.). Ma̅ori foods from Solanaceae, Piperaceae, Asteraceae, and a fern of Aspleniaceae also contained AA-2βG. This extensive occurrence suggests a general role in AA metabolism for AA-2βG.

Monosexual Cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum Infection Protects Against DSS-Induced Colitis by Shifting the Th1/Th2 Balance and Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related inflammation is closely associated with the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer. IBD is generally treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid and immune-modulating medication, but side effects and limitations of these therapies are emerging. Thus, the development of novel preventative or therapeutic approaches is imperative. Here, we constructed a dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model that was infected with monosexual Schistosoma japonicum cercariae (mSjci) at day 1 or administered dexamethasone (DXM) from days 3 to 5 as a positive control. The protective effect of mSjci on IBD mice was evaluated through their assessments of their clinical signs, histopathological lesions and intestinal permeability. To uncover the underlying mechanism, the Th1/Th2 balance and Treg cell population were also examined. Additionally, the alterations in the gut microbiota were assessed to investigate the interaction between the mSjci-modulated immune response and pathogenic microbiome. Mice treated with DSS and mSjci showed fewer IBD clinical signs and less impaired intestinal permeability than DSS-treated mice. Mechanistically, mSjci modulated the Th1/Th2 balance by repressing IFN-γ production, promoting IL-10 expression and enhancing the Treg subset population. Moreover, mSjci notably reshaped the structure, diversity and richness of the gut microbiota community and subsequently exerted immune-modulating effects. Our findings provide evidence showing that mSjci might serve as a novel and effective protective strategy and that the gut microbiota might be a new therapeutic target in IBD.

Anti-Inflammatory and Intestinal Microbiota Modulation Properties of Jinxiang Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Polysaccharides toward Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis

Garlic polysaccharides are great potential agents because of their anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and immunomodulation properties. However, few studies have reported their anti-inflammatory effects on improving the colon system and corresponding intestinal microbiota. Herein, a water-soluble garlic polysaccharide (WSGP) was extracted from Jinxiang garlic to evaluate its effects on ameliorating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model. The results showed that (1) after administration of the WSGP (200 or 400 mg/kg/day), the feed intake, body weight, and colon length of colitic mice were increased, while the disease activity index and the histological score of colitic mice were decreased; (2) the WSGP reduced the colonic tissue damage and inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors (interleukin 6, interleukin 1 beta , and tumor necrosis factor alpha); and (3) the WSGP enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids and improved the composition of intestinal microbiota. The key microorganisms, including Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Mucispirillum, Helicobacter, Ruminococcus_1, and Ruminiclostridium_5, were identified to be associated with inflammatory bowel diseases. Taken together, this study proved that WSGP supplementation could alleviate DSS-induced colitis by improving mucosal barriers, blocking proinflammatory cytokines, and modulating gut microbiota.

Ascorbic Acid Derivative 2-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl-l-Ascorbic Acid from the Fruit of Lycium barbarum Modulates Microbiota in the Small Intestine and Colon and Exerts an Immunomodulatory Effect on Cyclophosphamide-Treated BALB/c Mice

2-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) is a natural and stable ascorbic acid derivative isolated from the fruits of Lycium barbarum. In our present study, cyclophosphamide (Cy) was used to make BALB/c mice immunosuppressive and AA-2βG was used to intervene immunosuppressive mice. It was found that Cy treatment resulted in a series of changes on basic immune indexes including a decrease of thymus and spleen indexes and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and destruction of leucocyte proportion balance, accompanied with weight loss, reduction in colon length, and changes of hepatic function markers. However, all these changes were reversed in varying degrees by AA-2βG intervention. Notably, AA-2βG could significantly change both mouse colonic and small-intestinal microbiota. The key responsive taxa found in a mouse colon were Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Oscillibacter, Rikenella, Helicobacter, Negativibacillus, Alistipes, and Roseburia, and the key responsive taxa found in a mouse small intestine were Muribaculaceae, Anaerotruncus, and Paenibacillus. The results demonstrated that AA-2βG could modulate microbiota in the small intestine and colon and exert an immunomodulatory effect. Further studies should focus on the degradation pathways of AA-2βG and the interaction between AA-2βG and Muribaculaceae.

Long-Term Consumption of 2-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic Acid from the Fruits of Lycium barbarum Modulates Gut Microbiota in C57BL/6 Mice

The modulating effect of 2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG), a natural derivative of ascorbic acid from the fruits of Lycium barbarum, on mice gut microbiota was investigated in the present study. It was found that AA-2βG was able to adjust the structure of mice gut microbiota, elevated the relative abundances of Verrucomicrobia, Porphyromonadaceae, Verrucomicrobiaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae, and meanwhile reduced the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Bdellovibrionaceae, Anaeroplasmataceae, and Peptococcaceae. Through the linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis, the key microbiota that were found to be significantly changed after long-term consumption of AA-2βG were Ruminococcaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Rikenellaceae. In addition, AA-2βG could upregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, promote tight junctions between intestinal cells, facilitate the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and upregulate the mRNA expression level of SCFAs receptors, indicating that AA-2βG might promote organism health. The results demonstrated that AA-2βG might maintain organism health by modulating gut microbiota.

Vitamin C Deficiency and the Risk of Osteoporosis in Patients with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Recent research studies have shown that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may affect bone mineral density and that a deficiency of ascorbic acid leads to the development of osteoporosis. Patients suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease are at a risk of low bone mineral density. It is vital to notice that patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis also are at risk of vitamin C deficiency which is due to factors such as reduced consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, i.e., the main sources of ascorbic acid. Additionally, some patients follow diets which may provide an insufficient amount of vitamin C. Moreover, serum vitamin C level also is dependent on genetic factors, such as SLC23A1 and SLC23A2 genes, encoding sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters and GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1 genes which encode glutathione S-transferases. Furthermore, ascorbic acid may modify the composition of gut microbiota which plays a role in the pathogenesis of an inflammatory bowel disease.