Administration of Lactobacillus paracasei ameliorates type 2 diabetes in mice

Novel Insight into the Effect of Probiotics in the Regulation of the Most Important Pathways Involved in the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered one of the most common disorders worldwide. Although several treatment modalities have been developed, the existing interventions have not yielded the desired results. Therefore, researchers have focused on finding treatment choices with low toxicity and few adverse effects that could control T2DM efficiently. Various types of research on the role of gut microbiota in developing T2DM and its related complications have led to the growing interest in probiotic supplementation. Several properties make these organisms unique in terms of human health, including their low cost, high reliability, and good safety profile. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that three of the most important signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM, play key functions in the effects of probiotics on this disease. Hence, we will focus on the clinical applications of probiotics in the management of T2DM. Then, we will also discuss the roles of the involvement of various probiotics in the regulation of the most important signaling pathways (NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2) involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM.

Mechanisms of probiotic modulation of ovarian sex hormone production and metabolism: a review

Sex hormones play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the skeletal, neurological, and reproductive systems. In women, the dysregulation of sex hormones can result in various health complications such as acne, hirsutism, and irregular menstruation. One of the most prevalent diseases associated with excess androgens is polycystic ovary syndrome with a hyperandrogenic phenotype. Probiotics have shown the potential to enhance the secretion of ovarian sex hormones. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Furthermore, comprehensive reviews detailing how probiotics modulate ovarian sex hormones are scarce. This review seeks to shed light on the potential mechanisms through which probiotics influence the production of ovarian sex hormones. The role of probiotics across various biological axes, including the gut-ovarian, gut-brain-ovarian, gut-liver-ovarian, gut-pancreas-ovarian, and gut-fat-ovarian axes, with a focus on the direct impact of probiotics on the ovaries via the gut and their effects on brain gonadotropins is discussed. It is also proposed herein that probiotics can significantly influence the onset, progression, and complications of ovarian sex hormone abnormalities. In addition, this review provides a theoretical basis for the therapeutic application of probiotics in managing sex hormone-related health conditions.

Crosstalk between COVID-19 and the gut-brain axis: a gut feeling

The microbes in the gut are crucial for maintaining the body's immune system and overall gut health. However, it is not fully understood how an unstable gut environment can lead to more severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The gut microbiota also plays a role in the gut-brain axis and interacts with the central nervous system through metabolic and neuroendocrine pathways. The interaction between the microbiota and the host's body involves hormonal, immune, and neural pathways, and any disruption in the balance of gut bacteria can lead to dysbiosis, which contributes to pathogen growth. In this context, we discuss how dysbiosis could contribute to comorbidities that increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation have successfully treated infectious and non-infectious inflammatory-related diseases, the most common comorbidities. These treatments could be adjuvant therapies for COVID-19 infection by restoring gut homeostasis and balancing the gut microbiota.

Intestinal toxicity alleviation and efficacy potentiation through therapeutic administration of Lactobacillus paracasei GY-1 in the treatment of gout flares with colchicine

Gout flares have emerged as a significant public health concern. Colchicine (COL) is a first-line and standard drug for treating gout flares. However, its clinical use is limited due to various adverse effects. Besides, COL fails to adequately meet the needs of patients, particularly young patients. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic administration of Lactobacillus paracasei GY-1 (GY-1) to overcome the limitations of COL. Our results demonstrate that GY-1 attenuates COL toxicity in terms of body weight loss, decreased feed intake, mortality, reduced locomotor activity, colon shortening, increased oxidative stress, histological damage, and impaired gut permeability. Meanwhile, we demonstrate that GY-1 enhances the therapeutic effect for gout flares when combined with COL, as evidenced by the reduction in paw swelling, decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and TNF-α, and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Additionally, the absolute quantification of the gut microbiota shows that GY-1 restores the gut microbiota imbalance caused by COL. Furthermore, GY-1 reduces the abundance of 4 Alistipes species and 6 Porphyromonadaceae species, which may be responsible for toxicity alleviation. At the same time, GY-1 increases the abundance of Bacteroides sartorii and Enterococcus sp., which may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. This study demonstrates the feasibility of developing probiotic-based adjuvant therapy or bacteriotherapy for treating gout flares. To our knowledge, GY-1 is the first probiotic that could be used as an alternative synergetic agent with COL for the therapeutic treatment of gout flares.

Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 Alleviates Glucolipid Metabolism Disorders via the Adipoinsular Axis and Gut Microbiota

Glycolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD) refer to a series of metabolic disorders caused by abnormal processes of glucose and lipid synthesis, decomposition, and absorption in the body, leading to glucose and lipid excess, insulin resistance, and obesity. Probiotic intervention is a new strategy to alleviate metabolic syndrome. Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 (L. paracasei JY062) was separated from the Tibet-fermented dairy products. The results demonstrated a strong ability to relieve blood glucose disorders, blood lipid disorders, and tissue damage. The LPH group had the best effect, significantly decreasing the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin, insulin, and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations and increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, and GLP-1 level compared to HFD-group mice. L. paracasei JY062 could activate the APN-AMPK pathway, increased AdipoQ, AMPK GLUT-4, and PGC-1α mRNA expression and decreased SREBP-1c, ACC, and FAS mRNA expression. L. paracasei JY062 intervention decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria, increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, and restored the imbalance of gut microbiota homeostasis caused by a high-glucose-fat diet. L. paracasei JY062 alleviated glucolipid metabolism disorders via the adipoinsular axis and gut microbiota. This study provided a theoretical basis for probiotics to ameliorate glucolipid metabolism disorders by regulating the adipoinsular axis.

Advancing lifelong precision medicine for cardiovascular diseases through gut microbiota modulation

The gut microbiome is known as the tenth system of the human body that plays a vital role in the intersection between health and disease. The considerable inter-individual variability in gut microbiota poses both challenges and great prospects in promoting precision medicine in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this review, based on the development, evolution, and influencing factors of gut microbiota in a full life circle, we summarized the recent advances on the characteristic alteration in gut microbiota in CVDs throughout different life stages, and depicted their pathological links in mechanism, as well as the highlight achievements of targeting gut microbiota in CVDs prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Personalized strategies could be tailored according to gut microbiota characteristics in different life stages, including gut microbiota-blood metabolites combined prediction and diagnosis, dietary interventions, lifestyle improvements, probiotic or prebiotic supplements. However, to fulfill the promise of a lifelong cardiovascular health, more mechanism studies should progress from correlation to causality and decipher novel mechanisms linking specific microbes and CVDs. It is also promising to use the burgeoning artificial intelligence and machine learning to target gut microbiota for developing diagnosis system and screening for new therapeutic interventions.

The Intervention of Probiotics on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Animal Models

Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 90% of diabetes patients with the incidence and prevalence continuously rising globally. As a prospective therapy strategy for type 2 diabetes, probiotics have shown beneficial effects both in animal experiments and human clinical trials. This review summarizes the commonly used animal models in probiotic intervention research and presents the evidence and mechanism of diabetes intervention with probiotics in these animal models. Probiotics can help maintain glucose homeostasis, improve lipid metabolism, promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, and reduce inflammatory reactions in animal models. However, the clinical translation of benefits from probiotics is still challenged by intrinsic differences between experimental animal models and humans, and the application of humanized non-rodent diabetic animal models may contribute to the clinical translation of probiotics in the future.

Modulation Effects of Sargassum pallidum Extract on Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of the extract from Sargassum pallidum (SPPE) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. SPPE treatment alleviated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance (IR), liver and pancreatic tissue damage, hyperlipidemia and hepatic oxidative stress resulting from T2DM. SPPE reversed phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCK) and hexokinase (HK) activities to improve gluconeogenesis and glycogen storage in the liver. Furthermore, SPPE modulated glucose metabolism by regulating the levels of mRNA expression involving the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/G6pase/GLUT2 pathway and could inhibit fatty acid synthesis by reducing the gene expression levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (ACC-1). A 16 sRNA analysis indicated that SPPE treatment also reversed gut dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides and Lactobacillus) and suppressing the proliferation of harmful bacteria (Enterococcus and Helicobacter). Untargeted metabolomics results indicated that histidine metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis were significantly influenced by SPPE. Thus, SPPE may be applied as an effective dietary supplement or drug in the management of T2DM.

Lactic acid fermentation of guava juice: Evaluation of nutritional and bioactive properties, enzyme (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition abilities, and anti-inflammatory activities

In the present research, the impact of fermentation with two strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (PTCC 1896 and PTCC 1745) on physicochemical properties, antioxidant bioactive compounds, and some health-promoting features of guava juice was investigated. Results showed a significant (p < .05) decrease in pH, total soluble solids, glucose and fructose residues, vitamin C, and total carotenoids after 32 h of fermentation. Total phenolic content, free radical scavenging abilities, and ferrous reducing power were markedly enhanced during the fermentation process. Moreover, fermented juice represented good enzyme inhibition abilities (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and anti-inflammatory activities. The initial amount of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity (26.5%) increased to 72.1% and 66.4% in L. plantarum subsp. plantarum 1896 and L. plantarum subsp. plantarum 1745 treatments, respectively. These findings reveal that guava juice fermentation with the studied Lactobacillus strains can be a promising strategy to augment the functional properties of the fruit-based beverage.

Mechanism and application of Lactobacillus in type 2 diabetes-associated periodontitis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accelerates the progression of periodontitis through diverse pathways. Abnormal immune responses, excessive activation of inflammation, increased levels of advanced glycation end products, and oxidative stress have defined roles in the pathophysiological process of T2DM-associated periodontitis. Furthermore, in the periodontium of diabetic individuals, there are high levels of advanced glycation end-products and glucose. Meanwhile, progress in microbiomics has revealed that dysbacteriosis caused by T2DM also contributes to the progression of periodontitis. Lactobacillus, owing to its fine-tuning function in the local microbiota, has sparked tremendous interest in this field. Accumulating research on Lactobacillus has detailed its beneficial role in both diabetes and oral diseases. In this study, we summarize the newly discovered mechanisms underlying Lactobacillus-mediated improvement of T2DM-associated periodontitis and propose the application of Lactobacillus in the clinic.

Attenuation of Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Rats Assisted by Immobilized Probiotic in Sodium Alginate

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is the most common chronic disease worldwide, characterized mainly by increased glucose concentration in the blood and affecting several organs' functionality. The daily consumption of probiotic bacteria can help control diabetes and reduce the damage caused. Cell immobilization techniques are a powerful tool that provides physical cell protection to such probiotic bacteria against gastrointestinal conditions. We suggest that cell immobilization could be a significant vector for delivering a high quantity of viable probiotics to the gut, helping attenuate hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Seventy male Wistar rats were used in this work. Nicotinamide was administrated via intraperitoneal injection 15 minutes before inducing type 2 diabetes (DM2), followed by a second intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to induce DM2. Rats were divided into seven groups. For 45 days, a specific treatment was applied to each group. The group of rats, supplied with immobilized Lactobacillus casei, showed a serum glucose concentration of 137 mg/dL, which was close to the one observed in the groups of healthy rats (117 mg/dL) and rats treated with metformin (155 mg/dL). The diabetic rats without treatment presented a higher serum glucose concentration (461 mg/dL). In the rats treated with immobilized L. casei, there was no biochemical parameter alteration, and the cell morphology of the analyzed tissues was similar to those of the healthy group. The consumption of immobilized L. casei could allow a high quantity of viable probiotics to be delivered to the gut, reducing serum glucose concentration by up to 70% compared to diabetic rats and reducing organ damage caused by diabetes.

Metabolomics reveals the role of Lactobacillus plantarum SHY130 in hepatic metabolic regulation in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, the incidence rate of liver metabolic disorders is much higher than that in healthy subjects. It was observed in our previous research that diabetic symptoms were improved by Lactobacillus plantarum SHY130 (LPSHY130) isolated from yak yogurt in a murine model of T2D. This study sought to investigate the LPSHY130-mediated hepatic metabolic regulation in a murine model of T2D.

RESULTS

Treatment with LPSHY130 improved liver function and pathological damage in diabetic mice. Untargeted metabolome analysis revealed that T2D-induced changes in 11 metabolites were regulated after LPSHY130 treatment, mainly involving purine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and choline metabolism and pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis pathways. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that hepatic metabolic changes can be adjusted by the intestinal microbiota.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study suggests that treatment with LPSHY130 relieves liver injury and regulates liver metabolism in a murine model of T2D, thus providing a theoretical basis for the use of probiotics as dietary supplements to regulate hepatic metabolic disorders associated with T2D. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ameliorating Effects of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis FB3-14 against High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity and Gut Microbiota Disorder

Obesity has emerged as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. Our study was conducted to investigate the anti-obese potential of novel probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis FB3-14 (FB3-14) and the underlying molecular mechanisms in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The results demonstrated that an 8-week FB3-14 intervention significantly suppressed the HFD-induced body and fat weight gain and abnormal alterations of the serum lipid parameter, restoring the levels of cholesterol (4.29 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.42 mmol/L). FB3-14 treatment also attenuated adipocyte expansion, hepatic injury, and low-grade systemic inflammation and restored the expressions of lipid-metabolism-related genes, including Hsl, Leptin, and Adiponectin. Furthermore, FB3-14 was observed to reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in obese mice; increase the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, unclassified_Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Bifidobacterim; and upregulate G protein-coupled receptor41 associated with higher levels of butyric acid. These results indicate the protective effectiveness of FB3-14 in HFD-driven obesity and gut microbiota disorders, highlighting the promising potential of FB3-14 as a functional nutrition supplement.

Integrated 16S rRNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics analysis to reveal the mechanisms of Yu-Ye Tang on type 2 diabetes mellitus rats

Introduction

Yu-Ye Tang (YYT) is a classical formula widely used in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the specific mechanism of YYT in treating T2DM is not clear.

Methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of YYT on T2DM by establishing a rat model of T2DM. The mechanism of action of YYT was also explored through investigating gut microbiota and serum metabolites.

Results

The results indicated YYT had significant therapeutic effects on T2DM. Moreover, YYT could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, UCG-005, Bacteroides and Blautia while decrease the abundance of and Allobaculum and Desulfovibrio in gut microbiota of T2DM rats. Nontargeted metabolomics analysis showed YYT treatment could regulate arachidonic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, phenylalanine metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism in T2DM rats.

Discussion

In conclusion, our research showed that YYT has a wide range of therapeutic effects on T2DM rats, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, YYT corrected the altered gut microbiota and serum metabolites in T2DM rats. This study suggests that YYT may have a therapeutic impact on T2DM by regulating gut microbiota and modulating tryptophan and glycerophospholipid metabolism, which are potential key pathways in treating T2DM.

Oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum WHH2270 ameliorates type 2 diabetes in rats

Accumulating evidence suggests that specific probiotic strains exert hypoglycemic effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and probiotic strains within Bifidobacterium exhibit potential beneficial effects on T2DM. In this study, α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of 14 Bifidobacterium strains were assessed in vitro. The hypoglycemic effects of Bifidobacterium longum WHH2270 with high α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (42.03%) were then investigated in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced T2DM rat model. Oral administration of WHH2270 (4 × 109 CFU/kg/day) for 8 weeks significantly reversed the reduced body weight and ameliorated the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing of feces, WHH2270 was revealed to reshape the gut microbiome composition by increasing the abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and decreasing the abundances of UCG_005, Clostridium, and Faecalibacterium in T2DM rats. Besides, the fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including acetate, propionate, and butyrate were also elevated after WHH2270 administration. Moreover, the gene expressions of SCFA receptors FFAR2 and FFAR3 in the colon and pancreas of T2DM rats were restored by WHH2270 administration, accompanied by increased levels of serum acetate. In summary, these results provide evidence that WHH2270 has the potential to improve T2DM symptoms by alleviating hyperglycemia, which was associated with changes in the gut microbiome composition and SCFA production. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Bifidobacterium longum WHH2270 with high α-glucosidase inhibitory activity may serve as a promising hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of T2DM.

Cardiometabolic benefits of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Modulating microbial metabolism via probiotic supplementation has been proposed as an attractive strategy for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Recently, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (L. paracasei) was reported to alleviate metabolic disorders in murine models, however, its beneficial effects in humans remain to be determined. This study evaluated whether L. paracasei supplementation could improve endothelial function and cardiometabolic health in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial among 130 participants with MetS, subjects were randomly assigned to placebo or L. paracasei 8700: 2 (10 billion CFU) daily for 12 weeks. Endothelial function was measured by flow-mediated slowing, and cardiometabolic health was determined by both components and severity of MetS. Ideal compliance was defined as consumption no less than 70% of the capsules.

RESULTS

130 individuals (mean [SD] age, 45.97 [7.11] years; 95 men [73.1%]) were enrolled and randomized to L. paracasei (n = 66) or placebo control (n = 64). Compared to placebo, L. paracasei supplementation led to a greater reduction in remnant cholesterol (-0.16 mmol/L, 95%CI: -0.29 mmol/L to -0.02 mmol/L; P = 0.024). Such a reduction in remnant cholesterol was significantly associated with improvement in endothelial function (r = -0.23, P = 0.027). In subjects with an ideal compliance with trial protocol, L. paracasei treatment additionally lowered triglycerides, alleviated MetS severity and delayed weight gain. On the contrary, no obvious effect on insulin sensitivity or pancreatic beta-cell function was observed after L. paracasei intervention. Moreover, regarding safety and tolerability, no significant between-group difference in protocol-specified adverse events of interest was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

L. paracasei supplementation enhanced endothelial function potentially through downregulating remnant cholesterol levels. Our study provides a feasible and safe strategy for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases in subjects with severe dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction.

REGISTERED

Under ClinicalTrails.gov identifier NCT05005754.

Screening of Potential Probiotic Lactobacillaceae and Their Improvement of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Promoting PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice

The study aimed to isolate Lactobacillaceae strains with in vitro hypoglycemic activity and probiotic properties and to determine their antidiabetic abilities in vivo. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 22, L. plantarum 25, Limosilactobacillus fermentum 11, and L. fermentum 305 with high in vitro hypoglycemic activity were screened from 23 strains of Lactobacillaceae isolated from human feces and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) of the mice was recorded weekly. After 12 weeks, liver, kidney, and pancreas tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to observe histomorphology; the inflammatory factors were assayed by Quantitative Real-time PCR; PI3K and AKT were measured by Western blot; the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined by LC-MS/MS. Inhibitory activities of L. plantarum 22, L. plantarum 25, L. fermentum 11, and L. fermentum 305 against α-amylase were 62.29 ± 0.44%, 51.81 ± 3.65%, 58.40 ± 1.68%, and 57.48 ± 5.04%, respectively. Their inhibitory activities to α-glucosidase were 14.89 ± 0.38%, 15.32 ± 0.89%, 52.63 ± 3.07%, and 51.79 ± 1.13%, respectively. Their survival rate after simulated gastrointestinal test were 12.42 ± 2.84%, 9.10 ± 1.12%, 5.86 ± 0.52%, and 8.82 ± 2.50% and their adhesion rates to Caco-2 cell were 6.09 ± 0.39%, 6.37 ± 0.28%, 6.94 ± 0.27%, and 6.91 ± 0.11%, respectively. The orthogonal tests of bacterial powders of the four strains showed that the maximum inhibitory activities to α-amylase and α-glucosidase were 93.18 ± 1.19% and 75.33 ± 2.89%, respectively. The results showed that the mixture of Lactobacillaceae could lower FBG, reduce inflammation, and liver, kidney, and pancreas damage, promote PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and increase the content of SCFAs. The combination of L. plantarum 22, L. plantarum 25, L. fermentum 11, and L. fermentum 305 can potentially improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Population genomics of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei: pan-genome, integrated prophage, antibiotic resistance, and carbohydrate utilization

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei has beneficial effects on human health and holds promising potential as a probiotic for use in the development of functional foods, especially dairy products. This species can adapt to a variety of ecological niches and presents fundamental carbohydrate metabolism and tolerance to environmental stresses. However, the population structure, ecology, and antibiotic resistance of Lc. paracasei in diverse ecological niches are poorly understood. Reclassification of Lc. paracasei as a separate species of Lacticaseibacillus has stimulated renewed interest in its research, and a deeper interpretation of it will be important for screening strains beneficial to human health. Here, we collected 121 self-isolated and 268 publicly available Lc. paracasei genomes discussed how genomic approaches have advanced our understanding of its taxonomy, ecology, evolution, diversity, integrated prophage-related element distribution, antibiotic resistance, and carbohydrate utilization. Moreover, for the Lc. paracasei strains isolated in this study, we assessed the inducibility of integrated prophages in their genomes and determined the phenotypes that presented tolerance to multiple antibiotics to provide evidence for safety evaluations of Lc. paracasei during the fermentation processes.

Impact of the gut microbiota on angiotensin Ⅱ-related disorders and its mechanisms

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) consists of multiple angiotensin peptides and performs various biological functions mediated by distinct receptors. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the major effector of the RAS and affects the occurrence and development of inflammation, diabetes mellitus and its complications, hypertension, and end-organ damage via the Ang II type 1 receptor. Recently, considerable interest has been given to the association and interaction between the gut microbiota and host. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may contribute to cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammatory diseases, and chronic kidney disease. Recent data have confirmed that Ang II can induce an imbalance in the intestinal flora and further aggravate disease progression. Furthermore, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 is another player in RAS, alleviates the deleterious effects of Ang II, modulates gut microbial dysbiosis, local and systemic immune responses associated with coronavirus disease 19. Due to the complicated etiology of pathologies, the precise mechanisms that link disease processes with specific characteristics of the gut microbiota remain obscure. This review aims to highlight the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and its metabolites in Ang II-related disease progression, and summarize the possible mechanisms. Deciphering these mechanisms will provide a theoretical basis for novel therapeutic strategies for disease prevention and treatment. Finally, we discuss therapies targeting the gut microbiota to treat Ang II-related disorders.

Heat-treated foxtail millet protein delayed the development of pre-diabetes to diabetes in mice by altering gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles

Millet protein has gained much attention for its beneficial effects in mitigating metabolic diseases. However, most individuals pass through a prediabetic phase before developing full-blown diabetes, and whether millet protein has hypoglycemic effects on prediabetic mice remains unclear. In the present study, heat-treated foxtail millet protein (HMP) supplementation significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels, alleviated insulin resistance, and improved impaired glucose tolerance in prediabetic mice. In addition, HMP altered the intestinal flora composition, as evidenced by the reduction in the abundance of Dubosiella and Marvinbryantia and the increase in the content of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and norank_f_Erysipelotrichaceae. Moreover, HMP supplementation dramatically regulated the levels of serum metabolites (i.e., LysoPCs, 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, and sphingosine) and related metabolic pathways, such as sphingolipid metabolism and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. In conclusion, the improvement of gut microbiota and serum metabolic profiles was related to the hypoglycemic potential of HMP in prediabetes.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Diabetic Retinopathy-Current Knowledge and Future Therapeutic Targets

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major causes of blindness today, despite important achievements in diagnosis and therapy. The involvement of a gut-retina axis is thought to be a possible risk factor for several chronic eye disease, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis, and, recently, diabetic retinopathy. Dysbiosis may cause endothelial disfunction and alter retinal metabolism. This review analyzes the evidence regarding changes in gut microbiota in patients with DR compared with diabetics and healthy controls (HCs). A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for the following terms: "gut microbiota" OR "gut microbiome" AND "diabetic retinopathy". Ultimately, 9 articles published between 2020 and 2022 presenting comparative data on a total of 228 T2DM patients with DR, 220 patients with T2DM, and 118 HCs were analyzed. All of the studies found a distinctive microbial beta diversity in DR vs. T2DM and HC, characterized by an altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a decrease in butyrate producers, and an increase in LPS-expressing and pro-inflammatory species in the Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla. The probiotic species Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were decreased when compared with T2DM. Gut microbiota influence retinal health in multiple ways and may represent a future therapeutic target in DR.

Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502 ameliorates type 2 diabetes by mediating gut microbiota-SCFA-hormone/inflammation pathway in mice

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex and prevalent metabolic disease that seriously threatens human health. Numerous studies have shown that probiotics as dietary supplements have the potential to prevent and treat T2DM. However, the ability of various strains to improve diabetes symptoms and corresponding mechanisms are different. Thus, mechanistic investigation is required to validate the pharmacology of each probiotic strain for T2DM treatment. Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502 was originally isolated from Italian elderly human feces and its probiotic attributes have been demonstrated. Here, the antidiabetic pharmacodynamics of L. paracasei IMC 502 on T2DM mice was explored.

RESULTS

Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502 significantly decreased blood glucose, HbA1c and lipid levels, improved insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, regulated the mRNA/protein expression of key hepatic enzymes associated with gluconeogenesis, de novo lipogenesis and PI3K/Akt pathway, and repaired pancreatic and hepatic tissue damage. This probiotic conferred beneficial outcomes in the gut microbiome of diabetic mice, which induced transformation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and further enhanced the secretion of downstream hormones, and ultimately ameliorated the inflammatory response.

CONCLUSION

Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502 prevents and alleviates T2DM by mediating the gut microbiota-SCFA-hormone/inflammation pathway. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vitro characterization of lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from fermented foods with anti-inflammatory and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition potential

Probiotics are known to stimulate, modulate, and regulate host immune response by regulating specific sets of genes and improve glucose homeostasis through regulating dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV) activity, but the mechanism behind their protective role is not clearly understood. Therefore, the present study was designed to isolate indigenous lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains from different fermented food samples, vegetables, and human infant feces exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and DPP-IV inhibitory activity. A total of thirty-six Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and rod-shaped bacteria were isolated and screened for their anti-inflammatory activity using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on the murine (RAW264.7) macrophages. Among all, sixteen strains exhibited more than 90% reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production by the LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Prioritized strains were characterized for their probiotic attributes as per the DBT-ICMR guidelines and showed desirable probiotic attributes in a species and strain-dependent manner. Accordingly, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LAB3, Levilactobacillus brevis LAB20, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB31, Pediococcus acidilactici LAB8, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB39 were prioritized. Furthermore, these strains when co-supplemented with LPS and treated on RAW264.7 cells inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), i.e., p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and SAPK/JNK, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), relative to the LPS-alone-treated macrophages. LAB31 and LAB39 also showed 64 and 95% of DPP-IV inhibitory activity relative to the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103, which was used as a reference strain in all the studies. Five prioritized strains ameliorated the LPS-induced inflammation by downregulating the JNK/MAPK pathway and could be employed as an alternative bio-therapeutic strategy in mitigating gut-associated inflammatory conditions. The potential mechanism of action of prioritized LAB strains in preventing the LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

Probiotic supplement as a promising strategy in early tau pathology prevention: Focusing on GSK-3β?

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent research suggests that pretangle tau, the soluble precursor of NFT, is an initiator for AD pathogenesis, thus targeting pretangle tau pathology may be a promising early intervention focus. The bidirectional communications between the gut and the brain play a crucial role in health. The compromised gut-brain axis is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases including AD. However, most research on the relationship between gut microbiome and AD have focused on amyloid-β. In this mini review, we propose to target preclinical pretangle tau stages with gut microbiota interventions such as probiotic supplementation. We discuss the importance of targeting pretangle tau that starts decades before the onset of clinical symptoms, and potential intervention focusing on probiotic regulation of tau hyperphosphorylation. A particular focus is on GSK-3β, a protein kinase that is at the interface between tau phosphorylation, AD and diabetes mellitus.

Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 Isolated from Infant Feces Alleviates Colitis in Mice via Protecting the Intestinal Barrier

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory bowel disease, and the intestinal barrier is an important line of defense against intestinal disease. Herein, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 at different doses (1 × 10⁶, 1 × 10⁷, 1 × 10⁸ CFU/day) on colitis mice and explored the possible mechanism. The results showed that L. gasseri JM1 alleviated DSS-induced colitis in mice, with reductions in disease activity index (DAI), histological scores and myeloperoxidase activity as well as alleviation of colonic shortening. Furthermore, L. gasseri JM1 regulated the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10; restored the expression of Claudin-3, Occludin, ZO-1, and MUC2; and increased the number of goblet cells and acidic mucin. The 16S rDNA sequencing results indicated that intervention with L. gasseri JM1 balanced the gut microbiota structure by elevating the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Oscillospira, Clostridium and Ruminococcus) and decreasing that of harmful bacteria (Shigella and Turicibacter). Meanwhile, the contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) increased. In conclusion, L. gasseri JM1 could alleviate intestinal barrier damage in colitis mice by modulating the tight junction structures, intestinal mucus layer, inflammatory cytokines, gut microbiota, and SCFAs. It can be considered a potential preventive strategy to alleviate colitis injury.

Fucoidan from Laminaria japonica Ameliorates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Association with Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Streptozocin-Treated Mice

Chronic diseases have been a leading cause of death worldwide, and polysaccharide supplementation is an effective therapeutic strategy for chronic diseases without adverse effects. In this study, the beneficial effect of Laminaria japonica fucoidan (LJF) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was evaluated in streptozocin-treated mice. LJF ameliorated the symptoms of T2DM in a dose-dependent manner, involving reduction in weight loss, water intake, triglyceride, blood glucose, cholesterol and free fatty acids, and increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, catalase, glucagon-like peptide-1, and superoxide dismutase. In addition, LJF regulated the balance between insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity, reduced islet necrosis and β-cell damage, and inhibited fat accumulation in T2DM mice. The protective effect of LJF on T2DM can be associated with modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolites, e.g., increases in Lactobacillus and Allobaculum. Untargeted and targeted metabolomics analysis showed that the microbiota metabolite profile was changed with LJF-induced microbiota alterations, mainly involving amino acids, glutathione, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism pathways. This study indicates that LJF can be used as a prebiotic agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and microbiota-related diseases.

Lactobacillus-fermented yogurt exerts hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-inflammatory activities in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Hyperglycemia is a symptom of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose concentrations. Antidiabetic drugs are common treatments for this metabolic disorder; however, they may have unpleasant side effects. This study hypothesized that probiotic fermented products could preserve nutritional value, maintain metabolic homeostasis, and attenuate the inflammatory response associated with diabetes while reducing side effects. Lactobacillus plantarum KU985438 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus KU985439 showed the lowest alfa-amylase enzyme (α-amylase) activity among 8 lactobacilli tested. These 2 strains were used to develop functional fermented milk products, and their antidiabetic efficacy was tested in induced diabetic Wistar rats. The treatment of diabetic rats with L. plantarum KU985438 or L. rhamnosus KU985439 fermented yogurt resulted in a considerable reduction in blood glucose concentrations (136.79% and 145.17%, respectively) and α-amylase concentrations (56.84% and 56.84%, respectively) compared with conventional treatments. Diabetes relief began after 4 days of yogurt consumption compared with drug-based treatment. Significant improvements in both liver and kidney enzyme concentrations were also observed, in addition to a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and improved lipid profiles. Inhibition in nuclear factor κB and an increase in Bcl-2 concentrations were also detected. Histopathological examination of both hepatic and pancreatic cells revealed the positive effects of the studied treatment compared with standard treatment. Therefore, the selected Lactobacilli, which has hypoglycemic potential, could be used to produce functional nutraceutical antidiabetic supplements.

Baihu renshen decoction ameliorates type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats through affecting gut microbiota enhancing gut permeability and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response

Baihu Rensheng decoction (BHRS) can effectively improve insulin resistance (IR) and decrease blood glucose in diabetic patients. However, its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model was established using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection and treated with BHRS. Firstly, the therapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects of BHRS on T2DM were evaluated. Secondly, the effects of BHRS on gut permeability were evaluated and western blot was used to detect the changes of TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related protein expressions in liver. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect alteration of gut microbiota diversity and abundance in rats after BHRS treatment. Our results showed that BHRS could alleviate the hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, IR, and pathological changes of liver, pancreas, and kidney in T2DM rats. BHRS could also decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the oxidative stress. Immunohistochemistry showed BHRS could increase the expression tight junction-related proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) in colon. Besides, the level of LPS in serum was decreased after BHRS treatment. Western blot results showed that the protein expression of TLR4, MyD88 and the phosphorylation IκB, and NF-κBp65 were lowered after BHRS treatment. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that BHRS treatment altered the diversity of gut microbiotra and decreases the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F to B) ratio at the phylum level. At the genus level, BHRS could increase the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Blautia, and Anaerostipes and decrease the relative abundances of Allobaculum, Candidatus Saccharimonas, and Ruminococcus. In conclusion, our study revealed the various ameliorative effects of BHRS on T2DM, including improving the liver and kidney functions and alleviating the hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, pathological changes, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The mechanisms of BHRS on T2DM are likely linked to the repair of gut barrier and the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response and the improvement in the dysbiosis of gut microbiota.

Correlation between gut microbiota and glucagon-like peptide-1 in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) places both the mother and offspring at high risk of complications. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a role in the pathogenesis of GDM. However, it is still unclear whether the gut microbiota is related to blood biochemical traits, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), in GDM patients.

AIM

To explore the correlation between the gut microbiota and blood biochemical traits, particularly GLP-1, in GDM patients.

METHODS

The V4 region of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene was sequenced based on the fecal samples of 35 pregnant women with GDM and was compared to that of 25 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

RESULTS

The results showed that Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Clostri-dium_sensu_stricto_1, and Streptococcus were more abundant in the NGT group than in the GDM group. Bacteroides and Lachnoclostridium were more abundant in the GDM group than in the NGT group. Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to identify the relationships between microbiota genera and blood biochemical traits. Paraprevotella, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002 were significantly negatively correlated with glucose. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002 was significantly negatively correlated with hemoglobin A1c. Bacteroides was significantly positively correlated with glucose. Sutterella, Oscillibacter, and Bifidobacterium were significantly positively correlated with GLP-1. A random forest model showed that 20 specific genera plus glucose provided the best discriminatory power, as indicated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.94).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study reveal novel relationships between the gut microbiome, blood bio-chemical traits, particularly GLP-1, and GDM status. These findings suggest that some genera are crucial for controlling blood glucose-related indices and may be beneficial for GDM treatment. Alteration in the microbial composition of the gut may potentially serve as a marker for identifying individuals at risk of GDM.

Effectiveness of new selenium-enriched mutated probiotics in reducing inflammatory effects of piroxicam medication in liver and kidney

Piroxicam is used to treat the pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but it has many side effects, such as hypertension, elevation of liver enzymes, and hepatitis. This study used selenium-enriched probiotics to reduce the side effects of piroxicam on the liver and kidney tissues and functions. Forty-eight male albino mice were randomly assigned to control, piroxicam (P), piroxicam plus selenium-enriched Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 (P + SP), piroxicam plus selenium-enriched Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 (P + SB), selenium-enriched L. plantarum PSe40/60/1 (SP), and selenium-enriched B. longum BSe50/20/1 (SB) groups. In this study, the function of the liver and kidney was biochemically determined; the histopathology of the liver and kidney tissues was microscopically examined and the expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in liver and kidney tissues was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Liver and kidney functions were significantly reduced in the piroxicam group compared with control. Liver and kidney tissues were damaged in the piroxicam group while they appeared more or less normal in the SB group. The expression of inflammatory genes was significantly up-regulated in the liver and kidney tissues of the piroxicam group compared to the control group. The expression of anti-inflammatory genes was significantly down-regulated in the liver and kidney of the piroxicam group and up-regulated in the liver and kidney of the SB group compared to the control group. Therefore, these mutated strains of probiotics were useful in reducing the side effects of the piroxicam drug on the liver and kidney.

Metagenomic shotgun sequencing and metabolomic profiling identify specific human gut microbiota associated with diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is one of the leading causes of blindness among DM patients. However, the molecular mechanism involving DR remains unclear.

Methods

A case–control study with age-, sex-, and duration-matched diabetic patients and controls was conducted, which included 15 type 2 DM (T2DM) patients with DR and 15 T2DM patients without DR. Shotgun sequencing and non-targeted metabolomic profiling analyses of fecal samples were performed, and comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were conducted.

Results

Using metagenomic analyses, we identified 293,460 unique genes in the non-DR group, while that in the DR group was 283,235, and the number of overlapping genes was 1,237,914. Regarding phylum levels, Actinobacteria decreased but Bacteroidetes increased in the DR group when compared with those in the control group. Regarding genus levels, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus decreased. Cellular processes, environmental information processes, and metabolism-related pathways were found at higher levels in the gut microbiome of DR patients. Using metabolomic analyses, we found 116 differentially expressed metabolites with a positive ion model and 168 differentially expressed metabolites with a negative ion model between the two groups. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation revealed six pathways with different levels between DR and diabetic controls, namely, cellular processes, environmental information processing, genetic information processing, human diseases, organismal systems and metabolism. Moreover, lysine biosynthesis and lysine degradation were enriched using a positive model, but histidine metabolism and β-alanine metabolism were enriched using a negative model.

Conclusions

Together, the metagenomic profiles of DR patients indicated different gut microbiota compositions and characteristic fecal metabolic phenotypes in DR patients. Our findings of microbial pathways therefore provided potential etiological and therapeutic targets for DR patients.

Probiotic Mechanisms Affecting Glucose Homeostasis: A Scoping Review

The maintenance of a healthy status depends on the coexistence between the host organism and the microbiota. Early studies have already focused on the nutritional properties of probiotics, which may also contribute to the structural changes in the gut microbiota, thereby affecting host metabolism and homeostasis. Maintaining homeostasis in the body is therefore crucial and is reflected at all levels, including that of glucose, a simple sugar molecule that is an essential fuel for normal cellular function. Despite numerous clinical studies that have shown the effect of various probiotics on glucose and its homeostasis, knowledge about the exact function of their mechanism is still scarce. The aim of our review was to select in vivo and in vitro studies in English published in the last eleven years dealing with the effects of probiotics on glucose metabolism and its homeostasis. In this context, diverse probiotic effects at different organ levels were highlighted, summarizing their potential mechanisms to influence glucose metabolism and its homeostasis. Variations in results due to different methodological approaches were discussed, as well as limitations, especially in in vivo studies. Further studies on the interactions between probiotics, host microorganisms and their immunity are needed.

Identification of the DPP-IV Inhibitory Peptides from Donkey Blood and Regulatory Effect on the Gut Microbiota of Type 2 Diabetic Mice

After being treated with protease K, peptides extracted from donkey blood were separated, identified, and characterized. The results showed that Sephadex G-25 medium purified with MW < 3 kDa had the highest dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibition capacity. Three-hundred-and-thirty-four peptides were identified with UPLC−MS/MS. Peptide Ranker and molecular docking analysis were used to screen active peptides, and 16 peptides were finalized out of the 334. The results showed that the lowest binding energy between P7(YPWTQ) and DPP-IV was −9.1, and the second-lowest binding energy between P1(VDPENFRLL) and DPP-IV was −8.7. The active peptides(MW < 3 kDa) could cause a reduction in the fasting blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetic mice, improve glucose tolerance, and facilitate healing of the damaged structure of diabetic murine liver and pancreas. Meanwhile, the peptides were found to ameliorate the diabetic murine intestinal micro-ecological environment to a certain extent.

Preliminary Evaluation of Potential Properties of Three Probiotics and Their Combination with Prebiotics on GLP-1 Secretion and Type 2 Diabetes Alleviation

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease of global concern characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Many studies found that glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that can alleviate hyperglycemia and T2D. Recently, probiotics and their combination with prebiotics have been found to show great potentials of blood glucose regulation and T2D alleviation. Given the important role of GLP-1 in T2D, screening probiotics with the capacity of promoting GLP-1 secretion is of great help for providing a novel application of T2D treatment. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of three probiotics, namely, Lactobacillus paracasei LC-37 (LC-37), Bifidobacterium animals MN-Gup (MN-Gup), and Bifidobacterium longum BBMN68 (BBMN68), and their combination with prebiotics on promoting GLP-1 secretion using NCI-H716 cells. The results showed that LC-37 and MN-Gup could stimulate more GLP-1 secretion in NCI-H716 cells, but BBMN68 had no significant effect. Further evaluation suggested that the two combinations of LC-37 with isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and MN-Gup with galactooligosaccharide (GOS) had the best performance on promoting GLP-1 secretion in vitro. Subsequently, the effects of the two combinations on promoting GLP-1 secretion and alleviating T2D were investigated in vivo using high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) treated rats. The results showed that the two combinations could significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels, improve insulin resistance, and modulate serum lipid profiles in HFD/STZ-treated rats. These results will help understand the potential of promoting GLP-1 secretion of LC-37 and MN-Gup and provide theoretical basis for their applications in fermented milk or other foods.

Lactobacillus reuteri J1 prevents obesity by altering the gut microbiota and regulating bile acid metabolism in obese mice

Obesity is closely related to metabolic syndromes such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes and has become a global public health problem. Probiotics are now used as a treatment for obesity, but the mechanism by which probiotics treat obesity remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri J1 ( L. reuteri J1) on obese mice with the strain being administered at 10¹⁰, 10⁹ and 10⁸ CFU mL^-1 and explored the possible underlying molecular mechanism. The results revealed that L. reuteri J1 prevented weight gain, lowered fat mass and relieved dyslipidemia, and improved glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Moreover, the effect of obesity reversal exhibited dose-dependence to some extent. More importantly, mice treated with L. reuteri J1 altered the gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) composition. Analysis of the gut microbiome showed that L. reuteri J1 increased the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Akkermansia and Clostridium, which strongly correlated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA). UDCA and LCA are thought to inhibit farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and activate transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) expression, respectively. Consistent with the increase in the BA pool, L. reuteri J1 treatment inhibited the ileum FXR/FGF15 signaling pathway but activated the hepatic FXR/SHP signaling pathway, resulting in reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation. In addition, L. reuteri J1 treatment promoted adipose browning by upregulating the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which was mainly due to the BA receptor TGR5. These results demonstrated that L. reuteri J1 could treat obesity by inhibiting the FXR signaling pathways and remodeling white adipose tissue, linked with UDCA and LCA which are affected by intestinal microbiota.

Evaluation of Probiotic and Antidiabetic Attributes of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated From Fermented Beetroot

Fermented foods are sources of functionally salient microbes. These microbes when ingested can regulate biomolecule metabolism which has a plethora of health benefits. Lactic acid bacteria species (LABs) isolated from fermented beetroot were biochemically characterized and validated using 16s rRNA sequence. Also, an in vitro assay was conducted to confirm the probiotic activity of the isolates. The cell-free supernatant (CS), cell-free extract (CE), and intact cell (IC) were evaluated for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition. The six isolates RAMULAB01–06 were categorized to be Lactobacillus spp. by observing phenotypic and biochemical characters. Molecular validation using 16S rDNA sequencing, followed by homology search in NCBI database, suggested that the isolates are >95% similar to L. paracasei and L. casei. Also, isolates exhibited probiotic potential with a high survival rate (>96%) in the gastrointestinal condition, and adherence capability (>53%), colonization (>86%), antibacterial, and antibiotic activity. The safety assessments expressed that the isolates are safe. The α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition by CS, CE, and IC ranged from 3.97 ± 1.42% to 53.91 ± 3.11% and 5.1 ± 0.08% to 57.15 ± 0.56%, respectively. Hence, these species have exceptional antidiabetic potential which could be explicated to its use as a functional food and health-related food products.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y15 alleviate type 2 diabetes in mice via modulating gut microbiota and regulating NF-κB and insulin signaling pathway

Probiotics have been used for the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the mechanisms of antidiabetic effects are not well understood. The object of this study is to assess the antidiabetic effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y15 isolated from Chinese traditional dairy products in vivo. Results revealed that L. plantarum Y15 administration improved the biochemical indexes related to diabetes, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, L. plantarum Y15 administration reshaped the structure of gut microbiota, decreased the abundance of LPS-producing, and increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, which subsequently reduce the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. L. plantarum Y15 administration also regulated the expressions of the inflammation and insulin signaling pathway-related genes. These results suggest that L. plantarum Y15 may serve as a potential probiotic for developing food products to ameliorate T2D.

A Potential Synbiotic Strategy for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 and Exopolysaccharide Isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum JY039

The disturbance of intestinal microorganisms and the exacerbation of type 2 diabetes (T2D) are mutually influenced. In this study, the effect of exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Lactobacillus plantarum JY039 on the adhesion of Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 was investigated, as well as their preventive efficacy against T2D. The results showed that the EPS isolated from L. plantarum JY039 effectively improved the adhesion rate of L. paracasei JY062 to Caco-2 cells (1.8 times) and promoted the proliferation of L. paracasei JY062. In the mice experiment, EPS, L. paracasei JY062 and their complex altered the structure of the intestinal microbiota, which elevated the proportion of Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum, while inversely decreasing the proportion of Firmicutes, Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae and other bacteria involved in energy metabolism (p < 0.01; p < 0.05); enhanced the intestinal barrier function; promoted secretion of the gut hormone peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1); and reduced inflammation by balancing pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α and anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 (p < 0.01; p < 0.05). These results illustrate that EPS and L. paracasei JY062 have the synbiotic potential to prevent and alleviate T2D.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4295 Improves Hyperglycemia in High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice

Hyperglycemia due to uncontrolled glucose regulation is widely known as cause of diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and other complications. NAFLD refers to a condition in which fat is excessively accumulated, whether inflamed or not, and has caused serious medical problems in recent years. The aim of this study was to explore the antihyperglycemia effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4295 (L. fermentum MG4295) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced in vivo. We demonstrated the suitability of L. fermentum MG4295 as a probiotic by observing its stability, survivability, and proliferation under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and safety, antibiotic susceptibility, hemolysis, and enzyme activity. The potential antihyperglycemic activity of L. fermentum MG4295 was investigated in an HFD and sugar-water-induced mouse model. Administration of this strain for 12 weeks showed an improved trend in glucose tolerance, insulin, alanine amino transferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucagon-like peptide-1. Histopathological analysis revealed that L. fermentum MG4295 significantly reduced the histopathological scores of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocellular hypertrophy in liver tissues and lipid content in adipose tissues. Administration of L. fermentum MG4295 upregulated IRS-1, AKT, and GLUT4 and downregulated G6Pc and PEPCK expression in liver and/or muscle tissues. Our results suggest that L. fermentum MG4295 can improve hyperglycemia. Furthermore, it can be used as a dietary functional supplement to manage blood glucose.

Probiotics in the Prevention of the Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis ranks third among urological diseases in terms of prevalence, making up about 15% of cases. The continued increase in the incidence of nephrolithiasis is most probably due to changes in eating habits (high protein, sodium, and sugar diets) and lifestyle (reduced physical activity) in all developed countries. Some 80% of all kidney stones cases are oxalate urolithiasis, which is also characterized by the highest risk of recurrence. Frequent relapses of nephrolithiasis contribute to severe complications and high treatment costs. Unfortunately, there is no known effective way to prevent urolithiasis at present. In cases of diet-related urolithiasis, dietary changes may prevent recurrence. However, in some patients, the condition is unrelated to diet; in such cases, there is evidence to support the use of stone-related medications. Interestingly, a growing body of evidence indicates the potential of the microbiome to reduce the risk of developing renal colic. Previous studies have primarily focused on the use of Oxalobacterformigenes in patients with urolithiasis. Unfortunately, this bacterium is not an ideal probiotic due to its antibiotic sensitivity and low pH. Therefore, subsequent studies sought to find bacteria which are capable of oxalate degradation, focusing on well-known probiotics including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, Eubacterium lentum, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli.

Modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by probiotics as a fruitful target for orchestrating the immune response

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B or Akt (PKB/Akt) signaling pathways are considered as two but somewhat interconnected significant immune pathways which play complex roles in a variety of physiological processes as well as pathological conditions. Aberrant activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways has been reported to be associated in a wide variety of human diseases. Over the past few years, growing evidence in in vitro and in vivo models suggest that this sophisticated and subtle cascade mediates the orchestration of the immune response in health and disease through exposure to probiotics. An expanding body of literature has highlighted the contribution of probiotics and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic syndrome, skin diseases, allergy, salmonella infection, and aging. However, longitudinal human studies are possibly required to verify more conclusively whether the investigational tools used to understand the regulation of these pathways might provide effective approaches in the prevention and treatment of various disorders. In this Review, we summarize the experimental evidence from recent peer-reviewed studies and provide a brief overview of the causal relationship between the effects of probiotics and their metabolites on the components of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways and human disease.

Characteristics of Gut Microbiota in Female Patients with Diabetic Microvascular Complications

OBJECTIVE

To explore the characteristics and analyze the gut microbiota in female patients with diabetic microvascular complications (DMC).

METHODS

Thirty-seven female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were included in the study. These patients were divided into DM group with microvascular complications (T2DM-MC, n = 17) and no microvascular complications group (T2DM-0, n = 20). Patients in the microvascular group presented with the involvement of at least one of the following: kidney, retinal, or peripheral nerves. Using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, fecal samples from the two groups were tested for Bacteroides, Prevotella, Bifidobacterium spp, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Enterococcus spp, Eubacterium rectale, Veillonellaceae, Clostridium leptum, and Roseburia inulinivorans. Levels of fasting and 2 h postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids, and creatinine were determined to explore the correlation between gut microbiota and blood sugar. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between gut microbiota and blood glucose. Multifactor logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for DMC.

RESULTS

The HbA1c levels in the T2DM-MC group were higher than those in the T2DM-0 group. The abundances of Bacteroides and Enterococcus spp in the T2DM-MC group were higher than that in the T2DM-0 group. The abundances of Bacteroides and Enterococcus spp in the T2DM-MC group were lower than that in the T2DM-0 group. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that Bacteroides, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, C. leptum, and R. inulinivorans were related to the levels of HbA1c or blood glucose (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, body mass index, family history, HbA1c, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and creatinine, Bacteroides remained an independent risk factor in female patients with DMC.

CONCLUSION

Gut microbiota is related to blood glucose levels. Female patients with DMC experience gut microbiota disorders. The abundances of Bacteroidesare related to DMC, and the abundances of intestinal flora may affect the blood sugar levels of the body.

Structural characterization of a polysaccharide from Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench (okra) and its hypoglycemic effect and mechanism on type 2 diabetes mellitus

A novel acidic polysaccharide named AeP-P-1 was prepared from Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench (okra).

α-Lactalbumin peptide Asp-Gln-Trp alleviates hepatic insulin resistance and modulates gut microbiota dysbiosis in high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mice

α-Lactalbumin peptide Asp-Gln-Trp (DQW) alleviates hepatic insulin resistance via activating the IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway and modulates gut microbiota dysbiosis in high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mice.