Pediococcus pentosaceus B49 from human colostrum ameliorates constipation in mice

Genomic characterization and probiotic potential assessment of an exopolysaccharide-producing strain Pediococcus pentosaceus LL-07 isolated from fermented meat

BACKGROUND

The genomic information available for Pediococcus pentosaceus is primarily derived from fermented fruits and vegetables, with less information available from fermented meat. P. pentosaceus LL-07, a strain isolated from fermented meat, has the capability of producing exopolysaccharides (EPS). To assess the probiotic attributes of P. pentosaceus LL-07, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using the PacBio SequelIIe and Illumina MiSeq platforms, followed by in vitro experiments to explore its probiotic potential.

RESULTS

The genome size of P. pentosaceus LL-07 is 1,782,685 bp, comprising a circular chromosome and a circular plasmid. Our investigation revealed the absence of a CRISPR/Cas system. Sugar fermentation experiments demonstrated the characteristics of carbohydrate metabolism. P. pentosaceus LL-07 contains an EPS synthesis gene cluster consisting of 13 genes, which is different from the currently known gene cluster structure. NO genes associated with hemolysis or toxin synthesis were detected. Additionally, eighty-six genes related to antibiotic resistance were identified but not present in the prophage, transposon or plasmid. In vitro experiments demonstrated that P. pentosaceus LL-07 was comparable to the reference strain P. pentosaceus ATCC25745 in terms of tolerance to artificial digestive juice and bile, autoaggregation and antioxidation, and provided corresponding genomic evidence.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the safety and probiotic properties of P. pentosaceus LL-07 via complete genome and phenotype analysis, supporting its characterization as a potential probiotic candidate.

Hemp seeds attenuate loperamide-induced constipation in mice

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease that seriously affects human physical and mental health. Studies have reported that hemp seeds can improve constipation, however the specific mechanism is still unclear. This study investigates that hemp seed (HS) and its water-ethanol extract (HSE) attenuates loperamide-induced constipation in mice. The research results show that: the fecal water content and small intestinal transit rate of mice in the hemp seed group and hemp seed hydroalcoholic extract group were significantly increased compared with MC group, and the first red feces defecation time was significantly shortened; HS and HSE significantly influence serum levels of Gastrin (Gas), motilin (MTL), substance P (SP), and endothelin (ET), potentially mediating their effects on gastrointestinal motility. HS and HSE can improve colon inflammation in constipated mice with H&E staining. Compared with the model of constipation group, the content of short-chain fatty acids in the HS group and HSE group increased significantly. Gut microbiome studies have shown that the structure and abundance of intestinal flora are altered. HS and HSE changed the abundance of Odoribacter, Bacteroide, Lactobacillus and Prevotella. Together, these results suggest that HS have the potential to stimulate the proliferation of beneficial gut microbes and promote intestinal motility, thereby improving gut health and relieving symptoms of constipation.

Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM54 alters the metabolomic profiles of yogurt and the co-fermented yogurt improves the gut microecology of human adults

Gut microbiota imbalance could lead to various diseases, making it important to optimize the structure of flora in adults. Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM54 is a bacteriocin and folic acid producing Lactobacillus strain. Herein ZFM54 was used as the potentialy probiotic bacterium to ferment milk together with a yogurt starter. We optimized the fermentation conditions and the obtained yogurts were then subjected to volatile and non-volatile metabolome analysis, showing that ZFM54 cannot only improve the acidity, water holding capacity and live lactic acid bacteria counts, but also improve many volatile acid contents and increase some beneficial non-volatile metabolites such as N-ethyl glycine and L-Lysine, endowing the yogurt with more flavor and better function. The regulatory effects of the co-fermented yogurt on intestinal microecology of volunteers were investigated by 16S rRNA sequencing and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis after a continuous consuming the yogurt of 2-week, showing better effect to increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminococcus and Alistipes, decrease harmful bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella and Enterobacter), and enhance the production of SCFAs (acetate, propionate and butyric acid) than the control yogurt. In conclusion, L. paracasei ZFM54 can significantly improve the health benefits of yogurt, laying the foundation for its commercial application in improving gut microbiota.

Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics revealed the anti-constipation mechanisms of xylooligosaccharides from corn cobs

Xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) have recently garnered interest for their potential as an anti-constipation agent. In this study, we investigated the effects of XOSs derived from corn cobs on constipation in mice through a comprehensive analysis of both the metabolome and transcriptome. Our multi-omics approach revealed that XOSs primarily modulated butanoate metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways, as well as key signaling pathways such as PPAR and NF-kappa B. Notably, we observed a decrease in inflammatory biomarker expression and an elevation of butyric acid metabolite levels with XOSs treatment. A deeper analysis of gene expression and metabolite alterations highlighted significant changes in genes encoding critical enzymes and metabolites involved in these pathways. Overall, these findings underscore the considerable potential of XOSs derived from corn cobs as a dietary supplement for effectively alleviating constipation.

Lactic acid bacteria in relieving constipation: mechanism, clinical application, challenge, and opportunity

Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal symptom that can considerably affect a patients' quality of life. Although several drugs have been used to treat constipation, they are associated with high costs, side effects, and low universality. Therefore, alternative intervention strategies are urgently needed. Traditional lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, play a vital role in regulating intestinal microecology and have demonstrated favorable effects in constipation; however, a comprehensive review of their constipation relief mechanisms is limited. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of constipation and the relationship between intestinal motility and gut microbiota, elucidates the possible mechanism by which LAB alleviates of constipation through a systematic summary of animal and clinical research, and highlights the challenges and applications of LAB in the treatment of constipation. Our review can improve our understanding of constipation, and advance targeted microecological therapeutic agents, such as LAB.

Arecoline alleviated loperamide induced constipation by regulating gut microbes and the expression of colonic genome

This study aimed to investigate the effects of arecoline on constipation by intervening at different times to explore its preventive and therapeutic effects. Symptoms related to constipation, gut microbes, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in the cecum, and gene expression in the colon were measured to examine the effect of arecoline on relieving constipation. The results showed that arecoline intervention alleviated loperamide-induced constipation, as evidenced by significantly shortened intestinal transit time, increased fecal water content, improved small bowel propulsion, and increased defecation frequency. In addition, arecoline significantly reduced the levels of gastrointestinal regulatory peptides such as somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide in the serum, thereby regulating intestinal peristalsis. Histopathological analysis showed that arecoline ameliorated intestinal injury caused by constipation. Gut microbial analysis indicated that arecoline altered the taxonomic composition and levels of its metabolite SCFAs in the gut microbiota. Furthermore, the colonic transcriptome results indicated that genes expression related to intestinal diseases were significantly down-regulated by arecoline intervention. In conclusion, the results of the correlation analysis propose a possible mechanism of arecoline in alleviating constipation by modulating the gut microbes and their metabolites and regulating the gut genome.

LimosiLactobacillus pentosus Isolated from Mustard Relieves Drug-induced Constipation in Mice Fed a High-fat Diet by Modulating Enteric Neurotransmitter Function

Functional constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Oxidative stress can aggravate organ dysfunction. Enteric neurotransmitters have significant effects on the regulation of the enteric nervous system and intestinal muscle contraction. Oxidative stress and reduced gastrointestinal motility are considered to be one of the main causes of constipation. This study aimed to investigate whether LimosiLactobacillus pentosus CQZC02 alleviated loperamide hydrochloride (Lop)-induced constipation in mice under high-fat diet (HFD) conditions and to elucidate the underlying mechanism, focusing on enteric neurotransmitters. Four-week-old female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal group (Nor), constipation model group (H-Lop), L. pentosus CQZC02 low-dose group (H-Lop + ZC02L), L. pentosus CQZC02 high-dose group (H-Lop + ZC02H), and LimosiLactobacillus bulgaricus control group (H-Lop + LB). The fecal weight, water content, and total gastrointestinal transit time were measured to determine whether the mice were constipated. Small bowel and colon tissue damage was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, while the degree of damage was determined by double-blind scoring. The levels of serum oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase and neurotransmitters motilin, gastrin, substance P, endothelin, somatostatin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were measured. The gene expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor kappa-B, and cyclooxygenase-2 in small intestine tissue were calculated. The constipation symptoms of mice in H-Lop group were manifested by a variety of physiological indicators. In addition, compared with the H-Lop group, H-Lop + ZC02H could effectively relieve the symptoms of constipation in mice. In symptom characterization, the mice in the H-Lop + ZC02H group lost weight and increased feces and water content. In functional experiments, gastrointestinal motility was enhanced; the inflammation score of intestinal tissue was decreased, and gene expression levels were modulated; serum oxidative factor levels were modulated, and oxidative stress levels were decreased.

High Antioxidant Capacity of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei TDM-2 and Pediococcus pentosaceus TCM-3 from Qinghai Tibetan Plateau and Their Function towards Gut Modulation

Probiotic supplementation is a key therapeutic strategy for promoting gut health and maintaining gut homeostasis by modulating functional microbiota. In this study, we isolated two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Pediococcus pentosaceus TCM-3 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei TDM-2, from Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, and evaluated their probiotic properties and antioxidant bioactivity. In which, TDM-2 had higher T-AOC activity than either TCM-3 or LGG (4.10 μmol/mL vs. 3.68 and 3.53 μmol/mL, respectively, p < 0.05). These strains have shown high antioxidant activity compared to the LAB strains and were found to be acid and bile salt tolerant, confronting the safety issues of antibiotic resistance and the capability of surviving in simulated gastric and intestinal juices. In vitro fermentation experiments with human gut microbiota revealed significant differences in microbial community composition between samples supplemented with TCM-3 and TDM-2 and those without. The addition of these two strains resulted in an enrichment of beneficial taxa, such as the Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, and Clostridium_sensu_strictos at the genus level, and Firmicutes and Proteobacteria at the phylum level. Notably, the TCM-3 group exhibited higher short-chain fatty acid production than the TDM-2 group and untreated controls (acetic acid at 12 h: 4.54 mmol L^-1 vs. 4.06 mmol L^-1 and 4.00 mmol L^-1; acetic acid at 24 h: 4.99 mmol L^-1 vs. 4.90 mmol L^-1 and 4.82 mmol L^-1, p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that LAB supplementation with high antioxidant capacity and probiotic properties can promote gut health by modulating functional microbiota and is enriching for beneficial taxa. Our study provides guidance for therapeutic strategies that use novel LAB strains to maintain gut homeostasis and functional microbiota modulation.

Exploring the Dose–Effect Relationship of Bifidobacterium longum in Relieving Loperamide Hydrochloride-Induced Constipation in Rats through Colon-Released Capsules

Constipation is a common disease affecting humans. Bifidobacterium longum is reportedly effective in relieving constipation. Current studies generally focus on the dose–response relationship of oral doses; however, the dose–effect relationship of B. longum in the colon, which is the primary site where B. longum exerts constipation-relieving effects, to treat constipation has not been studied. Herein, three strains of B. longum (FGSZY6M4, FJSWXJ10M2, and FSDJN6M3) were packaged in colon-released capsules to explore the dose–effect relationship in the colon. For each strain, three groups of capsules (104, 106, and 108 CFU/capsule, respectively) and one group of free probiotics (108 CFU/mL) were used to explore the colonic dose effect of B. longum. The results showed that the three strains of B. longum improved fecal water content and promoted intestinal motility by regulating gastrointestinal peptide (MTL, GAS, and VIP), aquaporin-3, and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels while promoting gastrointestinal motility and relieving constipation by regulating the intestinal flora composition of constipated rats and changing their metabolite content (short-chain fatty acids). Among the three free bacterial solution groups (108 CFU/mL), FGSZY6M4 was the most effective in relieving constipation caused by loperamide hydrochloride in rats. The optimal effective dose of each strain was 6M4 (104 CFU/day), 10M2 (106 CFU/day), and S3 (108 CFU/day) of the colon-released capsules. Therefore, for some effective strains, the dose of oral probiotics can be reduced by colon-released capsules, and constipation can be relieved without administering a great number of bacterial solutions. Therefore, investigating the most effective dose of B. longum at the colon site can help to improve the efficiency of relieving constipation.

Study on Anti-Constipation Effects of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni through a Novel Strategy of Network Pharmacology Screening

Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina Baroni) is an edible plant widely distributed worldwide, especially in Asia. It has traditionally been considered a potential anti-constipation vegetable. This study aimed to investigate the anti-constipation effects of daylily from the perspective of gastro-intestinal transit, defecation parameters, short-chain organic acids, gut microbiome, transcriptomes and network pharmacology. The results show that dried daylily (DHC) intake accelerated the defecation frequency of mice, while it did not significantly alter the levels of short-chain organic acids in the cecum. The 16S rRNA sequencing showed that DHC elevated the abundance of Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium and Flavonifractor, while it reduced the level of pathogens (such as Helicobacter and Vibrio). Furthermore, a transcriptomics analysis revealed 736 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after DHC treatment, which are mainly enriched in the olfactory transduction pathway. The integration of transcriptomes and network pharmacology revealed seven overlapping targets (Alb, Drd2, Igf2, Pon1, Tshr, Mc2r and Nalcn). A qPCR analysis further showed that DHC reduced the expression of Alb, Pon1 and Cnr1 in the colon of constipated mice. Our findings provide a novel insight into the anti-constipation effects of DHC.

Pediococcus pentosaceus PR-1 modulates high-fat-died-induced alterations in gut microbiota, inflammation, and lipid metabolism in zebrafish

Introduction

Obesity is a health issue worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of Pediococcus pentococcus PR-1 on the modulating of gut microbiota, inflammation and lipid metabolism in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed zebrafish.

Methods

Adult zebrafish were fed a commercial (C), high fat (H, 25% fat), probiotic (P, 10⁶ CFU/g), or high fat with probiotic (HP) diets twice daily for 5 weeks. Gut microbiota were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Gene expressions of intestinal cytokine, intestinal TJ protein, and liver lipid metabolism were analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Biochemical and histological analysis were also performed.

Results and discussion

P. pentosaceus PR-1 reduced body weight and BMI, indicating its anti-obesity effect. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed HFD induced a distinct gut microbiota structure from C group, which was restored by probiotic. P. pentosaceus PR-1 improved gut health by decreasing the abundance of Ralstonia and Aeromonas which were increased induced by HFD. Moreover, probiotic restored abundance of Fusobacteria, Cetobacterium and Plesiomonas, which were decreased in HFD-fed zebrafish. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed probiotic suppressed HFD-induced inflammation by decreasing the expressions of IL-1b and IL-6. Levels of hepatic TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were reduced by probiotic in HFD-fed zebrafish. Probiotic also ameliorated gut barrier function by increasing the expressions of occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1. Probiotic exerted anti-adipogenic activity through regulating the expressions of SREBP1, FAS and LEPTIN. Levels of hepatic triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein were also reduced by probiotic. Histological analysis showed probiotic alleviated liver steatosis and injury induced by HFD. P. pentosaceus PR-1 might be useful as a dietary health supplement, especially for reducing obesity.

Soluble dietary fiber and cellulose from Saccharina japonica by-product ameliorate Loperamide-induced constipation via modulating enteric neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids and gut microbiota

The effects of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and cellulose (IDF) from Saccharina japonica by-product and their differences in improving constipation were further clarified in the present study. We demonstrated that SDF was mainly made up of d-mannuronic acid and d-mannose while IDF consisted of d-glucose , which is different from other reported dietary fibers of terrestrial plants. In this research, both SDF and IDF improved fecal-related indicators, gastrointestinal transit rate and histological morphology in Lop-induced mice. Moreover, they could increase the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH-Px), restore the expression of enteric neurotransmitters, and maintain the function of ZO-1, JAM-1 as well as Occludin. Interestingly, SDF and IDF had a significant up-regulated effect on the proportion of Muribaculacea, Prevotellaceaen and Lachnospiraceae, which are critical to preserving intestinal immune homeostasis. Besides, they promoted the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The overall index showed that SDF is more effective for constipation due to its better water retention capacity. Thus, they can be used as a safe dietary supplement for the treatment of chronic or occasional constipation in humans.

Luteolin ameliorates loperamide-induced functional constipation in mice

Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders characterized by hard stools and infrequent bowel movements, which is associated with dysfunction of the enteric nervous system and intestinal motility. Luteolin, a naturally occurring flavone, was reported to possess potential pharmacological activities on intestinal inflammation and nerve injury. This study aimed to explore the role of luteolin and its functional mechanism in loperamide-induced FC mice. Our results showed that luteolin treatment reversed the reduction in defecation frequency, fecal water content, and intestinal transit ratio, and the elevation in transit time of FC models. Consistently, luteolin increased the thickness of the muscular layer and lessened colonic histopathological injury induced by loperamide. Furthermore, we revealed that luteolin treatment increased the expression of neuronal protein HuC/D and the levels of intestinal motility-related biomarkers, including substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and acetylcholine (ACh), as well as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) biomarker KIT proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (C-Kit), and anoctamin-1 (ANO1), implying that luteolin mediated enhancement of colonic function and contributed to the anti-intestinal dysmotility against loperamide-induced FC. Additionally, luteolin decreased the upregulation of aquaporin (AQP)-3, AQP-4, and AQP-8 in the colon of FC mice. In summary, our data showed that luteolin might be an attractive option for developing FC-relieving medications.

Antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic properties of Chimonanthus salicifolius S. Y. Hu leaves in experimental animals: modulation of thioredoxin and glutathione systems, renal water reabsorption, and gut microbiota

Introduction

Excessive calorie intake and physical inactivity have dramatically increased nutrient overload-associated disease, becoming a global public health issue. Chimonanthus salicifolius S. Y. Hu (CHI) is a homology plant of food and medicine in China and shows several health benefits.

Methods

This work investigated the antioxidant activity, the alleviating effects, and the mechanism of action on diabetes and hyperlipidemia of CHI leaves.

Results and discussion

Results showed that CHI leaves infusion displayed in vitro antioxidant activity measured by ABTS and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods. In wild-type Kunming mice, CHI leaves infusion consumption activated the hepatic antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase as well as thioredoxin reductase 1. In alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic mice, CHI leaves infusion ameliorated diabetic symptoms, including polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and hyperglycemia, in a dose-dependent and time-course manners. The mechanism involved CHI leaves up-regulating renal water reabsorption associated protein - urine transporter A1-and promoting the trafficking of urine transporter A1 and aquaporin 2 to the apical plasma membrane. Despite this, in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic golden hamsters, CHI leaves powder did not significantly effect on hyperlipidemia and body weight gain. This might be attributed to CHI leaves powder increasing the calorie intake. Interestingly, we found that CHI leaves extract containing a lower dose of total flavonoid than CHI leaves powder pronouncedly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum in golden hamsters fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, CHI leaves extract elevated the diversity of gut microbiota and the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014. It also decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level in golden hamsters fed a high-fat diet. Overall, CHI leaves benefit oxidative stress prevention and metabolic syndrome amelioration in vivo.

Effect of Probiotics on Tenebrio molitor Larval Development and Resistance against the Fungal Pathogen Metarhizium brunneum

In recent years, the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) has demonstrated its potential as a mass-produced edible insect for food and feed. However, challenges brought on by pathogens in intensive production systems are unavoidable and require the development of new solutions. One potential solution is the supplementation of probiotics in the insect's diet to obtain the double benefits of improved growth and enhanced immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet-based probiotic supplementation on T. molitor larval survival, growth, and resistance against a fungal pathogen. Three probiotic strains, namely Pediococcus pentosacceus KVL-B19-01 isolated from T. molitor and two commercialized strains for traditional livestock, Enterococcus faecium 669 and Bacillus subtilis 597, were tested. Additionally, when larvae were 9 weeks old, a pathogen challenge experiment was conducted with the fungus Metarhizium brunneum. Results showed that both P. pentosaceus and E. faecium improved larval growth and larval survival following fungal exposure compared to the non-supplemented control diet. Since B. subtilis did not improve larval performance in terms of either development or protection against M. brunneum, this study suggests the need for further research and evaluation of probiotic strains and their modes of action when considered as a supplement in T. molitor's diet.

The Anti-Constipation Effects of Raffino-Oligosaccharide on Gut Function in Mice Using Neurotransmitter Analyses, 16S rRNA Sequencing and Targeted Screening

Raffino-oligosaccharide (ROS), the smallest oligosaccharide of the raffinose family, is a novel food ingredient. However, the anti-constipation effects of ROS remain obscure. This study investigates the anti-constipation effects of ROS based on the loperamide-induced mice model and reveals the underlying mechanism using constipation parameters, neurotransmitter level, 16S rRNA sequencing, and the targeted screening strategy. The prevention effects were firstly investigated by the gastro-intestinal transit rate experiment (50 mice) and defecation status experiment (50 mice), which were divided into five groups (n = 10/group): blank, model, and low-, medium- and high-dose ROS. Furthermore, the slow-transit constipation experiment (blank, model, and high-dose ROS, n = 10/group) was conducted to illustrate the underlying mechanism. The results showed that ROS aided in preventing the occurrence of constipation by improving the gastro-intestinal transit rate and the defecation frequency in mice, and ROS significantly reduced the serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). In addition, ROS regulated the diversity and structure of intestinal flora. Among them, one specific family and six specific genera were significantly regulated in constipated mice. The targeted screening revealed that 29 targets related to the anti-constipation effects of ROS, indicating ROS may play a role by regulating multiple targets. Furthermore, the network pharmacology analysis showed that Akt1, Stat3, Mapk8, Hsp90aa1, Cat, Alb, Icam1, Sod2, and Gsk3b can be regarded as the core anti-constipation targets. In conclusion, ROS could effectively relieve constipation, possibly by inhibiting the level of neurotransmitters and regulating the gut flora in mice. This study also provides a novel network pharmacology-based targeted screening strategy to reveal the anti-constipation effects of ROS.

Pediococcus pentosaceus CECT 8330 protects DSS-induced colitis and regulates the intestinal microbiota and immune responses in mice

Background

Compelling evidences demonstrated that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Therapies for targeting the microbiota may provide alternative options for the treatment of IBD, such as probiotics. Here, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of a probiotic strain, Pediococcus pentosaceus (P. pentosaceus) CECT 8330, on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were administered phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or P. pentosaceus CECT 8330 (5 × 10⁸ CFU/day) once daily by gavage for 5 days prior to or 2 days after colitis induction by DSS. Weight, fecal conditions, colon length and histopathological changes were examined. ELISA and flow cytometry were applied to determine the cytokines and regulatory T cells (Treg) ratio. Western blot was used to examine the tight junction proteins (TJP) in colonic tissues. Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels and microbiota composition were analyzed by targeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Cluster of orthologous groups of proteins (COG) pathway analysis were used to predict the microbial functional profiles.

Results

P. pentosaceus CECT 8330 treatment protected DSS-induced colitis in mice as evidenced by reducing the weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) score, histological damage, and colon length shortening. P. pentosaceus CECT 8330 decreased the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and increased level of IL-10 in DSS treated mice. P. pentosaceus CECT 8330 upregulated the expression of ZO-1, Occludin and the ratio of Treg cells in colon tissue. P. pentosaceus CECT 8330 increased the fecal SCFAs level and relative abundances of several protective bacteria genera, including norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Dubosiella. Furthermore, the increased abundances of bacteria genera were positively correlated with IL-10 and SCFAs levels, and negatively associated with IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, respectively. The KEGG and COG pathway analysis revealed that P. pentosaceus CECT 8330 could partially recover the metabolic pathways altered by DSS.

Conclusions

P. pentosaceus CECT 8330 administration protects the DSS-induced colitis and modulates the gut microbial composition and function, immunological profiles, and the gut barrier function. Therefore, P. pentosaceus CECT 8330 may serve as a promising probiotic to ameliorate intestinal inflammation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03235-8.

Bamboo shavings derived O-acetylated xylan alleviates loperamide-induced constipation in mice

BSH-1 is an O-acetylated xylan obtained from bamboo shavings. This study determined the protective effects of BSH-1 against loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation in mice. Mice received BSH-1 by gavage daily for 14 days. In constipated mice, BSH-1 significantly shortened the defecation time and raised the gastrointestinal (GI) transit rate, stool production, and cecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). BSH-1 regulated the serum levels of gut hormones and neurotransmitters. BSH-1 also significantly altered the cecal microbiota of the constipated mice by increasing the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Bacteroidales_S24-7) and decreasing potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Alloprevotella and Staphylococcus). Furthermore, colonic transcriptome analysis revealed that BSH-1 significantly reversed the expression changes of genes related to intestinal motility, water and ion transport, inflammation and cancer in constipated mice. Our findings indicated that BSH-1 effectively relieved Lop-induced constipation in mice and could be potentially used for constipation treatment.

Spectrum-effect relationship between UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS fingerprint and promoting gastrointestinal motility activity of Fructus aurantii based on multivariate statistical analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nowadays, gastrointestinal motility disorders (GMD) have reduced the quality of people's daily life worldwide, but there is still a lack of effective western medicine treatment. Fructus aurantii (FA), a representative regulating-qi herbal medicine, has been widely used to treat GMD in China for thousands of years, but it is not clear that which specific components contribute to the efficacy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The efficacy differences of various fractions of FA on normal mice and GMD rats were compared, so as to find out the main effective fraction of FA, and to screen the main regulating-qi components based on spectrum-effect relationship and multivariate statistical analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fingerprints of different fractions of FA were established and main compounds were identified with UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS technique. The promoting gastrointestinal motility activities of FA were evaluated by defecation test, gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion test in mice, and further investigated according to the biochemical analysis of 5-HT, SP, MLT, GAS and VIP in GMD rats' plasma. One-way ANOVA was used to find out the difference of efficacy. The active components were screened through spectrum-effect relationship with PCA-X, Pearson bivariate correlation analysis and OPLS analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethyl acetate fraction is the main active fraction, and nine compounds are the major regulating-qi components. The developed spectrum-effect analysis can be used for the screening of bioactive components in natural products with high accuracy and reliability.

Alleviation Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-related disease, which can occur through the dysfunction of the immune system caused by the imbalance of gut microbiota. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium on colitis, while the related mechanisms behind these effects have not been fully elucidated. The aim of our study is to investigate the alleviation effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 (B. lactis) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and its potential mechanism. The results showed that B. lactis XLTG11 significantly decreased weight loss, disease activity index score, colon shortening, myeloperoxide activity, spleen weight, and colon tissue damage. Additionally, B. lactis XLTG11 significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine. Meanwhile, high doses of B. lactis XLTG11 significantly up-regulated the expression of tight junction proteins and inhibited activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Furthermore, B. lactis XLTG11 increased the gut microbiota diversity and modulated gut microbiota composition caused by DSS. Moreover, Spearman’s correlation analysis also found that several specific gut microbiota were significantly correlated with colitis-related indicators. These results demonstrated that B. lactis XLTG11 can alleviate DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, regulating inflammatory cytokines, improving intestinal barrier function, and modulating the gut microbiota.

The potential of Quercetin to protect against loperamide-induced constipation in rats

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint all over the world, and it is a risk factor of colorectal cancer. In this study, the protective of Quercetin against loperamide-induced constipation and its potential mechanism in a rat model were investigated. Results showed that Quercetin at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg could significantly (p < .05) increase the intestinal transit rate, motilin, gastrin, substance P levels, and concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), reduce the somatostatin levels, and improve the gastrointestinal peristalsis of rats. In addition, the expression levels of enteric nerve-related factors, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), c-Kit, stem cell factor (SCF), and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) were examined by RT-qPCR and/or Western blot analysis. The results suggest that Quercetin relieves loperamide-induced constipation by increasing the levels of interstitial cells of Cajal markers (c-Kit and SCF), as well as AQP3. In conclusion, the present study suggested that Quercetin exerted a protective effect against loperamide-induced constipation, which may be associated with its role in regulation of multiple signal pathways.

Effects of the short-term administration of Pediococcus pentosaceus on physiological characteristics, inflammation, and intestinal microecology in mice

The role of Pediococcus pentosaceus in the gastrointestinne has received considerable attention in recent decades. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the short-term administration of P. pentosaceus on physiological characteristics, inflammation, and intestinal microecology in mice. In this study, 90 male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 15 groups, with 14 groups treated with a daily intragastric administration of different genotypes of P. pentosaceus. After three weeks of intragastric administration P. pentosaceus had a mild effect on mice. It could be seen that different P. pentosaceus strains had different effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal microecology. P. pentosaceus VCQYC5144M12 possessing an Enterolysin A operon may have been harmful, activating the expression of inflammatory factors, while P. pentosaceus DYNDL69M8 consisting of only a pediocin-like operon increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria and increased the content of acetic acid. The presence of various genotypes of bacteriocin may have been the explanation for variations among strains. This may provide theoretical support for further exploring the probiotic effect and patterns of P. pentosaceus.

Pediococcus pentosaceus, a future additive or probiotic candidate

Background

Pediococcus pentosaceus, a promising strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), is gradually attracting attention, leading to a rapid increase in experimental research. Due to increased demand for practical applications of microbes, the functional and harmless P. pentosaceus might be a worthwhile LAB strain for both the food industry and biological applications.

Results

As an additive, P. pentosaceus improves the taste and nutrition of food, as well as the storage of animal products. Moreover, the antimicrobial abilities of Pediococcus strains are being highlighted. Evidence suggests that bacteriocins or bacteriocin-like substances (BLISs) produced by P. pentosaceus play effective antibacterial roles in the microbial ecosystem. In addition, various strains of P. pentosaceus have been highlighted for probiotic use due to their anti-inflammation, anticancer, antioxidant, detoxification, and lipid-lowering abilities.

Conclusions

Therefore, it is necessary to continue studying P. pentosaceus for further use. Thorough study of several P. pentosaceus strains should clarify the benefits and drawbacks in the future.

Functional Constipation and the Gut Microbiome in Children: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Functional constipation is a common condition in childhood with significant impact on patients' quality of life and on health care resources. Functional constipation is characterized by decreased bowel movements and/or hard stools, which cause significant distress for children and their caregivers. While the term "functional" may imply the absence of organic causes with a focus on behavioral aspects, 40% of children continue to have symptoms beyond conventional management with one in four children continuing to experience constipation into adulthood. The refractory and chronic nature of constipation highlights the importance of considering a range of pathophysiological mechanisms, including the potential role of the gut microbiome. In this review, we provide an overview of preclinical and clinical studies that focus on the potential mechanisms through which the gut microbiome might contribute to the clinical presentation of functional constipation in pediatrics.