A Diversified Dietary Pattern Is Associated With a Balanced Gut Microbial Composition of Faecalibacterium and Escherichia/Shigella in Patients With Crohn's Disease in Remission

The Relationship of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet with Disease Activity and Quality of Life in Crohn's Disease Patients

Background and Objectives: Emerging evidence is placing the Mediterranean diet (MD) in the spotlight as a potential dietary model that could benefit inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in terms of prevention and progress of the disease. The main aim of the present study is to shed some light on the relationship between the adherence to the MD and the degree of disease activity, as well as the quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Materials and Methods: An administered questionnaire was used to assess and record a number of parameters, including recent medical and weight history, anthropometric characteristics, disease activity (in remission or active disease), and quality of life of both male and female CD patients. Moreover, the level of compliance of the participants to the Mediterranean diet model was evaluated and its relationship with disease activity and quality of life was investigated. Results: Adherence to the MD was significantly higher in patients with inactive disease than in those with active disease (p = 0.019). According to the correlation analysis conducted, adherence to the MD was negatively correlated with disease activity (p = 0.039) and positively correlated with quality of life (QoL) (p = 0.046) of the participants. Intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products was significantly higher in remission patients (p = 0.046, p = 0.001, p = 0.041, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude, according to the findings of the study, that adherence to the MD is associated with disease activity and QoL in patients with CD. Future research should focus on MD intervention studies on IBD patients in order to assess its effect on modulating disease activity/course and related inflammatory biomarkers.

Bifidobacterium longum S3 alleviates loperamide-induced constipation by modulating intestinal acetic acid and stearic acid levels in mice

Constipation is a major gastrointestinal (GI) symptom worldwide, with diverse causes of formation, and requires effective and safe therapeutic measures. In the present study, we used loperamide hydrochloride to establish a constipation model and assessed the effect of Bifidobacterium on constipation and its possible mechanism of relief. The results showed that B. longum S3 exerted a constipation-relieving effect primarily by improving the gut microbiota, enriching genera including Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-007, and decreasing the bacteria Lachnospiraceae NK4B4 group. These changes may thereby increase acetic acid and stearic acid (C18:0) levels, which significantly increase the expression levels of ZO-1 and MUC-2, repair intestinal barrier damage and reduce inflammation (IL-6). Furthermore, it also inhibited oxidative stress levels (SOD and CAT), decreased the expression of water channel proteins (AQP4 and AQP8), significantly elevated the Gas, 5-HT, PGE2, and Ach levels, and reduced nNOS and VIP levels to improve the intestinal luminal transit time and fecal water content. Collectively, these changes resulted in the alleviation of constipation.

The Impact of Dietary Interventions on the Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diet plays an integral role in the modulation of the intestinal environment, with the potential to be modified for management of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. It has been hypothesised that poor 'Western-style' dietary patterns select for a microbiota that drives IBD inflammation and, that through dietary intervention, a healthy microbiota may be restored. This study aimed to systematically review the literature and assess current available evidence regarding the influence of diet on the intestinal microbiota composition in IBD patients, and how this may affect disease activity.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from January 2013 to June 2023, to identify studies investigating diet and microbiota in IBD.

RESULTS

Thirteen primary studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for narrative synthesis. Reported associations between diet and microbiota in IBD were conflicting due to the considerable degree of heterogeneity between studies. Nine intervention studies trialled specific diets and did not demonstrate significant shifts in the diversity and abundance of intestinal microbial communities or improvement in disease outcomes. The remaining four cross-sectional studies did not find a specific microbial signature associated with habitual dietary patterns in IBD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Diet modulates the gut microbiota, and this may have implications for IBD; however, the body of evidence does not currently support clear dietary patterns or food constituents that are associated with a specific microbiota profile or disease marker in IBD patients. Further research is required with a focus on robust and consistent methodology to achieve improved identification of associations.

Gut microbiota and metabolites as predictors of biologics response in inflammatory bowel disease: A comprehensive systematic review

Nonresponse to biologic agents in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses a significant public health burden, and the prediction of response to biologics offers valuable insights for IBD management. Given the pivotal role of gut microbiota and their endogenous metabolites in IBD, we conducted a systematic review to investigate the potential of fecal microbiota and mucosal microbiota and endogenous metabolomic markers as predictors for biotherapy response in IBD patients. A total of 38 studies were included in the review. Following anti-TNF-α treatment, the bacterial community characteristics of IBD patients exhibited a tendency to resemble those observed in healthy controls, indicating an improved clinical response. The levels of endogenous metabolites butyrate and deoxycholic acid were significantly associated with clinical remission following anti-TNF-α therapy. IBD patients who responded well to vedolizumab treatment had higher levels of specific bacteria that produce butyrate, along with increased levels of metabolites such as butyrate, branched-chain amino acids and acetamide following vedolizumab treatment. Crohn's disease patients who responded positively to ustekinumab treatment showed higher levels of Faecalibacterium and lower levels of Escherichia/Shigella. In conclusion, fecal microbiota and mucosal microbiota as well as their endogenous metabolites could provide a predictive tool for assessing the response of IBD patients to various biological agents and serve as a valuable reference for precise drug selection in clinical IBD patients.

Anti-inflammatory probiotics HF05 and HF06 synergistically alleviate ulcerative colitis and secondary liver injury

Given the limited efficacy and adverse effects associated with conventional drugs, probiotics are emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating the chronic nature of ulcerative colitis (UC) and its consequential secondary liver injury (SLI). Limosilactobacillus fermentum HF06 and Lactiplatibacillus plantarum HF05 are strains we screened with excellent anti-inflammatory and probiotic properties in vitro. In this study, the intervention of HF06 and HF05 in combination (MIXL) was found to be more effective in alleviating intestinal inflammation and secondary liver injury in UC mice compared to supplementing with the two strains individually. Results demonstrated that MIXL effectively attenuated colon shortening and weight loss, downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA in the intestines, mitigated SLI, and augmented the enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in the liver. MIXL enhances the intestinal barrier in UC mice, regulates the structure and composition of the gut microbiota, promotes the abundance of Lactobacillus, and suppresses the abundance of bacteria associated with inflammation and liver injury, including Clostridium_Sensu_Stricto_1, Escherichia, Shigella, Enterococcus, Corynebacterium, Desulfovibrio, and norank_f__Oscillospiraceae. This study demonstrated the synergistic effect of HF06 and HF05, providing a reliable foundation for the alleviation of UC.

Crude Tieguanyin oolong tea polysaccharides regulate intestinal immune and gut microflora in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice colitis

BACKGROUND

The global incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have been increasing. Epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and animal experiments have indicated a negative association between the consumption of tea and IBD. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of crude Tieguanyin oolong tea polysaccharides (CTPS) on experimental colitis, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

The administration of CTPS significantly alleviated IBD in the mouse model, and was found to regulate T-cell mediated immune responses in the colon by modulating cytokine production associated with T cells. Furthermore, CTPS demonstrated a positive impact on the gut microbiota, reversing the increase in pathogenic Helicobacter and enhancing the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae, and Odoribacter. Oral administration of CTPS also led to an improvement in intestinal metabolism, specifically by increasing the levels of short-chain fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first in vivo evidence of the protective effects of CTPS on colitis in mice. The effects are likely facilitated through the regulation of T cell-mediated responses and modulation of the gut microbiota, suggesting that CTPS may be a potential preventive and therapeutic approach for IBD. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Glycosidic linkages of fungus polysaccharides influence the anti-inflammatory activity in mice

INTRODUCTION

Over decades, the source-function relationships of bioactive polysaccharides have been progressively investigated, however, it is still unclear how a defined structure may conduce to the bioactivities of polysaccharides.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the structure-function relationship of fungus polysaccharides, we employed a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model to compare the anti-inflammatory activity of two fungus polysaccharides from Dictyophora indusiata (DIP) and Tremella fuciformis (TFP), which exhibit distinct glycosidic linkages.

METHODS

The structures of DIP and TFP were characterized through molecular weight detection, molecular morphology analysis, methylation analysis, and NMR analysis. Subsequently, we employed a DSS-induced colitis model to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of DIP and TFP. The colitis symptoms, histological morphology, intestinal inflammatory cytokines, and the composition and function of gut microbiota before and after polysaccharides treatment in colitis mice were also investigated.

RESULTS

DIP, l,3-β-D-glucan with 1,4-β and 1,6-β-D-Glcp as branched chains, exhibited superior therapeutic effect than that of TFP consisted of a linear 1,3-α-D-mannose backbone with D-xylose and L-fucose in the side chains. Both DIP and TFP relieved DSS-induced colitis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Furthermore, metagenomics showed that DIP and TFP could partially reverse the bacterial function in colitis mice. Glycoside Hydrolase 1 (GH1) and GH3 were identified as being involved in hydrolyzing the glucose linkages in DIP, while GH92 and GH29 were predicted to be active in cleaving the α-1,3-linked mannose linkages and the glycosidic bonds of L-fucose residues in TFP.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the pivotal role of glycosidic linkages in anti-inflammatory activities of fungus polysaccharides and would promote the design and discovery of polysaccharides with designated activity to be used as functional foods and/or therapeutics.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum HF06-derived paraprobiotic and postbiotic alleviate intestinal barrier damage and gut microbiota disruption in mice with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Paraprobiotics and postbiotics have shown potential in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, their in vivo application is still in its infancy and their mechanisms of action are not well understood.

RESULTS

Here, we investigated the mitigation effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum HF06-derived paraprobiotic (6-PA) and postbiotic (6-PS) on dextran sulfate sodium induced UC and the potential mechanisms. Results indicated that the administration of 6-PA and 6-PS resulted in the inhibition of weight loss and colon shortening in mice with UC. Furthermore, they led to a significant reduction in both fecal moisture content and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in the intestine of the mice. 6-PA and 6-PS treatment strengthened the intestinal mucosal barrier by dramatically upregulating the levels of zonula occludens-1 and occludin proteins. In addition, 6-PA and 6-PS restored intestinal dysbiosis by regulating abundances of certain bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum, Muribaculaceae, Corynebacterium, Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and regulated the level of short-chain fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

These findings illustrated for the first time that L. fermentum HF06-derived paraprobiotic and postbiotic enhanced the intestinal barrier function, and restored gut microbiota alterations. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Addition of Canna edulis starch and starch nanoparticles to stabilized Pickering emulsions: In vitro digestion and fecal fermentation

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) were prepared through acid hydrolysis of Canna edulis native starch and modified with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) to yield OS-starch and OS-SNPs. These modified particles were used to stabilize curcumin-loaded Pickering emulsions. Effects on gut microbiota during in vitro fecal fermentation were examined. The surface of OS-starch exhibits a porous structure, while OS-SNPs display layered grooves. OSA modification was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (with peaks at 1728 cm-1 and 1573 cm-1) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (0.5-2 ppm). The degree of substitution for OS-starch and OS-SNPs is 0.0106 ± 0.0004 and 0.0079 ± 0.0003, respectively. Following modification, the crystallinity decreased from 35.69 ± 0.46 % (native starch) to 30.17 ± 0.70 % (OS-starch), SNPs decreased from 45.87 ± 0.89 % to 43.63 ± 0.64 % (OS-SNPs). Contact angles for OS-starch and OS-SNPs are 77.47 ± 1.78 and 55.57 ± 0.21, respectively. OS-SNPs exhibited superior emulsification properties compared to OS-starch, forming stable Pickering emulsions with pseudoplastic fluid behavior and enhanced curcumin storage protection over 14 days (60.88 ± 4.26 %) with controlled release. Stabilizing Pickering emulsions with OS-starch and OS-SNPs positively affected on gut microbiota and improved the intestinal environment, showing promise for their application in transportation systems and innovative prebiotic food formulations.

Impact of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Gut Microbiota and Microbiota Associated Functions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence on Animal Models

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health problem in which gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a pivotal pathogenic role. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy has shown promising application prospects for its powerful immune regulation and tissue repair ability. Recent experimental data suggest that MSCs also regulate the composition of gut microbiota. The current review analyzed, for the first time, the research data linking MSCs and gut microbiota modulation in IBD models aiming at assessing the role of gut microbiota in MSCs repair of IBD.

METHODS

A comprehensive and structured literature search was performed up to January 2023 on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The quality and risk of bias assessment followed the PRISMA guidelines and SYRCLE's tool.

RESULTS

A total of nine pre-clinical studies on animal models were included. Although the dose and route of MSCs applied were quite heterogeneous, results showed that MSCs displayed protective effects on intestinal inflammation, including mice general assessment, immunoregulation, and intestinal barrier integrity. Meanwhile, studies showed positive effects on the composition of gut flora with MSCs administration, which had been characterized by restoration of Firmicutes/ Bacteroides balance and reduction of Proteobacteria. The beneficial bacteria Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus were also distinctly enriched, and the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia-Shigella was conversely decreased. The alpha and beta diversity were also regulated to resemble those of healthy mice. Microbial metabolic functions, such as biosynthesis of secondary bile acid and sphingolipid metabolism, and some biological behaviors related to cell regeneration were also up-regulated, while cancer function and poorly characterized cellular function were down-regulated.

CONCLUSION

Current data support the remodeling effect on gut microbiota with MSC administration, which provides a potential therapeutic mechanism for MSCs in the treatment of IBD. Additional studies in humans and animal models are warranted to further confirm the role of gut microflora in MSCs repairing IBD.

Analysis on Changes and Influencing Factors of the Intestinal Microbiota of Alpine Musk Deer between the Place of Origin and Migration

In China, the population of wild musk deer, belonging to the family Moschidae, has drastically decreased in recent years owing to human activities and environmental changes. During the 1990s, artificial breeding of Alpine musk deer was conducted in Xinglong Mountain, Gansu Province, China, and their ex situ conservation was explored for over a decade. Ex situ protection is beneficial for expanding the population of animals and maintaining their genetic diversity; however, it can also induce metabolic diseases and parasitic infections and reduce reproductive capacity. The gut microbiota of animals has a considerable impact on host energy metabolism and immune regulation, thereby playing a crucial role in the overall health and reproductive success of the host. In this study, by comparing the differences in the intestinal microbiome of the musk deer according to their place of origin and migration, the changes in their gut microbiota and the influencing factors were explored to provide a theoretical basis for monitoring the health status of the musk deer. We used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the structure and diversity of the gut microbiota of Alpine musk deer in Gansu (G, place of origin) and Sichuan (S, place of migration). The results showed that the dominant bacteria and genera in the intestinal microbiome of captive musk deer were similar in the places of origin and migration, but significant differences were observed in their relative abundance (p < 0.05). Regarding Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, which are related to plant cellulose digestion, the relative abundance in group G was higher than that in group S; regarding Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia, which are related to fat and starch intake, the relative abundance in group S was higher than that in group G; the relative abundance of Bacillus and Clostridium sensu stricto, which are related to fiber digestibility, was higher in group G than in group S; the relative abundance of conditional pathogens Acinetobacter and Escherichia-Shigella was higher in group S than in group G. The results of α and β diversity analysis also showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). The ACE and Shannon indices of musk deer in group G were considerably higher than those in group S, and the Simpson index of musk deer in group S was greater than that in group G, indicating that the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiome were higher in musk deer of Gansu than those of Sichuan. Comparison of the changes in the intestinal microbiome of the musk deer according to the place of origin and migration showed that the plant cellulose content in the food of the musk deer, the fat content in the concentrated feed, and changes in the feeding environment have an impact on the intestinal microbiome. Effective monitoring of the health and immunity of the musk deer is crucial for ensuring their overall health, which in turn will aid in formulating a scientific and reasonable management plan for their conservation.

Probiotic-fermented Qushi decoction alleviates reserpine-induced spleen deficiency syndrome by regulating spleen function and gut microbiota dysbiosis

BACKGROUND

Spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) is associated with elevated inflammatory factors and dysregulation of gastrointestinal motility hormones and intestinal microbiota. Qushi decoction (QD), a traditional formula, has not been reported using modern scientific research methods for changes in its probiotic fermented QD (FQD) composition and its potential mechanisms to alleviate SDS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the splenic protection of FQD in SDS rats by modulating gastrointestinal motility hormones and intestinal microbiota.

RESULTS

The results showed that FQD increased total polysaccharides, total protein, total flavonoids and the other active ingredients compared to QD, effectively improved splenic inflammation and apoptosis in SDS rats, and modulated gastrointestinal motility hormones to alleviate diarrhea and other symptoms. In addition, the dysregulation of the gut microbiota was reversed by increasing the levels of Bifidobacterium and decreasing the levels of Escherichia-Shigella and Proteobacteria, which may be related to the regulation of bacterial metabolites to alleviate SDS.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that FQD is an effective formula for improving SDS. Our findings show that FQD beneficial to the implications for the treatment of SDS. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Environmental Cadmium Exposure Perturbs Gut Microbial Dysbiosis in Ducks

Ore extraction, chemical production, and agricultural fertilizers may release significant amounts of heavy metals, which may eventually accumulate widely in the environment and organisms over time, causing global ecological and health problems. As a recognized environmental contaminant, cadmium has been demonstrated to cause osteoporosis and renal injury, but research regarding the effects of cadmium on gut microbiota in ducks remains scarce. Herein, we aimed to characterize the adverse effects of cadmium on gut microbiota in ducks. Results indicated that cadmium exposure dramatically decreased gut microbial alpha diversity and caused significant changes in the main component of gut microbiota. Moreover, we also observed significant changes in the gut microbial composition in ducks exposed to cadmium. A microbial taxonomic investigation showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria were the most preponderant phyla in ducks regardless of treatment, but the compositions and abundances of dominant genera were different. Meanwhile, a Metastats analysis indicated that cadmium exposure also caused a distinct increase in the levels of 1 phylum and 22 genera, as well as a significant reduction in the levels of 1 phylum and 36 genera. In summary, this investigation demonstrated that cadmium exposure could disturb gut microbial homeostasis by decreasing microbial diversity and altering microbial composition. Additionally, under the background of the rising environmental pollution caused by heavy metals, this investigation provides a crucial message for the assessment of environmental risks associated with cadmium exposure.

Review article: The complex interplay between diet and Escherichia coli in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Although no causative microbe has been yet identified or successfully targeted in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the role of Escherichia coli in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease has attracted considerable interest.

AIM

In this review, we present a literature overview of the interactions between diet and E. coli and other Proteobacteria in the aetiology, outcomes and management of IBD and suggest future research directions.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was performed to identify in vitro studies and research in animal models that explored mechanisms by which dietary components can interact with E. coli or Proteobacteria to initiate or propagate gut inflammation. We also explored the effect diet and dietary therapies have on the levels of E. coli or Proteobacteria in patients with IBD.

RESULTS

Preclinical data suggest that the Western diet and its components influence the abundance, colonisation and phenotypic behaviour of E. coli in the gut, which may in turn initiate or contribute to gut inflammation. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet and specific dietary fibres may abrogate these effects and protect from inflammation. There are limited data from clinical trials, mostly from patients with Crohn's disease during treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition, with findings often challenging observations from preclinical research. Data from patients with ulcerative colitis are sparse.

CONCLUSIONS

Preclinical and some clinical trial data suggest that E. coli and other Proteobacteria interact with certain dietary components to promote gut inflammation. Well-designed clinical trials are required before dietary recommendations for disease management can be made.

Exposure to okadaic acid could disrupt the colonic microenvironment in rats

Okadaic acid (OA) is one of the most prevalent marine phycotoxin with complex toxicity, which can lead to toxic symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Studies have shown that the main affected tissue of OA is digestive tract. However, its toxic mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the changes that occurred in the epithelial microenvironment following OA exposure, including the epithelial barrier and gut bacteria. We found that impaired epithelial cell junctions, mucus layer destruction, cytoskeletal remodeling, and increased bacterial invasion occurred in colon of rats after OA exposure. At the same time, the gut bacteria decreased in the abundance of beneficial bacteria and increased in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, and there was a significant negative correlation between the abundance of pathogenic bacteria represented by Escherichia/Shigella and animal body weight. Metagenomic analysis inferred that Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. in Escherichia/Shigella may be involved in the process of cytoskeletal remodeling and mucosal layer damage caused by OA. Although more evidence is needed, our results suggest that opportunistic pathogens may be involved in the complex toxicity of OA during OA-induced epithelial barrier damage.

Bacteroides uniformis-induced perturbations in colonic microbiota and bile acid levels inhibit TH17 differentiation and ameliorate colitis developments

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with gut dysbiosis and can lead to colitis-associated malignancies. Bacteroides uniformis (Bu) regulates animal intestinal homeostasis; however, the mechanism by which it alleviates colitis in mice remains unknown. We investigated the effects of B. uniformis JCM5828 and its metabolites on female C57BL/6J mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) induced colitis. Treatment with Bu considerably alleviated colitis progression and restored the mechanical and immune barrier protein expression. Additionally, Bu increased the abundance of the symbiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus vaginalis while decreasing that of pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella, and modulated intestinal bile acid metabolism. Bu largely regulated the expression of key regulatory proteins of the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in colonic tissues and the differentiation of TH17 cells. However, Bu could not directly inhibit TH17 cell differentiation in vitro; it modulated the process in the lamina propria by participating in bile acid metabolism and regulating key metabolites (alpha-muricholic, hyodeoxycholic, and isolithocholic acid), thereby modulating the intestinal immune response. Our findings suggest that Bu or bile acid supplements are potential therapies for colitis and other diseases associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Investigating the Crime Scene-Molecular Signatures in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are without cure and troublesome to manage because of the considerable diversity between patients and the lack of reliable biomarkers. Several studies have demonstrated that diet, gut microbiota, genetics and other patient factors are essential for disease occurrence and progression. Understanding the link between these factors is crucial for identifying molecular signatures that identify biomarkers to advance the management of IBD. Recent technological breakthroughs and data integration have fuelled the intensity of this research. This research demonstrates that the effect of diet depends on patient factors and gut microbial activity. It also identifies a range of potential biomarkers for IBD management, including mucosa-derived cytokines, gasdermins and neutrophil extracellular traps, all of which need further evaluation before clinical translation. This review provides an update on cutting-edge research in IBD that aims to improve disease management and patient quality of life.

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.

Inflammation and malnutrition in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, has become increasingly prevalent worldwide in the past decade. The nutritional status of patients with IBD is often impaired, with malnutrition presenting as imbalanced energy or nutrient intake, including protein-energy malnutrition, disease-related malnutrition, sarcopenia, and micronutrient deficiency. Additionally, malnutrition can manifest as overweight, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity. Malnutrition can lead to disturbances in gut microbiome composition that might alter homoeostasis and cause a dysbiotic state, potentially triggering inflammatory responses. Despite the clear link between IBD and malnutrition, little is known about the pathophysiological mechanisms beyond protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies that could promote inflammation through malnutrition, and vice versa. This Review focuses on potential mechanisms that trigger a vicious cycle between malnutrition and inflammation, and their clinical and therapeutic implications.

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis FJSYZ1M3 ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by maintaining the intestinal barrier, regulating inflammatory cytokines, and modifying gut microbiota

B. longum subsp. infantis is a subspecies of Bifidobacterium longum, and very few strains are shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In the present study, the improvement of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis by four B. longum subsp. infantis strains was compared. The results showed that B. longum subsp. infantis FJSYZ1M3 could significantly decrease disease activity index (DAI), inhibit weight loss and colon shortening, and attenuate colon tissue damage in DSS-induced colitis mice. And B. longum subsp. infantis FJSYZ1M3 intervention improved the integrity of intestinal tight junctions, relieved mucus layer damage and inhibited epithelial cell apoptosis, thereby maintaining the intestinal barrier. Additionally, B. longum subsp. infantis FJSYZ1M3 significantly affected the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the colon, thus relieving inflammation in colitis mice. Furthermore, B. longum subsp. infantis FJSYZ1M3 could ameliorate gut microbiota disturbance caused by DSS exposure and increase the level of butyric acid in cecal contents. In general, these findings suggested that B. longum subsp. infantis FJSYZ1M3 alleviated DSS-induced colitis by maintaining the intestinal barrier, regulating inflammatory cytokines, and modifying the gut microbiota.

Bidirectional effects of oral anticoagulants on gut microbiota in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

The imbalance of gut microbiota (GM) is associated with a higher risk of thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Oral anticoagulants (OACs) have been found to significantly reduce the risk of thromboembolism and increase the risk of bleeding. However, the OAC-induced alterations in gut microbiota in patients with AF remain elusive.

Methods

In this study, the microbial composition in 42 AF patients who received long-term OAC treatment (AF-OAC group), 47 AF patients who did not (AF group), and 40 volunteers with the risk of AF (control group) were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal bacterial DNA. The metagenomic functional prediction of major bacterial taxa was performed using the Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) software package.

Results

The gut microbiota differed between the AF-OAC and AF groups. The abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus decreased in the two disease groups at the genus level, but OACs treatment mitigated the decreasing tendency and increased beneficial bacterial genera, such as Megamonas. In addition, OACs reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory taxa on the genus Ruminococcus but increased certain potential pathogenic taxa, such as genera Streptococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Klebsiella. The Subgroup Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analyses revealed that Bacteroidetes, Brucella, and Ochrobactrum were more abundant in the anticoagulated bleeding AF patients, Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium were more abundant in the non-anticoagulated-bleeding-AF patients. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was lower in the AF-OAC group compared with the AF group (P < 0.05). Ruminococcus was positively correlated with the NLR and negatively correlated with the CHA2DS2-VASc score (P < 0.05), and the OACs-enriched species (Megamonas and Actinobacteria) was positively correlated with the prothrombin time (PT) (P < 0.05). Ruminococcus and Roseburia were negatively associated with bleeding events (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that OACs might benefit AF patients by reducing the inflammatory response and modulating the composition and abundance of gut microbiota. In particular, OACs increased the abundance of some gut microbiota involved in bleeding and gastrointestinal dysfunction indicating that the exogenous supplementation with Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia might be a prophylactic strategy for AF-OAC patients to lower the risk of bleeding after anticoagulation.

Dietary Methionine Restriction Alleviates Choline-Induced Tri-Methylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO) Elevation by Manipulating Gut Microbiota in Mice

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) has been shown to decrease plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels in high-fat diet mice; however, the specific mechanism used is unknown. We speculated that the underlying mechanism is related with the gut microbiota, and this study aimed to confirm the hypothesis. In this study, we initially carried out an in vitro fermentation experiment and found that MR could reduce the ability of gut microbiota found in the contents of healthy mice and the feces of healthy humans to produce trimethylamine (TMA). Subsequently, mice were fed a normal diet (CON, 0.20% choline + 0.86% methionine), high-choline diet (H-CHO, 1.20% choline + 0.86% methionine), or high-choline + methionine-restricted diet (H-CHO+MR, 1.20% choline + 0.17% methionine) for 3 months. Our results revealed that MR decreased plasma TMA and TMAO levels in H-CHO-diet-fed mice without changing hepatic FMO3 gene expression and enzyme activity, significantly decreased TMA levels and expression of choline TMA-lyase (CutC) and its activator CutD, and decreased CutC activity in the intestine. Moreover, MR significantly decreased the abundance of TMA-producing bacteria, including Escherichia-Shigella (Proteobacteria phylum) and Anaerococcus (Firmicutes phylum), and significantly increased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and SCFA levels. Furthermore, both MR and sodium butyrate supplementation significantly inhibited bacterial growth, down-regulated CutC gene expression levels in TMA-producing bacteria, including Escherichia fergusonii ATCC 35469 and Anaerococcus hydrogenalis DSM 7454 and decreased TMA production from bacterial growth under in vitro anaerobic fermentation conditions. In conclusion, dietary MR alleviates choline-induced TMAO elevation by manipulating gut microbiota in mice and may be a promising approach to reducing circulating TMAO levels and TMAO-induced atherosclerosis.

Ganoderma lucidum Ethanol Extraction Promotes Dextran Sulphate Sodium Induced Colitis Recovery and Modulation in Microbiota

Popular edible mushrooms Ganoderma lucidum and Gloeostereum incarnatum can improve physical health as a prebiotic and positively alter intestinal microbiota. Our research investigated the prebiotic effects of Ganoderma lucidum and Gloeostereum incarnatum on colon inflammation through G. lucidum water extraction polysaccharides (GLP), G. incarnatum water extraction polysaccharides (GIP), G. lucidum ethanol extraction (GLE), and G. incarnatum ethanol extraction (GIE) administered in mice after 7 days of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) administration. Among the extracts, GLE showed reduced mortality rates, prevention of weight loss, mitigated colon length shortening, and decreased disease activity indices and histological scores. COX-2, MPO, and iNOS activities and the inflammatory cytokines' expressions were determined to demonstrate the inhibition inflammation by GLE. Meanwhile, GLE upregulated the levels of MUC2, ZO-1, claudin-3, and occluding to protect the intestinal barrier. Furthermore, GLE modulated the composition of gut microbiota disturbed by DSS, as it decreased the abundance of Bacteroides, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia_Shigella, and increased Turicibacter and Bifidobacterium. Through cell experiment, GLE had a positive influence on adherens junction, tight junction, and TRAF6/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, GLE supplementation promotes DSS-induced colitis recovery by regulating inflammatory cytokines, preserving the intestinal mucosal barrier, positively modulating microbiota changes, and positively influences immune response in TRAF6/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Expansion of Escherichia-Shigella in Gut Is Associated with the Onset and Response to Immunosuppressive Therapy of IgA Nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Gut dysbiosis is postulated to participate in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). However, the key bacterial taxa closely associated with IgAN onset and treatment response have not been identified.

METHODS

We recruited 127 patients with IgAN who were treatment naive and 127 matched healthy controls (HCs) who were randomly divided into discovery and validation cohorts to investigate the characteristics of their gut microbiota and establish a bacterial diagnosis model for IgAN. A separate cohort of 56 patients and HCs was investigated to assess crossregional validation. A further 40 patients with primary membranous nephropathy (MN) were enrolled to probe disease-specific validation. A subgroup of 77 patients was prospectively followed to further dissect the association between alterations in gut microbiota and treatment response after 6 months of immunosuppressive therapy. Fecal microbiota samples were collected from all participants and analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Decreased α-diversity (Shannon, P=0.03), altered microbial composition (Adonis, P=0.0001), and a striking expansion of the taxonomic chain Proteobacteria-Gammaproteobacteria-Enterobacteriales-Enterobacteriaceae-Escherichia-Shigella (all P<0.001) were observed in patients with IgAN who were treatment naive, which reversed only in patients who achieved clinical remission after 6 months of immunosuppressive therapy. Importantly, seven operational taxa units, of which Escherichia-Shigella contributed the most, were determined to be the optimal bacterial classifier of IgAN (AUC=0.8635, 0.8551, 0.8026 in discovery, validation, and cross-regional validation sets, respectively), but did not effectively distinguish patients with IgAN versus those with MN (AUC=0.6183). Bacterial function prediction further verified enrichment of the shigellosis infection pathway in IgAN.

CONCLUSION

Gut dysbiosis, characterized by a striking expansion of genus Escherichia-Shigella, is a hallmark of patients with IgAN and may serve as a promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for IgAN. Further studies are warranted to investigate the potential contribution of Escherichia-Shigella in IgAN pathogenesis.

Dietary Oxidized Cholesterol Aggravates Chemically Induced Murine Colon Inflammation and Alters Gut Microbial Ecology

Western diet with a higher intake of fat and cholesterol has been claimed as an intestinal inflammation trigger. Human diet contains both cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol. Oxidized cholesterol has been claimed to be associated with various inflammation diseases, but its effects on colitis and gut microbiome remain largely unknown. The present study was the first time to investigate the effect of the oxidized cholesterol on gut microbiota and dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis using mice as a model. The results showed that oxidized cholesterol promoted colitis by exacerbating bleeding, body weight decrease, colon shortening, gut barrier damage, oxidative stress, and gut inflammation, whereas non-oxidized cholesterol had no effect. Meanwhile, oxidized cholesterol could adversely modulate the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria (including Escherichia-Shigella and Bacteroides) and decreasing that of beneficial bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Odoribacter). In addition, oxidized cholesterol significantly reduced the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids in colitis mice. It was concluded that oxidized cholesterol was a potential dietary factor of gut dysbiosis.

Improving the digestive stability and prebiotic effect of carboxymethyl chitosan by grafting with gallic acid: In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation evaluation

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) is a useful polysaccharide with potential applications in food, cosmetic and biomedical industries. Nonetheless, CMCS is unfavorable for maintaining intestinal flora balance. In this study, gallic acid (GA) was grafted with CMCS through ascorbic acid/hydrogen peroxide initiated graft copolymerization reaction, producing GA grafted CMCS (GA-g-CMCS). The digestive and fermentative behavior of CMCS and GA-g-CMCS were investigated by using in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation models. Results showed that the average molecular weight (M_w) of CMCS gradually decreased during saliva-gastro-intestinal digestion, changing from original sheet-like morphology to porous and rod-like fragments. However, the M_w and morphology of GA-g-CMCS were almost unchanged under saliva-gastro-intestinal digestion. Meanwhile, the grafted GA moiety was not released from GA-g-CMCS during saliva-gastro-intestinal digestion. As compared with CMCS fermentation, GA-g-CMCS fermentation significantly suppressed the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, Paeniclostridium, Parabacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, UBA1819 and Butyricimonas, while facilitated the relative abundance of Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Fusobacterium and Lachnospira. In addition, GA-g-CMCS fermentation significantly enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids. These findings suggested that the digestive stability and prebiotic effect of CMCS were improved by grafting with GA.

Clostridium butyricum and Its Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Gut Homeostasis and Ameliorate Acute Experimental Colitis

Microbiological treatments are expected to have a role in the future management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) is a probiotic microorganism that exhibits beneficial effects on various disease conditions. Although many studies have revealed that C. butyricum provides protective effects in mice with colitis, the way C. butyricum establishes beneficial results in the host remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which C. butyricum modifies the gut microbiota, produces bacterial metabolites that may be involved, and, specifically, how microbial extracellular vesicles (EVs) positively influence IBD, using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis murine model in mice. First, we showed that C. butyricum provides a protective effect against colitis, as evidenced by the prevention of body weight loss, a reduction in the disease activity index (DAI) score, a shortened colon length, decreased histology score, and an improved gut barrier function, accompanied by reduced levels of pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia/Shigella, and an increased relative abundance of butyrate-producing Clostridium sensu stricto-1 and Butyricicoccus. Second, we also confirmed that the gut microbiota and metabolites produced by C. butyricum played key roles in the attenuation of DSS-induced experimental colitis, as supported by the profound alleviation of colitis effects following fecal transplantation or fecal filtrate insertion supplied from C. butyricum-treated mice. Finally, C. butyricum-derived EVs protected the gut barrier function, improved gut microbiota homeostasis in ulcerative colitis, and contributed to overall colitis alleviation.

IMPORTANCE This study indicated that C. butyricum provided a prevention effect against colitis mice, which involved protection of the intestinal barrier and positively regulating gut microbiota. Furthermore, we confirmed that the gut microbiota and metabolites that were induced by C. butyricum also contributed to the attenuation of DSS-induced colitis. Importantly, C. butyricum-derived EVs showed an effective impact in alleviating colitis.

Dietary Inclusion of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Mitigates Foodborne Enteritis in Zebrafish Through the Gut-Liver Immune Axis

To help prevent foodborne enteritis in aquaculture, several feed additives, such as herbal medicine, have been added to fish diets. Predictions of effective herb medicines for treating fish foodborne enteritis from key regulated DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in transcriptomic data can aid in the development of feed additives using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database. Seabuckthorn has been assessed as a promising candidate for treating grass carp soybean-induced enteritis (SBMIE). In the present study, the SBMIE zebrafish model was used to assess seabuckthorn’s therapeutic or preventative effects. The results showed that intestinal and hepatic inflammation was reduced when seabuckthorn was added, either pathologically (improved intestinal villi morphology, less oil-drops) or growth-related (body fat deposition). Moreover, seabuckthorn may block the intestinal p53 signaling pathway, while activating the PPAR signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism in the liver. 16S rRNA gene sequencing results also indicated a significant increase in OTU numbers and skewed overlapping with the fish meal group following the addition of seabuckthorn. Additionally, there were signs of altered gut microbiota taxa composition, particularly for reduced TM7, Sphingomonas, and Shigella, following the addition of seabuckthorn. Hindgut imaging of fluorescent immune cells in SBMIE larvae revealed the immune regulatory mechanisms at the cellular level. Seabuckthorn may significantly inhibit the inflammatory gathering of neutrophils, macrophages, and mature T cells, as well as cellular protrusions’ formation. On the other hand, in larvae, seabuckthorn inhibited the inflammatory aggregation of lck⁺ T cells but not immature lymphocytes, indicating that it affected intestinal adaptive immunity. Although seabuckthorn did not affect the distribution of intestinal CD4⁺ cells, the number of hepatic CD4⁺ cells were reduced in fish from the seabuckthorn supplementation group. Thus, the current data indicate that seabuckthorn may alleviate foodborne gut-liver symptoms by enhancing intestinal mucosal immunity and microbiota while simultaneously inhibiting hepatic adipose disposition, making it a potential additive for preventing fish foodborne gut-liver symptoms.

A Correlation Study of the Microbiota Between Oral Cavity and Tonsils in Children With Tonsillar Hypertrophy

Tonsillar hypertrophy is a common disease in 3-to-6-year-old children, which may cause serve symptoms like airway obstruction. Microbiological factors play an important role in the etiology of tonsillar hypertrophy. As the starting point of digestive and respiratory tracts, the microbial composition of the oral cavity is not only unique but also closely related to the resident microbiota in other body sites. Here we reported a correlation study of the microbiota between oral cavity and tonsils in children with tonsillar hypertrophy. Saliva, supragingival plaque, and wiped samples from the tonsil surface were collected from both tonsillar hypertrophy patients and participants with healthy tonsils and were then analyzed using Illumina Miseq Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. In the tonsillar hypertrophic state, more genera were detected on the tonsil surface than in the tonsil parenchyma, with more intra-microbiota correlations. When tonsillar hypertrophy occurred, both the oral cavity and tonsil surface endured microbiome shift with increased genera category and more active bacterial interactions. Over half of the newly detected genera from the tonsillar hypertrophic state were associated with infection and inflammation process or exhibited antibiotic-resistant characters. Of each individual, the microbial composition and structure of saliva seemed more similar to that of the tonsil surface, compared with the supragingival plaque. In salivary microbiota, genus Johnsonella might be relative with the healthy state of tonsils, while Pseudoxanthomonas might be relative with tonsillar hypertrophy. Our study supported the link between oral microbiota with the healthy and hypertrophic states of tonsils and may provide new directions for future researches in the specific role of oral microbiota in the etiology of tonsil diseases.

Crohn's disease therapeutic dietary intervention (CD-TDI): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Dietary patterns that might induce remission in patients with active Crohn's disease (CD) are of interest to patients, but studies are limited in the published literature. We aim to explore the efficacy of the CD therapeutic dietary intervention (CD-TDI), a novel dietary approach developed from best practices and current evidence, to induce clinical and biomarker remission in adult patients with active CD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a 13-week, multicentre, randomised controlled trial in patients with mild-to-moderate active CD at baseline. One hundred and two patients will be block randomised, by sex, 2:1 to the intervention (CD-TDI) or conventional management. Coprimary outcomes are clinical and biomarker remission, defined as a Harvey Bradshaw Index of <5 and a faecal calprotectin of <250 µg/g, respectively.Secondary outcomes include gut microbiota diversity and composition, faecal short-chain fatty acids, regulatory macrophage function, serum and faecal metabolomics, C reactive protein, peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression profiles, quality of life, sedentary time and physical activity at 7 and/or 13 weeks. Predictive models of clinical response to a CD-TDI will be investigated.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The research protocol was approved by the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board at the University of Calgary (REB19-0402) and the Health Research Ethics Board-Biomedical Panel at the University of Alberta (Pro00090772). Study findings will be presented at national and international conferences, submitted for publication in abstracts and manuscripts, shared on social media and disseminated through patient-education materials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04596566.

Diagnostic model for predicting hyperuricemia based on alterations of the gut microbiome in individuals with different serum uric acid levels

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the differences in the gut microbiome among participants with different uric acid levels (hyperuricemia [HUA] patients, low serum uric acid [LSU] patients, and controls with normal levels) and to develop a model to predict HUA based on microbial biomarkers.

METHODS

We sequenced the V3-V4 variable region of the 16S rDNA gene in 168 fecal samples from HUA patients (n=50), LSU patients (n=61), and controls (n=57). We then analyzed the differences in the gut microbiome between these groups. To identify gut microbial biomarkers, the 107 HUA patients and controls were randomly divided (2:1) into development and validation groups and 10-fold cross-validation of a random forest model was performed. We then established three diagnostic models: a clinical model, microbial biomarker model, and combined model.

RESULTS

The gut microbial α diversity, in terms of the Shannon and Simpson indices, was decreased in LSU and HUA patients compared to controls, but only the decreases in the HUA group were significant (P=0.0029 and P=0.013, respectively). The phylum Proteobacteria (P<0.001) and genus Bacteroides (P=0.02) were significantly increased in HUA patients compared to controls, while the genus Ruminococcaceae_Ruminococcus was decreased (P=0.02). Twelve microbial biomarkers were identified. The area under the curve (AUC) for these biomarkers in the development group was 84.9% (P<0.001). Notably, an AUC of 89.1% (P<0.001) was achieved by combining the microbial biomarkers and clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined model is a reliable tool for predicting HUA and could be used to assist in the clinical evaluation of patients and prevention of HUA.

Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides and ethanol extracts promote the recovery of colitis through intestinal barrier protection and gut microbiota modulations

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with intestinal homeostasis dysregulation and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Ganoderma applanatum extracts (G. applanatum polysaccharides (GAP) and 75% ethanol extracts (GAE)) on colon inflammation and elucidate the therapeutic mechanism. GAP and GAE showed considerable protective effects against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, as demonstrated by reduced mortality, body weight, disease activity index score, colon length, and histological score. Through GAP and GAE administration, the destroyed intestinal barrier recovered to normal, as did intestinal inflammation. We also confirmed that GAP administration promoted the recovery of colitis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. The similarity between GAP and GAE administration was that they both altered the disordered gut microbiota damaged by DSS, exhibiting reduced abundance of Escherichia_Shigella, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus, but the modulation of the gut microbiota was distinct between GAP and GAE.

Sinomenine Hydrochloride Ameliorates Fish Foodborne Enteritis via α7nAchR-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory Effect Whilst Altering Microbiota Composition

Foodborne intestinal inflammation is a major health and welfare issue in aquaculture. To prevent enteritis, various additives have been incorporated into the fish diet. Considering anti-inflammatory immune regulation, an effective natural compound could potentially treat or prevent intestinal inflammation. Our previous study has revealed galantamine’s effect on soybean induced enteritis (SBMIE) and has highlighted the possible role of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in the fish gut. To further activate the intestinal cholinergic related anti-inflammatory function, α7nAchR signaling was considered. In this study, sinomenine, a typical agonist of α7nAChR in mammals, was tested to treat fish foodborne enteritis via its potential anti-inflammation effect using the zebrafish foodborne enteritis model. After sinomenine’s dietary inclusion, results suggested that there was an alleviation of intestinal inflammation at a pathological level. This outcome was demonstrated through the improved morphology of intestinal villi. At a molecular level, SN suppressed inflammatory cytokines’ expression (especially for tnf-α) and upregulated anti-inflammation-related functions (indicated by expression of il-10, il-22, and foxp3a). To systematically understand sinomenine’s intestinal effect on SBMIE, transcriptomic analysis was done on the SBMIE adult fish model. DEGs (sinomenine vs soybean meal groups) were enriched in GO terms related to the negative regulation of lymphocyte/leukocyte activation and alpha-beta T cell proliferation, as well as the regulation of lymphocyte migration. The KEGG pathways for glycolysis and insulin signaling indicated metabolic adjustments of α7nAchR mediated anti-inflammatory effect. To demonstrate the immune cells’ response, in the SBMIE larva model, inflammatory gatherings of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes caused by soybean meal could be relieved significantly with the inclusion of sinomenine. This was consistent within the sinomenine group as CD4⁺ or Foxp3⁺ lymphocytes were found with a higher proportion at the base of mucosal folds, which may suggest the Treg population. Echoing, the sinomenine group’s 16s sequencing result, there were fewer enteritis-related TM7, Sphingomonas and Shigella, but more Cetobacterium, which were related to glucose metabolism. Our findings indicate that sinomenine hydrochloride could be important in the prevention of fish foodborne enteritis at both immune and microbiota levels.

Diet and gut microbiota manipulation for the management of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

The aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is multifactorial, with diet and gut microbiota playing an important role. Nonetheless, there are very few studies, particularly clinical research, which have explored the interaction between diet and gut microbiota. In the current review, we summarise the evidence from clinical trials exploring the interactions between the gut microbiota and diet in the management of IBD. Data from the effect of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) on the gut microbiota of children with active Crohn's disease (CD), receiving induction treatment, offer opportunities to understand the role of gut microbiota in underlying disease pathogenesis and develop novel dietary and pharmacological microbial therapeutics. In contrast, the evidence which links the effectiveness of food-based dietary therapies for IBD with mechanisms involving the gut microbiota is far less convincing. The microbial signals arising from these dietary therapies are inconsistent and vary compared to the effects of effective treatment with EEN in CD.

The Effect of Dietary Interventions on Chronic Inflammatory Diseases in Relation to the Microbiome: A Systematic Review

Chronic inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of various non-communicable diseases. Dietary interventions can reduce inflammation, in part due to their effect on the gut microbiome. This systematic review aims to determine the effect of dietary interventions, specifically fiber intake, on chronic inflammatory diseases and the microbiome. It aims to form hypotheses on the potential mediating effects of the microbiome on disease outcomes after dietary changes. Included were clinical trials which performed a dietary intervention with a whole diet change or fiber supplement (>5 g/day) and investigated the gut microbiome in patients diagnosed with chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)). The 30 articles which met the inclusion criteria had an overall moderate to high risk of bias and were too heterogeneous to perform a meta-analysis. Dietary interventions were stratified based on fiber intake: low fiber, high fiber, and supplemental fiber. Overall, but most pronounced in patients with T2DM, high-fiber plant-based dietary interventions were consistently more effective at reducing disease-specific outcomes and pathogenic bacteria, as well as increasing microbiome alpha diversity and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, compared to other diets and fiber supplements.

Serum metabolome and gut microbiome alterations in broiler chickens supplemented with lauric acid

Antibiotic overuse in poultry husbandry poses a potential threat to meat safety and human health. Lauric acid (LA) is a primary medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) with a strong antibacterial capacity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of LA on the growth performance, immune responses, serum metabolism, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. One-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups: CON, fed a basal diet; ANT, a basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg antibiotic; LA500, a basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg LA; LA1000, a basal diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg LA. The feeding period was 42 d. The results showed that LA significantly improved broiler growth and immune functions, as evidenced by increased body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), enhanced intestinal mucosal barrier, upregulated immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgY), and downregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10) (P < 0.05). HPLC/MS-based metabolome analysis revealed that the serum metabolites in the LA group differed from those of CON and ANT groups. LA markedly decreased the abundance of phosphatidylcholines (PCs), increased lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs), and inhibited the sphingolipid metabolism pathway, indicating its capacity to modulate lipid metabolism. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that LA significantly altered cecal microbiota composition by reducing Phascolarctobacterium, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Bacteroides, and increasing Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis revealed that changes in metabolism and microbiota were highly correlated with the growth and immune indices; strong links were also found between lipid metabolism and microbial composition. Taken together, LA promotes broiler growth and immune functions by regulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. The above findings highlight the substantial potential of LA as a supplement in poultry diets and provide a new strategy to reduce antibiotic usage and improve food safety.

The role of precision nutrition in the modulation of microbial composition and function in people with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases, principally Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are multifactorial chronic conditions. Alterations in gut microbial patterns partly affect disease onset and severity. Moreover, the evolution of dietary patterns, and their effect on gut microbial behaviour, have been shown to play a crucial role in disease processes. This Viewpoint reviews the role of dietary patterns, their influence on the structure and function of the gut microbiome, and their effects on inflammation and immunity in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. We also discuss innovative dietary intervention strategies, summarise findings that have been used to develop recommendations for clinical practice, and provide suggestions for the design of future studies for development of precision nutrition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Ramulus mori polysaccharide-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and their anti-inflammatory effects in vivo

In this study, ramulus mori polysaccharide (RMP) was encapsulated into Poly (lactic-co-glycolicacid) (PLGA) to form PLGA-RMP (PR). The aim of study is to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of PR. The particle size of PR nanoparticles was approximately 205.6 ± 1.86 nm. PR nanoparticles showed significant therapeutic effects on colitis mice model, evidenced by attenuation of the loss of body weight, reduction of the DAI score, and restoration of the colon length. From the histopathological analysis, alleviation of the histopathological damage, less production of IFN-γ and IL-6, and improvement of IL-10 were observed with the treatment of PR. Meanwhile, the treatment of PR not only promoted the expression of ZO-1 and occludin, but also improved the contents of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in the colitis colon. Furthermore, PR extenuated the reduction of the diversity and richness of gut microbiota induced by DSS, and decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes while increasing the proportion of Clostridium XIVa, Mucispirillum, and Paraprevotella in the gut microbiota. What's more, PR nanoparticles attenuated the metabolic disorders in the colitis colon induced by DSS. These results indicated that PR nanoparticles could serve as a potent nanomedicine to treat IBD and be used as potential prebiotics.

Sex-Specific Differences in the Gut Microbiome in Response to Dietary Fiber Supplementation in IL-10-Deficient Mice

There is growing interest in studying dietary fiber to stimulate microbiome changes that might prevent or alleviate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, dietary fiber effects have shown varying degrees of efficacy, for reasons that are unclear. This study examined whether the effects of isomaltodextrin on gut microbiota and IBD were dependent on dose or host sex, using an Interleukin (IL)-10 deficient murine colitis model. After 12 weeks, colonic IL-12p70 was depressed in male mice receiving high-dose isomaltodextrin supplementation compared to the control group (p = 0.04). Male mice receiving high-dose isomaltodextrin exhibited changes in microbial alpha-diversity, including enhanced richness and evenness (p = 0.01) and limited reduction in the relative abundance of Coprococcus (q = 0.08), compared to the control group. These microbial compositional changes were negatively associated with IL-12p70 levels in the male group (rs ≤ −0.51, q ≤ 0.08). In contrast, female mice receiving isomaltodextrin displayed a reduction in alpha-diversity and Coprococcus abundance and a high level of IL-12p70, as did the control group. Together, these results indicate that isomaltodextrin altered the gut microbial composition linking specific immune-regulatory cytokine responses, while the interactions among fiber, microbiota and immune response were dose dependent and largely sex specific. The results further indicate that interactions between environmental and host factors can affect microbiome manipulation in the host.