Oral administration of Lactobacillus fermentum post-weaning improves the lipid profile and autonomic dysfunction in rat offspring exposed to maternal dyslipidemia

Safety Evaluation of a Novel Potentially Probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum in Rats

Limosilactobacillus (L) fermentum (strains 139, 263, 296) is a novel probiotic mixture isolated from fruit processing by-products. The use of this formulation has been associated with improvements in cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters. The present study evaluated the safety of a potential multi-strain probiotic by genotoxicity (micronucleus assay) and subchronic toxicity study (13-week repeated dose). In the genotoxicity evaluation, L. fermentum 139, 263, 296 did not increase the frequency of micronuclei in erythrocytes of rats of both sexes at doses up to 1010 CFU/mL. In the subchronic toxicity study, the administration of L. fermentum did not promote adverse health effects, such as behavioral changes, appearance of tumors, changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. In addition, higher doses of L. fermentum 139, 263, 296 have been shown to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Administration of potentially probiotic L. fermentum did not promote adverse health effects in rats and could be evaluated as a potential probiotic for humans.

A Mix of Potentially Probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum Strains Alters the Gut Microbiota in a Dose- and Sex-Dependent Manner in Wistar Rats

Multi-strain Limosilactobacillus (L.) fermentum is a potential probiotic with reported immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the composition, richness, and diversity of the gut microbiota in male and female rats after treatment with a multi-strain of L. fermentum at different doses. Thirty rats (fifteen male and fifteen female) were allocated into a control group (CTL), a group receiving L. fermentum at a dose of 108 CFU (Lf-108), and a group receiving L. fermentum at a dose of 1010 CFU (Lf-1010) for 13 weeks. Gut microbiota and serum cytokine levels were evaluated after L. fermentum treatment. Male CTL rats had a lower relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae and Prevotella and a lower alpha diversity than their female CTL counterparts (p < 0.05). In addition, male CTL rats had a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio than female CTL rats (p < 0.05). In female rats, the administration of L. fermentum at 108 CFU decreased the relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae and Anaerobiospirillum and increased Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). In male rats, the administration of L. fermentum at 1010 CFU decreased the F/B ratio and increased Lachnospiraceae and the diversity of the gut microbiota (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and the alpha-diversity of gut microbiota were negatively correlated with serum levels of IL1β (r = -0.44) and TNFα (r = -0.39), respectively. This study identified important changes in gut microbiota between male and female rats and showed that a lower dose of L. fermentum may have more beneficial effects on gut microbiota in females, while a higher dose may result in more beneficial effects on gut microbiota in male rats.

Nutritional Approaches Targeting Gut Microbiota in Oxidative-Stress-Associated Metabolic Syndrome: Focus on Early Life Programming

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) denotes a constellation of risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, with its roots potentially traced back to early life. Given the pivotal role of oxidative stress and dysbiotic gut microbiota in MetS pathogenesis, comprehending their influence on MetS programming is crucial. Targeting these mechanisms during the early stages of life presents a promising avenue for preventing MetS later in life. This article begins by examining detrimental insults during early life that impact fetal programming, ultimately contributing to MetS in adulthood. Following that, we explore the role of oxidative stress and the dysregulation of gut microbiota in the initiation of MetS programming. The review also consolidates existing evidence on how gut-microbiota-targeted interventions can thwart oxidative-stress-associated MetS programming, encompassing approaches such as probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and the modulation of bacterial metabolites. While animal studies demonstrate the favorable effects of gut-microbiota-targeted therapy in mitigating MetS programming, further clinical investigations are imperative to enhance our understanding of manipulating gut microbiota and oxidative stress for the prevention of MetS.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum Strains as Novel Probiotic Candidates to Promote Host Health Benefits and Development of Biotherapeutics: A Comprehensive Review

Fruits and their processing by-products are sources of potentially probiotic strains. Limosilactobacillus (L.) fermentum strains isolated from fruit processing by-products have shown probiotic-related properties. This review presents and discusses the results of the available studies that evaluated the probiotic properties of L. fermentum in promoting host health benefits, their application by the food industry, and the development of biotherapeutics. The results showed that administration of L. fermentum for 4 to 8 weeks promoted host health benefits in rats, including the modulation of gut microbiota, improvement of metabolic parameters, and antihypertensive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The results also showed the relevance of L. fermentum strains for application in the food industry and for the formulation of novel biotherapeutics, especially nutraceuticals. This review provides evidence that L. fermentum strains isolated from fruit processing by-products have great potential for promoting host health and indicate the need for a translational approach to confirm their effects in humans using randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

Evaluating the Stability of a Novel Nutraceutical Formulation Combining Probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum 296, Quercetin, and Resveratrol Under Different Storage Conditions

This study evaluated the stability of a novel nutraceutical formulation composed of the probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum 296, quercetin (QUE), and resveratrol (RES) (LFQR) under different storage conditions. The effects of different relative humidities (RH; 11, 22, and 33%) and storage temperatures (refrigeration temperature -4 °C and room temperature -25 °C) on the stability of LFQR were evaluated through the determination of thermal stability, viable cell counts, bacterial physiological status, antioxidant capacity, and contents of QUE and RES during long-term storage. RH did not affect endothermic reactions and mass reduction in LFQR. After a 15-day-humidification period, L. fermentum 296 had higher viable cell counts in LFQR under refrigeration temperature storage when compared to room temperature storage regardless of the RH. The physiological status of L. fermentum 296 in LFQR was overall similar during 90 days of storage (11% RH) under refrigeration and room temperature. L. fermentum 296 had the highest viable cell counts (> 6 log CFU/g) in LFQR up to day 90 of refrigeration storage (11% RH). LFQR kept high contents of QUE and RES and maintained antioxidant capacity during 90 days of storage under refrigeration and room temperature. The results showed that the higher stability and functionality of LFQR during long-term storage should be guaranteed under 11% RH and refrigeration temperature.

Maternal high-fat diet alters the neurobehavioral, biochemical and inflammatory parameters of their adult female rat offspring

BACKGROUND

Lipid metabolism dysregulations have been associated with depressive and anxious behaviors which can affect pregnant and lactating individuals, with indications that such changes extend to the offspring. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a maternal high-fat diet on the neurobehavioral, biochemical and inflammatory parameters of their adult female offspring.

METHODS

Wistar rats ± 90 days old were mated. The dams were allocated to consume a control (CTL) or high-fat (HFD) diet during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, the female offspring from the CTL (N=10) and HFD (N=10) groups received standard chow. The offspring behavioral tests were started at 120 days old. Then, the somatic measures were evaluated followed by euthanasia, histological and biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

The HFD group had less ambulation and longer immobility time in the open field test compared to the CTL. The HFD group had lower HDL (48.4%) and a higher adiposity (71.8%) and LDL (62.2%) than the CTL. The CTL had a higher organic acid concentration in the intestine, mainly acetic and butyric acids, however the HFD had a higher citric and acetic acid concentration in the brain and ischemic lesion in the hippocampus with a higher NF-κB concentration.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate deleterious effects of a maternal HFD on the neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters of their offspring which may be associated with the role of organic acids and NF-κB in fetal programming.

Maternal microbe-specific modulation of the offspring microbiome and development during pregnancy and lactation

The maternal microbiome is essential for the healthy growth and development of offspring and has long-term effects later in life. Recent advances indicate that the maternal microbiome begins to regulate fetal health and development during pregnancy. Furthermore, the maternal microbiome continues to affect early microbial colonization via birth and breastfeeding. Compelling evidence indicates that the maternal microbiome is involved in the regulation of immune and brain development and affects the risk of related diseases. Modulating offspring development by maternal diet and probiotic intervention during pregnancy and breastfeeding could be a promising therapy in the future. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of maternal microbiota development, perinatal microbial metabolite transfer, mother-to-infant microbial transmission during/after birth and its association with immune and brain development as well as corresponding diseases.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum prevents gut-kidney oxidative damage and the rise in blood pressure in male rat offspring exposed to a maternal high-fat diet

Oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis is a risk factor for developing arterial hypertension in offspring from dams fed a high-fat diet. Considering the antioxidant capacity of probiotic strains, this study evaluated the effects of a daily multistrain formulation with Limosilactobacillus fermentum 139, 263, and 296 on blood pressure (BP), renal function, and oxidative stress and along the gut-kidney axis in male offspring from dams fed a high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet during pregnancy and lactation. Dams were fed a diet control or HFHC diet during pregnancy and lactation. At 100 days of age, part of the male offspring from dams fed a HFHC diet received Limosilactobacillus fermentum formulation for 4 weeks (HFHC + Lf) daily. After the 4-week intervention, BP (tail-cuff plethysmography) and urinary and biochemical variables were measured. In addition, malondialdehyde levels, enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense (thiols content) were measured in the colon and renal cortex. Male offspring from dams fed a HFHC had increased blood pressure, impaired renal function, and oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis. Administration of Limosilactobacillus fermentum reduced systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure levels and alleviated renal function impairment and oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis in male offspring from dams fed a HFHC diet. Administration of Limosilactobacillus fermentum formulation attenuated programmed hypertension in the HFHC group through oxidative stress modulation along the gut-kidney axis.

Maternal obesity and resistance to breast cancer treatments among offspring: Link to gut dysbiosis

BACKGROUND

About 50 000 new cases of cancer in the United States are attributed to obesity. The adverse effects of obesity on breast cancer may be most profound when affecting the early development; that is, in the womb of a pregnant obese mother. Maternal obesity has several long-lasting adverse health effects on the offspring, including increasing offspring's breast cancer risk and mortality. Gut microbiota is a player in obesity as well as may impact breast carcinogenesis. Gut microbiota is established early in life and the microbial composition of an infant's gut becomes permanently dysregulated because of maternal obesity. Metabolites from the microbiota, especially short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), play a critical role in mediating the effect of gut bacteria on multiple biological functions, such as immune system, including tumor immune responses.

RECENT FINDINGS

Maternal obesity can pre-program daughter's breast cancer to be more aggressive, less responsive to treatments and consequently more likely to cause breast cancer related death. Maternal obesity may also induce poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICB) therapy through increased abundance of inflammation associated microbiome and decreased abundance of bacteria that are linked to production of SCFAs. Dietary interventions that increase the abundance of bacteria producing SCFAs potentially reverses offspring's resistance to breast cancer therapy.

CONCLUSION

Since immunotherapies have emerged as highly effective treatments for many cancers, albeit there is an urgent need to enlarge the patient population who will be responsive to these treatments. One of the factors which may cause ICB refractoriness could be maternal obesity, based on its effects on the microbiota markers of ICB therapy response among the offspring. Since about 40% of children are born to obese mothers in the Western societies, it is important to determine if maternal obesity impairs offspring's response to cancer immunotherapies.

Metabolic Syndrome Programming and Reprogramming: Mechanistic Aspects of Oxidative Stress

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide public health issue characterized by a set of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. MetS can originate in early life by developmental programming. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress, which is characterized as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and antioxidant systems, plays a decisive role in MetS programming. Results from human and animal studies indicate that maternal-derived insults induce MetS later in life, accompanied by oxidative stress programming of various organ systems. On the contrary, perinatal use of antioxidants can offset oxidative stress and thereby prevent MetS traits in adult offspring. This review provides an overview of current knowledge about the core mechanisms behind MetS programming, with particular focus on the occurrence of oxidative-stress-related pathogenesis as well as the use of potential oxidative-stress-targeted interventions as a reprogramming strategy to avert MetS of developmental origins. Future clinical studies should provide important proof of concept for the effectiveness of these reprogramming interventions to prevent a MetS epidemic.

Lactobacillus group and arterial hypertension: A broad review on effects and proposed mechanisms

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is associated with intestinal dysbiosis with a decrease in beneficial microbiota. Probiotics can positively modulate the impaired microbiota and impart benefits to the cardiovascular system. Among them, the emended Lactobacillus has stood out as a microorganism capable of reducing blood pressure, being the target of several studies focused on managing hypertension. This review aimed to present the potential of Lactobacillus as an antihypertensive non-pharmacological strategy. We will address preclinical and clinical studies that support this proposal and the mechanisms of action by which these microorganisms reduce blood pressure or prevent its elevation.

Maternal Supplementation of Probiotics, Prebiotics or Postbiotics to Prevent Offspring Metabolic Syndrome: The Gap between Preclinical Results and Clinical Translation

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an extremely prevalent complex trait and it can originate in early life. This concept is now being termed the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). Increasing evidence supports that disturbance of gut microbiota influences various risk factors of MetS. The DOHaD theory provides an innovative strategy to prevent MetS through early intervention (i.e., reprogramming). In this review, we summarize the existing literature that supports how environmental cues induced MetS of developmental origins and the interplay between gut microbiota and other fundamental underlying mechanisms. We also present an overview of experimental animal models addressing implementation of gut microbiota-targeted reprogramming interventions to avert the programming of MetS. Even with growing evidence from animal studies supporting the uses of gut microbiota-targeted therapies start before birth to protect against MetS of developmental origins, their effects on pregnant women are still unknown and these results require further clinical translation.

Physiopathological mechanisms involved in the development of hypertension associated with gut dysbiosis and the effect of nutritional/pharmacological interventions

The gut microbiota dysbiosis represents a triggering factor for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. In addition to the harmful impact caused by hypertension on different target organs, gut dysbiosis is capable of causing direct damage to critical organs such as the brain, heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. In this sense, it should be noted that pharmacological and nutritional interventions may influence gut microbiota composition, either inducing or preventing the development of hypertension. Some of the most important nutritional interventions at this level are represented by pro-, pre-, post- and/or syn-biotics, as well as polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids ω-3, polyphenols and fiber contained in different foods. Meanwhile, certain natural and synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients, including antibiotics, antihypertensive and immunosuppressive drugs, vegetable extracts and vitamins, may also have a key role in the modulation of both gut microbiota and cardiovascular health. Additionally, gut microbiota may influence drugs and food-derived bioactive compounds metabolism, positively or negatively affecting their biological behavior facing established hypertension. The understanding of the complex interactions between gut microbiome and drug/food response results of great importance to developing improved pharmacological therapies for hypertension prevention and treatment. The purpose of this review is to critically outline the most relevant and recent findings on cardiovascular, renal and brain physiopathological mechanisms involved in the development of hypertension associated with changes in gut microbiota, besides the nutritional and pharmacological interventions potentially valuable for the prevention and treatment of this prevalent pathology. Finally, harmful food/drug interventions on gut microbiota are also described.

New and developing pharmacotherapies for hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Despite the significant contribution of hypertension to the global burden of disease, disease control remains poor worldwide. Considering this unmet clinical need, several new antihypertensive drugs with novel mechanisms of action are under development.

AREAS COVERED

The present review summarizes the recent advances in the development of emerging pharmacological agents for the management of hypertension. The latest technological innovations in the design of optimized formulations of available antihypertensive drugs and the potential role of the modification of intestinal microbiota to improve blood pressure (BP) control are also covered.

EXPERT OPINION

Significant efforts have been made to develop new antihypertensive agents with novel actions that target the main mechanisms involved in resistant hypertension. Sacubitril/valsartan may emerge as a potential first-line drug due to its superiority over renin angiotensin system inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce BP in difficult-to-control hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, firibastat and aprocitentan may expand the therapeutic options for resistant hypertension by novel mechanism of actions. Since gut dysbiosis not only leads to hypertension but also causes direct target organ damage, prebiotics and probiotics could represent a potential strategy to prevent or reduce the development of hypertension and to contribute to BP control.

Hypertension of Developmental Origins: Consideration of Gut Microbiome in Animal Models

Hypertension is the leading cause of global disease burden. Hypertension can arise from early life. Animal models are valuable for giving cogent evidence of a causal relationship between various environmental insults in early life and the hypertension of developmental origins in later life. These insults consist of maternal malnutrition, maternal medical conditions, medication use, and exposure to environmental chemicals/toxins. There is a burgeoning body of evidence on maternal insults can shift gut microbiota, resulting in adverse offspring outcomes later in life. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis is involved in hypertension of developmental origins, while gut microbiota-targeted therapy, if applied early, is able to help prevent hypertension in later life. This review discusses the innovative use of animal models in addressing the mechanisms behind hypertension of developmental origins. We will also highlight the application of animal models to elucidate how the gut microbiota connects with other core mechanisms, and the potential of gut microbiota-targeted therapy as a novel preventive strategy to prevent hypertension of developmental origins. These animal models have certainly enhanced our understanding of hypertension of developmental origins, closing the knowledge gap between animal models and future clinical translation.

Potentially Probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum Fruit-Derived Strains Alleviate Cardiometabolic Disorders and Gut Microbiota Impairment in Male Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption is a risk factor for dyslipidemias, insulin resistance, and arterial hypertension linked with gut dysbiosis. Probiotic administration has been suggested as a safe therapeutic strategy for gut microbiota modulation and treatment and/or prevention of cardiometabolic disorders. Here, we assessed the effects of a potentially probiotic formulation containing strains of the Limosilactobacillus (L.) fermentum 139, 263, and 296 on the cardiometabolic disorders and gut microbiota derangements provoked by the HFD consumption. Male Wistar rats were allocated into control diet (CTL, n = 6), HFD (n = 6), and HFD receiving L. fermentum formulation (HFD-LF, n = 6) groups for 4 weeks. L. fermentum formulation (10⁹ colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml of each strain) was daily administered by oral gavage. After 4-week follow-up, biochemical measurements, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), sympathetic tone, and gut microbiota composition were evaluated. HFD consumption for 4 weeks increased lipid profile, insulin resistance, sympathetic tone, and blood pressure and impaired gut microbiota composition in male rats. Administration of L. fermentum formulation improved the gut microbiota composition, lipid profile, insulin resistance, autonomic dysfunction, and BP in rats fed with a HFD. Administration of a potentially fruit-derived probiotic formulation of L. fermentum strains improved gut microbiota composition and alleviated hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and sympathetic hyperactivity and increased BP in rats fed a HFD. Our findings may encourage the development of randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of L. fermentum treatment in subjects with cardiometabolic disorders.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum Strains with Claimed Probiotic Properties Exert Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties and Prevent Cardiometabolic Disorder in Female Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

This study assessed the effects of a mixed formulation containing Limosilactobacillus (L.) fermentum 139, L. fermentum 263, and L. fermentum 296 on cardiometabolic parameters, inflammatory markers, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) fecal contents, and oxidative stress in colon, liver, heart, and kidney tissues of female rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Female Wistar rats were allocated into control diet (CTL, n = 6), HFD (n = 6), and HFD receiving L. fermentum formulation (HFD-LF, n = 6). L. fermentum formulation (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL of each strain) was administered two twice a day for 4 weeks. Administration of L. fermentum increased acetate and succinate fecal contents and reduced hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in rats fed a HFD (p < 0.05). Administration of L. fermentum decreased low-grade inflammation and improved antioxidant capacity along the gut, liver, heart, and kidney tissues in female rats fed a HFD (p < 0.05). Administration of L. fermentum prevented dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in colon, liver, heart, and kidney in female rats fed a HFD.

Early-Life Origins of Metabolic Syndrome: Mechanisms and Preventive Aspects

One of the leading global public-health burdens is metabolic syndrome (MetS), despite the many advances in pharmacotherapies. MetS, now known as "developmental origins of health and disease" (DOHaD), can have its origins in early life. Offspring MetS can be programmed by various adverse early-life conditions, such as nutrition imbalance, maternal conditions or diseases, maternal chemical exposure, and medication use. Conversely, early interventions have shown potential to revoke programming processes to prevent MetS of developmental origins, namely reprogramming. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about adverse environmental insults implicated in MetS of developmental origins, including the fundamental underlying mechanisms. We also describe animal models that have been developed to study the developmental programming of MetS. This review extends previous research reviews by addressing implementation of reprogramming strategies to prevent the programming of MetS. These mechanism-targeted strategies include antioxidants, melatonin, resveratrol, probiotics/prebiotics, and amino acids. Much work remains to be accomplished to determine the insults that could induce MetS, to identify the mechanisms behind MetS programming, and to develop potential reprogramming strategies for clinical translation.

Effects of a Mixed Limosilactobacillus fermentum Formulation with Claimed Probiotic Properties on Cardiometabolic Variables, Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Male Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption has been linked to dyslipidemia, low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. This study investigated the effects of a mixed formulation with Limosilactobacillusfermentum 139, L. fermentum 263 and L. fermentum 296 on cardiometabolic parameters, fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in colon and heart tissues of male rats fed an HFD. Male Wistar rats were grouped into control diet (CTL, n = 6), HFD (n = 6) and HFD with L. fermentum formulation (HFD-Lf, n = 6) groups. The L.fermentum formulation (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL of each strain) was administered twice a day for 4 weeks. After a 4-week follow-up, biochemical parameters, fecal SCFA, cytokines and oxidative stress variables were evaluated. HFD consumption caused hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, low-grade inflammation, reduced fecal acetate and propionate contents and increased biomarkers of oxidative stress in colon and heart tissues when compared to the CTL group. Rats receiving the L. fermentum formulation had reduced hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia, but similar SCFA contents in comparison with the HFD group (p < 0.05). Rats receiving the L. fermentum formulation had increased antioxidant capacity throughout the colon and heart tissues when compared with the control group. Administration of a mixed L. fermentum formulation prevented hyperlipidemia, inflammation and oxidative stress in colon and heart tissues induced by HFD consumption.

Role of Lipid Management in Women's Health Preventive Care

Managing dyslipidemia over a women's life, including a focus on pregnancy, contraception, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk prevention can decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Diseases of Developmental Origins: Preventive Aspects of Gut Microbiota-Targeted Therapy

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) can originate from early life. Accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota in early life is linked to CVDs in later life. Gut microbiota-targeted therapy has gained significant importance in recent decades for its health-promoting role in the prevention (rather than just treatment) of CVDs. Thus far, available gut microbiota-based treatment modalities used as reprogramming interventions include probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. The purpose of this review is, first, to highlight current studies that link dysbiotic gut microbiota to the developmental origins of CVD. This is followed by a summary of the connections between the gut microbiota and CVD behind cardiovascular programming, such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and their receptors, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), uremic toxins, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This review also presents an overview of how gut microbiota-targeted reprogramming interventions can prevent the developmental origins of CVD from animal studies. Overall, this review reveals that recent advances in gut microbiota-targeted therapy might provide the answers to reduce the global burden of CVDs. Still, additional studies will be needed to put research findings into practice.

Maternal exposure to high-fat and high-cholesterol diet induces arterial hypertension and oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis in rat offspring

AIMS

Evaluate the effects of maternal high fat and high cholesterol (HFHC) diet consumption on blood pressure (BP), renal function and oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis in male and female rat offspring.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pregnant rats were fed with a control (CTL) or HFHC diet during pregnancy and lactation. At 90 days, BP was assessed by tail-cuff plethysmography, and urinary and biochemical variables were measured. Biomarkers for oxidative stress, enzymatic antioxidant defense (activity of superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase-GST) and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense (thiols content) were evaluated in the colon and renal cortex.

KEY FINDINGS

Male and female offspring from dams fed with a HFHC diet presented increased BP when compared to their respective CTL group. Male offspring from dams fed with HFHC diet showed reduced GST activity and thiols content in the colon, reduced SOD activity in the renal cortex and decreased urinary creatinine excretion when compared to the CTL group. Regarding female offspring, catalase activity and thiols content were reduced in the colon when compared to CTL group. Although lipid peroxidation had been increased in the renal cortex of HFHC female offspring, the CAT and SOD enzymatic antioxidant acitivities (CAT and SOD) were increased in the renal cortex of female offspring when compared with male offspring; and the renal function was not impaired by maternal HFHC diet consumption.

SIGNIFICANCE

HFHC diet during pregnancy and lactation induces sex-specific oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis in offspring, which might induce renal dysfunction and arterial hypertension in later life.