Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus plantarum ameliorate systemic lupus erythematosus by possibly regulating immune response and remodeling gut microbiota

Unraveling the gut microbiota's role in obesity: key metabolites, microbial species, and therapeutic insights

Obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation, stems from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, with the gut microbiota playing a crucial role. This review highlights how gut microbiota influences metabolic pathways, inflammation, and adipose tissue regulation in obesity. Specific bacteria and metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), modulate gut permeability, inflammation, and energy harvest, impacting obesity development. Certain gut bacteria, including Clostridium XIVb, Dorea spp., Enterobacter cloacae, and Collinsella aerofaciens, promote obesity by increasing energy harvest, gut permeability, and inflammatory response through LPS translocation into the bloodstream. Conversely, beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus spp., and Bifidobacterium spp. enhance gut barrier integrity, regulate SCFA production, and modulate fasting-induced adipose factor, which collectively support metabolic health by reducing fat storage and inflammation. Metabolites such as SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) interact with G-protein coupled receptors to regulate lipid metabolism and promote the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT), thus enhancing thermogenesis and energy expenditure. However, LPS contributes to insulin resistance and fat accumulation, highlighting the dual roles of these microbial metabolites in both supporting and disrupting metabolic function. Therapeutic interventions targeting gut microbiota, such as promoting WAT browning and activating brown adipose tissue (BAT), hold promise for obesity management. However, personalized approaches are necessary due to individual microbiome variability. Further research is essential to translate these insights into microbiota-based clinical therapies.

Gut microbiota and their metabolites in the immune response of rheumatoid arthritis: Therapeutic potential and future directions

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent joint inflammation, damage, and loss of function. In recent years, the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in immune regulation has attracted increasing attention. The gut microbiota influences the host immune system's homeostasis through various mechanisms, regulating the differentiation, function, and immune tolerance of immune cells. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in RA patients is closely associated with abnormal activation of immune cells and excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan metabolites, bile acids, and amino acid metabolites, play a critical role in immune responses, regulating the functions of immune cells like T cells, B cells, and macrophages, and inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Restoring the balance of the gut microbiota and optimizing the production of metabolic products may become a new strategy for RA treatment. This review discusses the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in the immune response of RA, exploring how they influence the immunopathological process of RA through the regulation of immune cells and key immune factors. It also provides a theoretical basis for future therapeutic strategies based on gut microbiota modulation.

Comparative assessment of phenotypic markers in patients with chronic inflammation: Differences on Bifidobacterium concerning liver status

BACKGROUND

The relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and low-grade metabolic inflammation (MI) with the microbiota is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases and developing effective therapeutic interventions. In this context, it has been observed that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the immune regulation and inflammation contributing to the exacerbation through inflammatory mediators. This research aimed to describe similarities/differences in anthropometric, biochemical, inflammatory, and hepatic markers as well as to examine the putative role of gut microbiota concerning two inflammatory conditions: SLE and MI.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a cohort comprising adults with SLE and MI. Faecal samples were determined by 16S technique. Statistical analyses compared anthropometric and clinical variables, and LEfSe and MetagenomeSeq were used for metagenomic data. An interaction analysis was fitted to investigate associations of microbiota with fatty liver index (FLI) depending on the inflammatory condition.

RESULTS

Participants with low-grade MI showed worse values in anthropometry and biochemicals compared with patients with SLE. The liver profile of patients with MI was unhealthier, while no relevant differences were found in most of the inflammatory markers between groups. LEfSe analysis revealed an overrepresentation of Bifidobacteriaceae family in SLE group. An interactive association between gut Bifidobacterium abundance and type of disease was identified for FLI values, suggesting an effect modification of the gut microbiota concerning liver markers depending on the inflammatory condition.

CONCLUSION

This study found phenotypical and microbial similarities and disparities between these two inflammatory conditions, evidenced in clinical and hepatic markers, and showed the interactive interplay between gut Bifidobacterium and liver health (measured by FLI) that occur in a different manner depending on the type of inflammatory disease. These results underscore the importance of personalized approaches and individual microbiota in the screening of different inflammatory situations, considering unique hepatic and microbiota profiles.

Health Effects and Therapeutic Potential of the Gut Microbe Akkermansia muciniphila

Akkermansia muciniphila is a bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract that has received considerable interest as a potential probiotic for the improvement of gut health and overall metabolic function. A. muciniphila is enriched in the mucus layer of the intestinal lining, where it degrades mucin and plays a significant role in gut barrier maintenance and immune regulation. A higher abundance of A. muciniphila has been observed in the gut of healthy individuals relative to those with metabolic disorders, and multiple metabolic benefits, including improved glucose management, reduced body fat, and reduced inflammation have been linked to A. muciniphila. Current research on A. muciniphila primarily relies on mouse models, with limited human interventional studies available. While these animal studies offer valuable insights into the potential roles of A. muciniphila in health and disease, further clinical investigations in humans are needed to fully understand its impact. Here, we explore the current scope of A. muciniphila research and its potential as a therapeutic agent to improve gut and metabolic health while also emphasizing the need to optimize techniques to further improve studies of this organism.

The role of gut microbiota in different murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by immune system dysfunction that can lead to serious health issues and mortality. Recent investigations highlight the role of gut microbiota alterations in modulating inflammation and disease severity in SLE. This review specifically summaries the variations in gut microbiota composition across various murine models of lupus. By focusing on these differences, we aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and the development and progression of SLE in preclinical settings.

The Immunomodulatory Effects and Applications of Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Vaccine Development

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (previously known as Lactobacillus plantarum) is a lactic acid bacterium that exists in various niches. L. plantarum is a food-grade microorganism that is commonly considered a safe and beneficial microorganism. It is widely used in food fermentation, agricultural enhancement, and environmental protection. L. plantarum is also part of the normal flora that can regulate the intestinal microflora and promote intestinal health. Some strains of L. plantarum are powerful probiotics that induce and modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses. Due to its outstanding immunoregulatory capacities, an increasing number of studies have examined the use of probiotic L. plantarum strains as natural immune adjuvants or alternative live vaccine carriers. The present review summarizes the main immunomodulatory characteristics of L. plantarum and discusses the preliminary immunological effects of L. plantarum as a vaccine adjuvant and delivery carrier. Different methods for improving the immune capacities of recombinant vector vaccines are also discussed.

Therapeutic Potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FB091 in Alleviating Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease through Gut-Liver Axis

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) poses a significant global health burden, often requiring liver transplantation and resulting in fatalities. Current treatments, like corticosteroids, effectively reduce inflammation but carry significant immunosuppressive risks. This study evaluates Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FB091, a newly isolated probiotic strain, as a safer alternative for ALD treatment. Using an in vivo mouse model, we assessed the effects of L. plantarum FB091 on alcohol-induced liver damage and gut microbiota composition. Alcohol and probiotics administration did not significantly impact water/feed intake or body weight. Histopathological analysis showed that L. plantarum FB091 reduced hepatocellular ballooning and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissues and mitigated structural damage in colon tissues, demonstrating protective effects against alcohol-induced damage. Biomarker analysis indicated that L. plantarum FB091 decreased aspartate aminotransferase levels, suggesting reduced liver damage, and increased alcohol dehydrogenase activity, indicating enhanced alcohol metabolism. Additionally, cytokine assays revealed a reduction in pro-inflammatory TNF-α and an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels in colon tissues of the L. plantarum FB091 group, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Gut microbiota analysis showed changes in the L. plantarum FB091 group, including a reduction in Cyanobacteria and an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Lactobacillus. These changes correlated with the recovery and protection of liver and colon health. Overall, L. plantarum FB091 shows potential as a therapeutic probiotic for managing ALD through its protective effects on liver and colon tissues, enhancement of alcohol metabolism, and beneficial modulation of gut microbiota. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these findings in humans.

Studies on the Probiotic, Adhesion, and Induction Properties of Artisanal Lactic Acid Bacteria: to Customize a Gastrointestinal Niche to Trigger Anti-obesity Functions

The primary goals of this work are to explore the potential of probiotic lactic acid bacteria's (LAB) mucin/mucus layer thickening properties and to identify anti-obesity candidate strains that improve appropriate habitat for use with the Akkermansia group population in the future. The HT-29 cell binding, antimicrobial properties, adhesion to the mucin/mucus layer, growth in the presence of mucin, stability during in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, biofilm formation, and mucin/mucus thickness increment abilities were all assessed for artisanal LAB strains. Sixteen LAB strains out of 40 were chosen for further analysis based on their ability to withstand GI conditions. Thirteen strains remained viable in simulated intestinal fluid, while most showed high viability in gastric juice simulation. Furthermore, 35.9-65.4% of those 16 bacteria adhered to the mucin layer. Besides, different lactate levels were produced, and Streptococcus thermophilus UIN9 exhibited the highest biofilm development. In the HT-29 cell culture, the highest mucin levels were 333.87 µg/mL with O. AK8 at 50 mM lactate, 313.38 µg/mL with Lactobacillus acidophilus NRRL-B 1910 with initial mucin, and 311.41 µg/mL with Lacticaseibacillus casei NRRL-B 441 with initial mucin and 50 mM lactate. Nine LAB strains have been proposed as anti-obesity candidates, with olive isolates of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum being particularly important due to their ability to avoid mucin sugar consumption. Probiotic LAB's attachment to the colonic mucosa and its ability to stimulate HT-29 cells to secrete mucus are critical mechanisms that may support the development of Akkermansia.

Efficacy of a synbiotic in the management of adults with Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Borderline Personality Disorder and high levels of irritability: Results from a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, "basket" trial

Irritability worsens prognosis and increases mortality in individuals with Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, treatment options are still insufficient. The aim of this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the superiority of a synbiotic over placebo in the management of adults with ADHD and/or BPD and high levels of irritability. The study was conducted between February 2019 and October 2020 at three European clinical centers located in Hungary, Spain and Germany. Included were patients aged 18-65 years old diagnosed with ADHD and/or BPD and high levels of irritability (i.e., an Affectivity Reactivity Index (ARI-S) ≥ 5, plus a Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) score ≥ 4). Subjects were randomized 1(synbiotic):1(placebo); the agent was administered each day, for 10 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome measure was end-of-treatment response (i.e., a reduction ≥ 30 % in the ARI-S total score compared to baseline, plus a Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) total score of < 3 (very much, or much improved) at week 10). Between-treatment differences in secondary outcomes, as well as safety were also investigated. Of the 231 included participants, 180 (90:90) were randomized and included in the intention-to-treat-analyses. Of these, 117 (65 %) were females, the mean age was 38 years, ADHD was diagnosed in 113 (63 %), BPD in 44 (24 %), both in 23 (13 %). The synbiotic was well tolerated. At week 10, patients allocated to the synbiotic experienced a significantly higher response rate compared to those allocated to placebo (OR: 0.2, 95 % CI:0.1 to 0.7; P = 0.01). These findings suggest that that (add-on) treatment with a synbiotic may be associated with a clinically meaningful improvement in irritability in, at least, a subgroup of adults with ADHD and/or BPD. A superiority of the synbiotic over placebo in the management of emotional dysregulation (-3.6, 95 % CI:-6.8 to -0.3; P = 0.03), emotional symptoms (-0.6, 95 % CI:-1.2 to -0.05; P = 0.03), inattention (-1.8, 95 % CI: -3.2 to -0.4; P = 0.01), functioning (-2.7, 95 % CI: -5.2 to -0.2; P = 0.03) and perceived stress levels (-0.6, 95 % CI: -1.2 to -0.05; P = 0.03) was also suggested. Higher baseline RANK-L protein levels were associated with a significantly lower response rate, but only in the synbiotic group (OR: 0.1, 95 % CI: -4.3 to - 0.3, P = 0.02). In the placebo group, higher IL-17A levels at baseline were significantly associated with a higher improvement in in particular, emotional dysregulation (P = 0.04), opening a door for new (targeted) drug intervention. However, larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03495375.

The influence and therapeutic effect of microbiota in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease involving multiple organs that poses a serious risk to the health and life of patients. A growing number of studies have shown that commensals from different parts of the body and exogenous pathogens are involved in SLE progression, causing barrier disruption and immune dysregulation through multiple mechanisms. However, they sometimes alleviate the symptoms of SLE. Many factors, such as genetic susceptibility, metabolism, impaired barriers, food, and sex hormones, are involved in SLE, and the microbiota drives the development of SLE either by depending on or interacting with these factors. Among these, the crosstalk between genetic susceptibility, metabolism, and microbiota is a hot topic of research and is expected to lay the groundwork for the amelioration of the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of SLE. Furthermore, the microbiota has great potential for the treatment of SLE. Ideally, personalised therapeutic approaches should be developed in combination with more specific diagnostic methods. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role and mechanism of microbiota in lupus of the intestine, oral cavity, skin, and kidney, as well as the therapeutic potential of the microbiota.

Lactobacillus plantarum modulate gut microbiota and intestinal immunity in cyclophosphamide-treated mice model

Gut microbiota (GM) contributes to the production of immune-regulatory molecules and cytokines. However, our understanding regarding intricate relationship between Lactobacillus plantarum and GM on regulation of immune function remained limited. To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on an immunosuppressed mouse model, we employed cyclophosphamide treatment and conducted various analysis including H&E (hematoxylin-eosin staining), immunohistochemistry, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and RT-PCR. Our results demonstrated that the administration of Lactobacillus plantarum had significant immunoenhancing effects in the immune-suppressed mice, as evidenced by the restoration of functional expression of specific immune markers in the spleen and an increase in the number of goblet cells in intestine (P < 0.05). Microbial taxonomic analysis revealed alterations in the gut microbiota composition, characterized by a decrease in the richness of Firmicutes and an increase in the proportion of Verrucomicrobia and Actinobacteria following cyclophosphamide treatment. Furthermore, cyclophosphamide treatment significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05), which were subsequently restored after administration of Lactobacillus plantarum. These observations provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between probiotics, gut microbiota, and immune system functioning.

A new generation of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells differentially trained by immunoregulatory probiotics in a lupus microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence suggests that multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising intervention strategy in treating autoimmune inflammatory diseases. It should be stated that systemic immunoregulation is increasingly recognized among the beneficial effects of MSCs and probiotics in treating morbid autoimmune disorders such as lupus. This study aimed to determine if immunoregulatory probiotics L. rhamnosus or L. delbrueckii can change the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs in lupus-like disease.

METHODS

Pristane-induced lupus (PIL) mice model was created via intraperitoneal injection of Pristane and then confirmed. Naïve MSCs (N-MSCs) were coincubated with two Lactobacillus strains, rhamnosus (R-MSCs) or delbrueckii (D-MSCs), and/or a combination of both (DR-MSCs) for 48 h, then administrated intravenously in separate groups. Negative (PBS-treated normal mice) and positive control groups (PBS-treated lupus mice) were also investigated. At the end of the study, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis were used to determine the percentage of Th cell subpopulations in splenocytes and the level of their master cytokines in sera, respectively. Moreover, lupus nephritis was investigated and compared. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Abnormalities in serum levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies, creatinine, and urine proteinuria were significantly suppressed by MSCs transplantation, whereas engrafted MSCs coincubation with both L. strains did a lesser effect on anti-dsDNA antibodies. L. rhamnosus significantly escalated the ability of MSCs to scale down the inflammatory cytokines (IFN-ɣ, IL-17), while L. delbrueckii significantly elevated the capacity of MSCs to scale down the percentage of Th cell subpopulations. However, incubation with both strains induced MSCs with augmented capacity in introducing inflammatory cytokines (IFN-ɣ, IL-17). Strikingly, R-MSCs directly restored the serum level of TGF-β more effectively and showed more significant improvement in disease parameters than N-MSCs. These results suggest that R-MSCs significantly attenuate lupus disease by further skew the immune phenotype of MSCs toward increased immunoregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrated that Lactobacillus strains showed different capabilities in training/inducing new abilities in MSCs, in such a way that pretreated MSCs with L. rhamnosus might benefit the treatment of lupus-like symptoms, given their desirable properties.

Contributions of the microbiota to the systemic inflammatory response

The health of the intestinal microbiota impacts tolerance at homeostasis and the strength of the inflammation response during acute bloodstream infections. A complete understanding of the feedback loop between systemic inflammation and dysregulation of the gut microbiota is necessary for inflammation management. Here we will review the many ways in which the microbiota can influence the systemic pro-inflammatory response. Short-chain fatty acids, produced through the microbial metabolism of dietary fibers, can suppress inflammation systemically; in the absence of a balanced diet or disruption of the microbiota through antibiotics, there is disrupted metabolite production, leading to systemic inflammation. Dysbiosis or inflammation in the intestines can lead to a breakdown of the sturdy intestinal-epithelial barrier. When this barrier is perturbed, immunogenic lipopolysaccharides or extracellular vesicles enter the bloodstream and induce excessive inflammation. Necessary clinical treatments, such as antifungals or antibacterials, induce microbiota dysregulation and thus increased risk of endotoxemia; though probiotics may aid in improving the microbiota health and have been shown to deflate inflammation during sepsis. Within this complicated relationship: What is in control, the dysbiotic microbiota or the systemic inflammation?