The therapeutic potential of manipulating gut microbiota in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Understanding the cause of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes has long been thought to have heterogenous causes, even though epidemiological studies uniformly show a tight relationship with overnutrition. The twin cycle hypothesis postulated that interaction of self-reinforcing cycles of fat accumulation inside the liver and pancreas, driven by modest but chronic positive calorie balance, could explain the development of type 2 diabetes. This hypothesis predicted that substantial weight loss would bring about a return to the non-diabetic state, permitting observation of the pathophysiology determining the transition. These changes were postulated to reflect the basic mechanisms of causation in reverse. A series of studies over the past 15 years has elucidated these underlying mechanisms. Together with other research, the interaction of environmental and genetic factors has been clarified. This knowledge has led to successful implementation of a national programme for remission of type 2 diabetes. This Review discusses the paucity of evidence for heterogeneity in causes of type 2 diabetes and summarises the in vivo pathophysiological changes, which cause this disease of overnutrition. Type 2 diabetes has a homogenous cause expressed in genetically heterogenous individuals.

Longitudinal gut microbial signals are associated with weight loss: insights from a digital therapeutics program

Introduction

The gut microbiome's influence on weight management has gained significant interest for its potential to support better obesity therapeutics. Patient stratification leading to personalized nutritional intervention has shown benefits over one-size-fit-all diets. However, the efficacy and impact on the gut's microbiome of personalizing weight loss diets based on individual factors remains under-investigated.

Methods

This study assessed the impact of Digbi Health's personalized dietary and lifestyle program on weight loss and the gut microbiome end-points in 103 individuals. Participants' weight loss patterns and gut microbiome profiles were analyzed from baseline to follow-up samples.

Results

Specific microbial genera, functional pathways, and communities associated with BMI changes and the program's effectiveness were identified. 80% of participants achieved weight loss. Analysis of the gut microbiome identified genera and functional pathways associated with a reduction in BMI, including Akkermansia, Christensenella, Oscillospiraceae, Alistipes, and Sutterella, short-chain fatty acid production, and degradation of simple sugars like arabinose, sucrose, and melibiose. Network analysis identified a microbiome community associated with BMI, which includes multiple taxa known for associations with BMI and obesity.

Discussion

The personalized dietary and lifestyle program positively impacted the gut microbiome and demonstrated significant associations between gut microbial changes and weight loss. These findings support the use of the gut microbiome as an endpoint in weight loss interventions, highlighting potential microbiome biomarkers for further research.

Global research trends in regulating gut microbiome to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus: bibliometrics and visual analysis

Background

Gut microbiome (GM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have two-way effects. Improving T2DM by modulating GM in various ways, such as diet, exercise, and medication, is gradually becoming popular, and related studies have yielded positive results. However, there is still a lack of high-quality bibliometric analyses of research in this area. This study aims to systematize and comprehensively summarize the knowledge structure, research tropics, and research trends of GM and T2DM through bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Publications related to GM and T2DM before January 9, 2024, in the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) were searched in this study. Microsoft Excel 2019 was used to analyze publishing trends and CiteSpace (v.6.1.R6 Advanced) was used to analyze institutions, cited journals, references, and keywords.SCImago Graphica (v.1.0.39) was used to analyze countries/regions, institutions' collaborations, cited authors, and published journals.

Results

We finally included 1004 articles published from 2008 to 2023. The number of published articles showed an upward trend and reached its peak in 2022. China is the country with the largest number of articles, Univ Copenhagen is the institution with the largest number of articles, Fukui, Michiaki, Hamaguchi, Masahide are the scholars with the largest number of articles, and Cani and Patrice D. are the scholars with the largest number of citations. NUTRIENTS(Q1/5.9) published the most publications, while Nature (Q1/64.8; Cited 804 times) is the most frequently cited journal. Gut microbiota, Obesity, and insulin resistance are the most frequently used keywords. This study found that current researches focus on the effects of diet, exercise, and pharmacological modification of GM to improve T2DM and explores specific mechanisms. Future researches will focus on three areas: complications of T2DM and specific physiological processes, methods and measures to regulate GM, and new experimental techniques and assays.

Conclusion

The current researches confirmed the effects and specific mechanisms of modulating GM to improve T2DM. Further exploration of the effects of modulating GM on T2DM complications and specific physiologic processes is a future trend of research. Exploring specific methods for regulating GM and developing new experimental techniques and assays are important for future research.

The effects of policosanol supplementation on blood glucose: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Previous studies have assessed how supplementing with policosanol affects blood sugar levels. The outcomes, nevertheless, were not constant. Multiple electronic databases were searched including ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus until February 9, 2023. To assess the effects of policosanol on glucose, we employed a random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analysis approach to examine the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and associated 95 % confidence intervals (CI) before and after policosanol and placebo administration. The final analysis comprised a total of 25 trials with 2680 participants. Compared to the control group, policosanol supplementation significantly reduced blood glucose levels (WMD: -2.24 mg/dl; 95 % CI: -4.05, -0.42, P = 0.01). Findings from subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction of policosanol supplementation on glucose levels in period of less than 24 weeks, and in individuals below 50 years of age. Additionally, the reduction was statistically significant in dosage of 10 mg/day. Our dose-response analysis indicates no evidence of a non-linear relationship between policosanol dose and duration and changes in glucose levels (P-nonlinearity = 0.52, and P-nonlinearity = 0.52, respectively). Policosanol supplementation might improve blood glucose. Further trials with more complex designs are required to confirm the findings.

Omeprazole and risk of osteoarthritis: insights from a mendelian randomization study in the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

A former cohort study has raised concern regarding the unanticipated hazard of omeprazole in expediting osteoarthritis (OA) advancement. The precise nature of their causal evidence, however, remains undetermined. The present research endeavors to investigate the underlying causal link between omeprazole and OA through the application of mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

METHODS

The study incorporated the ukb-a-106 and ukb-b-14,486 datasets. The investigation of causal effects employed methodologies such as MR-Egger, Weighted median, Inverse variance weighted (IVW) with multiplicative random effects, and IVW (fixed effects). The IVW approach was predominantly considered for result interpretation. Sensitivity analysis was conducted, encompassing assessments for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and the Leave-one-out techniques.

RESULTS

The outcomes of the MR analysis indicated a causal relationship between omeprazole and OA, with omeprazole identified as a contributing risk factor for OA development (IVW model: OR = 1.2473, P < 0.01 in ukb-a-106; OR = 1.1288, P < 0.05 in ukb-b-14,486). The sensitivity analysis underscored the robustness and dependability of the above-mentioned analytical findings.

CONCLUSION

This study, employing MR, reveals that omeprazole, as an exposure factor, elevates the risk of OA. Considering the drug's efficacy and associated adverse events, clinical practitioners should exercise caution regarding prolonged omeprazole use, particularly in populations with heightened OA risks. Further robust and high-quality research is warranted to validate our findings and guide clinical practice.

Gut microbiota and risk of coronary heart disease: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background

The relationship between gut microbiota composition and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been recently reported in several observational studies. However, the causal effect of gut microbiota on coronary heart disease is uncharted.

Objective

This study attempted to investigate the effect of gut microbiota on coronary heart disease by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Through the two-sample MR method, single-nucleotide polymorphisms relevant to gut microbiota were selected as instrument variables to evaluate the causal association between gut microbiota and the risk of CHD.

Results

According to the selection criteria of the inverse variance-weighted average method, Class Actinobacteria, Class Lentisphaeria, Family Clostridiales vadinBB60group, Genus Clostridium innocuum group, Genus Bifidobacterium, Genus Butyricicoccus, Genus Oxalobacter, Genus Turicibacter, and Order Victivallales, presented a suggestive association with coronary heart disease.

Conclusion

This two-sample Mendelian randomization study found that gut microbiota was causally associated with coronary heart disease. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the protective effect of probiotics on coronary heart disease and their specific protective mechanisms.

Myricetin alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy by regulating gut microbiota and their metabolites

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Myricetin protects cardiac function in DCM. However, the low bioavailability of myricetin fails to explain its pharmacological mechanisms thoroughly. Research has shown that myricetin has a positive effect on the gut microbiota. We hypothesize that myricetin improves the development of DCM via regulating gut microbiota.

METHODS

DCM mice were induced with streptozotocin and fed a high-fat diet, and then treated with myricetin by gavage and high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Indexes related to gut microbiota composition, cardiac structure, cardiac function, intestinal barrier function, and inflammation were detected. Moreover, the gut contents were transplanted to DCM mice, and the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on DCM mice was assessed.

RESULTS

Myricetin could improve cardiac function in DCM mice by decreasing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The composition of gut microbiota, especially for short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria involving Roseburia, Faecalibaculum, and Bifidobacterium, was more abundant by myricetin treatment in DCM mice. Myricetin increased occludin expression and the number of goblet cells in DCM mice. Compared with DCM mice unfed with gut content, the cardiac function, number of goblet cells, and expression of occludin in DCM mice fed by gut contents were elevated, while cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and TLR4/MyD88 pathway-related proteins were decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Myricetin can prevent DCM development by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota and restoring the gut barrier function.

Unveiling the potential of linseed mucilage, its health benefits, and applications in food packaging

Industrial waste products derived from the oil industry often contain valuable substances and elements with great potential. These by-products can be used for various purposes, including as nutrients, bioactive compounds, fuels, and polymers. Linseed mucilage (LM) is one such example of a beneficial by-product obtained from linseed. It possesses favorable chemical and functional properties, depending on its method of extraction. Different pretreatments, such as enzymatic extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pulse electric field, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, have been explored by various researchers to enhance both the yield and quality of mucilage. Furthermore, LM has exhibited therapeutic effects in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, constipation, hyperlipidemia, cancer, and other lifestyle diseases. Additionally, it demonstrates favorable functional characteristics that make it suitable to be used in bioplastic production. These properties preserve food quality, prolong shelf life, and confer antimicrobial activity. It also has the potential to be used as a packaging material, especially considering the increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to plastics because of their detrimental impact on environmental health. This review primarily focuses on different extraction techniques used for linseed mucilage, its mechanism of action in terms of health benefits, and potential applications in food packaging.

Short-Term Effects of Weight-Loss Meal Replacement Programs with Various Macronutrient Distributions on Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Parameters: A Pilot Study

It has emerged the gut microbiome is crucially linked to metabolic health and obesity. Macronutrient distribution has been discussed as a key parameter in weight-loss programs, but little is known about its impact on the gut microbiome. We investigated the effects of weight-loss meal replacement programs with different macronutrient ratios on the gut microbiota and metabolic parameters in subjects with overweight and obesity. Three low-calorie meal replacement programs with different ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids were designed: a balanced diet (Group B, 60:15:30), a high-lipid-low-carbohydrate diet (Group F, 35:20:55), and a protein-enriched diet (Group P, 40:25:35). Sixty overweight or obese participants were provided with the meals twice daily for 3 weeks. In all groups, diet intervention resulted in reduced body weight and BMI. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla decreased and increased, respectively, which increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in all subjects, particularly in Groups B and P. Alpha- and beta-diversity were augmented at the phylum level in Group P. In conclusion, short-term interventions with weight-loss meal replacement programs increased butyrate-producing bacteria and the F/B ratio. Moreover, the protein-enriched diet significantly increased alpha- and beta-diversity compared to the balanced diet and the high-lipid-low-carbohydrate diet.

The Role of PPARγ Gene Polymorphisms, Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes: Current Progress and Future Prospects

Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in studies investigating the relationship between the polymorphisms of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ) gene and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). PPARγ, a critical transcription factor, plays a central role in lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammatory response. Concurrently, the influence of gut microbiota on the development of T2D has gained increasing attention, especially their role in affecting host metabolism, such as lipid metabolism and the PPARγ signaling pathway. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent studies on PPARγ gene polymorphisms and their association with T2D, with a specific emphasis on the implications of gut microbiota and their interaction with PPARγ pathways. We also discuss the potential of manipulating gut microbiota and targeting PPARγ gene polymorphisms in T2D management. By deepening our understanding of these relationships, we aim to pave the way for novel preventative and therapeutic strategies for T2D.

Ameliorating effects of L-carnitine and synbiotic co-supplementation on anthropometric measures and cardiometabolic traits in women with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Obesity, a multifactorial disorder with pandemic dimensions, is conceded a major culprit of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating efficient therapeutic strategies. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are considered promising adjuvant/complementary approaches for weight management in individuals with obesity who have low adherence to conventional treatments. Current literature supports the weight-reducing efficacy of pro/pre/synbiotics or L-carnitine; however, the superiority of the nutraceutical joint supplementation approach over common single therapies to counter obesity and accompanying comorbidities is well documented. This study was designed to assess the effects of L-carnitine single therapy compared with L-carnitine and multistrain/multispecies synbiotic co-supplementation on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indicators in women with obesity.

Methods

The current placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 46 women with obesity, randomly allocated to either concomitant supplementation [L-carnitine tartrate (2 × 500 mg/day) + multistrain/multispecies synbiotic (1 capsule/day)] or monotherapy [L-carnitine tartrate (2 × 500 mg/day) + maltodextrin (1 capsule/day)] groups for 8 weeks. Participants in both groups received healthy eating dietary advice.

Results

Anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic indices significantly improved in both intervention groups; however, L-carnitine + synbiotic co-administration elicited a greater reduction in the anthropometric measures including body mass index (BMI), body weight, and neck, waist, and hip circumferences (p < 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, = 0.012, and =0.030, respectively) after adjusting for probable confounders. Moreover, L-carnitine + synbiotic joint supplementation resulted in a greater reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin (though marginal), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and more increment in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI; p = 0.014, 0.051, 0.024, and 0.019, respectively) compared with the L-carnitine + placebo monosupplementation. No significant intergroup changes were found for the lipid profile biomarkers, except for a greater increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations (HDL-C) in the L-carnitine + synbiotic group (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

L-carnitine + synbiotic co-supplementation was more beneficial in ameliorating anthropometric indices as well as some cardiometabolic parameters compared with L-carnitine single therapy, suggesting that it is a promising adjuvant approach to ameliorate obesity or associated metabolic complications through potential synergistic or complementary mechanisms. Further longer duration clinical trials in a three-group design are demanded to verify the complementary or synergistic mechanisms.

Clinical trial registration

www.irct.ir, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20080904001197N13.

Modulation of Gut Microbiome in Ecstasy/MDMA-Induced Behavioral and Biochemical Impairment in Rats and Potential of Post-Treatment with Anacyclus pyrethrum L. Aqueous Extract to Mitigate Adverse Effects

The use of illicit substances continues to pose a substantial threat to global health, affecting millions of individuals annually. Evidence suggests the existence of a 'brain-gut axis' as the involving connection between the central nervous system and gut microbiome (GM). Dysbiosis of the GM has been associated with the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, including metabolic, malignant, and inflammatory conditions. However, little is currently known about the involvement of this axis in modulating the GM in response to psychoactive substances. In this study, we investigated the effect of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "Ecstasy")-dependence on the behavioral and biochemical responses, and the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiome in rats post-treated (or not) with aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP), which has been reported to exhibit anticonvulsant activity. The dependency was validated using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, behavioral, and biochemical tests, while the gut microbiota was identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The CPP and behavioral tests confirmed the presence of MDMA withdrawal syndrome. Interestingly, treatment with AEAP led to a compositional shift in the GM compared to the MDMA-treated rats. Specifically, the AEAP group yielded a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacter, while animals receiving MDMA had higher levels of E. coli. These findings suggest that A. pyrethrum therapy may directly modulate the gut microbiome, highlighting a potential target for regulating and treating substance use disorders.

The roles of dietary lipids and lipidomics in gut-brain axis in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), one of the main types of Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by dysfunctional pancreatic β-cells and/or peripheral insulin resistance, resulting in impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. Genetic, metabolic, multiple lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors are known as related to high T2DM risk. Dietary lipids and lipid metabolism are significant metabolic modulators in T2DM and T2DM-related complications. Besides, accumulated evidence suggests that altered gut microbiota which plays an important role in the metabolic health of the host contributes significantly to T2DM involving impaired or improved glucose and lipid metabolism. At this point, dietary lipids may affect host physiology and health via interaction with the gut microbiota. Besides, increasing evidence in the literature suggests that lipidomics as novel parameters detected with holistic analytical techniques have important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM, through various mechanisms of action including gut-brain axis modulation. A better understanding of the roles of some nutrients and lipidomics in T2DM through gut microbiota interactions will help develop new strategies for the prevention and treatment of T2DM. However, this issue has not yet been entirely discussed in the literature. The present review provides up-to-date knowledge on the roles of dietary lipids and lipidomics in gut-brain axis in T2DM and some nutritional strategies in T2DM considering lipids- lipidomics and gut microbiota interactions are given.

Hypoglycemic mechanisms of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide in db/db mice via regulation of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway and alteration of gut microbiota

Polygonatum rhizoma polysaccharide (PP) is a main ingredient of Polygonatum rhizoma , which is both food and traditional herbal medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of PP and the underlying mechanisms in db/db mice. Our finding showed that PP significantly ameliorates diabetic symptoms by reducing glucose levels in blood and urine and increasing insulin and leptin abundance in the serum. Histopathological examination revealed that PP improved the pathological state and increased hepatic glycogen storage in liver. Additionally, RT-qPCR results indicated that PP significantly down-regulated the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1. Furthermore, 16s rRNA sequencing results demonstrated that PP intervention resulted in an increase in beneficial bacteria genus and a reduction in harmful genus. Redundancy analysis revealed the correlation between intestinal flora and clinical factors. Taken together, these results suggest that PP has a significant hypoglycemic effect on type 2 diabetes (T2D) through up-regulating serum insulin and leptin, as well as hepatic glycogen storage, and down-regulating hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 expression, as well as modulating gut microbiota composition. In conclusion, this study investigated the mechanisms of PP in the treatment of diabetes in db/db mice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the positive and negative correlations between gut microbiota and clinical factors, such as oxidative stress injury in liver and glucose related indicators in the blood.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases represent a complex array of diseases of incompletely known etiology that led to gastrointestinal tract chronic inflammation. In inflammatory bowel disease, a promising method of treatment is represented by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), FMT has shown its increasing effectiveness and safety in recent years for recurrent CDI; moreover, it showed real clinical benefits in treating SARS-CoV-2 and CDI co-infection. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are characterized by immune dysregulation, resulting in digestive tract damage caused by immune responses. Most current therapeutic strategies are associated with high costs and many adverse effects by directly targeting the immune response, so modifying the microbial environment by FMT offers an alternative approach that could indirectly influence the host’s immune system in a safe way. Studies outline the endoscopic and clinical improvements in UC and CD in FMT patients versus control groups. This review outlines the multiple benefits of FMT in the case of IBD by improving patients unbalanced gut, therefore improving endoscopic and clinical symptomatology. We aim to emphasize the clinical importance and benefits of FMT in order to prevent flares or complications of IBD and to highlight that further validation is needed for establishing a clinical protocol for FMT in IBD.

The effects of soymilk plus probiotics supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess the effects of soymilk plus probiotics co-administration on cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM patients.

METHODS

One hundred patients with T2DM (aged 40-75 years old) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (soymilk + probiotics supplement, soymilk + placebo, conventional milk + placebo, and probiotics supplement) for 6 weeks. Standard protocols were followed for the collection of fasting blood samples, dietary intakes, and anthropometric measurements.

RESULTS

It was shown that soymilk + probiotics consumption significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.01), and insulin (P < 0.003) levels and significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.002) levels. Soymilk + placebo administration significantly decreased DBP (p = 0.01), insulin (p = 0.006), and TG (p = 0.001) levels and significantly increased HDL-C (p = 0.03) levels. A significant decrease in insulin (p = 0.003) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.01) levels and an increase in HDL-C (p = 0.04) levels were observed after supplementation with probiotics. Findings from between-group comparisons showed a significant decrease in SBP levels in the probiotics supplement group compared to conventional milk group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Soymilk and probiotics consumption might improve some cardiovascular risk factors in patients with T2DM. However, possible synergic effects while consumption of soymilk plus probiotics supplement didn't show in this study which warranted further research.

Prebiotic properties of the polysaccharide from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit and its protective effects in high-fat diet-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction: A fecal microbiota transplantation study

Polysaccharide from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit (RTFP) ameliorates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced colitis in mice. However, it is still unknown whether the gut microbiota can mediate the anti-colitis effects of RTFP in mice. This research aims to investigate the role of gut microbes in modulating RTFP in colitis mice through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The findings demonstrated that RTFP exhibited prebiotic effects on HFD-induced colitis mice. After FMT treatment (transplatation of the microbiota from the fecal sample to each recipient daily), the fecal microbiota of RTFP-treated donor mice remarkably alleviated colitis-related symptoms (e.g., colonic inflammation, loss of body weight, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and loss of barrier integrity) and upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins compared to the HFD-treated donor mice. Overall, RTFP can reduce the severity of HFD-induced colitis by regulating gut microbiota.

Dynamic changes of gut fungal community in horse at different health states

Accumulating studies indicated that gut microbial changes played key roles in the progression of multiple diseases, which seriously threaten the host health. Gut microbial dysbiosis is closely associated with the development of diarrhea, but gut microbial composition and variability in diarrheic horses have not been well characterized. Here, we investigated gut fungal compositions and changes in healthy and diarrheic horses using amplicon sequencing. Results indicated that the alpha and beta diversities of gut fungal community in diarrheal horses changed significantly, accompanied by distinct changes in taxonomic compositions. The types of main fungal phyla (Neocallimastigomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota) in healthy and diarrheal horses were same but different in relative abundances. However, the species and abundances of dominant fungal genera in diarrheal horses changed significantly compared with healthy horses. Results of Metastats analysis indicated that all differential fungal phyla (Blastocladiomycota, Kickxellomycota, Rozellomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Glomeromycota, and Olpidiomycota) showed a decreasing trend during diarrhea. Moreover, a total of 175 differential fungal genera were identified for the gut fungal community between healthy and diarrheal horses, where 4 fungal genera increased significantly, 171 bacterial genera decreased dramatically during diarrhea. Among these decreased bacteria, 74 fungal genera even completely disappeared from the intestine. Moreover, this is the first comparative analysis of equine gut fungal community in different health states, which is beneficial to understand the important role of gut fungal community in equine health.

Maltooligosaccharide forming amylases and their applications in food and pharma industry

Oligosaccharides are low molecular weight carbohydrates with a wide range of health benefits due to their excellent bio-preservative and prebiotic properties. The popularity of functional oligosaccharides among modern consumers has resulted in impressive market demand. Organoleptic and prebiotic properties of starch-derived oligosaccharides are advantageous to food quality and health. The extensive health benefits of oligosaccharides offered their applications in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic industry. Maltooligosaccharides and isomaltooligosaccharides comprise 2-10 glucose units linked by α-1-4 and α-1-6 glycoside bonds, respectively. Conventional biocatalyst-based oligosaccharides processes are often multi-steps, consisting of starch gelatinization, hydrolysis and transglycosylation. With higher production costs and processing times, the current demand cannot meet on a large-scale production. As a result, innovative and efficient production technology for oligosaccharides synthesis holds paramount importance. Malto-oligosaccharide forming amylase (EC 3.2.1.133) is one of the key enzymes with a dual catalytic function used to produce oligosaccharides. Interestingly, Malto-oligosaccharide forming amylase catalyzes glycosidic bond for its transglycosylation to its inheritance hydrolysis and alternative biocatalyst to the multistep technology. Genetic engineering and reaction optimization enhances the production of oligosaccharides. The development of innovative and cost-effective technologies at competitive prices becomes a national priority.

Effects of Coix Seed Extract, Bifidobacterium BPL1, and Their Combination on the Glycolipid Metabolism in Obese Mice

Coix seed extract (CSE) and probiotics have been reported to regulate glycolipid metabolism via different modes of action. We tested the effects of CSE, Bifidobacterium BPL1, and their combination to determine their effects on glycolipid metabolism in obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish an obesity model. Obese mice were selected and divided into four groups: the model control group and three intervention groups. After 10 weeks of continuous gavage intervention, the mice in the intervention groups exhibited lower body weight (lower about 2.31 g, vs. HFD mice 42.23 g) and epididymal (lower about 0.37 g, vs. HFD mice 2.5 g) and perirenal fat content (lower about 0.47 g, vs. HFD mice 0.884 g); decreased fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL; and increased HLDL, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure, and amount of exercise performed. CSE, BPL1 and their combination can effectively control the weight gain in obese mice, reduce fat content, and regulate blood lipids and abnormal blood sugar. These results may be related to reduce the chronic inflammatory states, improve energy metabolism, exercise, relieve insulin sensitivity, and reduce lipid synthesis via the intervention of CSE, BPL1 and their combination. Compared with the single use of CSE alone, the combination of CSE + BPL1 can better exert the regulation function of intestinal flora, and change in the abundance of bacteria that could improve the level of inflammatory factors, such as increasing Bifidobacterium, reducing Lactococcus. Compared with the use of BPL1 alone, the combination of CSE and BPL1 can better regulate pancreatic islet and improve blood sugar. CSE may act directly on body tissues to exert anti-inflammatory effects. BPL1 and CSE + BPL1 may improve the structure and function of the intestinal flora, and reduce tissue inflammation.

Comparative analysis of the efficacies of probiotic supplementation and glucose-lowering drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of probiotics and glucose-lowering drugs (thiazolidinedione [TZD], glucagon-like pep-tide-1 receptor agonists [GLP-1 RA], dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors, and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors [SGLT-2i]) in patients with type 2 diabetes from randomized con-trolled trials (RCTs). The PubMed, Web of science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on the treatment effects of probiotics and glucose-lowering drugs on glycemia, lipids, and blood pressure metabolism published between Jan 2015 and April 2021. We performed meta-analyses using the random-effects model. We included 25 RCTs (2,843 participants). Overall, GLP-1RA, SGLT-2i, and TZD significantly reduce fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), whereas GLP-1 RA increased the risk of hypoglycaemia. Multispecies probiotics decrease FBS, total cholesterol (TC), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP). Moreover, subgroup analyses indicated that participants aged >55 years, BMI ≥30 kg/m2, longer duration of intervention, and subjects from Eastern countries, showed significantly higher reduction in FBS and HbA1c, TC, TG and SBP. This meta-analysis revealed that including multiple probiotic rather than glucose-lowering drugs might be more beneficial regarding T2D prevention who suffering from simultaneously hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension.

The Promising Role of Microbiome Therapy on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic and Narrative Review

Background

One in 10 adults suffer from type 2 diabetes (T2D). The role of the gut microbiome, its homeostasis, and dysbiosis has been investigated with success in the pathogenesis as well as treatment of T2D. There is an increasing volume of literature reporting interventions of pro-, pre-, and synbiotics on T2D patients.

Methods

Studies investigating the effect of pro-, pre-, and synbiotics on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in T2D populations were extracted from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane from inception to January 2022.

Results

From an initial screening of 5,984 hits, 47 clinical studies were included. Both statistically significant and non-significant results have been compiled, analyzed, and discussed. We have found various promising pro-, pre-, and synbiotic formulations. Of these, multistrain/multispecies probiotics are found to be more effective than monostrain interventions. Additionally, our findings show resistant dextrin to be the most promising prebiotic, followed closely by inulin and oligosaccharides. Finally, we report that synbiotics have shown excellent effect on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes. We further discuss the role of metabolites in the resulting effects in biomarkers and ultimately pathogenesis of T2D, bring attention toward the ability of such nutraceuticals to have significant role in COVID-19 therapy, and finally discuss few ongoing clinical trials and prospects.

Conclusion

Current literature of pro-, pre- and synbiotic administration for T2D therapy is promising and shows many significant results with respect to most markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Any Future for Faecal Microbiota Transplantation as a Novel Strategy for Gut Microbiota Modulation in Human and Veterinary Medicine?

Alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, are the result of many factors such as diet, antibiotics, stress, diseases, etc. There are currently several ways to modulate intestinal microbiome such as dietary modulation, the use of antimicrobials, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents one new method of gut microbiota modulation in humans with the aim of reconstructing the intestinal microbiome of the recipient. In human medicine, this form of bacteriotherapy is successfully used in cases of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). FMT has been known in large animal medicine for several years. In small animal medicine, the use of FMT is not part of normal practice.

The Microbiome and Gut Endocannabinoid System in the Regulation of Stress Responses and Metabolism

The endocannabinoid system, with its receptors and ligands, is present in the gut epithelium and enteroendocrine cells, and is able to modulate brain functions, both indirectly through circulating gut-derived factors and directly through the vagus nerve, finally acting on the brain’s mechanisms regarding metabolism and behavior. The gut endocannabinoid system also regulates gut motility, permeability, and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, microbiota composition has been shown to influence the activity of the endocannabinoid system. This review examines the interaction between microbiota, intestinal endocannabinoid system, metabolism, and stress responses. We hypothesize that the crosstalk between microbiota and intestinal endocannabinoid system has a prominent role in stress-induced changes in the gut-brain axis affecting metabolic and mental health. Inter-individual differences are commonly observed in stress responses, but mechanisms underlying resilience and vulnerability to stress are far from understood. Both gut microbiota and the endocannabinoid system have been implicated in stress resilience. We also discuss interventions targeting the microbiota and the endocannabinoid system to mitigate metabolic and stress-related disorders.

A GLP-1/glucagon/CCK-2 receptors tri-agonist provides new therapy for obesity and diabetes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonists have exerted promising therapeutic effects for the treatment of obesity and diabetes in clinical development. Moreover, GLP-1R and cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK-2R) dual agonists have been shown to restore pancreas function and improve glycemic control in many preclinical studies. In the present study, we describe for the first time that the beneficial effects of GLP-1R/GCGR and GLP-1R/CCK-2R dual agonists can be integrated into one peptide, resulting in significant anti-diabetes and anti-obesity effectiveness.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The in vitro potency of a novel GLP-1R/GCGR/CCK-2R tri-agonist (xGLP/GCG/gastrin) against GLP-1R, GCGR, CCK-1R and CCK-2R was determined on cells expressing the corresponding receptors by cAMP accumulation or ERK1/2 phosphorylation assays. The in vivo anti-diabetes and anti-obesity effects of xGLP/GCG/gastrin were studied in both db/db and diet induced obesity (DIO) mice.

KEY RESULTS

xGLP/GCG/gastrin was a potent and selective GLP-1R, GCGR, and CCK-2R tri-agonist. In DIO mice, the metabolic benefits of xGLP-1/GCG/gastrin such as reduction of body weight and hepatic lipid contents were significantly better than those of ZP3022 (GLP-1R/CCK-2R dual agonist) and liraglutide. In the short term study in db/db mice, xGLP/GCG/gastrin treatment exerted considerable effects on increasing islet numbers, islet areas, and insulin content. In the long-term treatment study in db/db mice, xGLP-1/GCG/gastrin displayed a significantly sustained improvement in glucose tolerance and glucose control compared with those of liraglutide, ZP3022, cotadutide (GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist), and xGLP/GCG-15.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results demonstrate the therapeutic promise of xGLP-1/GCG/gastrin for obesity and diabetes.

Long-term chronic exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate induces obesity via disruption of host lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mice

BACKGROUND

Numerous epidemiological findings have shown that di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), one of industrial plasticizers with endocrine-disrupting properties, positively contributes to high incidence of obesity. However, potential pathogenesis of dietary DEHP exposure-induced obesity remains largely unknown.

METHODS

Chronic DEHP exposure at different doses (0.05 and 5 mg/kg body weight) to mice had been continuously lasted for 14 weeks through the diet. A combination of targeted quantitative metabolomics (LC/GC-MS) with global ¹H NMR-based metabolic profiling to explore the effects of dietary DEHP exposure with different doses on host lipid metabolism of mice. Metagenomics (16S rRNA gene sequencing) was also employed to examine the alterations of gut microbiota composition in the cecal contents of mice after dietary DEHP exposure.

RESULTS

Dietary exposure to DEHP at both doses induced weight gain and hepatic lipogenesis of mice by promoting the uptake of fatty acids and disrupting phospholipids and choline metabolism. Dietary DEHP exposure altered the gut microbiota community with disruption of intestinal morphology and reduction of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the cecal contents of mice. Furthermore, DEHP exposure activated gut microbiota fermentation process producing excess short chain fatty acids of mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide systematic evidence that long-term chronic DEHP exposure induces obesity through disruption of host lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mice, which not only confirm the epidemiological results, but also expand our understanding of metabolic diseases caused by environmental pollutants exposure.

Gestational Diabetes, Colorectal Cancer, Bariatric Surgery, and Weight Loss among Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Mini Review of the Interplay of Multispecies Probiotics

Diabetes mellitus has been steadily increasing over the past decades and is one of the most significant global public health concerns. Diabetes mellitus patients have an increased risk of both surgical and post-surgical complications. The post-surgical risks are associated with the primary condition that led to surgery and the hyperglycaemia per se. Gut microbiota seems to contribute to glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. It affects the metabolism through body weight and energy homeostasis, integrating the peripheral and central food intake regulatory signals. Homeostasis of gut microbiota seems to be enhanced by probiotics pre and postoperatively. The term probiotics is used to describe some species of live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host. The role of probiotics in intestinal or microbial skin balance after abdominal or soft tissue elective surgeries on DM patients seems beneficial, as it promotes anti-inflammatory cytokine production while increasing the wound-healing process. This review article aims to present the interrelation of probiotic supplements with DM patients undergoing elective surgeries.

Intestinal microbiota and their metabolic contribution to type 2 diabetes and obesity

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common, chronic metabolic disorders with associated significant long-term health problems at global epidemic levels. It is recognised that gut microbiota play a central role in maintaining host homeostasis and through technological advances in both animal and human models it is becoming clear that gut microbiota are heavily involved in key pathophysiological roles in the aetiology and progression of both conditions. This review will focus on current knowledge regarding microbiota interactions with short chain fatty acids, the host inflammatory response, signaling pathways, integrity of the intestinal barrier, the interaction of the gut-brain axis and the subsequent impact on the metabolic health of the host.

The Gut Microbiota of an Individual Varies With Intercontinental Four-Month Stay Between Italy and Nigeria: A Pilot Study

Despite well-established knowledge of the role of diet and the geographic effect on the gut microbiota of human populations, the temporal dynamics of the individual microbiota profile across changes associated with intercontinental short residence are still far from being understood. This pilot study sought to provide insights into the trajectory of the gut microbiota of an individual during a two-month stay in Italy and a subsequent two-month stay in Nigeria, by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and inferred metagenomics. The gut microbiota underwent massive but temporary changes, both taxonomically and based on predicted functionality. The faecal microbiota associated with the short stay in Italy progressively lost diversity and showed a dominance of Firmicutes, while after returning to Nigeria, the microbial community quickly regained the typical profile, in terms of biodiversity and bacterial signatures of traditional lifestyle, i.e., Prevotella and Treponema. Predicted pathways involved in glycolysis, fermentation and N-acetylneuraminate degradation were enriched during the subsequent two-month stay in Nigeria, whereas pathways associated with amino acid and peptidoglycan synthesis and maturation became over-represented during short stay in Italy. Our findings stress the plasticity of the individual gut microbiota even during a short-term travel, with loss/gain of taxonomic and functional features that mirror those of the gut microbiota of indigenous people dwelling therein.

Dietary Intervention With α-Amylase Inhibitor in White Kidney Beans Added Yogurt Modulated Gut Microbiota to Adjust Blood Glucose in Mice

White kidney beans contain α-amylase inhibitors that can be used in diet for weight reduction. In this study, we investigated the potential of white kidney bean (phaseolus vulgaris L.) extract enriched in α-amylase inhibitor as a food additive in yogurt to regulate blood glucose in hyperglycemic animals. Five groups of C57BL/6J mice were fed for 8 weeks with standard chow diets, high-fat diets (HFD), or high-fat diets with supplement of α-amylase inhibitor in white kidney beans (P. vulgaris extract, PVE), yogurt (Y), and PVE added yogurt (YPVE), respectively. The HFD weakened glucose tolerance and caused insulin resistance in mice, and changed the characteristics of intestinal flora. The intervention of Y, PVE, and YPVE decreased blood glucose, insulin, hyperlipidemia, and inflammatory cytokine levels in mice fed with HFD. Moreover, the YPVE could regulate the components of host intestinal microbiota toward a healthy pattern, significantly increased the metabolic-related flora Corynebacterium, Granulicatella, and Streptococcus, while it decreased Paraprevotella and Allobaculum. Thus, YPVE markedly increased functions of "Amino Acid Metabolism," "Energy Metabolism," "Nucleotide Metabolism," and declined functions of "Glycan Biosynthesis and Metabolism." Consequently, YPVE could be developed as a new functional food because of its beneficial prebiotic properties in the metabolic syndrome.

Gut Microbiome in Chronic Coronary Syndrome Patients

Despite knowledge of classical coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease remain high. Therefore, new factors that may affect the development of CAD, such as the gut microbiome, are extensively investigated. This study aimed to evaluate gut microbiome composition in CAD patients in relation to the control group. We examined 169 CAD patients and 166 people in the control group, without CAD, matched in terms of age and sex to the study group. Both populations underwent a detailed health assessment. The microbiome analysis was based on the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene (NGS method). Among 4074 identified taxonomic units in the whole population, 1070 differed between study groups. The most common bacterial types were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Furthermore, a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the CAD group compared with the control was demonstrated. Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, independent of age, sex, CAD status, LDL cholesterol concentration, and statins treatment, was related to altered phosphatidylcholine concentrations obtained in targeted metabolomics. Altered alpha-biodiversity (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.001) and beta-biodiversity (Bray-Curtis metric, p < 0.001) in the CAD group were observed. Moreover, a predicted functional analysis revealed some taxonomic units, metabolic pathways, and proteins that might be characteristic of the CAD patients' microbiome, such as increased expressions of 6-phospho-β-glucosidase and protein-N(pi)-phosphohistidine-sugar phosphotransferase and decreased expressions of DNA topoisomerase, oxaloacetate decarboxylase, and 6-beta-glucosidase. In summary, CAD is associated with altered gut microbiome composition and function.

Can manipulation of gut microbiota really be transformed into an intervention strategy for cardiovascular disease management?

Recent advancement in manipulation techniques of gut microbiota either ex vivo or in situ has broadened its plausible applicability for treating various diseases including cardiovascular disease. Several reports suggested that altering gut microbiota composition is an effective way to deal with issues associated with managing cardiovascular diseases. However, actual translation of gut microbiota manipulation-based techniques into cardiovascular-therapeutic approach is still questionable. This review summarized the evidence on challenges, opportunities, recent development, and future prospects of gut microbiota manipulation for targeting cardiovascular diseases. Initially, issues associated with current cardiovascular diseases treatment strategy, association of gut microbiota with cardiovascular disease, and its influence on cardiovascular drugs were discussed, followed by applicability of gut microbiota manipulation as a cardiovascular disease intervention strategy along with its challenges and future prospects. Despite the fact that the gut microbiota is rugged, interventions like probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, fecal virome transplantation, antibiotics, diet changes, and exercises could manipulate it. Advanced techniques like administration of engineered bacteriophages and bacteria could also be employed. Intensive exploration revealed that if sufficiently controlled approach and proper monitoring were applied, gut microbiota could provide a compelling answer for cardiovascular therapy.

NIR light-responsive bacteria with live bio-glue coatings for precise colonization in the gut

Recombinant bacterial colonization plays an indispensable role in disease prevention, alleviation, and treatment. Successful application mainly depends on whether bacteria can efficiently spatiotemporally colonize the host gut. However, a primary limitation of existing methods is the lack of precise spatiotemporal regulation, resulting in uncontrolled methods that are less effective. Herein, we design upconversion microgels (UCMs) to convert near-infrared light (NIR) into blue light to activate recombinant light-responsive bacteria (Lresb) in vivo, where autocrine "functional cellular glues" made of adhesive proteins assist Lresb inefficiently colonizing the gut. The programmable engineering platform is further developed for the controlled and effective colonization of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) in the gut. The colonizing bacteria effectively alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice. We anticipate that this approach could facilitate the clinical application of engineered microbial therapeutics to accurately and effectively regulate host health.

Gut microbiota influence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)

A strong and expanding evidence base supports the influence of gut microbiota in human metabolism. Altered glucose homeostasis is associated with altered gut microbiota, and is clearly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated complications. Understanding the causal association between gut microbiota and metabolic risk has the potential role of identifying susceptible individuals to allow early targeted intervention.

Quercetin Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Restores Gut Microbiome in Mice on High-Fat Diets

Quercetin is a flavonoid that has been shown to have health-promoting capacities due to its potent antioxidant activity. However, the effect of chronic intake of quercetin on the gut microbiome and diabetes-related biomarkers remains unclear. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed HF or HF supplemented with 0.05% quercetin (HFQ) for 6 weeks. Diabetes-related biomarkers in blood were determined in mice fed high-fat (HF) diets supplemented with quercetin. Mice fed the HFQ diet gained less body, liver, and adipose weight, while liver lipid and blood glucose levels were also lowered. Diabetes-related plasma biomarkers insulin, leptin, resistin, and glucagon were significantly reduced by quercetin supplementation. In feces, quercetin supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia and decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The expression of genes Srebf1, Ppara, Cyp51, Scd1, and Fasn was downregulated by quercetin supplementation. These results indicated that diabetes biomarkers are associated with early metabolic changes accompanying obesity, and quercetin may ameliorate insulin resistance.

Environmental fluoride exposure disrupts the intestinal structure and gut microbial composition in ducks

Fluorine (F) and its compounds produced from industrial production and coal combustion can cause air, water and soil contamination, which can accumulate in animals, plants and humans via food chain threatening public health. Fluoride exposure affects liver, kidney, gastrointestinal and reproductive system in humans and animals. Literature regarding fluoride influence on intestinal structure and microbiota composition in ducks is scarce. This study was designed to investigate these effects by using simple and electron microscopy and 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. Results indicated an impaired structure with reduced relative distribution of goblet cells in the fluoride exposed group. Moreover, the gut microbiota showed a significant decrease in alpha diversity. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla in both control and fluoride-exposed groups. Specifically, fluoride exposure resulted in a significant decrease in the relative abundance of 9 bacterial phyla and 15 bacterial genera. Among them, 4 phyla (Latescibacteria, Dependentiae, Zixibacteria and Fibrobacteres) and 4 genera (Thauera, Hydrogenophaga, Reyranella and Arenimonas) weren't even detectable in the gut microbiota of the ducks. In summary, higher fluoride exposure can significantly damage the intestinal structure and gut microbial composition in ducks.

Jinmaitong ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by modulating gut microbiota and neuregulin 1

Jinmaitong (JMT), a compound prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, has long been used as a therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, the neuroprotective mechanisms of JMT and its effect on gut microbiota remained unknown. Here, we examined the effects of JMT on behavior, pathomorphology and gut microbiota in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DPN rats. Compared to distilled water administration, JMT reversed decreases in mechanical withdraw threshold and intraepidermal nerve fiber density, improved neurological morphology of sciatic nerves, increased serum neuregulin 1 (NRG1) level and contactin-associated protein (Caspr)-positive paranodes, and decreased amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulation in DPN rats. More importantly, JMT enriched nine species of the gut microbiota of DPN rats, helping to prevent dysbiosis. Among these species, p_Actinobacteria, p_Proteobacteria and c_Actinobacteria were negatively correlated with DPN phenotypes and positively correlated with serum NRG1 level. These results indicate that JMT may exert a neuroprotective effect by modulating phenotype-associated gut microbiota and increasing serum NRG1 level in STZ-induced DPN rats. JMT may therefore be an effective complementary and alternative anti-DPN therapy.

Role of Postbiotics in Diabetes Mellitus: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

In the last decade, the gastrointestinal microbiota has been recognised as being essential for health. Indeed, several publications have documented the suitability of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in the management of different diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Advances in laboratory techniques have allowed the identification and characterisation of new biologically active molecules, referred to as “postbiotics”. Postbiotics are defined as functional bioactive compounds obtained from food-grade microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They include cell structures, secreted molecules or metabolic by-products, and inanimate microorganisms. This heterogeneous group of molecules presents a broad range of mechanisms and may exhibit some advantages over traditional “biotics” such as probiotics and prebiotics. Owing to the growing incidence of DM worldwide and the implications of the microbiota in the disease progression, postbiotics appear to be good candidates as novel therapeutic targets. In the present review, we summarise the current knowledge about postbiotic compounds and their potential application in diabetes management. Additionally, we envision future perspectives on this topic. In summary, the results indicate that postbiotics hold promise as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for DM.

In Vivo Implications of Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri LR6 on the Gut and Immunological Parameters as an Adjuvant Against Protein Energy Malnutrition

The present study investigated the impact of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri LR6 on the gut and systemic immunity using protein energy malnourished (PEM) murine model. Thirty male Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups: control (C), malnourished (M), probiotic fermented milk (PFM), skim milk (SM), and bacterial suspension (BS) with six mice per group. Group C was fed with conventional diet throughout the study while the other groups were fed with protein calorie restricted diet until the development of malnutrition. After development of malnutrition, group M was continued with the restricted diet while other groups were fed with re-nourished diet supplemented with PFM, SM, and BS for 1 week, respectively. Thereafter, mice were sacrificed and different histological, microbiological, and immunological parameters were studied. Probiotics feeding in PEM model as fermented product or bacterial suspension improved the intestinal health in terms of intact morphology of colonic crypts, normal goblet cells, and intact lamina propria with no inflammation in large intestine, absence of fibrosis, and no inflammation in spleen. The number of secretory IgA⁺ cells was significantly higher in group PFM and BS. Also, increase in the phagocytic percentage of the macrophages and bone marrow derived dendritic cells (DCs) were observed in the PFM and BS group in comparison to the group M. In comparison to the group M and SM, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and Firmicutes counts were significantly higher in the group PFM and BS. This study concludes that probiotic supplementation to re-nutrition diet could emerge as wonder therapeutics against PEM.

A review on gut microbiota: a central factor in the pathophysiology of obesity

Obesity and its complications constitute a substantial burden. Considerable published research describes the novel relationships between obesity and gut microbiota communities. It is becoming evident that microbiota behave in a pivotal role in their ability to influence homeostatic mechanisms either to the benefit or detriment of host health, the extent of which is not fully understood. A greater understanding of the contribution of gut microbiota towards host pathophysiology is revealing new therapeutic avenues to tackle the global obesity epidemic. This review focuses on causal relationships and associations with obesity, proposed central mechanisms encouraging the development of obesity and promising prospective methods for microbiota manipulation.

Regulating the gut microbiota and SCFAs in the faeces of T2DM rats should be one of antidiabetic mechanisms of mogrosides in the fruits of Siraitia grosvenorii

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Siraitia grosvenorii fruits extract (SG, in which mogrosides are the main components), considered as a non-nutritional sweetener, has an antidiabetic effect. Our previous studies have confirmed that an extract of mogrosides being rich in triterpene glycosides with 1-3 glucosyl residues, designated as low-polar S. grosvenorii glycosides (L-SGgly), had a significant antidiabetic effect. However, whether the mechanism through impacting on gut microbiota to exert the antidiabetic effect of mogrosides remains unclear.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To explore the potential mechanism of mogrosides (SG and L-SGgly) on gut microbiota and faecal metabolites in the treatment of diabetes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, the effects of SG and L-SGgly on gut microbiota and faecal endogenous metabolites were explored by sequencing the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region of gut microbiota, and detecting with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight MS (LC-Q-TOF/MS), respectively. In particular, correlation analyses revealed how these influences affect the anti-hyperglycaemic effect, to give the underlying antidiabetic mechanisms of the mogrosides in S. grosvenorii fruits.

RESULTS

After a 14-day treatment with SG and L-SGgly for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ), the disordered gut microbiota in the faeces of T2DM rats were recovered. At the same time, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration significantly increased and the deoxycholic acid and 1β-hydroxycholic acid content decreased in the faeces of T2DM rats. Moreover, correlation analyses provided the evidences that gut microbiota and its metabolites could be the target for exerting the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of SG and L-SGgly. Especially, Elusimicrobium, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-004, acetate, butyrate, and 1β-hydroxycholic acid would be the potential dominant bacteria and biomarkers for SG and L-SGgly in reducing the blood glucose and insulin resistance of T2DM rats.

CONCLUSION

It is the first time that a mechanism of targeting on gut microbiota for the antidiabetic effect of mogrosides in S. grosvenorii fruits has been proposed.

Microbiome analysis reveals gut microbiota alteration in mice with the effect of matrine

Mounting evidence revealed the negative effects of abuse of antibiotic including the induction of decreased immunity and dysbacteriosis. Matrine displayed multiple beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial, but studies of its influence on gut microbiota are still insufficient to report. Here, the present study was conducted to investigate the influence of matrine on the gut microbiota of mice and amoxicillin was used as a positive control. A total of 21 cecal samples were obtained from seven groups for high-throughput sequencing analysis based on V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA genes. Results revealed that the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota in mice gradually decreased with the increase of the concentration of amoxicillin, whereas matrine administration did not effect the intestinal microbial community structure. Additionally, amoxicillin and matrine supplementation also caused significant changes in the relative abundance of some intestinal bacteria. Specifically, the ratio of Klebsiella and Corynebacterium_1, Bacteroides and Parasutterella in the amoxicillin treated-group were increased as compared to the control group, whereas Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Alistipes and Lactobacillus were significantly decreased. Conversely, matrine administration significantly increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminiclostridium_9, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Ruminococcaceae_unclassified. In conclusion, amoxicillin administration could change the microbial community composition and structure by increasing the proportion of pathogenic to beneficial bacteria, whereas matrine could increase the number of beneficial bacteria. Moreover, this study provides a theoretical basis for finding alternatives to antibiotics to decrease bacterial resistance and intestinal flora imbalance.

Association of diabetes and microbiota: An update

Diabetes is an emerging health condition globally and is suggested to have a direct connection with the gut microbiota that determine our metabolic outcomes. Sensitivity to insulin and glucose metabolism is normal in healthy people as compared to those people who cannot maintain their glucose metabolism. One of the reasons of the differences is that healthy people have different microbiome that leads to achieve more short chain fatty acids and make up more branched amino acids, while the gut microbiota of the other group of people are more likely to produce compounds that affects glucose metabolism. Herein, this review will present the research related to the impact of gut microbes on diabetes carried out in the past decade. The review focus on the relation between gut microbiota and Type-1 Diabetes (T1D), Type-2 Diabetes (T2D), and how gut microbiota could be an alternative therapy for treatment of diabetes.

Drift of the Subgingival Periodontal Microbiome during Chronic Periodontitis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Since periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus are complex diseases, a thorough understanding of their pathogenesis requires knowing the relationship of these pathologies with other disorders and environmental factors. In this study, the representability of the subgingival periodontal microbiome of 46 subjects was studied by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun sequencing of pooled samples. We examined 15 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 15 patients with chronic periodontitis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (CPT2DM), and 16 healthy subjects (Control). The severity of generalized chronic periodontitis in both periodontitis groups of patients (CP and CPT2DM) was moderate (stage II). The male to female ratios were approximately equal in each group (22 males and 24 females); the average age of the subjects was 53.9 ± 7.3 and 54.3 ± 7.2 years, respectively. The presence of overweight patients (Body Mass Index (BMI) 30–34.9 kg/m²) and patients with class 1–2 obesity (BMI 35–45.9 kg/m²) was significantly higher in the CPT2DM group than in patients having only chronic periodontitis or in the Control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in all clinical indices between the CP and CPT2DM groups. An analysis of the metagenomic data revealed that the alpha diversity in the CPT2DM group was increased compared to that in the CP and Control groups. The microbiome biomarkers associated with experimental groups were evaluated. In both groups of patients with periodontitis, the relative abundance of Porphyromonadaceae was increased compared to that in the Control group. The CPT2DM group was characterized by a lower relative abundance of Streptococcaceae/Pasteurellaceae and a higher abundance of Leptotrichiaceae compared to those in the CP and Control groups. Furthermore, the CP and CPT2DM groups differed in terms of the relative abundance of Veillonellaceae (which was decreased in the CPT2DM group compared to CP) and Neisseriaceae (which was increased in the CPT2DM group compared to CP). In addition, differences in bacterial content were identified by a combination of shotgun sequencing of pooled samples and genome-resolved metagenomics. The results indicate that there are subgingival microbiome-specific features in patients with chronic periodontitis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Timing of acute passive heating on glucose tolerance and blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, balanced crossover, control trial

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and progressive insulin resistance, leading to macro and microvascular dysfunction. Passive heating has potential to improve glucose homeostasis and act as an exercise mimetic. We assessed the effect of acute passive heating before or during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in people with T2DM. Twelve people with T2DM were randomly assigned to the following three conditions: 1) 3-h OGTT (control), 2) 1-h passive heating (40°C water) 30 min before an OGTT (HOT-OGTT), and 3) 1-h passive heating (40°C water) 30 min after commencing an OGTT (OGTT-HOT). Blood glucose concentration, insulin sensitivity, extracellular heat shock protein 70 (eHSP70), total energy expenditure (TEE), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded. Passive heating did not alter blood glucose concentration [control: 1,677 (386) arbitrary units (AU), HOT-OGTT: 1,797 (340) AU, and OGTT-HOT: 1,662 (364) AU, P = 0.28], insulin sensitivity (P = 0.15), or SBP (P = 0.18) but did increase eHSP70 concentration in both heating conditions [control: 203.48 (110.81) pg·mL^-1; HOT-OGTT: 402.47 (79.02) pg·mL^-1; and OGTT-HOT: 310.00 (60.53) pg·mL^-1, P < 0.001], increased TEE (via fat oxidation) in the OGTT-HOT condition [control: 263 (33) kcal, HOT-OGTT: 278 (40) kcal, and OGTT-HOT: 304 (38) kcal, P = 0.001], increased HR in both heating conditions (P < 0.001), and reduced DBP in the OGTT-HOT condition (P < 0.01). Passive heating in close proximity to a glucose challenge does not alter glucose tolerance but does increase eHSP70 concentration and TEE and reduce blood pressure in people with T2DM.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to investigate the timing of acute passive heating on glucose tolerance and extracellular heat shock protein 70 concentration ([eHSP70]) in people with type 2 diabetes. The principal novel findings from this study were that both passive heating conditions: 1) did not reduce the area under the curve or peak blood glucose concentration, 2) elevated heart rate, and 3) increased [eHSP70], which was blunted by glucose ingestion, while passive heating following glucose ingestion, 4) increased total energy expenditure, and 5) reduced diastolic blood pressure.

Microbiota and Metabolites as Factors Influencing Blood Pressure Regulation

The study of microbes has rapidly expanded in recent years due to a surge in our understanding that humans host a plethora of commensal microbes, which reside in their bodies and depending upon their composition, contribute to either normal physiology or pathophysiology. This article provides a general foundation for learning about host-commensal microbial interactions as an emerging area of research. The article is divided into two sections. The first section is dedicated to introducing commensal microbiota and its known effects on the host. The second section is on metabolites, which are biochemicals that the host and the microbes use for bi-directional communication with each other. Together, the sections review what is known about how microbes interact with the host to impact cardiovascular physiology, especially blood pressure regulation. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1731-1757, 2021.

Microbiome analysis reveals gut microbiota alteration of early-weaned Yimeng black goats with the effect of milk replacer and age

Background

Colonization of intestinal microbiota in ruminant during the early life is important to host health, metabolism and immunity. Accumulating evidence revealed the ameliorative effect of milk replacer administration in the gut microbial development of early-weaned ruminants. Yimeng black goats (YBGs) inhabiting Shandong, China show a complex intestinal microbial ecosystem, but studies of their gut microbiota are still insufficient to report. Here, this study was performed to investigate how the gut microbiota develops in weaned YBGs with the effect of age and milk replacer.

Results

Results indicated that both age and milk replacer were important factors to change the gut microbiota of YBGs. Although the alpha diversity of gut microbiota did not change with the age of YBGs, the taxonomic compositions significantly changed. The relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Ruminiclostridium, Eubacterium and Barnesiella significantly decreased and subsequently increase with age, which contributes to maintain the stability of intestinal environment and realize the diversity of intestinal functions. The relative abundance of Porphyromonas, Brevundimonas, Flavobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, Propionibacterium, Acinetobacter, Enterococcus and Clostridium belong to pathogenic bacteria in milk replacer-treated YBGs was significantly decreased. Additionally, some beneficial bacteria such as Ruminococcus, Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae and Ruminiclostridium also display a trend of decreasing first followed by gradually increasing.

Conclusions

This study first revealed the gut bacterial community alterations in YBGs with the effect of age and milk replacer. This study also characterized the gut microbial distribution in YBGs with different ages and provided better insight into microbial population structure and diversity of YBGs. Moreover, milk replacer may serve as a good applicant for improving gut microbial development in early-weaned YBGs.

Fecal microbiota transplants: A review of emerging clinical data on applications, efficacy, and risks (2015-2020)

As the importance of the gut microbiota in health and disease is a subject of growing interest, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was suggested as an attractive therapeutic strategy to restore homeostasis of the gut microbiota, thereby treating diseases that were associated with alteration of the gut microbiota. FMT involves the administration of fresh, frozen, or dried fecal microorganisms from the gut of a healthy donor into the intestinal tract of a patient. This rediscovery of the potential benefits of an ancient practice was accompanied by a rapid progression of our understanding of the roles and mechanisms of gut microbes in the pathogenesis of disease. With a growing number of diseases being associated with dysbiosis or the alteration of gut microbiota, FMT was suggested as an attractive therapeutic strategy to "reset the gut" and initiate clinical resolutions or remissions. The number of FMT clinical trials is increasing worldwide, but no trials are registered in the Gulf region; this suggested the need for raising awareness of the latest studies on FMT. This review presented the emergent preclinical and clinical data to give an overview of the potential clinical applications, the benefits, and inconveniences that were worth considering for eventual future testing of fecal transplants in Qatar and the Middle East. This study highlighted the diversity of methods tested and commented on the variables that can affect the assessment of the effectiveness of FMT in specific diseases. The risks associated with FMT and the threat of antimicrobial resistance for this therapeutic approach were reviewed. From gastrointestinal diseases to neurodevelopmental disorders, understanding the roles of the gut microbiota in health and disease should be at the heart of developing novel, standardized, yet personalized, methods for this ancient therapeutic approach.

Microbiome Analysis Reveals the Attenuation Effect of Lactobacillus From Yaks on Diarrhea via Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Domestic yaks (Bos grunniens) are indigenous to the Tibetan Plateau and display a high diarrhea rate due to poor habitat and husbandry conditions. Lactobacillus has been shown to exert beneficial effects as antimicrobial, growth promotion, and gut microbiota in humans and/or murine models, but the relevant data regarding Lactobacillus isolated from yaks was unavailable. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus from yaks on the intestinal microbial community in a mouse model and determine whether Lactobacillus supplementation contributed in alleviating diarrhea by modulating gut microbiota. A total of 12 ileac samples from four groups were collected for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of V3-V4 region. Results revealed that although Lactobacillus supplementation did not change the diversity of gut microbiota in mice, the proportion of some intestinal microbiota significantly changed. Specifically, the proportion of Lactobacillus and Sphingomonas in the Lactobacillus treated-group (L-group) were increased as compared to control group (C-group), whereas Pantoea, Cutibacterium, Glutamicibacter, Turicibacter, Globicatella, Microbacterium, Facklamia, unidentified_Corynebacteriaceae, Brachybacterium, and Staphylococcus were significantly decreased in the L-group. In contrast, Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection significantly decreased the proportion of beneficial bacteria such as Globicatella, Acinetobacter, Aerococcus, and Comamonas, while loads of pathogenic bacteria significantly increased including Roseburia and Megasphaera. Interestingly, Lactobacillus administration could ameliorate the microbial community structure of E. coli-induced diarrheal mice by reducing the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Paenibacillus, Aerococcus, Comamonas, Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, Facklamia, and Globicatella. Results in this study revealed that Lactobacillus supplementation not only improved the gut microbiota but also alleviated diarrhea in mice, which may be mediated by modulating the composition and function of gut microbiota. Moreover, this study is expected to provide a new theoretical basis for the establishment of a preventive and treatment system for diarrhea in yaks.