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Tanelian A, Nankova B, Miari M, Sabban EL. Microbial composition, functionality, and stress resilience or susceptibility: unraveling sex-specific patterns. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:20. [PMID: 38409102 PMCID: PMC10898170 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following exposure to traumatic stress, women are twice as likely as men to develop mood disorders. Yet, individual responses to such stress vary, with some people developing stress-induced psychopathologies while others exhibit resilience. The factors influencing sex-related disparities in affective disorders as well as variations in resilience remain unclear; however, emerging evidence suggests differences in the gut microbiota play a role. In this study, using the single prolonged stress (SPS) model of post-traumatic stress disorder, we investigated pre- and post-existing differences in microbial composition, functionality, and metabolites that affect stress susceptibility or resilience in each sex. METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control or SPS groups. Two weeks following SPS, the animals were exposed to a battery of behavioral tests and decapitated a day later. Based on their anxiety index, they were further categorized as SPS-resilient (SPS-R) or SPS-susceptible (SPS-S). On the day of dissection, cecum, and selected brain tissues were isolated. Stool samples were collected before and after SPS, whereas urine samples were taken before and 30 min into the SPS. RESULTS Before SPS exposure, the sympathoadrenal axis exhibited alterations within male subgroups only. Expression of tight junction protein claudin-5 was lower in brain of SPS-S males, but higher in SPS-R females following SPS. Across the study, alpha diversity remained consistently lower in males compared to females. Beta diversity revealed distinct separations between male and female susceptible groups before SPS, with this separation becoming evident in the resilient groups following SPS. At the genus level, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_Incertae_Sedis, and Barnesiella exhibited sex-specific alterations, displaying opposing abundances in each sex. Additionally, sex-specific changes were observed in microbial predictive functionality and targeted functional modules both before and after SPS. Alterations in the microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were also observed, with major and minor SCFAs being lower in SPS-susceptible males whereas branched-chain SCFAs being higher in SPS-susceptible females. CONCLUSION This study highlights distinct pre- and post-trauma differences in microbial composition, functionality, and metabolites, associated with stress resilience in male and female rats. The findings underscore the importance of developing sex-specific therapeutic strategies to effectively address stress-related disorders. Highlights SPS model induces divergent anxiety and social behavioral responses to traumatic stress in both male and female rodents. SPS-resilient females displayed less anxiety-like behavior and initiated more interactions towards a juvenile rat than SPS-resilient males. Sex-specific pre-existing and SPS-induced differences in the gut microbial composition and predictive functionality were observed in susceptible and resilient rats. SPS-resilient males displayed elevated cecal acetate levels, whereas SPS-susceptible females exhibited heightened branched-chain SCFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arax Tanelian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Bistra Nankova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Mariam Miari
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmo, Lund University Diabetes Center, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
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Ma X, Ding J, Ren H, Xin Q, Li Z, Han L, Liu D, Zhuo Z, Liu C, Ren Z. Distinguishable Influence of the Delivery Mode, Feeding Pattern, and Infant Sex on Dynamic Alterations in the Intestinal Microbiota in the First Year of Life. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:1799-1813. [PMID: 36864279 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The delivery mode, the feeding pattern and infant sex significantly influence the development of the infant gut flora. However, the extent to which these factors contribute to the establishment of the gut microbiota at different stages has rarely been studied. The factors that play a dominant role in determining microbial colonization of the infant gut at specific time points are unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the different contributions of the delivery mode, the feeding pattern and infant sex to the composition of the infant gut microbiome. Here, 213 fecal samples from 55 infants at five ages (0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum) were collected, and the composition of the gut microbiota via 16S rRNA sequencing was analyzed. The results showed that the average relative abundances of four genera, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Phascolarctobacterium, were increased in vaginally delivered infants versus cesarean section-delivered infants, while those of ten genera, such as Salmonella and Enterobacter, were reduced. The relative proportions of Anaerococcus and Peptostreptococcaceae were higher in exclusive breastfeeding than in combined feeding, while those of Coriobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Erysipelotrichaceae were lower. The average relative abundances of two genera, Alistipes and Anaeroglobus, were increased in male infants compared with female infants, whereas those of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were reduced. During the first year of life, the average UniFrac distances revealed that the individual difference in the gut microbial composition in vaginally delivered infants was greater than that in cesarean section-delivered infants (P < 0.001) and that infants who received combined feeding had greater individual microbiota differences than exclusively breastfed infants (P < 0.01). The delivery mode, infant sex, and the feeding pattern were the dominant factors determining colonization of the infant gut microbiota at 0 months, from 1 to 6 months, and at 12 months postpartum, respectively. This study demonstrated for the first time that infant sex accounted for the dominant contribution to infant gut microbial development from 1 to 6 months postpartum. More broadly, this study effectively established the extent to which the delivery mode, the feeding pattern and infant sex contribute to the development of the gut microbiota at various time points during the first year of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Juan Ding
- Department of Quality Control, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Hongyan Ren
- Shanghai Mobio Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201111, China
| | - Qi Xin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Liping Han
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Dingjiandi Liu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhihong Zhuo
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Shanghai Mobio Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201111, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Li Q, Chan H, Liu WX, Liu CA, Zhou Y, Huang D, Wang X, Li X, Xie C, Liu WYZ, Wang XS, Ng SK, Gou H, Zhao LY, Fong W, Jiang L, Lin Y, Zhao G, Bai F, Liu X, Chen H, Zhang L, Wong SH, Chan MTV, Wu WKK, Yu J. Carnobacterium maltaromaticum boosts intestinal vitamin D production to suppress colorectal cancer in female mice. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1450-1465.e8. [PMID: 37478851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Carnobacterium maltaromaticum was found to be specifically depleted in female patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Administration of C. maltaromaticum reduces intestinal tumor formation in two murine CRC models in a female-specific manner. Estrogen increases the attachment and colonization of C. maltaromaticum via increasing the colonic expression of SLC3A2 that binds to DD-CPase of this bacterium. Metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling unveils the increased gut abundance of vitamin D-related metabolites and the mucosal activation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling in C. maltaromaticum-gavaged mice in a gut microbiome- and VDR-dependent manner. In vitro fermentation system confirms the metabolic cross-feeding of C. maltaromaticum with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii to convert C. maltaromaticum-produced 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D for activating the host VDR signaling. Overall, C. maltaromaticum colonizes the gut in an estrogen-dependent manner and acts along with other microbes to augment the intestinal vitamin D production to activate the host VDR for suppressing CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hung Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei-Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chang-An Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yunfei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xueliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoxing Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chuan Xie
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Ying-Zhi Liu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xian-Song Wang
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Siu Kin Ng
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hongyan Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liu-Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie Fong
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lanping Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yufeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guijun Zhao
- Department of Endoscopy Center, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Digestive Disease, Inner Mongolia people's Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Feihu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huarong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Matthew Tak Vai Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - William Ka Kei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Toro-Ascuy D, Cárdenas JP, Zorondo-Rodríguez F, González D, Silva-Moreno E, Puebla C, Nunez-Parra A, Reyes-Cerpa S, Fuenzalida LF. Microbiota Profile of the Nasal Cavity According to Lifestyles in Healthy Adults in Santiago, Chile. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1635. [PMID: 37512807 PMCID: PMC10384449 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The respiratory microbiome is dynamic, varying between anatomical niches, and it is affected by various host and environmental factors, one of which is lifestyle. Few studies have characterized the upper respiratory tract microbiome profile according to lifestyle. We explored the association between lifestyles and microbiota profiles in the upper respiratory tract of healthy adults. METHODS We analyzed nasal samples from 110 healthy adults who were living in Santiago, Chile, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene-sequencing methods. Volunteers completed a structured questionnaire about lifestyle. RESULTS The composition and abundance of taxonomic groups varied across lifestyle attributes. Additionally, multivariate models suggested that alpha diversity varied in the function of physical activity, nutritional status, smoking, and the interaction between nutritional status and smoking, although the significant impact of those variables varied between women and men. Although physical activity and nutritional status were significantly associated with all indexes of alpha diversity among women, the diversity of microbiota among men was associated with smoking and the interaction between nutritional status and smoking. CONCLUSIONS The alpha diversity of nasal microbiota is associated with lifestyle attributes, but these associations depend on sex and nutritional status. Our results suggest that future studies of the airway microbiome may provide a better resolution if data are stratified for differences in sex and nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Toro-Ascuy
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Juan P Cárdenas
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
| | - Francisco Zorondo-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad Tecnológica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Damariz González
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
| | - Evelyn Silva-Moreno
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Carlos Puebla
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Alexia Nunez-Parra
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Sebastián Reyes-Cerpa
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
| | - Loreto F Fuenzalida
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
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Luo M, Lu J, Li C, Wen B, Chu W, Dang X, Zhang Y, An G, Wang J, Fan R, Chen X. Hydrogen improves exercise endurance in rats by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Genomics 2022; 114:110523. [PMID: 36423772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that hydrogen water has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on exercise-induced fatigue; however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a pure water drinking group (NC) and a hydrogen water drinking group (HW) (n = 7), and 2-week treadmill training was used to establish a sports model. Gut bacterial community profiling was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The expression levels of mitochondrial energy metabolism-related genes and the levels of sugar metabolites and enzymes were measured. RESULTS The exercise tolerance of rats in the HW group significantly improved, and the distribution and diversity of intestinal microbes were altered. Hydrogen significantly upregulated genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis, possibly via the Pparγ/Pgc-1α/Tfam pathway. In addition, hydrogen effectively mediated the reprogramming of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism. CONCLUSION Our findings establish a critical role for hydrogen in improving endurance exercise performance by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via the Pparγ/Pgc-1α/Tfam pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Luo
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Junyu Lu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Chao Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bo Wen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenbin Chu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xiangchen Dang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yujiao Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Gaihong An
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Rong Fan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Central laboratory, Tianjin Xiqing Hospital, Tianjin 300380, China.
| | - Xuewei Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
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Gut Microsex/Genderome, Immunity and the Stress Response in the Sexes: An Updated Review. SEXES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes3040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex has been universally acknowledged as a confounding factor in every type of biological study, while there are strong sex differences in morbidity along the lifespan. Humans have almost identical genomes (99.2%), yet minor variance in their DNA produces remarkable phenotypic diversity across the human population. On the other hand, metagenomic analysis of the human microbiome is more variable, depending on the sex, lifestyle, geography, and age of individuals under study. Immune responses in humans also exhibit variations, with an especially striking sexual dimorphism, which is at play in several other physiologic processes. Sex steroids have noticeable effects on the composition of the human microbiome along the lifespan, accompanied by parallel changes in immunity and the stress response. Gut microsex/genderome, a recently coined term, defines the sexually dimorphic gut microbiome. Apart from the sex steroids, the stress hormones are also at play in the proliferation of microbes. This review summarizes the concept of gut microsex/genderome under the prism of recent studies on the interrelations of the sexually dimorphic microbiome with immunity and stress.
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Caputi V, Bastiaanssen TFS, Peterson V, Sajjad J, Murphy A, Stanton C, McNamara B, Shorten GD, Cryan JF, O'Mahony SM. Sex, pain, and the microbiome: The relationship between baseline gut microbiota composition, gender and somatic pain in healthy individuals. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 104:191-204. [PMID: 35688340 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Relative to men, women present with pain conditions more commonly. Although consistent differences exist between men and women in terms of physiological pain sensitivity, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood and yet could inform the development of effective sex specific treatments for pain. The gut microbiota can modulate nervous system functioning, including pain signaling pathways. We hypothesized that the gut microbiota and critical components of the gut-brain axis might influence electrical pain thresholds. Further, we hypothesized that sex, menstrual cycle, and hormonal contraceptive use might account for inter-sex differences in pain perception. METHODS Healthy, non-obese males (N = 15) and females (N = 16), (nine of whom were using hormonal contraceptives), were recruited. Male subjects were invited to undergo testing once, whereas females were invited three times across the menstrual cycle, based on self-reported early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF), or mid-luteal (ML) phase. On test days, electrical stimulation on the right ankle was performed; salivary cortisol levels were measured in the morning; levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), soluble CD14 (sCD14), pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed in plasma, and microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels were determined in fecal samples. RESULTS We observed that the pain tolerance threshold/pain sensation threshold (PTT/PST) ratio was significantly lesser in women than men, but not PST or PTT alone. Further, hormonal contraceptive use was associated with increased LBP levels (LF & ML phase), whilst sCD14 levels or inflammatory cytokines were not affected. Interestingly, in women, hormonal contraceptive use was associated with an increase in the relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium, and the relative abundances of certain bacterial genera correlated positively with pain sensation thresholds (Prevotella and Megasphera) during the LF phase and cortisol awakening response (Anaerofustis) during the ML phase. In comparison with men, women displayed overall stronger associations between i) SCFAs data, ii) cortisol data, iii) inflammatory cytokines and PTT and PST. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings support the hypothesis that the gut microbiota may be one of the factors determining the physiological inter-sex differences in pain perception. Further research is needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which specific sex hormones and gut microbes modulate pain signaling pathways, but this study highlights the possibilities for innovative individual targeted therapies for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Caputi
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Thomaz F S Bastiaanssen
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Jahangir Sajjad
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Amy Murphy
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Brian McNamara
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Cork University Hospital, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - George D Shorten
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Siobhain M O'Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Thomas N, Gurvich C, Huang K, Gooley PR, Armstrong CW. The underlying sex differences in neuroendocrine adaptations relevant to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100995. [PMID: 35421511 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex multisystem disease characterised by severe and disabling new-onset symptoms of post-exertional malaise (PEM), fatigue, brain fog, and sleep dysfunction that lasts for at least six months. Accumulating evidence suggests that sex and endocrine events have a significant influence on symptom onset and moderation of ME/CFS, with female sex being one of the most consistent and credible predictive risk factors associated with diagnosis. Such sex differences suggest sex chromosomes and sex steroids may play a part in the development of the condition or moderation of symptoms, although this has yet to be explored in detail. METHODS/AIMS This narrative review outlines sex differences in ME/CFS in terms of vulnerability factors and clinical phenotype and explores the known sex differences in neuroendocrine systems affected in ME/CFS and how this may relate to disease risk, onset, pathophysiology, and potential treatment avenues. CONCLUSIONS There is clear evidence of a sex dimorphism with regards to prevalence (3:1 female preponderance), clinical phenotypes, and aetiological triggers prior to symptom onset of ME/CFS. Endocrinological events, particularly those throughout the female lifespan, are associated with ME/CFS and include reproductive menstrual cycle fluctuations, pregnancy, post-partum and perimenopause. Further, there is evidence for gonadal sex, adrenal stress and renal neuroendocrine systems as implicated in ME/CFS, including changes in estrogen, progesterone compounds, aldosterone, and cortisol levels, of which there are established sex differences. The broad effects of steroid hormones on the physiological systems may also speak to the diversity of ME/CFS symptomatology observed in patients. Further attention must be paid to sex, age, and steroid biology in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | - Katherine Huang
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul R Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher W Armstrong
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Tamura Y, Yamato M, Kataoka Y. Animal Models for Neuroinflammation and Potential Treatment Methods. Front Neurol 2022; 13:890217. [PMID: 35832182 PMCID: PMC9271866 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.890217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic disease of unknown etiology and without effective treatment options. The onset of ME/CFS is often associated with neuroinflammation following bacterial or viral infection. A positron emission tomography imaging study revealed that the degree of neuroinflammation was correlated with the severity of several symptoms in patients with ME/CFS. In animal studies, lipopolysaccharide- and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid-induced models are thought to mimic the pathological features of ME/CFS and provoke neuroinflammation, characterized by increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of microglia. In this review, we described the anti-inflammatory effects of three compounds on neuroinflammatory responses utilizing animal models. The findings of the included studies suggest that anti-inflammatory substances may be used as effective therapies to ameliorate disease symptoms in patients with ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhisa Tamura
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Imaging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
- Multi-Modal Microstructure Analysis Unit, RIKEN-JEOL Collaboration Center, RIKEN, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masanori Yamato
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Imaging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
- Multi-Modal Microstructure Analysis Unit, RIKEN-JEOL Collaboration Center, RIKEN, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yosky Kataoka
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Imaging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
- Multi-Modal Microstructure Analysis Unit, RIKEN-JEOL Collaboration Center, RIKEN, Kobe, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yosky Kataoka
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10
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Tilves C, Yeh HC, Maruthur N, Juraschek SP, Miller E, White K, Appel LJ, Mueller NT. Increases in Circulating and Fecal Butyrate are Associated With Reduced Blood Pressure and Hypertension: Results From the SPIRIT Trial. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e024763. [PMID: 35730613 PMCID: PMC9333372 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.024763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are microbially derived end products of dietary fiber fermentation. The SCFA butyrate reduces blood pressure (BP) in mouse models. The association of SCFAs, including butyrate, with BP in humans is unclear, due in part to predominantly cross-sectional analyses and different biospecimens (blood versus fecal) for SCFA measurement. Longitudinal studies including both circulating and fecal SCFAs are lacking. Methods and Results We leveraged existing data from the SPIRIT (Survivorship Promotion In Reducing IGF-1 Trial), which randomized 121 adult cancer survivors with overweight/obesity to a behavioral weight-loss intervention, metformin, or self-directed weight-loss. Of participants with baseline serum and fecal SCFAs measured (n=111), a subset had serum (n=93) and fecal (n=89) SCFA measurements 12 months later. We used Poisson regression with robust error variance to estimate baseline associations of SCFAs with hypertension, and we assessed the percent change in SCFAs from baseline with corresponding 12-month changes in BP using multiple linear regression. Baseline fecal butyrate was inversely associated with prevalent hypertension (standardized PR [95%CI]: 0.71 [0.54, 0.92]). A 10% increase in fecal butyrate from baseline was associated with decreased systolic BP (β [95%CI]: -0.56 [-1.01, -0.10] mm Hg), and a 10% increase in serum butyrate was associated with decreased systolic (β [95%CI]: -1.39 [-2.15, -0.63] mm Hg) and diastolic (β [95%CI]: -0.55 [-1.03, -0.08] mm Hg) BPs. Butyrate associations with systolic BP were linear and not modified by sex, race, or intervention arm. Conclusions Increased serum or fecal butyrate is associated with lowered BP. Butyrate may be a target for SCFA-centered BP-lowering interventions. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02431676.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis Tilves
- Department of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD.,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD
| | - Hsin-Chieh Yeh
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD
| | - Nisa Maruthur
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD
| | - Stephen P Juraschek
- Division of General Medicine and Primary Care Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston MA
| | - Edgar Miller
- Department of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD.,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD
| | - Karen White
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD
| | - Lawrence J Appel
- Department of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD.,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD
| | - Noel T Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD.,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD
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11
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Ganci M, Suleyman E, Butt H, Ball M. Associations between self-reported psychological symptom severity and gut microbiota: further support for the microgenderome. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:307. [PMID: 35501777 PMCID: PMC9059404 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into the brain-gut-microbiota axis (BGMA) continues to reveal associations between gut microbiota (GM) and psychological symptom expression, inspiring new ways of conceptualising psychological disorders. However, before GM modulation can be touted as a possible auxiliary treatment option, more research is needed as inconsistencies in previous findings regarding these associations are prevalent. Additionally, the concept of the microgenderome, which proposes that GM may interact with sex hormones, has received limited attention in studies using human samples to date. However, such research has demonstrated sex specific associations between GM and psychological symptom expression. METHOD This cross-sectional retrospective study explores associations between GM species (identified through faecal microbial analysis) and symptom severity across four psychological domains (Depressive, Neurocognitive, Stress and Anxiety, and Sleep and Fatigue) for males (N = 1143) and females (N = 3467) separately. RESULTS GM species from several genera including Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, and Leuconostoc were found to be differentially associated with psychological symptom severity for males and females. As such, the findings of the current study provide support for the concept of the microgenderome. CONCLUSION While further research is needed before their implementation in psychological treatment plans, the current findings suggest that modulation of GM at the species level may hold promise as auxiliary diagnostic or treatment options. These findings may give further insight into a client's presenting problem from a more holistic, multidisciplinary perspective. The clear sex divergence in associations between GM and symptoms give insight into sex discrepancies in susceptibility to psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ganci
- Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.
| | - Emra Suleyman
- grid.1019.90000 0001 0396 9544Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia
| | - Henry Butt
- grid.1019.90000 0001 0396 9544Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia ,Bioscreen Yarraville (Aust) Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Michelle Ball
- grid.1019.90000 0001 0396 9544Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia
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12
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Shobeiri P, Kalantari A, Teixeira AL, Rezaei N. Shedding light on biological sex differences and microbiota-gut-brain axis: a comprehensive review of its roles in neuropsychiatric disorders. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:12. [PMID: 35337376 PMCID: PMC8949832 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00422-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Women and men are suggested to have differences in vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), schizophrenia, eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa, neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease. Genetic factors and sex hormones are apparently the main mediators of these differences. Recent evidence uncovers that reciprocal interactions between sex-related features (e.g., sex hormones and sex differences in the brain) and gut microbiota could play a role in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders via influencing the gut–brain axis. It is increasingly evident that sex–microbiota–brain interactions take part in the occurrence of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Accordingly, integrating the existing evidence might help to enlighten the fundamental roles of these interactions in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, an increased understanding of the biological sex differences on the microbiota–brain may lead to advances in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and increase the potential for precision medicine. This review discusses the effects of sex differences on the brain and gut microbiota and the putative underlying mechanisms of action. Additionally, we discuss the consequences of interactions between sex differences and gut microbiota on the emergence of particular neuropsychiatric disorders. The human microbiome is a unique set of organisms affecting health via the gut–brain axis. Neuropsychiatric disorders, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders are regulated by the microbiota–gut–brain axis in a sex-specific manner. Understanding the role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis and its sex differences in various diseases can lead to better therapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parnian Shobeiri
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Gharib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirali Kalantari
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Antônio L Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran. .,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Gharib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Latorre-Pérez A, Hernández M, Iglesias JR, Morán J, Pascual J, Porcar M, Vilanova C, Collado L. The Spanish gut microbiome reveals links between microorganisms and Mediterranean diet. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21602. [PMID: 34759297 PMCID: PMC8580991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing evidence of links between human gut and health, the number of gut microbiomes that have been studied to date at a country level are surprisingly low. Mediterranean countries, including some of the most long-lived and healthy countries in the world, have not been considered so far in those studies at a large scale. The main objective of this work is to characterize the gut microbiome of a healthy adult population of a Mediterranean, paradigmatically healthy country: Spain. Stool samples from 530 healthy volunteers were collected, total metagenomic DNA extracted, and the microbial profiles determined through 16S rRNA metataxonomic sequencing. Our results confirm the associations between several microbial markers and different variables, including sex, age, BMI and diet choices, and bring new insights into the relationship between microbiome and diet in the Spanish population. Remarkably, some of the associations found, such as the decrease of Faecalibacterium with age or the link of Flavonifractor with less healthy dietary habits, have been barely noticed in other large-scale cohorts. On the other hand, a range of links between microorganisms, diet, and lifestyle coincide with those reported in other populations, thus increasing the robustness of such associations and confirming the importance of these microbial markers across different countries. Overall, this study describes the Spanish "normal" microbiome, providing a solid baseline for future studies investigating the effects of gut microbiome composition and deviations in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Hernández
- Instituto Central Lechera Asturiana para la Nutrición Personalizada (ICLANP), Siero, Spain.
| | - Jose Ramón Iglesias
- Instituto Central Lechera Asturiana para la Nutrición Personalizada (ICLANP), Siero, Spain
| | - Javier Morán
- Instituto de Innovación Alimentaria, Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Porcar
- Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence S.L., Paterna, Spain
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of València-CSIC, Paterna, Spain
| | | | - Luis Collado
- Department of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Cuervo-Zanatta D, Garcia-Mena J, Perez-Cruz C. Gut Microbiota Alterations and Cognitive Impairment Are Sexually Dissociated in a Transgenic Mice Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:S195-S214. [PMID: 33492296 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normal aging is accompanied by cognitive deficiencies, affecting women and men equally. Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), with women having a higher risk. The higher prevalence of AD in women is associated with the abrupt hormonal decline seen after menopause. However, other factors may be involved in this sex-related cognitive decline. Alterations in gut microbiota (GM) and its bioproducts have been reported in AD subjects and transgenic (Tg) mice, having a direct impact on brain amyloid-β pathology in male (M), but not in female (F) mice. OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to determine GM composition and cognitive dysfunction in M and F wildtype (WT) and Tg mice, in a sex/genotype segregation design. METHODS Anxiety, short term working-memory, spatial learning, and long-term spatial memory were evaluated in 6-month-old WT and Tg male mice. Fecal short chain fatty acids were determined by chromatography, and DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were used to determine GM differences. RESULTS We observed sex-dependent differences in cognitive skills in WT mice, favoring F mice. However, the cognitive advantage of females was lost in Tg mice. GM composition showed few sex-related differences in WT mice. Contrary, Tg-M mice presented a more severe dysbiosis than Tg-F mice. A decreased abundance of Ruminococcaceae was associated with cognitive deficits in Tg-F mice, while butyrate levels were positively associated with better working- and object recognition-memory in WT-F mice. CONCLUSION This report describes a sex-dependent association between GM alterations and cognitive impairment in a mice model of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cuervo-Zanatta
- Pharmacology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (Cinvestav), Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration, Mexico City, Mexico.,Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (Cinvestav), Laboratory of reference and support for the characterization of genomes, transcriptomes and microbiomes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jaime Garcia-Mena
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (Cinvestav), Laboratory of reference and support for the characterization of genomes, transcriptomes and microbiomes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Perez-Cruz
- Pharmacology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (Cinvestav), Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration, Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Beauruelle C, Guilloux CA, Lamoureux C, Héry-Arnaud G. The Human Microbiome, an Emerging Key-Player in the Sex Gap in Respiratory Diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:600879. [PMID: 34026772 PMCID: PMC8137850 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.600879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex gap is well-documented in respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While the differences between males and females in prevalence, severity and prognosis are well-established, the pathophysiology of the sex difference has been poorly characterized to date. Over the past 10 years, metagenomics-based studies have revealed the presence of a resident microbiome in the respiratory tract and its central role in respiratory disease. The lung microbiome is associated with host immune response and health outcomes in both animal models and patient cohorts. The study of the lung microbiome is therefore an interesting new avenue to explore in order to understand the sex gap observed in respiratory diseases. Another important parameter to consider is the gut-lung axis, since the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in distant immune modulation in respiratory diseases, and an intestinal “microgenderome” has been reported: i.e., sexual dimorphism in the gut microbiome. The microgenderome provides new pathophysiological clues, as it defines the interactions between microbiome, sex hormones, immunity and disease susceptibility. As research on the microbiome is increasing in volume and scope, the objective of this review was to describe the state-of-the-art on the sex gap in respiratory medicine (acute pulmonary infection and chronic lung disease) in the light of the microbiome, including evidence of local (lung) or distant (gut) contributions to the pathophysiology of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Beauruelle
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France.,Unité de Bactériologie, Pôle de Biologie-Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Brest, Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche, Brest, France
| | | | - Claudie Lamoureux
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France.,Unité de Bactériologie, Pôle de Biologie-Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Brest, Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche, Brest, France
| | - Geneviève Héry-Arnaud
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France.,Unité de Bactériologie, Pôle de Biologie-Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Brest, Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche, Brest, France
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16
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Ganci M, Butt H, Tyrrell J, Suleyman E, Ball M. The effect of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis on psychological symptom severity in a sample of clinically diverse males and females. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01700-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHealth outcomes associated with Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are disparate and controversial, ranging from health benefits, to years of asymptomatic carriage, through to severe illness. Evidence that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commensal members of the gut microbiota is growing. Despite this, little to no research exists investigating the potential effect of these protozoa on psychological symptom expression. As such, the aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to be the first to investigate the effect of protozoan carriage on severity of Depressive, Neurocognitive, Stress and Anxiety, and Sleep and Fatigue symptoms, and whether this effect changes as a function of sex. The prevalence of D. fragilis was significantly higher in females compared to males, however there were no sex differences in prevalence for Blastocystis sp. (data used in the current study contained ST1, ST3, and Blastocystis ST unspecified) or co-carriage of the two. Females reported significantly more severe symptoms across all four psychological domains compared to males. There was no significant interaction between sex and Blastocystis sp. carriage on psychological symptom severity, and no significant main effect of Blastocystis sp. on symptom severity compared to those who tested negative for protozoa. When investigating the sexes separately, there was no effect of protozoan carriage on psychological symptom expression in either males or females. These findings add weight to the argument that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are not necessarily pathogenic and are likely to be part of a diverse gut (which is typically associated with better health outcomes). Further research is required given that protozoan members of the gut microbiota have been largely ignored in brain-gut-microbiota axis research.
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17
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Pace F, Watnick PI. The Interplay of Sex Steroids, the Immune Response, and the Intestinal Microbiota. Trends Microbiol 2020; 29:849-859. [PMID: 33257138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The role of sex steroids in mammalian maturation is well established. Recently, it has been increasingly appreciated that sex steroids also play an important role in the propensity of adults to develop a myriad of diseases. The exposure and responsiveness of tissues to sex steroids varies among individuals and between the sexes, and this has been correlated with gender-specific differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and in susceptibility to metabolic, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases. Here we focus on recent studies that demonstrate an interplay between sex steroids, the intestinal immune response, and the intestinal microbiota. While correlations between biological sex, the intestinal innate immune response, intestinal inflammation, and intestinal microbiota have been established, many gaps in our knowledge prevent the emergence of an overarching model for this complex interaction. Such a model could aid in the development of prebiotic, probiotic, or synthetic therapeutics that decrease the risk of autoimmune, metabolic, neoplastic, and infectious diseases of the intestine and mitigate the particular health risks faced by individuals receiving sex steroid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Pace
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Paula I Watnick
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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18
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Abstract
Vertebrates synthesize a diverse set of steroids and bile acids that undergo bacterial biotransformations. The endocrine literature has principally focused on the biochemistry and molecular biology of host synthesis and tissue-specific metabolism of steroids. Host-associated microbiota possess a coevolved set of steroid and bile acid modifying enzymes that match the majority of host peripheral biotransformations in addition to unique capabilities. The set of host-associated microbial genes encoding enzymes involved in steroid transformations is known as the sterolbiome. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the sterolbiome as well as its importance in medicine and agriculture.
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19
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Jaggar M, Rea K, Spichak S, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. You've got male: Sex and the microbiota-gut-brain axis across the lifespan. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100815. [PMID: 31805290 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex is a critical factor in the diagnosis and development of a number of mental health disorders including autism, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, anorexia nervosa and others; likely due to differences in sex steroid hormones and genetics. Recent evidence suggests that sex can also influence the complexity and diversity of microbes that we harbour in our gut; and reciprocally that our gut microbes can directly and indirectly influence sex steroid hormones and central gene activation. There is a growing emphasis on the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in the maintenance of mental health and their role in the pathogenesis of disease. In this review, we introduce mechanisms by which gastrointestinal microbiota are thought to mediate positive health benefits along the gut-brain axis, we report how they may be modulated by sex, the role they play in sex steroid hormone regulation, and their sex-specific effects in various disorders relating to mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Jaggar
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kieran Rea
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Simon Spichak
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Ma Z(S, Li W. How and Why Men and Women Differ in Their Microbiomes: Medical Ecology and Network Analyses of the Microgenderome. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1902054. [PMID: 31832327 PMCID: PMC6891928 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201902054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microgenderome or sexual dimorphism in microbiome refers to the bidirectional interactions between microbiotas, sex hormones, and immune systems, and it is highly relevant to disease susceptibility. A critical step in exploring microgenderome is to dissect the sex differences in key community ecology properties, which has not been systematically analyzed. This study aims at filling the gap by reanalyzing the Human Microbiome Project datasets with two objectives: (i) dissecting the sex differences in community diversity and their intersubject scaling, species composition, core/periphery species, and high-salience skeletons (species interactions); (ii) offering mechanistic interpretations for (i). Conceptually, the Vellend-Hanson synthesis of community ecology that stipulates selection, drift, speciation, and dispersal as the four processes driving community dynamics is followed. Methodologically, seven approaches reflecting the state-of-the-art research in medical ecology of human microbiomes are harnessed to achieve the objectives. It is postulated that the revealed microgenderome characteristics (categorized as seven aspects of differences/similarities) exert far reaching influences on disease susceptibility, and are primarily due to the sex difference in selection effects (deterministic fitness differences in microbial species and/or species interactions with each other or with their hosts), which are, in turn, shaped/modulated by host physiology (immunity, hormones, gut-brain communications, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanshan (Sam) Ma
- Computational Biology and Medical Ecology LabState Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and EvolutionKunming Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650223China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650223China
| | - Wendy Li
- Computational Biology and Medical Ecology LabState Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and EvolutionKunming Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650223China
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21
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Ganci M, Suleyman E, Butt H, Ball M. The role of the brain-gut-microbiota axis in psychology: The importance of considering gut microbiota in the development, perpetuation, and treatment of psychological disorders. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01408. [PMID: 31568686 PMCID: PMC6851798 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of psychological disorders remains stable despite steady increases in pharmacological treatments suggesting the need for auxiliary treatment options. Consideration of the brain-gut-microbiota axis (BGMA) has made inroads into reconceptualizing psychological illness from a more holistic perspective. While our understanding of the precise role of gut microbiota (GM) in psychological illness is in its infancy, it represents an attractive target for novel interventions. METHOD An extensive review of relevant literature was undertaken. RESULTS Gut microbiota are proposed to directly and indirectly influence mood, cognition, and behavior which are key components of mental health. This paper outlines how GM may be implicated in psychological disorders from etiology through to treatment and prevention using the Four P model of case formulation. CONCLUSION Moving forward, integration of GM into the conceptualization and treatment of psychological illness will require the discipline of psychology to undergo a significant paradigm shift. While the importance of the GM in psychological well-being must be respected, it is not proposed to be a panacea, but instead, an additional arm to a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ganci
- Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Emra Suleyman
- Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Henry Butt
- Bioscreen Yarraville (Aust) Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Michelle Ball
- Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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22
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Rabe A, Gesell Salazar M, Michalik S, Fuchs S, Welk A, Kocher T, Völker U. Metaproteomics analysis of microbial diversity of human saliva and tongue dorsum in young healthy individuals. J Oral Microbiol 2019; 11:1654786. [PMID: 31497257 PMCID: PMC6720020 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2019.1654786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The human oral microbiome influences initiation or progression of diseases like caries or periodontitis. Metaproteomics approaches enable the simultaneous investigation of microbial and host proteins and their interactions to improve understanding of oral diseases. Objective: In this study, we provide a detailed metaproteomics perspective of the composition of salivary and tongue microbial communities of young healthy subjects. Design: Stimulated saliva and tongue samples were collected from 24 healthy volunteers, subjected to shotgun nLC-MS/MS and analyzed by the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline and the Prophane tool. Results: 3,969 bacterial and 1,857 human proteins could be identified from saliva and tongue, respectively. In total, 1,971 bacterial metaproteins and 1,154 human proteins were shared in both sample types. Twice the amount of bacterial metaproteins were uniquely identified for the tongue dorsum compared to saliva. Overall, 107 bacterial genera of seven phyla formed the microbiome. Comparative analysis identified significant functional differences between the microbial biofilm on the tongue and the microbiome of saliva. Conclusion: Even if the microbial communities of saliva and tongue dorsum showed a strong similarity based on identified protein functions and deduced bacterial composition, certain specific characteristics were observed. Both microbiomes exhibit a great diversity with seven genera being most abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rabe
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Manuela Gesell Salazar
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stephan Michalik
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stephan Fuchs
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Robert Koch-Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Alexander Welk
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology, Endodontology, and Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Kocher
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology, Endodontology, and Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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23
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de la Cuesta-Zuluaga J, Kelley ST, Chen Y, Escobar JS, Mueller NT, Ley RE, McDonald D, Huang S, Swafford AD, Knight R, Thackray VG. Age- and Sex-Dependent Patterns of Gut Microbial Diversity in Human Adults. mSystems 2019; 4:e00261-19. [PMID: 31098397 PMCID: PMC6517691 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00261-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut microbial diversity changes throughout the human life span and is known to be associated with host sex. We investigated the association of age, sex, and gut bacterial alpha diversity in three large cohorts of adults from four geographical regions: subjects from the United States and United Kingdom in the American Gut Project (AGP) citizen-science initiative and two independent cohorts of Colombians and Chinese. In three of the four cohorts, we observed a strong positive association between age and alpha diversity in young adults that plateaued after age 40 years. We also found sex-dependent differences that were more pronounced in younger adults than in middle-aged adults, with women having higher alpha diversity than men. In contrast to the other three cohorts, no association of alpha diversity with age or sex was observed in the Chinese cohort. The association of alpha diversity with age and sex remained after adjusting for cardiometabolic parameters in the Colombian cohort and antibiotic usage in the AGP cohort. We further attempted to predict the microbiota age in individuals using a machine-learning approach for the men and women in each cohort. Consistent with our alpha-diversity-based findings, U.S. and U.K. women had a significantly higher predicted microbiota age than men, with a reduced difference being seen above age 40 years. This difference was not observed in the Colombian cohort and was observed only in middle-aged Chinese adults. Together, our results provide new insights into the influence of age and sex on the biodiversity of the human gut microbiota during adulthood while highlighting similarities and differences across diverse cohorts. IMPORTANCE Microorganisms in the human gut play a role in health and disease, and in adults higher gut biodiversity has been linked to better health. Since gut microorganisms may be pivotal in the development of microbial therapies, understanding the factors that shape gut biodiversity is of utmost interest. We performed large-scale analyses of the relationship of age and sex to gut bacterial diversity in adult cohorts from four geographic regions: the United States, the United Kingdom, Colombia, and China. In the U.S., U.K., and Colombian cohorts, bacterial biodiversity correlated positively with age in young adults but plateaued at about age 40 years, with no positive association being found in middle-aged adults. Young, but not middle-aged, adult women had higher gut bacterial diversity than men, a pattern confirmed via supervised machine learning. Interestingly, in the Chinese cohort, minimal associations were observed between gut biodiversity and age or sex. Our results highlight the patterns of adult gut biodiversity and provide a framework for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott T. Kelley
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yingfeng Chen
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Juan S. Escobar
- Vidarium—Nutrition, Health and Wellness Research Center, Grupo Empresarial Nutresa, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Noel T. Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Welch Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ruth E. Ley
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel McDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Shi Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Austin D. Swafford
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Varykina G. Thackray
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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24
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Kim YS, Unno T, Kim BY, Park MS. Sex Differences in Gut Microbiota. World J Mens Health 2019; 38:48-60. [PMID: 30929328 PMCID: PMC6920072 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.190009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans carry numerous symbiotic microorganisms in their body, most of which are present in the gut. Although recent technological advances have produced extensive research data on gut microbiota, there are various confounding factors (e.g., diet, race, medications) to consider. Sex is one of the important variables affecting the gut microbiota, but the association has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Although the results are inconsistent, several animal and human studies have shown sex differences in gut microbiota. Herein, we review these studies to discuss the sex-dependent differences as well as the possible mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sung Kim
- Digestive Disease Research Institute and Department of Gastroenterology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea.,Division of Microbiome Research, VOWLIFE R&D Center, Iksan, Korea.
| | - Tatsuya Unno
- Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea.,Faculty of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea
| | | | - Mi Sung Park
- Institute for Metabolic Disease, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
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Abstract
Discoveries in molecular genetics over the last two decades have broadened our information about the genomics of complex microbial communities. As in all other fields of medicine, there is an undeniable need to explore the microbiome and the way it is impacted by biological sex. A number, although small, of recent studies have demonstrated that women and men have striking differences in the species that constitute their microbiomes. This effects pathological physiology in fields such as hepatology, oncology, autoimmune disease (most notably diabetes mellitus), autism, and obstetrics. There is still an unfortunate lack of research being done on the “microgenderome”: the interaction between microbiota, sex hormones, and the immune system. This review will highlight some of the main areas to be affected by microgenderome physiology, with an in depth focus on obstetrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Levy
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ido Solt
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
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26
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The microgenderome revealed: sex differences in bidirectional interactions between the microbiota, hormones, immunity and disease susceptibility. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:265-275. [PMID: 30298433 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in immunity are well described in the literature and thought to be mainly driven by sex hormones and sex-linked immune response genes. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is one of the largest immune organs in the body and contains multiple immune cells in the GIT-associated lymphoid tissue, Peyer's patches and elsewhere, which together have profound effects on local and systemic inflammation. The GIT is colonised with microbial communities composed of bacteria, fungi and viruses, collectively known as the GIT microbiota. The GIT microbiota drives multiple interactions locally with immune cells that regulate the homeostatic environment and systemically in diverse tissues. It is becoming evident that the microbiota differs between the sexes, both in animal models and in humans, and these sex differences often lead to sex-dependent changes in local GIT inflammation, systemic immunity and susceptibility to a range of inflammatory diseases. The sexually dimorphic microbiome has been termed the 'microgenderome'. Herein, we review the evidence for the microgenderome and contemplate the role it plays in driving sex differences in immunity and disease susceptibility. We further consider the impact that biological sex might play in the response to treatments aimed at manipulating the GIT microbiota, such as prebiotics, live biotherapeutics, (probiotics, synbiotics and bacteriotherapies) and faecal microbial transplant. These alternative therapies hold potential in the treatment of both psychological (e.g., anxiety, depression) and physiological (e.g., irritable bowel disease) disorders differentially affecting males and females.
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Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) (ME/CFS) is a disabling and debilitating disease of unknown aetiology. It is a heterogeneous disease characterized by various inflammatory, immune, viral, neurological and endocrine symptoms. Several microbiome studies have described alterations in the bacterial component of the microbiome (dysbiosis) consistent with a possible role in disease development. However, in focusing on the bacterial components of the microbiome, these studies have neglected the viral constituent known as the virome. Viruses, particularly those infecting bacteria (bacteriophages), have the potential to alter the function and structure of the microbiome via gene transfer and host lysis. Viral-induced microbiome changes can directly and indirectly influence host health and disease. The contribution of viruses towards disease pathogenesis is therefore an important area for research in ME/CFS. Recent advancements in sequencing technology and bioinformatics now allow more comprehensive and inclusive investigations of human microbiomes. However, as the number of microbiome studies increases, the need for greater consistency in study design and analysis also increases. Comparisons between different ME/CFS microbiome studies are difficult because of differences in patient selection and diagnosis criteria, sample processing, genome sequencing and downstream bioinformatics analysis. It is therefore important that microbiome studies adopt robust, reproducible and consistent study design to enable more reliable and valid comparisons and conclusions to be made between studies. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence supporting microbiome alterations in ME/CFS patients. Additionally, the pitfalls and challenges associated with microbiome studies are discussed.
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28
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Blomberg J, Gottfries CG, Elfaitouri A, Rizwan M, Rosén A. Infection Elicited Autoimmunity and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Explanatory Model. Front Immunol 2018; 9:229. [PMID: 29497420 PMCID: PMC5818468 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) often also called chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a common, debilitating, disease of unknown origin. Although a subject of controversy and a considerable scientific literature, we think that a solid understanding of ME/CFS pathogenesis is emerging. In this study, we compiled recent findings and placed them in the context of the clinical picture and natural history of the disease. A pattern emerged, giving rise to an explanatory model. ME/CFS often starts after or during an infection. A logical explanation is that the infection initiates an autoreactive process, which affects several functions, including brain and energy metabolism. According to our model for ME/CFS pathogenesis, patients with a genetic predisposition and dysbiosis experience a gradual development of B cell clones prone to autoreactivity. Under normal circumstances these B cell offsprings would have led to tolerance. Subsequent exogenous microbial exposition (triggering) can lead to comorbidities such as fibromyalgia, thyroid disorder, and orthostatic hypotension. A decisive infectious trigger may then lead to immunization against autoantigens involved in aerobic energy production and/or hormone receptors and ion channel proteins, producing postexertional malaise and ME/CFS, affecting both muscle and brain. In principle, cloning and sequencing of immunoglobulin variable domains could reveal the evolution of pathogenic clones. Although evidence consistent with the model accumulated in recent years, there are several missing links in it. Hopefully, the hypothesis generates testable propositions that can augment the understanding of the pathogenesis of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Blomberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Clinical Microbiology, Academic Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Amal Elfaitouri
- Department of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Clinical Microbiology, Academic Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Rosén
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Wallis A, Ball M, Butt H, Lewis DP, McKechnie S, Paull P, Jaa-Kwee A, Bruck D. Open-label pilot for treatment targeting gut dysbiosis in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: neuropsychological symptoms and sex comparisons. J Transl Med 2018; 16:24. [PMID: 29409505 PMCID: PMC5801817 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliminary evidence suggests that the enteric microbiota may play a role in the expression of neurological symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Overlapping symptoms with the acute presentation of D-lactic acidosis has prompted the use of antibiotic treatment to target the overgrowth of species within the Streptococcus genus found in commensal enteric microbiota as a possible treatment for neurological symptoms in ME/CFS. METHODS An open-label, repeated measures design was used to examine treatment efficacy and enable sex comparisons. Participants included 44 adult ME/CFS patients (27 females) from one specialist medical clinic with Streptococcus viable counts above 3.00 × 105 cfu/g (wet weight of faeces) and with a count greater than 5% of the total count of aerobic microorganisms. The 4-week treatment protocol included alternate weeks of Erythromycin (400 mg of erythromycin as ethyl succinate salt) twice daily and probiotic (D-lactate free multistrain probiotic, 5 × 1010 cfu twice daily). 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess sex-time interactions and effects across pre- and post-intervention for microbial, lactate and clinical outcomes. Ancillary non-parametric correlations were conducted to examine interactions between change in microbiota and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Large treatment effects were observed for the intention-to-treat sample with a reduction in Streptococcus viable count and improvement on several clinical outcomes including total symptoms, some sleep (less awakenings, greater efficiency and quality) and cognitive symptoms (attention, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, story memory and verbal fluency). Mood, fatigue and urine D:L lactate ratio remained similar across time. Ancillary results infer that shifts in microbiota were associated with more of the variance in clinical changes for males compared with females. CONCLUSIONS Results support the notion that specific microorganisms interact with some ME/CFS symptoms and offer promise for the therapeutic potential of targeting gut dysbiosis in this population. Streptococcus spp. are not the primary or sole producers of D-lactate. Further investigation of lactate concentrations are needed to elucidate any role of D-lactate in this population. Concurrent microbial shifts that may be associated with clinical improvement (i.e., increased Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium or decreased Clostridium in males) invite enquiry into alternative strategies for individualised treatment. Trial Registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12614001077651) 9th October 2014. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366933&isReview=true.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Wallis
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michelle Ball
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Henry Butt
- Bioscreen (Aust) Pty Ltd., Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Sandra McKechnie
- College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Amber Jaa-Kwee
- College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dorothy Bruck
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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Mandarano AH, Giloteaux L, Keller BA, Levine SM, Hanson MR. Eukaryotes in the gut microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4282. [PMID: 29375937 PMCID: PMC5784577 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) often suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and many are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Previous studies, including from our laboratory, have demonstrated that the ME/CFS gut bacterial composition is altered and less diverse when compared to healthy individuals. Patients have increased biomarkers of inflammation and leaky gut syndrome. To further investigate dysbiosis in the ME/CFS gut microbiome, we sought to characterize the eukaryotes present in the gut of 49 individuals with ME/CFS and 39 healthy controls. Using 18S rRNA sequencing, we have identified eukaryotes in stool samples of 17 healthy individuals and 17 ME/CFS patients. Our analysis demonstrates a small, nonsignificant decrease in eukaryotic diversity in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy individuals. In addition, ME/CFS patients show a nonsignificant increase in the ratio of fungal phyla Basidiomycota to Ascomycota, which is consistent with ongoing inflammation in ME/CFS. We did not identify specific eukaryotic taxa that are associated with ME/CFS disease status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra H. Mandarano
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Ludovic Giloteaux
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Betsy A. Keller
- Department of Exercise & Sport Sciences, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Susan M. Levine
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Maureen R. Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent discoveries relay commensal gut microbiota as a relevant factor in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. RECENT FINDINGS Alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota have been reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and many other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. However, the mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota can influence systemic immunity in these situations remain to be elucidated. The inappropriate immune responses of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus could originate a breakdown of tolerance towards the microbiota, leading to the expansion and/or contraction of specific bacterial groups that may culminate in a dysbiotic state. Conversely, an altered composition of the intestinal microbiome in genetically predisposed individuals could influence systemic immunity by several mechanisms, leading to a breakdown of tolerance to self-antigens. Moreover, humoral immune responses can be affected by specific bacterial groups in these individuals. SUMMARY Recent findings support an important role for the crosstalk between bacteria and immune cells to maintain an intestinal homeostasis crucial to sustain tolerance toward self-antigens and intestinal microbiota.
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32
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Wallis A, Ball M, McKechnie S, Butt H, Lewis DP, Bruck D. Examining clinical similarities between myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and D-lactic acidosis: a systematic review. J Transl Med 2017; 15:129. [PMID: 28592308 PMCID: PMC5463382 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pursuit for clarity in diagnostic and treatment pathways for the complex, chronic condition of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) continues. This systematic review raises a novel question to explore possible overlapping aetiology in two distinct conditions. Similar neurocognitive symptoms and evidence of D-lactate producing bacteria in ME/CFS raise questions about shared mechanisms with the acute condition of D-lactic acidosis (D-la). METHODS D-la case reports published between 1965 and March 2016 were reviewed for episodes describing both neurological symptoms and high D-lactate levels. Fifty-nine D-la episodes were included in the qualitative synthesis comparing D-la symptoms with ME/CFS diagnostic criteria. A narrative review of D-la mechanisms and relevance for ME/CFS was provided. RESULTS The majority of neurological disturbances reported in D-la episodes overlapped with ME/CFS symptoms. Of these, the most frequently reported D-la symptoms were motor disturbances that appear more prominent during severe presentations of ME/CFS. Both patient groups shared a history of gastrointestinal abnormalities and evidence of bacterial dysbiosis, although only preliminary evidence supported the role of lactate-producing bacteria in ME/CFS. LIMITATIONS Interpretation of results are constrained by both the breadth of symptoms included in ME/CFS diagnostic criteria and the conservative methodology used for D-la symptom classification. Several pathophysiological mechanisms in ME/CFS were not examined. CONCLUSIONS Shared symptomatology and underlying microbiota-gut-brain interactions raise the possibility of a continuum of acute (D-la) versus chronic (ME/CFS) presentations related to D-lactate absorption. Measurement of D-lactate in ME/CFS is needed to effectively evaluate whether subclinical D-lactate levels affect neurological symptoms in this clinical population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Wallis
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia
| | - Michelle Ball
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia
| | - Sandra McKechnie
- College of Engineering & Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Henry Butt
- Bioscreen Yarraville (Aust) Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | | | - Dorothy Bruck
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia
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33
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Zhang N, Mao X, Li RW, Hou E, Wang Y, Xue C, Tang Q. Neoagarotetraose protects mice against intense exercise-induced fatigue damage by modulating gut microbial composition and function. Mol Nutr Food Res 2017; 61. [PMID: 28083922 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201600585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Exhaustive exercise stress has emerged as an important health issue, and gastrointestinal problems are a common concern during intense exercise. In this study, we investigated the potential antifatigue effects of neoagarotetraose (NAT) in mice under intense exercise stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS Exhaustive exercise stress significantly weakened several physiological and physical parameters of the mice, including decreased food intake, reduced body weight, and impaired integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Our data showed that a 16-day NAT treatment resulted in a profound change in microbiome composition, which subsequently led to widespread shifts in the functional potential of the gut microbiome. Furthermore, NAT administration significantly increased the fecal concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Together, our findings suggest that NAT may protect mice against intense exercise-induced fatigue and provide insights into the mechanisms of NAT as a potential prebiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangzhao Mao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Robert W Li
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS), Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Enling Hou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Changhu Xue
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjuan Tang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Wallis A, Butt H, Ball M, Lewis DP, Bruck D. Support for the microgenderome invites enquiry into sex differences. Gut Microbes 2017; 8:46-52. [PMID: 27808584 PMCID: PMC5361606 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2016.1256524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The microgenderome defines the interaction between microbiota, sex hormones and the immune system. Our recent research inferred support for the microgenderome by showing sex differences in microbiota-symptom associations in a clinical sample of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This addendum expands upon the sex-specific pattern of associations that were observed. Interpretations are hypothesized in relation to genera versus species-level analyses and D-lactate theory. Evidence of sex-differences invites future research to consider sex comparisons in microbial function even when microbial abundance is statistically similar. Pairing assessment of clinical symptoms with microbial culture, DNA sequencing and metabolomics methods will help advance our current understandings of the role of the microbiome in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Wallis
- Psychology Department, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Henry Butt
- Bioscreen (Aust) Pty Ltd, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle Ball
- Psychology Department, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Dorothy Bruck
- Psychology Department, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
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Oki K, Toyama M, Banno T, Chonan O, Benno Y, Watanabe K. Comprehensive analysis of the fecal microbiota of healthy Japanese adults reveals a new bacterial lineage associated with a phenotype characterized by a high frequency of bowel movements and a lean body type. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:284. [PMID: 27894251 PMCID: PMC5127096 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0898-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Japan, a variety of traditional dietary habits and daily routines have developed in many regions. The effects of these behaviors, and the regional differences in the composition of the gut microbiota, are yet to be sufficiently studied. To characterize the Japanese gut microbiota and identify the factors shaping its composition, we conducted 16S metagenomics analysis of fecal samples collected from healthy Japanese adults residing in various regions of Japan. Each participant also completed a 94-question lifestyle questionnaire. Results We collected fecal samples from 516 healthy Japanese adults (325 females, 191 males; age, 21–88). Heatmap and biplot analyses based on the bacterial family composition of the fecal microbiota showed that subjects’ region of residence or gender were not strongly correlated with the general composition of the fecal microbiota. Although clustering analysis for the whole cohort did not reveal any distinct clusters, two enterotype-like clusters were observed in the male, but not the female, subjects. In the whole subject population, the scores for bowel movement frequency were significantly correlated with the abundances of Christensenellaceae, Mogibacteriaceae, and Rikenellaceae in the fecal microbiota (P < 0.001). These three bacterial families were also significantly more abundant (P < 0.05 or 0.01) in lean subjects (body mass index (BMI) < 25) than in obese subjects (BMI > 30), which is consistent with previously published results. However, a previously reported correlation between BMI and bowel movement frequency was not observed. In addition, the abundances of these three families were positively correlated with each other and comprised a correlative network with 14 other bacterial families. Conclusions The present study showed that the composition of the fecal microbiota of healthy Japanese adults at the national level was not strongly correlated with subjects’ area of residence or gender. In addition, enterotype partitioning was ambiguous in this cohort of healthy Japanese adults. Finally, the results implied that the abundances of Christensenellaceae, Mogibacteriaceae, and Rikenellaceae, along with several other bacterial components that together comprised a correlative network, contributed to a phenotype characterized by a high frequency of bowel movements and a lean body type. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-016-0898-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihei Oki
- Yakult Central Institute, 5-11 Izumi, Kunitachi, Tokyo, 186-8650, Japan.
| | - Mutsumi Toyama
- Benno Laboratory, RIKEN Innovation Center, 2-1, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Taihei Banno
- Benno Laboratory, RIKEN Innovation Center, 2-1, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Osamu Chonan
- Yakult Central Institute, 5-11 Izumi, Kunitachi, Tokyo, 186-8650, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Benno
- Benno Laboratory, RIKEN Innovation Center, 2-1, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Koichi Watanabe
- Yakult Central Institute, 5-11 Izumi, Kunitachi, Tokyo, 186-8650, Japan
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