Inhibitory effects of fermented Ougan (Citrus reticulata cv. Suavissima) juice on high-fat diet-induced obesity associated with white adipose tissue browning and gut microbiota modulation in mice

Mechanism study on the enhancement of bile acid-binding capacity in corn by-product juice via Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY127 fermentation

Hyperlipidemia is a common endocrine metabolic disease in humans. Long-term medications often have adverse effects, making the search for safer and more effective treatments crucial. This study aimed to explore the impacts and mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY127 fermentation on enhancing bile acid-binding capacity (BABC). We fermented corn by-product juice (CBJ) by HY127 and investigated the BABC of HY127 bacterial cells and their metabolites. Our results indicated that HY127 cells (95.25 %) played a major role in enhancing BABC, with metabolites (31.50 %-66.41 %) also contributing. Compared to unfermented CBJ, the contents of phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and organic acids were significantly higher. Non-targeted metabolomics revealed upregulated amino acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other bioactive substances associated with BABC in the supernatant. This study confirmed that HY127 fermentation enhances the BABC of CBJ (increased by 32.02 %-78.76 %), providing a research foundation and technical reference for the development of LAB-fermented corn by-product beverages with hypolipidemic activities.

Short sleep time has a greater impact on the gut microbiota of female

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Short sleep duration (SSD) affects people's health in multiple ways. This study attempted to explore the effect of SSD on the gut microbiota.

METHODS

In the American Gut Project Database, 361 individuals (without troubled by disease recently) with less than 6 h of sleep per day were obtained and matched with normal sleep time individuals according to gender, age, and BMI. Furthermore, the raw data of 16s rRNA in feces were downloaded and analyzed using QIIME2, and STAMP was used for data statistics. PICRUST2 was used for predicting the alteration of microbial function.

RESULTS

The SSD did not affect the microbial α-diversity. SSD increased the abundance of the phylum Verrucomicrobia and the families Rikenellaceae, Verrucomicrobiaceae, and S24-7, and decrased the Coriobacteriaceae. Moreover, PICRUST2 predicted that SSD affected 15 metabolic pathways. Subgroup analyses showed that SSD had more significant effects on the microbiota in normal-weight females.

CONCLUSION

SSD substantially modifies the abundance of specific gut microbiota taxa, exerting a pronounced influence particularly on females, highlighting the need for further investigation into the bidirectional relationship between sleep patterns and gut microbiota.

Nicotinamide Riboside Ameliorates Fructose-Induced Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Mice by Activating Browning of WAT, and May Be Also Related to the Regulation of Gut Microbiota

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to observe the preventive effect of nicotinamide riboside (NR) on fructose-induced lipid metabolism disorders and explore its mechanism.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a 20% fructose solution and given 400 mg/kg NR daily by gavage for 10 weeks.

RESULTS

The results indicated that NR supplementation significantly reduced the body weight, liver weight, white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, serum, and hepatic lipid levels. NR upregulated the protein expression levels of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactiva-tor-1-alpha (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1-encoding gene (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), cluster of differentiation 137 (CD137), transmembrane protein 26 (TMEM26), and T-box 1 (TBX1). Moreover, NR enhanced the Actinobacteria and Enterorhabdus abundance. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that significant correlations exist between Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Erysipelotrichaceae with browning-related indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, NR could alleviate lipid metabolic abnormalities induced by fructose through activating SIRT1/AMPK-mediated browning of WAT. The mechanism by which NR improves fructose-induced lipid metabolism disorders may also be associated with the modulation of intestinal flora.

Interplay between gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism in type 2 diabetic mice treated with metformin

Tryptophan (TRP) metabolites have been identified as potent biomarkers for complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it remains unclear whether the therapeutic effect of metformin in T2DM is related to the modulation of TRP metabolic pathway. This study aims to investigate whether metformin affects TRP metabolism in T2DM mice through the gut microbiota. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established to determine 16 TRP metabolites in the serum, colon content, urine, and feces of T2DM mice, and the correlations between metabolites and the T2DM mice gut microbiota were performed. The method demonstrated acceptable linearity (R2 > 0.996), with the limit of quantification ranging from 0.29 to 69.444 nmol/L for 16 analytes, and the limit of detection ranging from 0.087 to 20.833 nmol/L. In T2DM mice, metformin treatment effectively restored levels of indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), and the ILA/IPA ratio, along with several aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands in the serum, with a notable impact in the colon but not in the urine. This restoration was accompanied by a shift in the relative abundance of Dubosiella, Turicibacter, RF39, Clostridia_UCG-014, and Alistipes. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between Turicibacter and Alistipes with IPA and indole-3-acetic acid. Conversely, these genera displayed negative correlations with ILA and kynurenine. In addition, our study revealed the presence of endogenous indole pathway in germ-free mice, and the impact of metformin on endogenous TRP metabolism in T2DM mice cannot be disregarded. Further research is needed to investigate the regulation of TRP metabolism by metformin.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides valuable insights into the interrelationship between metformin administration, changes in the tryptophan (TRP) metabolome, and gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. Indole-3-lactic acid (ILA)/indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) emerges as a potential biomarker for the development of T2DM and prediction of therapeutic response. While the indole metabolic pathway has long been associated exclusively with the gut microbiome, recent research has demonstrated the ability of host interleukin-4-induced-1 to metabolize TRP. The detection of indole derivatives in the serum of germ-free mice suggests the existence of inherent endogenous indole metabolic pathways. These findings deepen our understanding of metformin's efficacy in correcting TRP metabolic disorders and provide valuable directions for further investigation. Moreover, this knowledge may pave the way for the development of targeted treatment strategies for T2DM, focusing on the gut microbiome and restoration of associated TRP metabolism.

Adipose thermogenic mechanisms by cold, exercise and intermittent fasting: Similarities, disparities and the application in treatment

Given its nonnegligible role in metabolic homeostasis, adipose tissue has been the target for treating metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Besides its lipolytic function, adipose thermogenesis has gained increased interest due to the irreplaceable contribution to dissipating energy to restore equilibrium, and its therapeutic effects have been testified in various animal models. In this review, we will brief about the canonical cold-stimulated adipose thermogenic mechanisms, elucidate on the exercise- and intermittent fasting-induced adipose thermogenic mechanisms, with a focus on the similarities and disparities among these signaling pathways, in an effort to uncover the overlapped and specific targets that may yield potent therapeutic efficacy synergistically in improving metabolic health.

Effects of semaglutide on gut microbiota, cognitive function and inflammation in obese mice

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effects of semaglutide on gut microbiota, cognitive function, and inflammation in obese mice.

Method

Twenty-four C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned to three groups: a normal-chow diet group (NCD, n = 8), high-fat diet group (HFD, n = 8), and HFD+semaglutide group (Sema, n = 8). The mice were fed a HFD to establish an animal model of obesity and then administered with semaglutide or saline for 12 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze test. Serum pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology was used to explore gut microbiota characteristics in obese mice.

Result

Obese mice showed significant cognitive impairment and inflammation. Semaglutide improved cognitive function and attenuated inflammation induced by a HFD diet. The abundance of gut microbiota was significantly changed in the HFD group, including decreased Akkermansia, Muribaculaceae, Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002, Clostridia_UCG_014 and increased Romboutsia, Dubosiella, Enterorhabdus. Whereas semaglutide could dramatically reverse the relative abundance of these gut microbiota. Correlation analysis suggested that cognitive function was positively correlated with Muribaculaceae and Clostridia_UCG_014, and negatively associated with Romboutsia and Dubosiella. Romboutsia was positively correlated with TNFα, IL-6 and IL-1β. While Clostridia_UCG_014 was negatively related to TNFα, IL-6 and IL-1β.

Conclusions

For the first time semaglutide displayed different regulatory effects on HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. Semaglutide could regulate the structure and composition of gut microbiota associated with cognitive function and inflammation. Thus, affecting gut microbiota might be a potential mechanism of semaglutide in attenuating cognitive function and inflammation.

Multi-omics combined to explore the purging mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex have been used together to treat constipation in the clinical practices for more than 2000 years. Nonetheless, their compatibility mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the amelioration of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma combined with Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex on constipation was systematically and comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that their compatibility could markedly shorten gastrointestinal transport time, increase fecal water content and frequency of defecation, improve gastrointestinal hormone disorders and protect colon tissue of constipation rats compared with the single drug. Furthermore, according to 16S rRNA sequencing in conjunction with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, the combination of two herbal medications could greatly raise the number of salutary bacteria (Lachnospiraceae, Romboutsia and Subdoligranulum) while decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Erysipelatoclostridiaceae). And two herb drugs could markedly improve the disorder of fecal metabolic profiles. A total of 7 different metabolites associated with constipation were remarkably shifted by the compatibility of two herbs, which were mainly related to arachidonic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and other metabolic ways. Thus, the regulation of intestinal microbiome and its metabolism could be a potential target for Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex herb pair to treat constipation. Furthermore, the multi-omics approach utilized in this study, which integrated the microbiome and metabolome, had potential for investigating the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines.

Chronic Exposure to Both Electronic and Conventional Cigarettes Alters Ileum and Colon Turnover, Immune Function, and Barrier Integrity in Mice

Although the effects of cigarette smoke (CS) on the development of several intestinal diseases is well documented, the impact of e-cigarette aerosol (e-cig) on digestive health is largely unknown. To compare the effects of e-cig and CS on mouse ileum and colon, animals were chronically exposed for 6 months by nose-only inhalation to e-cig at 18 or 30 W power, or to 3R4F CS. Results showed that e-cig exposure decreased colon cell proliferation. Several other proliferative defects were observed in response to both e-cig and CS exposure, including up- and down-regulation of cyclin D1 protein levels in the ileum and colon, respectively. E-cig and CS exposure reduced myeloperoxidase activity in the ileum. In the colon, both exposures disrupted gene expression of cytokines and T cell transcription factors. For tight junction genes, ZO-1- and occludin-protein expression levels were reduced in the ileum and colon, respectively, by e-cig and CS exposure. The 16S sequencing of microbiota showed specific mild dysbiosis, according to the type of exposure. Overall, e-cig exposure led to altered proliferation, inflammation, and barrier function in both the ileum and colon, and therefore may be a gut hazard on par with conventional CS.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Limits TLR-4-Triggered Inflammatory Response in Raw264.7 Macrophages by Activating RasGRP3

Inflammation is an important immune response to pathogen invasion, but excessive inflammation leads to tissue injury and even cytokine storm. Therefore, proper response is needed depending on the intensity of the infection. Ras guanine nucleotide releasing protein 3 (RasGRP3) is a regulator of the TLR-mediated response. In low-intensity inflammation, it negatively regulates production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6. Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, the peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco, is a major medicinal herb in Korean medicine. The present study aims to investigate whether the Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium extract (CRE) has immunomodulatory activity using the Raw264.7 macrophage. Also, we investigated the effect of CRE on RasGRP3 expression. In the present study, CRE reduced IL-6 production in the low-LPS environment (1 ng/mL) and did not in the high-LPS environment (100 ng/mL). The suppression of IL-6 production in the low-LPS environment (1 ng/mL) was abolished after the pretreatment of RasGRP3 siRNA. The reduced RasGRP3 protein content by 100 ng/mL LPS treatment was increased by CRE treatment. Additionally, nobiletin, a major component of CRE showed a suppressive effect on IL-6 production in the low-LPS environment (1 ng/mL). The present results suggest that CRE alleviates inflammatory response via activating RasGRP3 expression in low-intensity inflammation.

Cherry juice alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice by resolving gut microbiota dysbiosis and regulating microRNA

Cherry is a nutrient-rich food that is good for health. This study demonstrated the inhibitory action of dietary cherry juice on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Cherry juice intervention significantly decreased body weight, fat contents, and blood lipid levels in obese mice. The overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines was suppressed by dietary cherry juice, which was accompanied by the elevation of tight junction proteins to maintain intestinal barrier. Moreover, dietary cherry juice restored the decreased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by regulating the composition and abundance of gut microbiota. In addition, dietary cherry juice also suppressed the expression of some microRNAs associated with obesity such as miR-200c-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-132-3p, and miR-223-3p and target proteins related with microRNAs in the inguinal or epididymal white tissue in the obese mice. These results offer a fresh perspective on cherry juice's role in the prevention of obesity caused by the HFD.

Fermented Foods in the Management of Obesity: Mechanisms of Action and Future Challenges

Fermented foods are part of the staple diet in many different countries and populations and contain various probiotic microorganisms and non-digestible prebiotics. Fermentation is the process of breaking down sugars by bacteria and yeast species; it not only enhances food preservation but can also increase the number of beneficial gut bacteria. Regular consumption of fermented foods has been associated with a variety of health benefits (although some health risks also exist), including improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and greater weight loss, suggesting that fermented foods have the potential to help in the design of effective nutritional therapeutic approaches for obesity. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the health effects of fermented foods and the corresponding mechanisms of action in obesity and obesity-related metabolic abnormalities.

Heimao tea polysaccharides ameliorate obesity by enhancing gut microbiota-dependent adipocytes thermogenesis in mice fed with high fat diet

Heimao tea (HMT) is a kind of fermented dark tea that has various health benefits. However, the available information regarding the anti-obesity effect of HMT and its active ingredients is still limited. Herein, we extracted the polysaccharides from Heimao tea (HMTP) and evaluated the anti-obesity effect and the underlying mechanism of HMTP. 12-Week administration of HMTP ameliorated lipid accumulation in the adipose tissue and improved glucolipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. HMTP also induced browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) and enhanced the thermogenic activity of interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) by upregulating the expression of a series of thermogenic genes, such as Ucp1, Prdm16, and Pgc1α. Interestingly, the anti-obesity effect of HMTP was closely associated with altered relative abundance of the gut microbes, especially Dubosiella and Romboutsia, with significant increases, in which the abundance of Dubosiella and Romboutsia was negatively correlated with the body weight (r = -0.567, p < 0.05; r = -0.407, p < 0.05) and positively correlated with the iBAT index (r = 0.520, p < 0.05; r = 0.315, p < 0.05). Our data suggest that the alteration of the gut microbiota may play a critical role in HMTP-induced iWAT browning and iBAT activation, and our findings may provide a promising way for preventing obesity.

Modulatory effect of camel milk on intestinal microbiota of mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disease of life, usually caused by unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Compared to normal individuals, the structure of the intestinal flora of NAFLD patients is altered accordingly. This study investigates the effect of camel milk on the regulation of intestinal flora structure in mice with high-fat diet-induced NAFLD. NAFLD model was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet for 12 weeks, meanwhile camel milk (3.0 g/kg/d), cow milk (3.0 g/kg/d), and silymarin (200 mg/kg/d) were administered by gavage, respectively. Food intake and changes of physiological indexes in mice were observed and recorded. The 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region was sequenced and the intestinal flora diversity and gene function were predicted in the colon contents of mice from different group. The results showed that camel milk enhanced glucolipid metabolism by downregulate the levels of blood glucose and triglyceride (TG) in serum, reduced lipid accumulation by downregulate the level of TG in the liver and improved liver tissue structure in NAFLD mice (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, camel milk had a positive modulatory effect on the intestinal flora of NAFLD mice, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and decreasing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria in the intestinal flora of NAFLD mice, and silymarin had a similar modulatory effect. At the genus level, camel milk increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Alloprevotella and decreased the relative abundance of Dubosiella and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 (p < 0.05). Camel milk also enhanced Carbohydrate metabolism, Amino acid metabolism, Energy metabolism, Metabolism of cofactors and vitamins and Lipid metabolism in NAFLD mice, thus reducing the degree of hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice and maintaining the normal structure of the liver. In conclusion, camel milk can improve the structure and diversity of intestinal flora and enhance the levels of substance and energy metabolism in NAFLD mice, which has a positive effect on alleviating NAFLD and improving the structure of intestinal flora.

Shatianyu (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck) Flavonoids and Dietary Fiber in Combination Are More Effective Than Individually in Alleviating High-Fat-Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Mice by Altering Gut Microbiota

This study was aimed at exploring the separate and combined anti-hyperlipidemic effect of Shatianyu (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck) flavonoids (SPFEs) and DF (SPDF) on HFD-fed mice after 14-week administration in diet, together with the possible microbiota-mediated mechanisms. SPFEs and SPDF were more effective together than separately in improving serum lipid profiles, decreasing hepatic lipid accumulation, and upregulating the expression of hepatic CPT1a, CYP7A1, ABCG5, and ABCG8. Butyrate has been previously proved to have an anti-hyperlipidemic effect. The fecal butyrate contents were negatively correlative with serum/liver lipid but positively correlated with fecal total bile acids levels, and SPDF + SPFEs had the most fecal butyrate in this study. SPDF or SPFEs enriched microbiota related to acetic and propionic acids production, while SPDF + SPFEs also bloomed norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Dubosiella, Lachnoclostridium, and norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, which were positively correlated to fecal butyrate contents. Thus, SPFEs and SPDF might alleviate hyperlipidemia synergistically by regulating microbiota to produce butyrate, thereby regulating lipid metabolism.

Aloe Vera-Fermented Beverage Ameliorates Obesity and Gut Dysbiosis in High-Fat-Diet Mice

Aloe vera has been proven to have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity functions. However, the effects of Aloe vera-fermented beverages (AFB) on obesity and its complications are still not clear. In this study, HepG2 cells in high-fat environment and high-fat diet (HFD) mice were used to investigate the potential obesity-preventing function of AFB. We found that AFB intervention decreased the amount of lipid droplets of HepG2 cells, suppressed the body weight gain and adipose accumulation, and reduced the serum contents of total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) of HFD-mice. In addition, it also changed the composition of the gut microbiota. The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was decreased, while the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae, Alistipes and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was increased after the administration of AFB compared with HFD-mice. These results demonstrated that AFB can prevent diet-induced obesity (DIO) and provides a new option to modulate obesity-related gut dysbiosis.

Additional supplementation of sulfur-containing amino acids in the diets improves the intestinal health of turbot fed high-lipid diets

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of diets supplemented with three sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), namely, methionine, cysteine, and taurine, on the intestinal health status of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) fed high-lipid diets. Four diets were formulated, namely, a high-lipid control diet (16% lipid, HL) and three SAA-supplemented diets, which were formulated by supplementing 1.5% methionine (HLM), 1.5% cysteine (HLC), and 1.5% taurine (HLT) into the HL control diet, respectively. Each diet was assigned to triplicate tanks, and each tank was stocked with 30 juvenile fish (appr. initial weight, 8 g). The histological and morphometric results showed that dietary SAA supplementation obviously improved the intestinal morphology and integrity, in particular as reflected by higher height of microvilli and mucosal folds. Dietary SAA supplementation, in particular cysteine, up-regulated the gene expression of mucin-2 and tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Tricellilun and JAM). Dietary SAA supplementation remarkably down-regulated the gene expression of apoptosis-related factors such as p38, JNK, and Bax, expression of pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., NF-κB, AP-1 IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α). SAA supplementation resulted in higher antioxidative abilities in the intestine. Additionally, dietary SAA supplementation largely altered the communities of intestinal microbiota. Compared with the HL group, higher relative abundance of potential beneficial bacteria, and lower relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens were observed in SAA-supplemented groups. Dietary taurine supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus (in particular Lactobacillus murinus) and Limosilactobacillus (especially Lactobacillus reuteri). In conclusion, dietary sulfur-containing amino acids supplementation have promising potential in ameliorating the intestinal inflammation of turbot fed high-lipid diets. Especially dietary cysteine and taurine supplementation have more positive effects on the communities of the intestinal microbiota of turbot.

Potential Effects of 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol on the Growth Performance, Blood Antioxidant Capacity, Intestinal Barrier Function and Microbiota in Broilers under Lipopolysaccharide Challenge

Our experiment was to detect the effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3) on antioxidant capacity, immune status and gut health of broilers under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In total, 108 male Arbor Acre broilers (48.5 ± 0.4 g) were allotted to three treatment groups containing six replicates for each group with six birds per replicate: (1) corn-soybean basal diet + injection of sterile saline (CON group); (2) corn-soybean basal diet + an injection of LPS (LPS group); (3) corn-soybean basal diet with 50 μg/kg 25OHD3 + injection of LPS (LPS + 25-D group). At the end of the experiment, birds were intraperitoneally injected with LPS in the LPS and LPS + 25-D groups based on the dosage of 5.0 mg/kg BW, or the equivalent volume of 0.9% sterile saline in the CON group. At 4 h postinjection, blood samples, jejunal and ileal tissues and cecal digesta were collected to analyze blood antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function and microbiota. The results showed that broilers challenged with LPS had significantly higher BW loss than the CON group, and 25OHD3 alleviated BW loss induced by the LPS challenge. 25OHD3 alleviated the LPS-induced decline (p < 0.05) in serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), as well as prevented the LPS-induced increase (p < 0.05) in serum content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). 25OHD3 significantly increased villus height in the jejunum and the relative mRNA abundance of Occludin in the jejunum and ileum, as well as prevented the LPS-induced increase in the jejunal content of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) compared with the LPS group. Compared with the LPS group, 25OHD3 significantly increased Lactobacillus abundance and decreased Lachnoclostridium abundance in the cecal digesta, as well as had the potential to enhance metabolite contents including propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate and total SCFA. The correlation analysis revealed that BW loss and serum contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and D-lactate were positively correlated with Lachnoclostridium and negatively correlated with Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). Overall, 25OHD3 partially improves the antioxidant status, immunity, intestinal barrier and microbial composition of broilers under the LPS challenge.

Gut Microbiota Differentially Mediated by Qingmao Tea and Qingzhuan Tea Alleviated High-Fat-Induced Obesity and Associated Metabolic Disorders: The Impact of Microbial Fermentation

Although dark tea is a unique microbial-fermented tea with a high reputation for having an antiobesity effect, little is known about the effect of microbial fermentation on tea leaves’ antiobesity properties. This study compared the antiobesity effects of microbial-fermented Qingzhuan tea (QZT) and unfermented Qingmao tea (QMT), providing insight into their underlying mechanisms associated with gut microbiota. Our results indicated that the supplementation of QMT extract (QMTe) and QZT extract (QZTe) displayed similar antiobesity effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, but the hypolipidemic effect of QZTe was significantly stronger than that of QMTe. The microbiomic analysis indicated that QZTe was more effective than QMTe at regulating HFD-caused gut microbiota dysbiosis. Akkermansiaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, which have negative correlations with obesity, were enhanced notably by QZTe, whereas Faecalibaculum and Erysipelotrichaceae, which are positively correlated with obesity, were decreased dramatically by QMTe and QZTe. A Tax4Fun analysis of QMTe/QZTe-mediated gut microbiota revealed that QMTe supplementation drastically reversed the HFD-induced upregulation of glycolysis and energy metabolism, whereas QZTe supplementation significantly restored the HFD-caused downregulation of pyruvate metabolism. Our findings suggested that microbial fermentation showed a limited effect on tea leaves’ antiobesity, but enhanced their hypolipidemic activity, and QZT could attenuate obesity and associated metabolic disorders by favorably modulating gut microbiota.

First Report of Penicillium oxalicum Causing Postharvest Fruit Rot on Citrus in China

Ougan (Citrus reticulata cv. Suavissima) is a distinct citrus cultivar local to Zhejiang province, China. (Guo et al. 2021). In November 2021, an unknown postharvest fruit rot was observed in the Sanyang wetland Ougan planting area, Wenzhou City of Zhejiang Province (27.96 °N, 120.69 °E). About 3% of diseased fruits with similar fruit rot symptoms were observed in 900 mandarin fruits from four commercial storages. Initially, the symptoms appeared as light brown lesions that turned deep brown as the lesions expanded. To identify the pathogen, segments (5 mm2) from margins of rotted tissue were excised from 5 symptomatic fruits, surface disinfested twice with 75% ethanol, rinsed three times with sterilized water, placed aseptically onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated for 7 days at 25℃ in darkness for identification. Five fungal isolates with the same morphology were obtained using the single spore method (Leslie and Summerell 2006). Initially, the fungus produced fluffy and white aerial mycelium that eventually turned green on PDA medium after 3 days. Conidiophores were broom-shaped (17.5 ± 2.5 μm) (n=50). Conidia were unicellular and ellipsoid (3.5 to 5.0 ×2.5 to 4.0 μm) (n=50). These morphological characteristics were consistent with Penicillium species (Wu et al. 2022). WZU-OG1 was chosen as a representative isolate for further study. For molecular identification, PCR amplification and DNA sequencing were performed using primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), bt2a/bt2b (Glass and Donaldson 1995), and RPB2-5F/RPB2-7R (Liu et al. 1999) to amplify the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, β-tubulin gene (TUB), and a portion of RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2). The ITS, TUB, and RPB2 gene sequences of isolate WZU-OG1 were deposited in the GenBank database with acc. nos. ON332735, ON428245, and ON524171, respectively. BLASTn analysis respectively showed 561/561 (MH855125), 414/427 (KF296462), and 936/954 (JN121456) matching with Penicillium oxalicum CBS 219.30. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences (ITS, TUB, and RPB2) grouped this isolate in the Penicillium oxalicum species complex clade at 100% bootstrap support. To verify pathogenicity, 20 healthy mandarin fruit of cultivar Sanyang were superficially disinfested with 75% ethanol and then washed with distilled water. A conidial suspension of 1 × 105 conidia/ml from a 5-day-old culture of WZU-OG1 was injected into 10 fruits (10 μL per fruit). An equal number of fruits inoculated with sterile water were used as the negative control. The inoculated fruits were stored in a constant temperature incubator under the conditions of 28 ℃, 90% humidity, and incubated in a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle for 12 days. Symptoms similar to those on the naturally infected fruit began 5 days after inoculation, whereas no symptoms occurred on the controls. The experiment was repeated three times, and similar symptoms were observed in all diseased fruits. Then, the fungus was reisolated from these infected fruits and identified as P. oxalicum by the morphological and molecular methods described above. This is the first report of P. oxalicum causing postharvest mandarin decay and this study will enable us to rapidly diagnose this disease, identify the occurrence of this disease and develop adequate management strategies to control it in China.

FXR Signaling-Mediated Bile Acid Metabolism Is Critical for Alleviation of Cholesterol Gallstones by Lactobacillus Strains

Cholesterol gallstone (CGS) disease is characterized by an imbalance in bile acid (BA) metabolism and is closely associated with gut microbiota disorders. However, the role and mechanism by which probiotics targeting the gut microbiota attenuate cholesterol gallstones are still unknown. In this study, Limosilactobacillus reuteri strain CGMCC 17942 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain CGMCC 14407 were individually administered to lithogenic-diet (LD)-fed mice for 8 weeks. Both Lactobacillus strains significantly reduced LD-induced gallstones, hepatic steatosis, and hyperlipidemia. These strains modulated BA profiles in the serum and liver, which may be responsible for the activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR). At the molecular level, L. reuteri and L. plantarum increased ileal fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) and hepatic fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) and small heterodimer partner (SHP). Subsequently, hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) were inhibited. Moreover, the two strains enhanced BA transport by increasing the levels of hepatic multidrug resistance-associated protein homologs 3 and 4 (Mrp3/4), hepatic multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mdr2), and the bile salt export pump (BSEP). In addition, both L. reuteri and L. plantarum reduced LD-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis. L. reuteri increased the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae, while L. plantarum increased that of Akkermansia. The changed gut microbiota was significantly negatively correlated with the incidence of cholesterol gallstones and the FXR-antagonistic BAs in the liver and serum and with the FXR signaling pathways. Furthermore, the protective effects of the two strains were abolished by both global and intestine-specific FXR antagonists. These findings suggest that Lactobacillus might relieve CGS through the FXR signaling pathways.

IMPORTANCE Cholesterol gallstone (CGS) disease is prevalent worldwide. None of the medical options for prevention and treatment of CGS disease are recommended, and surgical management has a high rate of recurrence. It has been reported that the factors involved in metabolic syndrome are highly connected with CGS formation. While remodeling of dysbiosis of the gut microbiome during improvement of metabolic syndrome has been well studied, less is known about prevention of CGS formation after regulating the gut microbiome. We used the lithogenic diet (LD) to induce an experimental CGS model in C57BL/6J mice to investigate protection against CGS formation by Limosilactobacillus reuteri strain CGMCC 17942 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain CGMCC 14407. We found that these L. reuteri and L. plantarum strains altered the bile acid composition in mice and improved the dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. These two Lactobacillus strains prevented CGS formation by fully activating the hepatic and ileal FXR signaling pathways. They could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating CGS or preventing its recurrence.

Kidney Bean Fermented Broth Alleviates Hyperlipidemic by Regulating Serum Metabolites and Gut Microbiota Composition

Hyperlipidemia with fat accumulation and weight gain causes metabolic diseases and endangers human body health easily which is accompanied by metabolic abnormalities and intestinal flora disorders. In this study, the kidney bean fermented broth (KBF) was used in rats that were fed a high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia in order to subsequently analyse the serum metabolomics and gut microbiota modulatoration. The results show that the contents of the total polyphenols and total flavonoids in the KBF were up three and one times, while energy and carbohydrates decreased. In the HFD-induced hyperlipidemic model, body weight, organ weight, and the level of blood lipids (ALT, AST, TG, TC) were lower in rats treated with KBF than in the controls. Metabonomics indicate that there were significant differences in serum metabolomics between the KBF and the HFD. KBF could significantly improve the glycerophospholipids, taurine, and hypotaurine metabolism and amino acid metabolism of hyperlipidemic rats and then improve the symptoms of hypersterol and fat accumulation in rats. The relative abundance of beneficial bacteria increased while pathogenic bacteria decreased after the intervention of KBF. KBF ameliorates dyslipidemia of HFD-induced hyperlipidemic via modulating the blood metabolism and the intestinal microbiota. Collectively, these findings suggest that KBF could be developed as a functional food for anti-hyperlipidemia.

Polysaccharides from Callerya speciosa alleviate metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis in diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice

Callerya speciosa ("Niu Dali" in Chinese) is a well-known edible plant in Southeast China. C. speciosa roots contain a high level of polysaccharides, which have been reported to show multiple health-promoting effects. In the current study, the anti-obesity effects of a crude extract of C. speciosa polysaccharides (NP) and its underlying mechanisms of action are investigated. C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups and fed either a standard diet or a high-fat diet (HFD). The HFD + NP group mice received oral administration of NP (100 mg per kg per day) every other day for 10 weeks. NP supplementation alleviated HFD-induced diabetic biomarkers including body weight gain, hyperlipidemia, liver steatosis, and adipocyte hypertrophy. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses revealed that NP inhibited hepatic de novo lipogenesis and adipogenesis (i.e. decreased expression of Srebp1c, Fas, Cebpα, and Pparγ), stimulated adipocyte lipolysis (enhanced mRNA expression of Hsl and Mgl), and attenuated HFD-induced hepatic inflammation (decreased expression of TNF-α and NF-κB p65). Furthermore, 16S rDNA and GC-MS analyses showed that NP supplementation restored the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes proportion, elevated colon-derived SCFAs, especially acetic acid content, and increased the relative abundance of genera associated with SCFA production in HFD-fed mice. Findings from this study suggest that NP alleviated HFD-induced obesity in a mouse model, which was possibly due to its ameliorative effects on diet-induced gut dysbiosis. Polysaccharides from C. speciosa are promising prebiotics and they may be further developed as functional foods for the management of obesity.

Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) polysaccharide ameliorates obesity in association with modulation of lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in high-fat diet fed mice

Oyster is nutritious shellfish, wildly consumed throughout the world. Its polysaccharide (OPS) has various bioactivity. In the present study, the anti-obesity effect of OPS was evaluated in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that OPS significantly alleviated weight gain, dyslipidemia, and metabolic endotoxemia of obese mice, and accelerated the production of short-chain fatty acids. OPS also regulated lipid metabolism of adipose and liver by activating the expression of p-AMPKα to further down-regulate the expression of SREBP-1c, PPARγ, and p-ACC-1. 16S rRNA results indicated that OPS corrected HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by enriching beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Dobosiella, and Faecalibaculum) and decreasing harmful bacteria (Erysipelatoclostridium, Helicobacter, and Mucispirillum). In summary, these results revealed that OPS could serve as a potential prebiotic to improve obesity.

Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (SL) and SL Derived-Polysaccharide (PL) Ameliorate the Severity of Diarrhea-Induced by High Lactose via Modification of Colonic Fermentation

In our previous study, we demonstrated that Shen-ling-bai-zhu-san (SL), a classical Chinese herbal formula, could alleviate lactose-induced diarrhea. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying SL action or the efficacy of the polysaccharide (PL) derived from SL. In this study, we investigated the effect of SL and PL on improving the dysregulated luminal and mucosal microbiota in rats with high lactose diet using 16S rRNA analysis. The concentrations of lactose, lactic acid in cecum and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cecum and portal vein were measured, meanwhile the expression of ion transporters were ascertained. Our data suggest that the SL, PL and cecal microbiota transplantation (CMT) significantly decreased fecal water content and water intake. In the luminal microbiota there was a significant increase in Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium and Blautia and a lower abundance of Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Dubosiella, while the mucosal microbiota showed a significant increase in Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Albaculum, Bilophila, and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 and a lower abundance of Enterococcus, Helicobacter, Dubosiella, and Collinsella. Furthermore, the treatments enhanced lactose fermentation and SCFA production, which may be related to the modulation of the luminal microbial community. A lower ratio of phosphorylation Na/H exchanger3/Na/H exchanger3 (pNHE3/NHE3) and a higher sodium monocarboxylate1 (sMCT1) expression were found in the treatment group than in the model group, which may be related to the changes in the mucosal microbial community. Also, the treatments may restore the impacted metabolic pathways of gut microbiota. These results provide an important foundation for mechanism of SL action and developing PL-based treatment for lactose-induced diarrhea.

Effects of Poncirin, a Citrus Flavonoid and Its Aglycone, Isosakuranetin, on the Gut Microbial Diversity and Metabolomics in Mice

Poncirin (PC) and its aglycone, isosakuranetin (IR), occur naturally in citrus fruits. This study aimed to explore the pathways behind the different health benefits of PC and IR by evaluating the effect of these two bioactive flavonoids on the gut microbial diversity and metabolomics of mice. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the alteration of gut microbiota in mice after PC and IR intervention. The metabolic impact of PC and IR in mice were studied using a metabolomics approach based on LC-MS analysis. Results showed that, after 7 days intervention, PC and IR multiplied the abundance of Parabacteroides in mice’s intestinal tracts by 1.2 and 1.0 times, respectively. PC increased the abundance of Bacteroides by 2.4 times. IR reduced the Allobaculum abundance by 1.0 time and increased Alloprevotella abundance by 1.5 times. When mice were given PC, their fecal acetic acid level increased by 1.8 times, while their isobutyric and isovaleric acid content increased by 1.2 and 1.3 times, respectively. Supplementation with IR had no significant effect on the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces of mice. The potential urine biomarkers of mice in the PC group were involved in the digestion and absorption of protein and carbohydrate, as well as the metabolism of amino acids, such as glycine, serine, threonine, tryptophan, D-arginine, D-ornithine, etc. IR mainly affected the amino acid metabolic pathways in mice, including taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, histidine metabolism, D-glutamate metabolism, etc. This study provided valuable clues for future research on the health promoting mechanisms of PC and IR.

Polysaccharide from Agrocybe cylindracea prevents diet-induced obesity through inhibiting inflammation mediated by gut microbiota and associated metabolites

Polysaccharide from Agrocybe cylindracea (ACP) has been demonstrated with various health benefits, but its anti-obesity effect and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of ACP in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice by targeting gut microbiota and metabolites. 9-week ACP supplementation in HFD-fed mice reduced body weight, adipose accumulation, impaired insulin resistance, lipid levels, and liver injuries, which were negatively correlated to the pro-inflammatory factors, particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin- 6 (IL-6). Moreover, ACP not only restored HFD-induced gut disorder, as indicated by the depletion of Desulfovibrio and Oscillibacter and the enrichment of the Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Butyricimonas, and Dubosiella, but also positively regulated gut metabolites such as solavetivone and N-acetylneuraminic acid. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the ACP-altered microbes and metabolites were highly correlated with inflammation-related indexes. Notably, ACP greatly lowered the obesity-related TNF-α- and IL-6-levels partially by reducing Desulfovibrio and increasing Parabacteroides abundances, together with the associated decrease of solavetivone level. These findings suggest that ACP may be used as a prebiotic agent to prevent diet-induced obesity, and target-specific microbiota and metabolites may have unique therapeutic promise for inflammation-related diseases.

Citrus Peel Flavonoid Extracts: Health-Beneficial Bioactivities and Regulation of Intestinal Microecology in vitro

Citrus peel and its extracts are rich in flavonoids, which are beneficial to human health. In this study, the extraction, component analysis, biological activity and intestinal microbiota regulation of citrus peel flavonoid extracts (CPFEs) were investigated. CPFEs from 14 Chinese cultivars were purified by ultrasound-assisted extraction and XAD-16 macroporous resin. The total flavonoid content of lemon was greatest at 103.48 ± 0.68 mg/g dry weight (DW) by NaNO2-Al(NO3)3-NaOH spectrophotometry. Using high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection, the highest concentrations of naringin, hesperidin and eriocitrin were found in grapefruit (52.03 ± 0.51 mg/g DW), chachiensis (43.02 ± 0.37 mg/g DW) and lemon (27.72 ± 0.47 mg/g DW), respectively. Nobiletin was the most polymethoxylflavone in chachiensis at 16.91 ± 0.14 mg/g DW. CPFEs from chachiensis and grapefruit had better antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase inhibitory and sodium glycocholate binding ability. In addition, chachiensis and grapefruit CPFEs had positive effects on intestinal microecology, as evidenced by a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp., and production of short-chain fatty acids, especially acetic acid, by a simulated human intestinal model. Collectively, our results highlight the biological function of CPFEs as prebiotic agents, indicating their potential use in food and biomedical applications.

Tyrosol Ameliorates the Symptoms of Obesity, Promotes Adipose Thermogenesis, and Modulates the Composition of Gut Microbiota in HFD Fed Mice

SCOPE

Tyrosol is one of the main polyphenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and its role in combating obesity is unknown. Thus, this study is designed to investigate the effect of tyrosol consumption on obesity and its underlying mechanisms in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After supplementation with 0.2% (wt/wt) tyrosol for 16 weeks, the final body weight, and the levels of plasma triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and fasting glucose are significantly decreased when compared with HFD group. Furthermore, tyrosol may act as a ligand which binds with nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2), PPAR-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), the downstream genes of PPARα which are related to thermogenic function of adipocytes, are significantly increased in both brown adipose tissue (BAT) and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) after tyrosol administration. In addition, tyrosol changes the community composition of gut microbiota, including decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, and increasing the relative abundance of family muribaculaceae, genus Blautia and Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_28_4.

CONCLUSION

Tyrosol consumption attenuates obesity and related symptoms in HFD-fed mice probably via the modulation of PPARα-thermogenesis and gut microbiota.

Anti-Diabetic Effects of Ethanol Extract from Sanghuangporous vaninii in High-Fat/Sucrose Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may lead to abnormally elevated blood glucose, lipid metabolism disorder, and low-grade inflammation. Besides, the development of T2DM is always accompanied by gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic dysfunction. In this study, the T2DM mice model was established by feeding a high-fat/sucrose diet combined with injecting a low dose of streptozotocin. Additionally, the effects of oral administration of ethanol extract from Sanghuangporous vaninii (SVE) on T2DM and its complications (including hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis) were investigated. The results showed SVE could improve body weight, glycolipid metabolism, and inflammation-related parameters. Besides, SVE intervention effectively ameliorated the diabetes-induced pancreas and jejunum injury. Furthermore, SVE intervention significantly increased the relative abundances of Akkermansia, Dubosiella, Bacteroides, and Parabacteroides, and decreased the levels of Lactobacillus, Flavonifractor, Odoribacter, and Desulfovibrio compared to the model group (LDA > 3.0, p < 0.05). Metabolic function prediction of the intestinal microbiota by PICRUSt revealed that glycerolipid metabolism, insulin signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and fatty acid degradation were enriched in the diabetic mice treated with SVE. Moreover, the integrative analysis indicated that the key intestinal microbial phylotypes in response to SVE intervention were strongly correlated with glucose and lipid metabolism-associated biochemical parameters. These findings demonstrated that SVE has the potential to alleviate T2DM and its complications by modulating the gut microbiota imbalance.

Capsaicin, the Spicy Ingredient of Chili Peppers: Effects on Gastrointestinal Tract and Composition of Gut Microbiota at Various Dosages

Capsaicin (CAP) is an ingredient of peppers that has biological activities at low doses but causes gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort at high doses. However, the GI effects of high doses of CAP and the evaluation criteria to determine this remain unknown. To elucidate the dose-related effects of CAP on GI health, CAP was administered to mice at 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg doses. The results showed that 40 mg/kg CAP did not negatively affect GI tissues, while 60 and 80 mg/kg CAP damaged GI tissues and caused significant inflammation in the jejunum, ileum, and colon. The levels of serum substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were CAP-dose-dependent, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content significantly increased in the 80 mg/kg group. Correlation analysis revealed that the underlying mechanisms might be related to the regulation of gut microbiota, especially Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Butyricimonas. These results suggest that oral administration of 60 and 80 mg/kg CAP in mice causes intestinal inflammation and high levels of serum neuropeptides and cecal SCFAs, which may be related to alterations in gut microbiota.

Bioactive Compounds of Citrus Fruits: A Review of Composition and Health Benefits of Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Limonoids, and Terpenes

The increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contributes to the reduced risk of many diseases related to metabolic syndrome, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and cancer. Citrus, the genus Citrus L., is one of the most important fruit crops, rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, limonoids, and many other bioactive compounds of nutritional and nutraceutical value. Moreover, polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), a unique class of bioactive flavonoids, abundantly occur in citrus fruits. In addition, citrus essential oil, rich in limonoids and terpenes, is an economically important product due to its potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and flavoring properties. Mechanistic, observational, and intervention studies have demonstrated the health benefits of citrus bioactives in minimizing the risk of metabolic syndrome. This review provides a comprehensive view of the composition of carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and limonoids of citrus fruits and their associated health benefits.

Naringenin activates beige adipocyte browning in high fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice by shaping the gut microbiota

Naringenin activates beige adipose thermogenesis and browning by gut microbe-SCFAS-host interactions, which increases energy expenditure and prevents HFD induced obesity.

Qingrequzhuo capsule alleviated methionine and choline deficient diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice through regulating gut microbiota, enhancing gut tight junction and inhibiting the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Qingrequzhuo capsule (QRQZ), composed of Morus alba L., Coptis chinensis Franch., Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale (Sam.) Sam., Citrus × aurantium L., Carthamus tinctorius L., Rheum palmatum L., Smilax glabra Roxb., Dioscorea oppositifolia L., Cyathula officinalis K.C.Kuan, has been used to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in clinic. However, the mechanism of QRQZ on NASH remains unclear. Recent studies have found that the dysfunction of gut microbiota could impair the gut barrier and induce the activation of TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway, and further contribute to the inflammatory response in NASH. Modulating the gut microbiota to reduce inflammation could prevent the progression of NASH. In this study, a mouse model of NASH was generated by methionine and choline deficient diet (MCD) and treated with QRQZ. First, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of QRQZ on liver injury and inflammation in the NASH mice. Second, the changes in the gut microbiota diversity and abundance in each group of mice were measured through 16S rRNA sequencing. Finally, the effects of QRQZ on gut mucosal permeability, endotoxemia, and liver TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway levels were examined. Our results showed that QRQZ significantly reduced the lipid accumulation in liver and the liver injury in NASH mice. In addition, QRQZ treatment decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in liver. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that QRQZ affected the diversity of gut microbiota and a f f e c t e d t h e r e l a t i v e a b u n d a n c e s o f D u b o s i e l l a , Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Blautiain NASH mice. Besides, QRQZ could increase the expression of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1 and occludin) in gut and decrease the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level in serum. Western blot results also showed that QRQZ treatment decreased the protein expression ofTLR4, MyD88 and the phosphorylation of IkB and NF-kBp65 and qPCR results showed that QRQZ treatment down-regulated the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a in liver. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that QRQZ could reduce the lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in NASH model mice. The mechanisms of QRQZ on NASH were associated with modulating gut microbiota, thereby inducing the tight junction of gut barrier, reducing the endotoxemia and inhibiting the activation of TLR4/NFkB signaling pathway in liver.

Beneficial Role of Fruits, Their Juices, and Freeze-Dried Powders on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Related Dysbiosis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of complex chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It is linked to a number of genetic and environmental factors able to perturb the immune-microbiome axis. Diet is the most investigated variable both for its role in the etiology of IBD and for its beneficial potential in the treatment of the symptoms. Dietary products may influence intestinal inflammation through different mechanisms of action, such as the modulation of inflammatory mediators, the alteration of gene expression, changes in gut permeability, and modifications in enteric flora composition. A consisting number of studies deal with the link between nutrition and microbial community, and particular attention is paid to plant-based foods. The effects of the dietary intake of different fruits have been investigated so far. This review aims to present the most recent studies concerning the beneficial potential of fruit consumption on human gut microbiota. Investigated plant species are described, and obtained results are presented and discussed in order to provide an overview of both in vitro and in vivo effects of fruits, their juices, and freeze-dried powders.

Formononetin reshapes the gut microbiota, prevents progression of obesity and improves host metabolism

Formononetin (FMNT) is an isoflavone that has been studied for its anti-hyperglycemic and anti-diabetic effects. However, the effect of FMNT on gut dysbiosis and metabolic complications associated with western-style diet consumption has not been reported yet. This study aimed to investigate how FMNT can reshape the gut microbiota at a specific dosage and ameliorate the symptoms of obesity-related metabolic disorders in both genders. Results indicate that FMNT at 60 mg per kg bodyweight dosage can effectively control body weight, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance, leptin levels and improve HDL to LDL ratio. FMNT treatment suppressed Porphyromonadaceae (Uncultured Alistipes) and augmented maximum genera from families Lachnospiraceae and Clostridiacea, but at species level, formononetin increased Clostridium aldenense, Clostridiaceae unclassified, Eubacterium plexicaum; acetate and butyrate-producing bacteria. Moreover, formononetin regulated the expression of specific liver miRNA involved in obesity and down-regulated mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-22 and TNF-α. Additionally, FMNT maintained intestinal membrane integrity by regulating the expression of Muc-2 and occludin. Our findings indicate that FMNT could be a potential prebiotic that can effectively regulate the gut microbiota, improve host metabolism and systemic inflammation, and prevent deleterious effects of a western-style diet by elevating acetate lactate and lactate butyrate producers.

The Regulatory Effects of Citrus Peel Powder on Liver Metabolites and Gut Flora in Mice with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Gannan navel orange and Jinggang pomelo, belonging to the genus Citrus, are good sources of phenolic compounds, which are mainly concentrated in the peel. These phenolic compounds are considered promising in the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In order to maximize nutrients retention and bioactivity in the peel, pomelo peel and orange peel were processed using freeze-drying technology and mixed in the ratio (pomelo peel powder 50% and orange peel powder 50%) to make citrus peel powder (CPP). The purpose of this study was to explore new strategies and mechanisms associated with the consumption of CPP to alleviate nonalcoholic fatty liver injury, lipid metabolism disorders, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in obese mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that after 12 weeks of CPP administration, CPP supplementation had a strong inhibitory effect on HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic fat accumulation, dyslipidemia, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In particular, CPP modulates the composition of the intestinal flora, such as increasing the relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes, genus Faecalibaculum, genus Lactobacillus, genus Dubosiella, and genus Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_ group and decreasing the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidota, genus Helicobacter, and genus Bacteroides. These results suggest that CPP has a preventive effect on NAFLD, which can be related to the regulation of intestinal flora.