Alteration of the gut microbiota by vinegar is associated with amelioration of hyperoxaluria-induced kidney injury

Polysaccharide extracted from Atractylodes macrocephala improves the spleen deficiency constipation in mice by regulating the gut microbiota to affect the 5-HT synthesis

BACKGROUND

The traditional herbal medicine Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (A. macrocephala) is commonly utilized for alleviating symptoms associated with spleen deficiency, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and constipation. These pharmacological effects are attributed to a variety of active constituents. However, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for promoting defecation and gastrointestinal transit in A. macrocephala remain unidentified.

METHODS

The primary polysaccharide characteristics of PAMK was elucidated by HPLC, FT-IR, and HGPGC. Efficacy of PAMK (0.07, 0.14, and 0.28 mg/g) on mice was evaluated in a spleen deficiency constipation mouse model by analyzing stool parameters, constipation-related physiological indexes, and SCFAs. The expression levels of 5-HT3R, 5-HT4R, and related receptor genes were examined by RT-qPCR, and neurotransmitters were examined using ELISA. Finally, the diversity of gut microbiota was analyzed with 16S rDNA sequencing.

KEY RESULTS

The results showed that PAMK significantly reduced the gastrointestinal transport time and increased the number of fecal pellets and fecal water content in spleen deficiency constipation model mice. PAMK kept the balance of 5-HT, SCFAs, TPH-1, SERT, CgA, and neurotransmitter levels (VIP, SP, MTL) in mice colon. In addition, PAMK could regulate the abundance of gut microbiota such as Alistopes, Bacteroides, and Odoribacter in spleen deficiency constipation model mice gut.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

It can be concluded that PAMK effectively ameliorated the symptoms of spleen deficiency constipation in mice by modulating the expression of 5-HT and its associated receptors. The underlying mechanism was elucidated, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the therapeutic application of A. macrocephala in treating spleen deficiency constipation and offering potential for developing novel approaches to address this condition.

Integrating fecal metabolomics and intestinal microbiota to study the mechanism of cannabidiol in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Cannabidiol, a natural component extracted from plant cannabis, has been shown to have therapeutic effects on lung diseases, but its exact mechanism of action is unknown, hindering its therapeutic effectiveness. Methods: To establish a pulmonary fibrosis model, combined with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS metabolomics and 16S rDNA sequencing, to explore cannabidiol's mechanism in treating pulmonary fibrosis. The rats were randomly divided into the control group, pulmonary fibrosis model group, prednisone treatment group, and cannabidiol low, medium, and high dose groups. The expression levels of HYP, SOD, and MDA in lung tissue and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum were detected. Intestinal microbiota was detected using UPLC-QTOF/MS analysis of metabolomic properties and 16S rDNA sequencing. Results: Pathological studies and biochemical indexes showed that cannabidiol treatment could significantly alleviate IPF symptoms, significantly reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA, and HYP, and increase the expression level of SOD (p < 0.05). CBD-H can regulate Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Pseudomonas, Clostridia_UCG-014, Collinsella, Prevotella, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group, Fusobacterium, Ruminococcus, and Streptococcus, it can restore intestinal microbiota function and reverse fecal metabolism trend. It also plays the role of fibrosis through the metabolism of linoleic acid, glycerol, linolenic acid, and sphingolipid. Discussion: Cannabidiol reverses intestinal microbiota imbalance and attenuates pulmonary fibrosis in rats through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects. This study lays the foundation for future research on the pathological mechanisms of IPF and the development of new drug candidates.

Differences in prevalence and management of chronic kidney disease among T2DM inpatients at the grassroots in Beijing and Taiyuan: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been one of the most common complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the regional differences in the prevalence and management of CKD in T2DM inpatients from two grassroots hospitals in Beijing and Taiyuan.

METHODS

The sociodemographic status, health history, lifestyle information, biochemical parameters and drug choices of the patients were collected from the Diabetes Care Information System using a retrospective cross-sectional analysis. The presence of CKD was defined as albuminuria (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of ≥ 30 mg/g) and/or as a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (< 60 ml/min/1.73 m²).

RESULTS

858 patients with T2DM in Beijing and 1,085 patients with T2DM in Taiyuan were included, with a median age of 61.0 and 61.9 years, respectively. The duration of diabetes was 10.5 and 10.3 years, respectively. The prevalence of CKD in Beijing (39.2%) was significantly higher than in Taiyuan (22.4%). The overall ABC control (A = haemoglobin A_1c; B = blood pressure; C = cholesterol) in both the Beijing and Taiyuan groups were not ideal. Patients with CKD tended to use insulin, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and dyslipidaemia therapy in Taiyuan than in Beijing. The actual proportion of carbohydrate, fat and protein in calories was 49.6%:35.4%:14.4% in Beijing and 61.5%:27.8%:10.8% in Taiyuan.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher prescription rates of RAAS inhibitors, SGLT-2i and dyslipidaemia therapy may underlie the fluctuations in the prevalence of CKD in Beijing or Taiyuan. Intensive insulin therapy and personal nutritional guidance, along with the extensive use of RAAS inhibitors, SGLT-2i and dyslipidaemia therapy during follow-up, can all play a positive role in the management of CKD in patients with T2DM in both Beijing and Taiyuan.

Nephro-protective effect of Daphnetin in hyperoxaluria-induced rat renal injury via alterations of the gut microbiota

It is well proved that hyperoxaluria induces the renal injury and finally causes the end stage kidney disease. Daphnetin (coumarin derivative) already confirmed renal protective effect in renal model, but hyperoxaluria protective effect still unexplore. The objective of this research was to scrutinize the renal protective effect of daphnetin against ethylene glycol (GC)-induced hyperoxaluria via altering the gut microbiota. GC (1% v/v) was used for the induction of hyperoxaluria in the rats and the rats were received the oral administration of daphnetin (5, 10 and 15 mg/kg). The body and renal weight were assessed. Urine, renal, inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant, inflammatory parameters, and gut microbiota were appraised. Daphnetin effectually improved the body weight and reduced the renal weight. Its also remarkably boosted the magnesium, calcium, citrate level and suppressed the level of uric acid and oxalate formation. Daphnetin significantly (p < .001) ameliorate the level of urinary kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, serum creatinine (Scr), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and uric acid along with inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Daphnetin considerably repressed the malonaldehyde (MDA) level, protein carbonyl and improved the level of glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT). Daphnetin treatment considerably altered the microbial composition of different bacteria at phylum, genus and family level. Daphnetin significantly suppressed the Firmicutes relative abundance and boosted the Bacteroidetes relative abundance. Our result clearly indicated that daphnetin remarkably ameliorates the GC induced hyperoxaluria in rats via altering the oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction and gut microbiota. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Nephrotoxicity is a serious health disease worldwide. We induce the renal toxicity in the experimental rats using the ethylene glycol and scrutinized the renal protective effect of daphnetin. Daphnetin considerably suppress the renal, urine parameters. For estimation the underlying mechanism, we estimated the gut microbiota in all group rats. Daphnetin remarkably altered the level of gut microbiota and suggesting the renal protective effect.

Vinegar: A functional ingredient for human health

Vinegar is a well-known natural food product derived from alcoholic and subsequently acetous fermentation of carbohydrate-rich foods. Vinegar is widely used in the food industry; domestically for pickling vegetables and fruits, and as an ingredient in condiments like salad dressings, ketchups, and mayonnaise; and traditionally as a food seasoning and preservative. Historically, vinegar has been used for medicinal purposes such as a cure for stomach aches, wounds, burns, rashes, and oedema conditions. Different types of vinegar are found worldwide such as rice, black, balsamic, grain, and fruit vinegars. These are produced from different raw materials, and using different fermentation methods to give unique tastes and flavours. Vinegar, while enhancing physiological functions such as lipid metabolism, blood glucose level control, and body weight management, also possesses anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-infection properties. It is considered as a good source material for many bioactive compounds including organic acids, melanoidins, polyphenols, ligustrazine, and tryptophol. The pharmacological and metabolic benefits of vinegar are believed to be due to these bioactive compounds present in vinegar. Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is the essential component of vinegar; it is slightly volatile and has a strong and sour aroma and flavour. Regular consumption of vinegar-containing foods is considered important for keeping many life-style related diseases like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, cancers, and obesity in check. Therefore, the present review aims at highlighting the health benefits associated with vinegar consumption for the physiological well-being of an individual.

Association of blood pressure and dietary intake of Sunomono, Japanese vinegared side dishes, in community-dwelling Japanese: A cross-sectional study

Objective

Vinegar has been reported to have a hypotensive effect. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the consumption of vinegar-based side dishes and blood pressure.

Research methods & procedures

This cross-sectional study included 746 individuals (257 men and 489 women) aged ≥40 years from Tarumizu, Kagoshima, Japan. Nutrient intake was estimated based on the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. The intake frequency of vinegar-based side dishes (Sunomono and pickles) was determined using a self-administered diet history questionnaire. Participants who did not consume vinegar-based side dishes for a month were defined as having no Sunomono or pickle eating habit. Blood pressure was categorized into four groups according to the Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension. The association between the intake of vinegar-based side dishes and blood pressure categories was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking history, excessive alcohol intake, living situation, energy intake, protein intake, sodium intake, potassium intake, and seaweed intake.

Results

Approximately 13.6% men and 6.1% women had no Sunomono eating habits. In men, eating Sunomono, but not pickles, was significantly related to blood pressure categories (estimate, −0.702; 95% CI, −1.122 to −0.310), whereas more frequent consumption of Sunomono did not show an improvement in the blood pressure category. The relationship between eating Sunomono and blood pressure categories was not recognized in women.

Conclusion

This was the first study assessing the association between consumption of vinegar-based side dishes and blood pressure categories. We highlighted the effect of Sunomono consumption on blood pressure categories in men. Consumption of Sunomono may improve blood pressure in men.

Trimethylamine N-oxide promotes hyperoxaluria-induced calcium oxalate deposition and kidney injury by activating autophagy

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the most common component of kidney stones. Oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy-induced cell death are the major causes of CaOx crystal deposition and CaOx crystal deposition can further lead to kidney injury. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease, but the effect of TMAO on hyperoxaluria-induced CaOx crystal deposition and kidney injury remains unknown. We hypothesize that TMAO aggravates CaOx crystal deposition via promoting CaOx-mediated cell death. C57Bl/6 mice were given high-oxalate diet as a model of hyperoxaluria. TMAO was provided via drinking water. Serum TMAO levels increased 15 days after CaOx treatment (6.30 ± 0.17 μmol/L vs. 34.65 ± 8.95 μmol/L). High-oxalate diet induced inflammation, CaOx deposition and kidney injury, which TMAO aggravated. In accordance, TMAO intensified high-oxalate diet induced oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis. Moreover, TMAO enhanced CaOx crystal adhesion to HK-2 cells and reduced cell viability (from 88.9 ± 1.6% to 75.0 ± 2.7%). Protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) may mediate these TMAO effects, as TMAO promoted PERK phosphorylation. Consistently, PERK knockdown alleviated TMAO-evoked CaOx-autophagy, apoptosis and oxidative stress in HK-2 cells. In conclusion, TMAO can aggravate hyperoxaluria-induced kidney injury by triggering the PERK/ROS pathway, which enhances autophagy, apoptosis and inflammation, and facilitates CaOx crystal deposition in renal tubular cells.

Probiotic Potential of a Folate-Producing Strain Latilactobacillus sakei LZ217 and Its Modulation Effects on Human Gut Microbiota

Folate is a B-vitamin required for DNA synthesis, methylation, and cellular division, whose deficiencies are associated with various disorders and diseases. Currently, most folic acid used for fortification is synthesized chemically, causing undesirable side effects. However, using folate-producing probiotics is a viable option, which fortify folate in situ and regulate intestinal microbiota. In this study, the folate production potential of newly isolated strains from raw milk was analyzed by microbiological assay. Latilactobacillus sakei LZ217 showed the highest folate production in Folic Acid Assay Broth, 239.70 ± 0.03 ng/μL. The folate produced by LZ217 was identified as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. LZ217 was tolerant to environmental stresses (temperature, pH, NaCl, and ethanol), and was resistant to gastrointestinal juices. Additionally, the in vitro effects of LZ217 on human gut microbiota were investigated by fecal slurry cultures. 16S rDNA gene sequencing indicated that fermented samples containing LZ217 significantly increased the abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genus Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus 2, Butyricicoccus compared to not containing. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis revealed that LZ217 also increased the production of butyric acid by fermentation. Together, L. sakei LZ217 could be considered as a probiotic candidate to fortify folate and regulate intestinal microecology.

Controls of Hyperglycemia Improves Dysregulated Microbiota in Diabetic Mice

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by T-cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Evidence shows that patients with T1DM and mice used in specific diabetic models both exhibit changes in their intestinal microbiota and dysregulated microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of T1DM. Islet transplantation (Tx) is poised to play an important role in the treatment of T1DM. However, whether treatment of T1DM with islet Tx can rescue dysregulated microbiota remains unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we induced diabetic C57BL/6 mice with streptozotocin. Then treatment with either insulin administration, or homogenic or allogenic islet Tx was performed to the diabetic mice. Total DNA was isolated from fecal pellets and high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing was used to investigate intestinal microbiota composition.

RESULTS

The overall microbial diversity was comparable between control (nonstreptozotocin treated) and diabetic mice. Our results showed the ratio of the Bacteroidetes: Firmicutes between nondiabetic and diabetic mice was significant different. Treatment with islet Tx or insulin partially corrects the dysregulated bacterial composition. At the genus level, Bacteroides, Odoribacter, and Alistipes were associated with the progression and treatment efficacy of the disease, which may be used as a biomarker to predict curative effect of treatment for patients with T1DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results indicate that diabetic mice show changed microbiota composition and that treatment with insulin and islet Tx can partially correct the dysregulated microbiota.