On the translocation of bacteria and their lipopolysaccharides between blood and peripheral locations in chronic, inflammatory diseases: the central roles of LPS and LPS-induced cell death

Effect of Probiotic Bacteria on the Gut Microbiome of Mice with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation

The role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the development of diseases is clear, but the specific mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the microbiome aberrations in the guts of mice against the background of LPS, as well as the anti-inflammatory effect of probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum from the gut, a mix of commercial probiotic lactic acid bacteria, and Weissella confusa isolated from milk using next-generation sequencing. LPS injections were found to induce inflammatory changes in the intestinal mucosa. These morphological changes were accompanied by a shift in the microbiota. We found no significant changes in the microbiome with probiotic supplementation compared to the LPS group. However, when Lactobacillus plantarum and a mix of commercial probiotic lactic acid bacteria were used, the intestinal mucosa was restored. Weissella confusa did not contribute to the morphological changes of the intestinal wall or the microbiome. Changes in the microbiome were observed with probiotic supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum and a mix of commercial probiotic lactic acid bacteria compared to the control group. In addition, when Lactobacillus plantarum was used, we observed a decrease in the enrichment of the homocysteine and cysteine interconversion pathways with an increase in the L-histidine degradation pathway.

Milk Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids as Biomarkers of Rumen Fermentation

Cow's milk and dairy products are the primary sources of OBCFAs, which have beneficial health properties. The goal of this study was to identify the factors that influence the content of OBCFAs in cow's milk and to indicate which OBCFAs can serve as biomarkers for fermentation processes. The content of OBCFAs in milk depends on the species of ruminants, with studies showing that this varies between 3.33% (in goat's milk) and 5.02% (in buffalo's milk). These differences also stem from the animals' energy balance, lactation phases, forage-to-concentrate ratio, and the presence of bioactive compounds in feeds, as well as management practices and environmental conditions. The OBCFAs in milk fat mainly come from rumen bacteria, but can also be synthesized de novo in the mammary gland, making them potentially useful noninvasive indicators of rumen fermentation. The concentration of BCFA is lower in colostrum and transitional milk than in full lactation milk. The proportions of total OBCFAs are higher in first- and second-parity cows. The most effective predictors of the biohydrogenation of fatty acids in the rumen are likely C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, iso-C16:0, and iso-C13:0. OBCFAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for rumen function, because their synthesis depends on specific bacteria. Strong predictors of subclinical ruminal acidosis include iso-C14:0, iso-C13:0, and C15:0. The concentration of ∑ OBCFA >C16 in milk is associated with fat mobilization and serves as a significant marker of the energy balance in cows.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology of a neglected disease

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by a wide range of symptoms that severely impact all aspects of life. Despite its significant prevalence, ME/CFS remains one of the most understudied and misunderstood conditions in modern medicine. ME/CFS lacks standardised diagnostic criteria owing to variations in both inclusion and exclusion criteria across different diagnostic guidelines, and furthermore, there are currently no effective treatments available. Moving beyond the traditional fragmented perspectives that have limited our understanding and management of the disease, our analysis of current information on ME/CFS represents a significant paradigm shift by synthesising the disease's multifactorial origins into a cohesive model. We discuss how ME/CFS emerges from an intricate web of genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers, notably viral infections, leading to a complex series of pathological responses including immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic disturbances. This comprehensive model not only advances our understanding of ME/CFS's pathophysiology but also opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutic strategies. By integrating these disparate elements, our work emphasises the necessity of a holistic approach to diagnosing, researching, and treating ME/CFS, urging the scientific community to reconsider the disease's complexity and the multifaceted approach required for its study and management.

JAK1/2 Regulates Synergy Between Interferon Gamma and Lipopolysaccharides in Microglia

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, regulate neuroinflammation which can lead to secondary neuronal damage and cognitive impairment under pathological conditions. Two of the many molecules that can elicit an inflammatory response from microglia are lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of gram-negative bacteria, and interferon gamma (IFNγ), an endogenous pro-inflammatory cytokine. We thoroughly examined the concentration-dependent relationship between LPS from multiple bacterial species and IFNγ in cultured microglia and macrophages. We measured the effects that these immunostimulatory molecules have on pro-inflammatory activity of microglia and used a battery of signaling inhibitors to identify the pathways that contribute to the microglial response. We found that LPS and IFNγ interacted synergistically to induce a pro-inflammatory phenotype in microglia, and that inhibition of JAK1/2 completely blunted the response. We determined that this synergistic action of LPS and IFNγ was likely dependent on JNK and Akt signaling rather than typical pro-inflammatory mediators such as NF-κB. Finally, we demonstrated that LPS derived from Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Akkermansia muciniphila can elicit different inflammatory responses from microglia and macrophages, but these responses could be consistently prevented using ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor. Collectively, this work reveals a mechanism by which microglia may become hyperactivated in response to the combination of LPS and IFNγ. Given that elevations in circulating LPS and IFNγ occur in a wide variety of pathological conditions, it is critical to understand the pharmacological interactions between these molecules to develop safe and effective treatments to suppress this process.

Transcriptome analysis on pulmonary inflammation between periodontitis and COPD

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the perspective of gene regulation, as well as the inflammatory pathways involved.

Methods

Forty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, chronic periodontitis (CP) group, COPD group, and CP&COPD group. Lung tissue samples were selected for messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) sequencing analysis, and differential genes were screened out. Gene enrichment analysis was carried out, and then crosstalk gene enrichment analysis was conducted to explore the pathogenesis related to periodontal disease and COPD.

Results

Results of enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the CP group were concentrated in response to bacterial origin molecules. The DEGs in the COPD group gene were enriched in positive regulation of B cell activation. The DEGs in the CP&COPD group were concentrated in neutrophil extravasation and neutrophil migration. The mice in the three experimental groups had 19 crosstalk genes, five of which were key genes.

Conclusions

Lcn2, S100a8, S100a9, Irg1, Clec4d are potential crossover genes of periodontal disease and COPD. Lcn2, S100a8, S100a9 are correlated with neutrophils in both diseases. Irg1 and Clec4d may bind to receptors on the surface of lymphocytes to produce cytokines and activate inflammatory pathways, this requires further research.

Fibrillation of α-synuclein triggered by bacterial endotoxin and lipid vesicles is modulated by N-terminal acetylation and familial Parkinson's disease mutations

It has been hypothesized that --Parkinson's disease (PD) may be initiated in the gastrointestinal tract, before manifesting in the central nervous system. In this respect, it was demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin from gram-negative bacteria, accelerates the in vitro formation of α-synuclein (aSyn) fibrils, whose intracellular deposits is a histological hallmark of the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in PD. Herein, N-terminal acetylation and missense mutations of aSyn (A30P, A53T, E46K, H50Q and G51D) linked to rare, early-onset forms of familial PD were investigated regarding their effect on aSyn aggregation stimulated by either LPS or small unilamellar lipid vesicles (SUVs). Our findings indicated that LPS as well as SUVs induce the fibrillation of N-terminally acetylated wild-type aSyn (Ac-aSyn-WT) more remarkably than the non-acetylated protein, while the LPS-free protein alone did not undergo fibrillation under our assay conditions. In addition, with the exception of A30P, PD mutations increased the fibrillation of Ac-aSyn in the presence of LPS compared with Ac-aSyn-WT. The most pronounced effect of LPS was noticed for A53T, as observed when either Thioflavin-T or JC-1 were used as fluorescent probes for fibrils. Overall, our results suggest for the first time the existence of a synergy between LPS and PD mutations/N-terminal acetylation toward aSyn fibrillation.

The effect of chronic, non-pathogenic maternal immune activation on offspring postnatal muscle and immune outcomes

The objective was to determine the effects of maternal inflammation on offspring muscle development and postnatal innate immune response. Sixteen first-parity gilts were randomly allotted to repeated intravenous injections with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; n = 8, treatment code INFLAM) or comparable volume of phosphate buffered saline (CON, n = 8). Injections took place every other day from gestational day (GD) 70 to GD 84 with an initial dose of 10 μg LPS/kg body weight (BW) increasing by 12% each time to prevent endotoxin tolerance. On GD 70, 76, and 84, blood was collected at 0 and 4 h postinjection via jugular or ear venipuncture to determine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β concentrations. After farrowing, litter mortality was recorded, and the pig closest to litter BW average was used for dissection and muscle fiber characterization. On weaning (postnatal day [PND] 21), pigs were weighed individually and 2 barrows closest to litter BW average were selected for another study. The third barrow closest to litter BW average was selected for the postnatal LPS challenge. On PND 52, pigs were given 5 μg LPS/kg BW via intraperitoneal injection, and blood was collected at 0, 4, and 8 h postinjection to determine TNF-α concentration. INFLAM gilt TNF-α concentration increased (P < 0.01) 4 h postinjection compared to 0 h postinjection, while CON gilt TNF-α concentration did not differ between time points. INFLAM gilt IL-6 and IL-1β concentrations increased (P = 0.03) 4 h postinjection compared to 0 h postinjection on GD 70, but did not differ between time points on GD 76 and 84. There were no differences between INFLAM and CON gilts litter mortality outcomes (P ≥ 0.13), but INFLAM pigs were smaller (P = 0.04) at birth and tended (P = 0.09) to be smaller at weaning. Muscle and organ weights did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) between treatments, with the exception of semitendinosus, which was smaller (P < 0.01) in INFLAM pigs. INFLAM pigs tended (P = 0.06) to have larger type I fibers. INFLAM pig TNF-α concentration did not differ across time, while CON pig TNF-α concentration peaked (P = 0.01) 4 h postinjection. TNF-α concentration did not differ between treatments at 0 and 8 h postinjection, but CON pigs had increased (P = 0.01) TNF-α compared to INFLAM pigs 4 h postinjection. Overall, maternal immune activation did not alter pig muscle development, but resulted in suppressed innate immune activation.

Association between periodontitis treatment and dementia in Taiwanese adults

BACKGROUND

The chronic systemic inflammatory response in periodontitis may be a potential risk factor for dementia, especially in adults. This study determined the association between periodontal treatment and dementia in adults and evaluated the effect of regular scaling treatment on the risk of dementia in this population.

METHODS

This case-control study identified 18,930 patients with a dementia-related diagnosis from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Scaling and periodontal emergency treatments were evaluated after 1 year and 3 years. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between periodontal emergency treatment and dementia risk.

RESULTS

The results showed that scaling treatment rates were lower in the dementia cohort than the non-dementia cohort after 1 and 3 years. Patients who received periodontal emergency treatment within 3 years had a significantly increased risk of dementia. Furthermore, patients with periodontitis who did not receive scaling treatment within 3 years had a higher risk of dementia than patients without periodontitis (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10-1.35).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that periodontitis and dementia are associated, and that periodontitis is a risk factor for dementia in adults. The risk of dementia was dependent on the periodontal health status of adults, and our findings suggest that regular scaling can reduce the incidence of dementia in adults. Therefore, regular and routine scaling treatment is suggested for adults.

Host extracellular vesicles confer cytosolic access to systemic LPS licensing non-canonical inflammasome sensing and pyroptosis

Intracellular surveillance for systemic microbial components during homeostasis and infections governs host physiology and immunity. However, a long-standing question is how circulating microbial ligands become accessible to intracellular receptors. Here we show a role for host-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in this process; human and murine plasma-derived and cell culture-derived EVs have an intrinsic capacity to bind bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Remarkably, circulating host EVs capture blood-borne LPS in vivo, and the LPS-laden EVs confer cytosolic access for LPS, triggering non-canonical inflammasome activation of gasdermin D and pyroptosis. Mechanistically, the interaction between the lipid bilayer of EVs and the lipid A of LPS underlies EV capture of LPS, and the intracellular transfer of LPS by EVs is mediated by CD14. Overall, this study demonstrates that EVs capture and escort systemic LPS to the cytosol licensing inflammasome responses, uncovering EVs as a previously unrecognized link between systemic microbial ligands and intracellular surveillance.

Neuropeptide Y-Mediated Gut Microbiota Alterations Aggravate Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is often accompanied by neuroendocrine changes in the hypothalamus, which closely associates with the microbial diversity, community composition, and intestinal metabolites of gut microbiota (GM). With the emerging role of GM in bone metabolism, a potential neuroendocrine signal neuropeptide Y (NPY) mediated brain-gut-bone axis has come to light. Herein, it is reported that exogenous overexpression of NPY reduced bone formation, damaged bone microstructure, and up-regulated the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in subchondral cancellous bone in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, but Y1 receptor antagonist (Y1Ra) reversed these changes. In addition, it is found that exogenous overexpression of NPY aggravated colonic inflammation, impaired intestinal barrier integrity, enhanced intestinal permeability, and increased serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in OVX rats, and Y1Ra also reversed these changes. Most importantly, NPY and Y1Ra modulated the microbial diversity and changed the community composition of GM in OVX rats, and thereby affecting the metabolites of GM (e.g., LPS) entering the blood circulation. Moreover, fecal microbiota transplantation further testified the effect of NPY-mediated GM changes on bone. In vitro, LPS induced pyroptosis, reduced viability, and inhibited differentiation of osteoblasts. The study demonstrated the existence of NPY-mediated brain-gut-bone axis and it might be a novel emerging target to treat PMO.

Depression, Inflammation, and Intestinal Permeability: Associations with Subjective and Objective Cognitive Functioning throughout Breast Cancer Survivorship

About one-in-three breast cancer survivors have lingering cognitive complaints and objective cognitive impairment. Chronic inflammation and intestinal permeability (i.e., leaky gut), two risk factors for cognitive decline, can also fuel depression-another vulnerability for cognitive decline. The current study tested whether depression accompanied by high levels of inflammation or intestinal permeability predicted lower subjective and objective cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. We combined data from four breast cancer survivor studies (n = 613); some had repeated measurements for a total of 1015 study visits. All participants had a blood draw to obtain baseline measures of lipopolysaccharide binding protein-a measure of intestinal permeability, as well as three inflammatory markers that were incorporated into an inflammatory index: C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. They reported depressive symptoms on the Center for Epidemiological Studies depression scale (CES-D), and a binary variable indicated clinically significant depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16). The Kohli (749 observations) and the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (591 observations) scales assessed subjective cognitive function. Objective cognitive function tests included the trail-making test, Hopkins verbal learning test, Conners continuous performance test, n-back test, FAS test, and animal-naming test (239-246 observations). Adjusting for education, age, BMI, cancer treatment type, time since treatment, study visit, and fatigue, women who had clinically elevated depressive symptoms accompanied by heightened inflammation or intestinal permeability reported poorer focus and marginally poorer memory. However, poorer performance across objective cognitive measures was not specific to inflammation-associated depression. Rather, there was some evidence of lower verbal fluency; poorer attention, verbal learning and memory, and working memory; and difficulties with visuospatial search among depressed survivors, regardless of inflammation. By themselves, inflammation and intestinal permeability less consistently predicted subjective or objective cognitive function. Breast cancer survivors with clinically significant depressive symptoms accompanied by either elevated inflammation or intestinal permeability may perceive greater cognitive difficulty, even though depression-related objective cognitive deficits may not be specific to inflammation- or leaky-gut-associated depression.

Cogs in the autophagic machine-equipped to combat dementia-prone neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are often characterized by hydrophobic inclusion bodies, and it may be the case that the aggregate-prone proteins that comprise these inclusion bodies are in fact the cause of neurotoxicity. Indeed, the appearance of protein aggregates leads to a proteostatic imbalance that causes various interruptions in physiological cellular processes, including lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as break down in calcium homeostasis. Oftentimes the approach to counteract proteotoxicity is taken to merely upregulate autophagy, measured by an increase in autophagosomes, without a deeper assessment of contributors toward effective turnover through autophagy. There are various ways in which autophagy is regulated ranging from the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to acetylation status of proteins. Healthy mitochondria and the intracellular energetic charge they preserve are key for the acidification status of lysosomes and thus ensuring effective clearance of components through the autophagy pathway. Both mitochondria and lysosomes have been shown to bear functional protein complexes that aid in the regulation of autophagy. Indeed, it may be the case that minimizing the proteins associated with the respective neurodegenerative pathology may be of greater importance than addressing molecularly their resulting inclusion bodies. It is in this context that this review will dissect the autophagy signaling pathway, its control and the manner in which it is molecularly and functionally connected with the mitochondrial and lysosomal system, as well as provide a summary of the role of autophagy dysfunction in driving neurodegenerative disease as a means to better position the potential of rapamycin-mediated bioactivities to control autophagy favorably.

The dynamics of the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) level in assessing the risk of adverse outcomes in operated colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The main aim of this study is to analyze changes in the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) level in blood serum over time and assess it as a potential risk factor for the development of SIRS, infectious and inflammatory complications, organ dysfunction and mortality in patients operated on colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

90 CRC patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1-50 patients operated on for CRC without acute bowel obstruction (ABO); Group 2-40 patients operated on for CRC with ABO. To determine LBP by ELISA method venous blood was taken 1 h before surgery and 72 h after it (3rd day).

RESULTS

LBP level on the 3rd day after surgery was lower in CRC patients with SIRS, postoperative complications, organ dysfunction and in dead patients. With an LBP value on the 3rd day after surgery being at ≤821.95 ng/mL, the risk of SIRS occurrence is 3.5 times higher, that of the postoperative complications is 5.2 times higher and death is 12.9 times higher than with its higher level (OR 3.5, CI 1.46-8.4; OR 5.2, CI 1.80-15.12; OR 12.9, CI 1.54-108.21, respectively). If the LBP value on the 3rd day after surgery is ≤ 700.15 ng/mL, the risk of organ dysfunctions is 13.5 times higher than with its higher level (OR 13.5, CI 3.536-51.54).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that in the patients with CRC, the LBP can be used as a predictive criterion for the development of SIRS, postoperative infectious and inflammatory complications, organ dysfunction, and mortality.

Sucrose-induced hyperglycemia dysregulates intestinal zinc metabolism and integrity: risk factors for chronic diseases

Objective

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is critical for many physiological processes, including glucose metabolism, regulation of inflammation, and intestinal barrier function. Further, zinc dysregulation is associated with an increased risk of chronic inflammatory diseases such as type II diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, whether altered zinc status is a symptom or cause of disease onset remains unclear. Common symptoms of these three chronic diseases include the onset of increased intestinal permeability and zinc dyshomeostasis. The specific focus of this work is to investigate how dietary sources of intestinal permeability, such as high sucrose consumption, impact transporter-mediated zinc homeostasis and subsequent zinc-dependent physiology contributing to disease development.

Method

We used in vivo subchronic sucrose treatment, ex vivo intestinal organoid culture, and in vitro cell systems. We analyze the alterations in zinc metabolism and intestinal permeability and metabolic outcomes.

Results

We found that subchronic sucrose treatment resulted in systemic changes in steady-state zinc distribution and increased 65Zn transport (blood-to-intestine) along with greater ZIP14 expression at the basolateral membrane of the intestine. Further, sucrose treatment enhanced cell survival of intestinal epithelial cells, activation of the EGFR-AKT-STAT3 pathway, and intestinal permeability.

Conclusion

Our work suggests that subchronic high sucrose consumption alters systemic and intestinal zinc homeostasis linking diet-induced changes in zinc homeostasis to the intestinal permeability and onset of precursors for chronic disease.

Monoclonal antibodies against lipopolysaccharide protect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa challenge in mice

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, including central line-associated bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Unfortunately, effective control of these infections can be difficult, in part due to the prevalence of multi-drug resistant strains of P. aeruginosa. There remains a need for novel therapeutic interventions against P. aeruginosa, and the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) is a promising alternative strategy to current standard of care treatments such as antibiotics. To develop mAbs against P. aeruginosa, we utilized ammonium metavanadate, which induces cell envelope stress responses and upregulates polysaccharide expression. Mice were immunized with P. aeruginosa grown with ammonium metavanadate and we developed two IgG2b mAbs, WVDC-0357 and WVDC-0496, directed against the O-antigen lipopolysaccharide of P. aeruginosa. Functional assays revealed that WVDC-0357 and WVDC-0496 directly reduced the viability of P. aeruginosa and mediated bacterial agglutination. In a lethal sepsis model of infection, prophylactic treatment of mice with WVDC-0357 and WVDC-0496 at doses as low as 15 mg/kg conferred 100% survival against challenge. In both sepsis and acute pneumonia models of infection, treatment with WVDC-0357 and WVDC-0496 significantly reduced bacterial burden and inflammatory cytokine production post-challenge. Furthermore, histopathological examination of the lungs revealed that WVDC-0357 and WVDC-0496 reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Overall, our results indicate that mAbs directed against lipopolysaccharide are a promising therapy for the treatment and prevention of P. aeruginosa infections.

Metatranscriptome analysis of blood in healthy individuals and irritable bowel syndrome patients

Introduction. Although the presence of micro-organisms in the blood of healthy humans is a relatively new concept, there is a growing amount of evidence that blood might have its own microbiome.Gap Statement. Previous research has targeted the taxonomic composition of the blood microbiome using DNA-based sequencing methods, while little information is known about the presence of microbial transcripts obtained from the blood and their relation to conditions connected with increased gut permeability.Aim. To detect potentially alive and active micro-organisms and investigate differences in taxonomic composition between healthy people and patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), we used the metatranscriptomics approach.Methodology. We collected blood samples from 23 IBS patients and 26 volunteers from the general population, and performed RNAseq on the isolated RNA. Reads corresponding to microbial genomes were identified with Kraken 2's standard plus protozoa and fungi database, and re-estimated at genus level with Bracken 2.7. We looked for trends in the taxonomic composition, making a comparison between the IBS and control groups, accounting for other different factors.Results. The dominant genera in the blood microbiome were found to be Cutibacterium, Bradyrhizobium, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Delftia, Mediterraneibacter, Staphylococcus, Stutzerimonas and Ralstonia. Some of these are typical environmental bacteria and could partially represent contamination. However, analysis of sequences from the negative controls suggested that some genera which are characteristic of the gut microbiome (Mediterraneibacter, Blautia, Collinsella, Klebsiella, Coprococcus, Dysosmobacter, Anaerostipes, Faecalibacterium, Dorea, Simiaoa, Bifidobacterium, Alistipes, Prevotella, Ruminococcus) are less likely to be a result of contamination. Differential analysis of microbes between groups showed that some taxa associated with the gut microbiome (Blautia, Faecalibacterium, Dorea, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Christensenella) are more prevalent in IBS patients compared to the general population. No significant correlations with any other factors were identified.Conclusion. Our findings support the existence of the blood microbiome and suggest the gut and possibly the oral microbiome as its origin, while the skin microbiome is a possible but less certain source. The blood microbiome is likely influenced by states of increased gut permeability such as IBS.

Characterization of the Blood Microbiome and Comparison with the Fecal Microbiome in Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Gastrointestinal Disease

Recent studies have found bacterial DNA in the blood of healthy individuals. To date, most studies on the blood microbiome have focused on human health, but this topic is an expanding research area in animal health as well. This study aims to characterize the blood microbiome of both healthy dogs and those with chronic gastro-enteropathies. For this study, blood and fecal samples were collected from 18 healthy and 19 sick subjects, DNA was extracted through commercial kits, and the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced on the Illumina platform. The sequences were analyzed for taxonomic annotation and statistical analysis. Alpha and beta diversities of fecal microbiome were significantly different between the two groups of dogs. Principal coordinates analysis revealed that healthy and sick subjects were significantly clustered for both blood and fecal microbiome samples. Moreover, bacterial translocation from the gut to the bloodstream has been suggested because of found shared taxa. Further studies are needed to determine the origin of the blood microbiome and the bacteria viability. The characterization of a blood core microbiome in healthy dogs has potential for use as a diagnostic tool to monitor for the development of gastro-intestinal disease.

Factors Affecting Gut Microbiota of Puppies from Birth to Weaning

The review described the most important factors affecting the development of the intestinal microbiota in puppies from birth to weaning. The health and well-being of the microbiome in puppies is influenced by the type of parturition, the maternal microbiota, and the diet of the mother, directly or indirectly. The isolation of bacteria in dogs from the placenta, fetal fluids, and fetuses suggests that colonization could occur before birth, although this is still a matter of debate. Accordingly, newborn puppies could harbor bacteria that could be of maternal origin and that could influence microbial colonization later in life. However, the long-term impacts on health and the clinical significance of this transfer is not yet clear and needs to be investigated. The same maternal bacteria were found in puppies that were born vaginally and in those delivered via cesarean section. Potentially, the relationship between the type of parturition and the colonization of the microbiome will influence the occurrence of diseases, since it can modulate the gut microbiome during early life. In addition, puppies' gut microbiota becomes progressively more similar to adult dogs at weaning, as a consequence of the transition from milk to solid food that works together with behavioral factors. A number of researches have investigated the effects of diet on the gut microbiota of dogs, revealing that dietary interference may affect the microbial composition and activity through the production of short-chain fatty acids and vitamins. These compounds play a fundamental role during the development of the fetus and the initial growth of the puppy. The composition of the diet fed during pregnancy to the bitches is also an important factor to consider for the health of newborns. As far as it is known, the effects of the type of parturition, the maternal microbiota, and the diet on the microbial colonization and the long-term health of the dogs deserve further studies. Definitely, longitudinal studies with a larger number of dogs will be required to assess a causal link between microbiome composition in puppies and diseases in adult dogs.

Selenium ameliorates inflammation by decreasing autophagic flux and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling on experimentally induced rat periapical lesions

AIM

To reveal the molecular mechanisms that targets mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling and the autophagic flux and to investigate the possible effects of the systemic administration of selenium (Se) on experimentally induced rat periapical lesions.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into negative control, positive control and Se groups. In the positive control and Se groups, the pulp chambers of their mandibular first molars were exposed to the oral environment to induce periapical lesions The Se group received daily intraperitoneal injections of Se at a dose of 0.1 mg kg^-1 . After 28 days, the amount of bone destruction; severity of inflammation; penetration of microorganisms along the root canal; collagen degradation in periodontal ligament; interleukin (IL)-6, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and caspase-3 expression; autophagic flux; and p38 MAPK signalling were evaluated using radiographic, histopathological, Gram staining, picrosirius red stain, immunohistochemical, quantitative real-time polymerase chain (qRT-PCR) and Western blot methods, respectively. These data were analysed through the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunnett's tests (p < .05).

RESULTS

The area of radiographic periapical bone loss, histopathological scores, the area of periapical bone loss and the scores for the bacteria localisation, the intensity of immunohistochemical staining for IL-6, HIF-1, COX-2 and caspase-3 in the Se group was significantly less than those of the positive control group (p < .01). The mRNA expression levels of Beclin-1, Atg3, Atg5, Atg7 and Atg16L1 were lower in the Se group than in the positive control group (p < .01). The protein expressions of Beclin-1, Atg5 and LC3-II, the phosphorylation ratio of the p38 MAPK and the ratios of LC3II/LC3I were significantly higher (p < .05) in the positive control and Se groups. On the contrary, the expression of the p62/SQSTM1 protein was significantly lower (p < .05) in the positive control and Se groups than in the negative control group.

CONCLUSION

The induction of periapical lesions in rats increased autophagic flux and activated p38 MAPK signal transduction processes. Se suppressed the inflammatory process, reduced bone destruction and both the autophagic flux and p38 MAPK activation.

Yeast Expressed Hybrid Peptide CLP Abridged Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Levels by Endotoxin Neutralization

The aim of this study was to apply a strategy to express a recombinant CLP peptide and explore its application as a product derived from natural compounds. The amphiphilic CLP peptide was hybridized from three parent peptides (CM4, LL37, and TP5) and was considered to have potent endotoxin-neutralizing activity with minimal cytotoxic and hemolytic activity. To achieve high secretion expression, an expression vector of pPICZαA-HSA-CLP was constructed by the golden gate cloning strategy before being transformed into Pichia pastoris and integrated into the genome. The recombinant CLP was purified through the Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test exhibited that the hybrid peptide CLP inhibited lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in a dose-dependent manner and was significantly (p < 0.05) more efficient compared to the parent peptides. In addition, it essentially diminished (p < 0.05) the levels of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (including TNF-α, IL6, and IL-1β) in LPS-induced mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. As an attendant to the control and the parental peptide LL37, the number of LPS-induced apoptotic cells was diminished compared to the control parental peptide LL37 (p < 0.05) with the treatment of CLP. Consequently, we concluded that the hybrid peptide CLP might be used as a therapeutic agent.

Brief report: Assessment of mucosal barrier integrity using serological biomarkers in preclinical stages of rheumatoid arthritis

Background

The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is believed to initiate at mucosal sites. The so-called 'mucosal origin hypothesis of RA' postulates an increased intestinal permeability before disease onset. Several biomarkers, including lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), have been proposed to reflect gut mucosa permeability and integrity, while serum calprotectin is a new inflammation marker proposed in RA.

Methods

We analyzed serum samples of individuals genetically at increased risk of RA in a nested-case-control study. Participants from a longitudinal cohort of first-degree relatives of RA patients (SCREEN-RA cohort) were divided into three pre-clinical stages of RA, based on the presence of risk factors for subsequent RA onset: 1) low-risk healthy asymptomatic controls; 2) intermediate-risk individuals without symptoms, but with RA-associated auto-immunity; 3) high-risk individuals with clinically suspect arthralgias. Five patients with newly diagnosed RA were also sampled. Serum LBP, I-FABP and calprotectin were measured using commercially available ELISA kits.

Results

We included 180 individuals genetically at increased risk for RA: 84 asymptomatic controls, 53 individuals with RA-associated autoimmunity and 38 high risk individuals. Serum LBP, I-FAPB or calprotectin concentrations did not differ between individuals in different pre-clinical stages of RA.

Conclusion

Based on the serum biomarkers LBP, I-FABP and calprotectin, we could not detect any evidence for intestinal injury in pre-clinical stages of RA.

The Role of Gut Bacteriome in Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

The human body contains a very complex and dynamic ecosystem of bacteria. The bacteriome interacts with the host bi-directionally, and changes in either factor impact the entire system. It has long been known that chronic airway diseases are associated with disturbances in the lung bacteriome. However, less is known about the role of gut bacteriome in the most common respiratory diseases. Here, we aim to summarise the evidence concerning the role of the intestinal bacteriome in the pathogenesis and disease course of bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Furthermore, we discuss the consequences of an altered gut bacteriome on the most common comorbidities of these lung diseases. Lastly, we also reflect on the therapeutic potential of influencing the gut microbiome to improve disease outcomes.

Association between Parkinson's Disease and Diabetes Mellitus: From Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Prevention to Treatment

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are both age-related diseases of global concern being among the most common chronic metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, respectively. While both diseases can be genetically inherited, environmental factors play a vital role in their pathogenesis. Moreover, DM and PD have common underlying molecular mechanisms, such as misfolded protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and microbial dysbiosis. Recently, epidemiological and experimental studies have reported that DM affects the incidence and progression of PD. Moreover, certain antidiabetic drugs have been proven to decrease the risk of PD and delay its progression. In this review, we elucidate the epidemiological and pathophysiological association between DM and PD and summarize the antidiabetic drugs used in animal models and clinical trials of PD, which may provide reference for the clinical translation of antidiabetic drugs in PD treatment.

Synthetic Optimizations for Gram-Scale Preparation of 1-O-Methyl d-Glycero-α-d-gluco-heptoside 7-Phosphate from d-Glucose

Heptose phosphates—unique linkers between endotoxic lipid A and O-antigen in the bacterial membrane—are pathogen-associated molecular patterns recognized by the receptors of the innate immune system. Understanding the mechanisms of immune system activation is important for the development of therapeutic agents to combat infectious diseases and overcome antibiotic resistance. However, in practice, it is difficult to obtain a substantial amount of heptose phosphates for biological studies due to the narrow scope of the reported synthetic procedures. We have optimized and developed an inexpensive and convenient synthesis for the first performed gram-scale production of 1-O-methyl d-glycero-α-d-gluco-heptoside 7-phosphate from readily available d-glucose. Scaling up to such amounts of the product, we have increased the efficiency of the synthesis and reduced the number of steps of the classical route through the direct phosphorylation of the O⁶,O⁷-unprotected heptose. The refined method could be of practical value for further biological screening of heptose phosphate derivatives.

The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications

Ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury, initiated via bursts of reactive oxygen species produced during the reoxygenation phase following hypoxia, is well known in a variety of acute circumstances. We argue here that I-R injury also underpins elements of the pathology of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ME/CFS and, our chief focus and most proximally, Long COVID. Ischaemia may be initiated via fibrin amyloid microclot blockage of capillaries, for instance as exercise is started; reperfusion is a necessary corollary when it finishes. We rehearse the mechanistic evidence for these occurrences here, in terms of their manifestation as oxidative stress, hyperinflammation, mast cell activation, the production of marker metabolites and related activities. Such microclot-based phenomena can explain both the breathlessness/fatigue and the post-exertional malaise that may be observed in these conditions, as well as many other observables. The recognition of these processes implies, mechanistically, that therapeutic benefit is potentially to be had from antioxidants, from anti-inflammatories, from iron chelators, and via suitable, safe fibrinolytics, and/or anti-clotting agents. We review the considerable existing evidence that is consistent with this, and with the biochemical mechanisms involved.

Markers of fungal translocation are elevated during post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 and induce NF-κB signaling

Long COVID, a type of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), has been associated with sustained elevated levels of immune activation and inflammation. However, the mechanisms that drive this inflammation remain unknown. Inflammation during acute coronavirus disease 2019 could be exacerbated by microbial translocation (from the gut and/or lung) to blood. Whether microbial translocation contributes to inflammation during PASC is unknown. We did not observe a significant elevation in plasma markers of bacterial translocation during PASC. However, we observed higher levels of fungal translocation - measured as β-glucan, a fungal cell wall polysaccharide - in the plasma of individuals experiencing PASC compared with those without PASC or SARS-CoV-2-negative controls. The higher β-glucan correlated with higher inflammation and elevated levels of host metabolites involved in activating N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (such as metabolites within the tryptophan catabolism pathway) with established neurotoxic properties. Mechanistically, β-glucan can directly induce inflammation by binding to myeloid cells (via Dectin-1) and activating Syk/NF-κB signaling. Using a Dectin-1/NF-κB reporter model, we found that plasma from individuals experiencing PASC induced higher NF-κB signaling compared with plasma from negative controls. This higher NF-κB signaling was abrogated by piceatannol (Syk inhibitor). These data suggest a potential targetable mechanism linking fungal translocation and inflammation during PASC.

A Neuropeptide Y/F-like Polypeptide Derived from the Transcriptome of Turbinaria peltata Suppresses LPS-Induced Astrocytic Inflammation

Neuropeptides are a group of neuronal signaling molecules that regulate physiological and behavioral processes in animals. Here, we used in silico mining to predict the polypeptide composition of available transcriptomic data of Turbinaria peltata. In total, 118 transcripts encoding putative peptide precursors were discovered. One neuropeptide Y/F-like peptide, named TpNPY, was identified and selected for in silico structural, in silico binding, and pharmacological studies. In our study, the anti-inflammation effect of TpNPY was evaluated using an LPS-stimulated C8-D1A astrocyte cell model. Our results demonstrated that TpNPY, at 0.75-3 μM, inhibited LPS-induced NO production and reduced the expression of iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, TpNPY reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, treatment with TpNPY reduced LPS-mediated elevation of ROS production and the intracellular calcium concentration. Further investigation revealed that TpNPY downregulated the IKK/IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibited expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Through molecular docking and using an NPY receptor antagonist, TpNPY was shown to have the ability to interact with the NPY Y1 receptor. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that TpNPY might prevent LPS-induced injury in astrocytes through activation of the NPY-Y1R.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Age-Specific Changes in the Human Blood Microbiota

Based on several reports that indicate the presence of blood microbiota in patients with diseases, we became interested in identifying the presence of bacteria in the blood of healthy individuals. Using 37 samples from 5 families, we extracted sequences that were not mapped to the human reference genome and mapped them to the bacterial reference genome for characterization. Proteobacteria account for more than 95% of the blood microbiota. The results of clustering by means of principal component analysis showed similar patterns for each age group. We observed that the class Gammaproteobacteria was significantly higher in the elderly group (over 60 years old), whereas the arcsine square root-transformed relative abundance of the classes Alphaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and Clostridia was significantly lower (p < 0.05). In addition, the diversity among the groups showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the elderly group. This result provides meaningful evidence of a consistent phenomenon that chronic diseases associated with aging are accompanied by metabolic endotoxemia and chronic inflammation.

Chronic exposure to ambient traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) alters gut microbial abundance and bile acid metabolism in a transgenic rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Background

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is linked to increased risk for age-related dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The gut microbiome is posited to influence AD risk, and an increase in microbial-derived secondary bile acids (BAs) is observed in AD patients. We recently reported that chronic exposure to ambient TRAP modified AD risk in a sex-dependent manner in the TgF344 AD (TG) rat.

Objectives

In this study, we used samples from the same cohort to test our hypothesis that TRAP sex-dependently produces gut dysbiosis and increases secondary BAs to a larger extent in the TG rat relative to wildtype (WT) controls.

Methods

Male and female TG and age-matched WT rats were exposed to either filtered air (FA) or TRAP from 28 days up to 15 months of age (n = 5-6). Tissue samples were collected after 9 or 14months of exposure.

Results

At 10 months of age, TRAP tended to decrease the alpha diversity as well as the beneficial taxa Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus flavefaciens uniquely in male TG rats as determined by 16 S rDNA sequencing. A basal decrease in Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was also noted in TG rats at 10 months. At 15 months of age, TRAP altered inflammation-related bacteria in the gut of female rats from both genotypes. BAs were more affected by chronic TRAP exposure in females, with a general trend of increase in host-produced unconjugated primary and microbiota-produced secondary BAs. Most of the mRNAs of the hepatic BA-processing genes were not altered by TRAP, except for a down-regulation of the BA-uptake transporter Ntcp in males.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chronic TRAP exposure produced distinct gut dysbiosis and altered BA homeostasis in a sex and host genotype-specific manner.

A central role for amyloid fibrin microclots in long COVID/PASC: origins and therapeutic implications

Post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC), usually referred to as 'Long COVID' (a phenotype of COVID-19), is a relatively frequent consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in which symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, 'brain fog', tissue damage, inflammation, and coagulopathies (dysfunctions of the blood coagulation system) persist long after the initial infection. It bears similarities to other post-viral syndromes, and to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Many regulatory health bodies still do not recognize this syndrome as a separate disease entity, and refer to it under the broad terminology of 'COVID', although its demographics are quite different from those of acute COVID-19. A few years ago, we discovered that fibrinogen in blood can clot into an anomalous 'amyloid' form of fibrin that (like other β-rich amyloids and prions) is relatively resistant to proteolysis (fibrinolysis). The result, as is strongly manifested in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) of individuals with Long COVID, is extensive fibrin amyloid microclots that can persist, can entrap other proteins, and that may lead to the production of various autoantibodies. These microclots are more-or-less easily measured in PPP with the stain thioflavin T and a simple fluorescence microscope. Although the symptoms of Long COVID are multifarious, we here argue that the ability of these fibrin amyloid microclots (fibrinaloids) to block up capillaries, and thus to limit the passage of red blood cells and hence O2 exchange, can actually underpin the majority of these symptoms. Consistent with this, in a preliminary report, it has been shown that suitable and closely monitored 'triple' anticoagulant therapy that leads to the removal of the microclots also removes the other symptoms. Fibrin amyloid microclots represent a novel and potentially important target for both the understanding and treatment of Long COVID and related disorders.

The Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis and Crohn’s Disease: Is Its Perturbation a Common Denominator for Their Pathogenesis?

Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are interlinked. In fact, the prevalence of IBD is higher in patients with psoriasis, with a risk of ulcerative colitis of 1.6-times higher than in the general population. Analogously, patients with psoriasis have a greater risk of developing IBD. Furthermore, they share some clinical features and pathogenic mechanisms. Both are chronic inflammatory diseases with a relapsing-remitting condition that persists for the patient’s whole life and exhibit increased permeability of the mucosal barrier of skin and gut, allowing an increased interaction of pathogens with inflammatory receptors of the immune cells. A key element in the pathogenesis of these diseases is represented by the microbiota; in particular, the gut microbiota is an important driver of CD pathogenesis, while in psoriasis changes in gut and skin microbiota have been described without a defined pathogenic function. Furthermore, genetic predispositions or environmental factors contribute to disease manifestation, with a central role attributed to the immune responses and, in particular, to a dysregulated role played by T helper 17 cells both in psoriasis and IBD. The purpose of this review was to summarize present information about the links between psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, in particular Crohn’s disease, and changes in gut and/or skin microbiome.

Fecal microbiota transplantation does not alter bacterial translocation and visceral adipose tissue inflammation in individuals with obesity

AIMS

Visceral adipose tissue inflammation is a fundamental mechanism of insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Translocation of intestinal bacteria has been suggested as a driving factor for the inflammation. However, although bacterial DNA was detected in visceral adipose tissue of humans with obesity, it is unclear to what extent this is contamination or whether the gut microbiota is causally involved. Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on bacterial translocation and visceral adipose tissue inflammation in individuals with obesity and insulin resistance were assessed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight individuals with clinically severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >35 kg/m2) and metabolic syndrome received lean donor FMT 4 weeks prior to elective bariatric surgery. The participants were age-, sex-, and BMI-matched to 16 controls that underwent no fecal transplantation. Visceral adipose tissue was collected during surgery. Bacterial translocation was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of adipose tissue and feces. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and histopathological analyses of visceral adipose tissue were performed to assess inflammation.

RESULTS

Fecal microbiota transplantation significantly altered gut microbiota composition. Visceral adipose tissue contained a very low quantity of bacterial DNA in both groups. No difference in visceral bacterial DNA content between groups was observed. Also, visceral expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophage infiltration did not differ between groups. No correlation between inflammatory tone and bacterial translocation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Visceral bacterial DNA content and level of inflammation were not altered upon FMT. Thus, bacterial translocation may not be the main driver of visceral adipose tissue inflammation in obesity.

The Rationale and Current Status of Endotoxin Adsorption in the Treatment of Septic Shock

Lipopolysaccharide, the main component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is a highly potent endotoxin responsible for organ dysfunction in sepsis. It is present in the blood stream not only in Gram-negative infections, but also in Gram-positive and fungal infections, presumably due to sepsis-related disruption of the intestinal barrier. Various pathways, both extra- and intracellular, are involved in sensing endotoxin and non-canonical activation of caspase-mediated pyroptosis is considered to have a major role in sepsis pathophysiology. Endotoxin induces specific pathological alterations in several organs, which contributes to poor outcomes. The adverse consequences of endotoxin in the circulation support the use of anti-endotoxin therapies, yet more than 30 years of experience with endotoxin adsorption therapies have not provided clear evidence in favor of this treatment modality. The results of small studies support timely endotoxin removal guided by measuring the levels of endotoxin; unfortunately, this has not been proven in large, randomized studies. The presence of endotoxemia can be demonstrated in the majority of patients with COVID-19, yet only case reports and case series describing the effects of endotoxin removal in these patients have been published to date. The place of blood purification therapies in the treatment of septic shock has not yet been determined.

Impact of Scaling and Periodontal Treatment during Pregnancy on the Risk of Adverse Birth Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are associated with periodontal disease owing to the induction of a chronic systemic inflammatory response. Hence, knowledge of periodontal status during pregnancy is important in order to reduce the risk of APOs. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of APOs in women with and without periodontal disease to ascertain whether regular scaling performed prior to pregnancy improves the risk of APOs.

METHOD

This case-control study enrolled1,386,887 pregnant women from the National Health Insurance Research Database who gave birth to their first child between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2014. The study population included mothers who gave birth to low birth weight (LBW) and non-LBW newborns, totaling 86,958 and 1,299,929, respectively. Scaling and periodontal emergency treatment during and before pregnancy were assessed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between periodontal treatment and LBW risk.

RESULTS

Compared with the comparison cohort, the pregnant women who didnot have periodontal emergency treatment or scaling treatment during pregnancy exhibited a significantly increased risk of LBW than those who had treatment. Women who underwent scaling within the2 years before pregnancy or during pregnancy had a lower risk of delivering a LBW baby (odds ratio (OR), 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91-0.94). In the normal group, the mothers who had periodontal emergency treatment within the2 years before pregnancy or during pregnancy had a higher risk of delivering a LBW baby (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08). In those who had scaling treatment, a lower risk of delivering a LBW baby was noted (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.97).

CONCLUSION

The risk of LBW was significantly increased in women who underwent periodontal treatment, and our findings suggested that periodontal disease is an important risk factor for preterm LBW babies in an East Asian population.

The Role of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cell Signalling in Chronic Inflammation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the main structural component of the outer membrane of most Gram-negative bacteria and has diverse immunostimulatory and procoagulant effects. Even though LPS is well described for its role in the pathology of sepsis, considerable evidence demonstrates that LPS-induced signalling and immune dysregulation are also relevant in the pathophysiology of many diseases, characteristically where endotoxaemia is less severe. These diseases are typically chronic and progressive in nature and span broad classifications, including neurodegenerative, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. This Review reappraises the mechanisms of LPS-induced signalling and emphasises the crucial contribution of LPS to the pathology of multiple chronic diseases, beyond conventional sepsis. This perspective asserts that new ways of approaching chronic diseases by targeting LPS-driven pathways may be of therapeutic benefit in a wide range of chronic inflammatory conditions.

Acute Atherosis Lesions at the Fetal-Maternal Border: Current Knowledge and Implications for Maternal Cardiovascular Health

Decidua basalis, the endometrium of pregnancy, is an important interface between maternal and fetal tissues, made up of both maternal and fetal cells. Acute atherosis is a uteroplacental spiral artery lesion. These patchy arterial wall lesions containing foam cells are predominantly found in the decidua basalis, at the tips of the maternal arteries, where they feed into the placental intervillous space. Acute atherosis is prevalent in preeclampsia and other obstetric syndromes such as fetal growth restriction. Causal factors and effects of acute atherosis remain uncertain. This is in part because decidua basalis is challenging to sample systematically and in large amounts following delivery. We summarize our decidua basalis vacuum suction method, which facilitates tissue-based studies of acute atherosis. We also describe our evidence-based research definition of acute atherosis. Here, we comprehensively review the existing literature on acute atherosis, its underlying mechanisms and possible short- and long-term effects. We propose that multiple pathways leading to decidual vascular inflammation may promote acute atherosis formation, with or without poor spiral artery remodeling and/or preeclampsia. These include maternal alloreactivity, ischemia-reperfusion injury, preexisting systemic inflammation, and microbial infection. The concept of acute atherosis as an inflammatory lesion is not novel. The lesions themselves have an inflammatory phenotype and resemble other arterial lesions of more extensively studied etiology. We discuss findings of concurrently dysregulated proteins involved in immune regulation and cardiovascular function in women with acute atherosis. We also propose a novel hypothesis linking cellular fetal microchimerism, which is prevalent in women with preeclampsia, with acute atherosis in pregnancy and future cardiovascular and neurovascular disease. Finally, women with a history of preeclampsia have an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. We review whether presence of acute atherosis may identify women at especially high risk for premature cardiovascular disease.

Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein as a risk factor for development of infectious and inflammatory postsurgical complications in colorectal cancer paients

Aim of the study

In this pilot study lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels were assessed as a possible risk factor for development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and infectious and inflammatory complications in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after surgery.

Material and methods

For LBP determination venous blood was taken 1 hour before the surgery and 72 hours after it. All patients were stratified by the presence or absence of acute bowel obstruction (ABO), SIRS and complications.

Results

36 patients with CRC participated in the study. The LBP level before surgery was 879.8 ± 221.8 ng/ml (interquartile range (IQR) 749.3-1028.8); on the 3^rd day it was 766.5 ± 159.4 ng/ml (IQR 669.5-847.6), which was a statistically significant decrease (p = 0.004). A decrease in LBP level by more than 280 ng/ml increases the probability of SIRS and complications in operated CRC patients (OR 6.6, 95% CI: 1.1-40.9 and OR 12.0, 95% CI: 1.8-80.4, respectively). In patients with ABO in the presence of SIRS, the LBP value decreased more than in those without SIRS (p = 0.046).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the LBP level in the operated CRC patients tends to decrease on the 3^rd day after surgery. A bigger decrease in LBP level increases the probability of SIRS and postoperative infectious and inflammatory complications. Therefore, further studies with larger numbers of patients are required.

The Transporter-Mediated Cellular Uptake and Efflux of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biotechnology Products: How and Why Phospholipid Bilayer Transport Is Negligible in Real Biomembranes

Over the years, my colleagues and I have come to realise that the likelihood of pharmaceutical drugs being able to diffuse through whatever unhindered phospholipid bilayer may exist in intact biological membranes in vivo is vanishingly low. This is because (i) most real biomembranes are mostly protein, not lipid, (ii) unlike purely lipid bilayers that can form transient aqueous channels, the high concentrations of proteins serve to stop such activity, (iii) natural evolution long ago selected against transport methods that just let any undesirable products enter a cell, (iv) transporters have now been identified for all kinds of molecules (even water) that were once thought not to require them, (v) many experiments show a massive variation in the uptake of drugs between different cells, tissues, and organisms, that cannot be explained if lipid bilayer transport is significant or if efflux were the only differentiator, and (vi) many experiments that manipulate the expression level of individual transporters as an independent variable demonstrate their role in drug and nutrient uptake (including in cytotoxicity or adverse drug reactions). This makes such transporters valuable both as a means of targeting drugs (not least anti-infectives) to selected cells or tissues and also as drug targets. The same considerations apply to the exploitation of substrate uptake and product efflux transporters in biotechnology. We are also beginning to recognise that transporters are more promiscuous, and antiporter activity is much more widespread, than had been realised, and that such processes are adaptive (i.e., were selected by natural evolution). The purpose of the present review is to summarise the above, and to rehearse and update readers on recent developments. These developments lead us to retain and indeed to strengthen our contention that for transmembrane pharmaceutical drug transport "phospholipid bilayer transport is negligible".

Increased intestinal permeability with elevated peripheral blood endotoxin and inflammatory indices for e-waste lead exposure in children

Lead (Pb) entering the body through different channels can damage the function of intestinal mucosal barrier and cause the body stressful inflammatory response to enhance. This study conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the effects of Pb exposure on intestinal permeability in children by measuring the level of bacterial endotoxin and index of inflammatory cell types in peripheral blood. From November to December 2018, we recruited 187 participants aged 3-6 years by stratified randomization, from an electronic-waste-exposed group (n = 82) and a referent group (n = 105). General demographic information, past history of the digestive system in child, and family situation were informed by children's guardians with questionnaires. Children in the exposed group showed lower weight, height, and body mass index while more diarrhea in a month. Blood Pb and plasma endotoxin were elevated in exposed children than referent children and the positive relationship between them was shown in all children [B (95% CI): 0.072 (0.008, 0.137), P = 0.033]. Peripheral monocyte counts and leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) levels were significantly increased in the exposed group. Endotoxin levels were positively correlated with neutrophils, monocytes, and LTB₄ [B (95% CI): 0.054 (0.015, 0.093), 0.018 (0.005, 0.031), and 0.049 (0.011, 0.087), respectively, P < 0.05]. To sum up, the exposed children showed lower physical growth levels, poorer gut health, and increased intestinal permeability, which was related to high blood Pb and peripheral inflammatory indices. These results suggest the possible adverse impact of environmental Pb exposure on the intestinal health of children.

Possible Biochemical Processes Underlying the Positive Health Effects of Plant-Based Diets-A Narrative Review

Plant-based diets are becoming more popular for many reasons, and epidemiological as well as clinical data also suggest that a well-balanced vegan diet can be adopted for the prevention, and in some cases, in the treatment of many diseases. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the relationships between these diets and various conditions and their potential biochemical background. As whole plant foods are very rich in food-derived antioxidants and other phytochemicals, they have many positive physiological effects on different aspects of health. In the background of the beneficial health effects, several biochemical processes could stand, including the reduced formation of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) or decreased serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and altered signaling pathways such as mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). In addition, the composition of plant-based diets may play a role in preventing lipotoxicity, avoiding N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), and reducing foodborne endotoxin intake. In this article, we attempt to draw attention to the growing knowledge about these diets and provide starting points for further research.

The Link between Obesity, Microbiota Dysbiosis, and Neurodegenerative Pathogenesis

Current research in medicine in several parts of the world has attempted to establish a link between the occurrence of neurodegenerative pathologies, microbiota dysbiosis, and the incidence of obesity. The body’s response to different physicochemical factors has also been influenced by the proper assimilation of bioactive compounds contained in the food that is ingested. Oxidative stress is one of the major factors that directly affects the functioning of the human microbiota. The body’s reaction to this imbalance is crucial to the progression of inflammatory processes, which are based on molecular mechanisms. Microbial dysbiosis can result in a possibly permanent alteration in the physiological response. This review aims to highlight recent contributions made to alleviating human dysbiosis in degenerative diseases, especially for neurodegenerative pathologies based on the rising prevalence of obesity. We discuss the significance of both microbiota modulation and possible alleviations of pathologies by a modulatory function. We argue that pre- and probiotics (including phenolic compounds stimulating the favorable strain from the microbiota) are an effective alternative that can support the microbiota pattern’s modulation over time and the attenuation of indirect causes that determine dysbiosis. Molecular aspects are presented in support of the modulating role of the microbiota following the use of probiotics.

Socioeconomic position links circulatory microbiota differences with biological age

Imbalanced nutrition is associated with accelerated ageing, possibly mediated by microbiota. An analysis of the circulatory microbiota obtained from the leukocytes of participants in the MRC Twenty-07 general population cohort was performed. We now report that in this cohort, the most biologically aged exhibit a significantly higher abundance of circulatory pathogenic bacteria, including Neisseria, Rothia and Porphyromonas, while those less biologically aged possess more circulatory salutogenic (defined as being supportive of human health and wellbeing) bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae UCG-004 and Kocuria. The presence of these salutogenic bactreria is consistent with a capacity to metabolise and produce Nrf2 agonists. We also demonstrate that associated one carbon metabolism, notably betaine levels, did not vary with chronological age, but displayed a difference with socioeconomic position (SEP). Those at lower SEP possessed significantly lower betaine levels indicative of a poorer diet and poorer health span and consistent with reduced global DNA methylation levels in this group. Our data suggest a clear route to improving age related health and resilience based on dietary modulation of the microbiota.

Taurine ameliorates thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis in rats via modulation of toll like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway

Liver fibrosis is a significant health problem that can cause serious illness and death. Unfortunately, a standard treatment for liver fibrosis has not been approved yet due to its complicated pathogenesis. The current study aimed at assessing the anti-fibrotic effect of taurine against thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis in rats through the modulation of toll like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Both concomitant and late taurine treatment (100 mg/kg, IP, daily) significantly reduced the rise in serum ALT and AST activities and significantly reversed the decrease in serum albumin and total protein. These results were confirmed by histopathological examinations and immunehistochemical inspection of α-SMA, caspase-3 and NF-κB. The antioxidant potential of taurine was verified by a marked increase of GSH content and a reduction of MDA level in liver tissue. The anti-fibrotic effects of taurine were evaluated by investigating the expression of TLR4, NF-κB. The protein levels of IL-6, LPS, MyD88, MD2, CD14, TGF-β1 and TNF-α were determined. Docking studies were carried out to understand how taurine interacts inside TLR4-MD2 complex and it showed good binding with the hydrophobic binding site of MD2. We concluded that the anti-fibrotic effect of taurine was attributable to the modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling.

The Influence of Gut Microbiota on the Cardiovascular System Under Conditions of Obesity and Chronic Stress

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Based on the available data, it can be assumed that microbiota is an integral part of the human body. The most heavily colonized area of the human body is the gut, with bacterial accumulation ranging from 101-103 cells/g in the upper intestine to 1011-1012 cells/g in the colon. However, colonization of the gut is not the same throughout, as it was shown that there are differences between the composition of the microbiota in the intestine lumen and in the proximity of the mucus layer.

RECENT FINDINGS

Gut microbiota gradient can be differentially regulated by factors such as obesity and chronic stress. In particular, a high fat diet influences the gut microbial composition. It was also found that chronic stress may cause the development of obesity and thus change the organization of the intestinal barrier. Recent research has shown the significant effect of intestinal microflora on cardiovascular function. Enhanced absorption of bacterial fragments, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), promotes the onset of "metabolic endotoxemia," which could activate toll-like receptors, which mediates an inflammatory response and in severe cases could cause cardiovascular diseases. It is presumed that the intestinal microbiota, and especially its metabolites (LPS and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)), may play an important role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. This review focuses on how gut microbiota can change the morphological and functional activity of the cardiovascular system in the course of obesity and in conditions of chronic stress.

Characterization of Microbiome on Feces, Blood and Milk in Dairy Cows with Different Milk Leucocyte Pattern

Simple Summary

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland caused by microorganisms and associated with an altered immune response. Recently, several studies hypothesized that a translocation of some bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract to the mammary gland can occur and that this bacterial crossing could be the cause of certain mastitis. The aim of this research is to investigate the bacteria translocation from the gut to the mammary gland, the so-called entero-mammary pathway, through the study of the fecal, blood and milk microbiome. Cows were recruited on the basis of their mammary gland health status and classified as healthy, at risk of mastitis and with mastitis. The microbial composition of feces, blood and milk were analyzed through high-throughput sequencing technique and the results were checked through a quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Although small differences were found in the microbiome of these three specimens between the groups of animals, beta biodiversity, that is, the ratio between whole and individual species diversity, highlighted a microbial community change in the milk of cows with different udder health conditions. The three matrices shared a high number of taxa; however, our results do not confirm a bacterial crossing from gut to milk, that still remains hypothetical.

Abstract

Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, caused by the invasion of microorganism on this site, associated with an altered immune response. Recent studies in this field hypothesize that the origin of these pathogens can also be from the gastrointestinal tract, through the entero-mammary pathway in relation to an increase in gut permeability. In this study, we wanted to investigate if inflammatory status of the mammary gland is related to an alteration of gut permeability. The microbiome of feces, blood and milk of lactating cows, recruited on the basis of the total somatic cell count and of the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes, was studied. Cows were divided into healthy (G), at risk of mastitis (Y) and with mastitis (R) classifications. The bacterial DNA was extracted and the V3 and V4 regions of 16S rRNA sequenced. Moreover, the quantification of total bacteria was performed with quantitative real-time PCR. A non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was applied at the phylum, family and genera levels and beta biodiversity was evaluated with the unweighted UniFrac distance metric. Significant differences between groups were found for the microbial composition of feces (Clostridiaceae, Turicibacteriaceae for family level and Clostridium, Dorea, SMB53 and Turicibacter for genus level), blood (Tenericutes for phylum level and Mycoplasma for genus level) and milk (OD1 and Proteobacteria for phylum level, Enterobacteriaceae and Moraxallaceae for family level and Olsenella and Rhodococcus for genus level). The beta biodiversity of feces and blood did not change between groups. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the beta diversity in milk of G group and Y group and between Y group and R group. The number of taxa in common between feces, blood and milk were 8 at a phylum, 19 at a family and 15 at a genus level. From these results, the bacterial crossing from gut to milk in cows was not confirmed but remained hypothetical and deserves further investigation.

Long-term dual antiplatelet-induced intestinal injury resulting in translocation of intestinal bacteria into blood circulation increased the incidence of adverse events after PCI in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of long-term (>18 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

A total of 3205 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients after PCI from CORFCHD-PCI, a retrospective cohort study (Identifier: ChiCTR-ORC-16010153), were divided into two groups: monotherapy of aspirin or clopidogrel group (SAPT group, n = 2188 and DAPT group, n = 1017) according to whether to discontinue DAPT 18 months after PCI. After propensity matching analysis (PSM), we included 1017 patients in the DAPT group and 1017 patients in the SAPT group. All the patients were followed-up for at least 18 months and the longest follow-up time is 120 months. The primary endpoint was the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACEEs) and bleeding events. We also selected 178 patients for detection of claudin-3 and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein and 58 patients for 16s RNA sequencing of whole blood.

RESULTS

The incidences of MACEs (13.9% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.001) and MACCEs (16.3% vs.10.0%, p < 0.001) were significantly increased in the DAPT group compared to the SAPT group. We also found DAPT increased the bleeding events compared to SAPT (4.6% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.048). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that in the DAPT group, cumulative risk of MACCEs increased 1.797 times (HR = 1.797, 95%CI: 1.429-2.226, p < 0.001), MACEs increased 1.737 times (HR = 1.737, 95%CI: 1.360-2.218, p < 0.001) and the bleeding events increased 2.129 times (HR = 2.129, 95%CI: 1.388-3.266, p = 0.001) compared to the SAPT group. We also found the plasma concentrations of claudin-3 and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) were significantly higher in patients in the DAPT group compared with patients in the SAPT group (both p < 0.001). Correspondingly, the abundance of blood intestinal bacteria in the DAPT group was significantly increased compared to that in the SAPT group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, high-throughput metabolomics analysis suggested that serum level of ceramide (d18:1/16:0) and Neu5Ac was significantly increased in the DAPT group compared to the SAPT group (both p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that long-term dual antiplatelet therapy longer than 18 months significantly increases the incidence of both ischemic events and bleeding events after PCI. This preliminary study also indicates that long-term DAPT causes intestinal injury, which induces translocation of intestinal bacteria into the bloodstream.

Deciphering Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Corresponding Genetic and Metabolic Dysregulation in Psoriasis Patients Using Metagenomics Sequencing

Background

Increasing evidence has shown that alterations in the intestinal microbiota play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The existing relevant studies focus on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, but in-depth research on gene functions and comprehensive identification of microbiota is lacking.

Objectives

To comprehensively identify characteristic gut microbial compositions, genetic functions and relative metabolites of patients with psoriasis and to reveal the potential pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Methods

DNA was extracted from the faecal microbiota of 30 psoriatic patients and 15 healthy subjects, and metagenomics sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were performed. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, cluster of orthologous groups (COG) annotations, and metabolic analyses were used to indicate relative target genes and pathways to reveal the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Results

Compared with healthy individuals, the gut microbiota of psoriasis patients displayed an alteration in microbial taxa distribution, but no significant difference in microbial diversity. A distinct gut microbial composition in patients with psoriasis was observed, with an increased abundance of the phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia and genera Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Megamonas and Roseburia and a decreased abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Euryarchaeota and Proteobacteria and genera Prevotella, Alistipes, and Eubacterium. A total of 134 COGs were predicted with functional analysis, and 15 KEGG pathways, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis, WNT signaling, apoptosis, bacterial secretion system, and phosphotransferase system, were significantly enriched in psoriasis patients. Five metabolites, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), isovalerate, isobutyrate, hyaluronan and hemicellulose, were significantly dysregulated in the psoriatic cohort. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota, enriched pathways and dysregulated metabolites are relevant to immune and inflammatory response, apoptosis, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway, gut-brain axis and brain-skin axis that play important roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Conclusions

A clear dysbiosis was displayed in the gut microbiota profile, genetic functions and relative metabolites of psoriasis patients. This study is beneficial for further understanding the inflammatory pathogenesis of psoriasis and could be used to develop microbiome-based predictions and therapeutic approaches.

Heptose-containing bacterial natural products: structures, bioactivities, and biosyntheses

Covering: up to 2020Glycosylated natural products hold great potential as drugs for the treatment of human and animal diseases. Heptoses, known as seven-carbon-chain-containing sugars, are a group of saccharides that are rarely observed in natural products. Based on the structures of the heptoses, the heptose-containing natural products can be divided into four groups, characterized by heptofuranose, highly-reduced heptopyranose, d-heptopyranose, and l-heptopyranose. Many of them possess remarkable biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, and pain relief activities, thereby attracting great interest in biosynthesis and chemical synthesis studies to understand their construction mechanisms and structure-activity relationships. In this review, we summarize the structural properties, biological activities, and recent progress in the biosynthesis of bacterial natural products featuring seven-carbon-chain-containing sugars. The biosynthetic origins of the heptose moieties are emphasized.