Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:3831972. [PMID: 28357027 PMCID: PMC5357536 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3831972]

Multiplatform metabolomic interlaboratory study of a whole human stool candidate reference material from omnivore and vegan donors

INTRODUCTION

Human metabolomics has made significant strides in understanding metabolic changes and their implications for human health, with promising applications in diagnostics and treatment, particularly regarding the gut microbiome. However, progress is hampered by issues with data comparability and reproducibility across studies, limiting the translation of these discoveries into practical applications.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the fit-for-purpose of a suite of human stool samples as potential candidate reference materials (RMs) and assess the state of the field regarding harmonizing gut metabolomics measurements.

METHODS

An interlaboratory study was conducted with 18 participating institutions. The study allowed for the use of preferred analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

RESULTS

Different laboratories used various methods and analytical platforms to identify the metabolites present in human stool RM samples. The study found a 40% to 70% recurrence in the reported top 20 most abundant metabolites across the four materials. In the full annotation list, the percentage of metabolites reported multiple times after nomenclature standardization was 36% (LC-MS), 58% (GC-MS) and 76% (NMR). Out of 9,300 unique metabolites, only 37 were reported across all three measurement techniques.

CONCLUSION

This collaborative exercise emphasized the broad chemical survey possible with multi-technique approaches. Community engagement is essential for the evaluation and characterization of common materials designed to facilitate comparability and ensure data quality underscoring the value of determining current practices, challenges, and progress of a field through interlaboratory studies.

Gut microbes, diet, and genetics as drivers of metabolic liver disease: a narrative review outlining implications for precision medicine

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly increasing in prevalence, impacting over a third of the global population. The advanced form of MASLD, Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is on track to become the number one indication for liver transplant. FDA-approved pharmacological agents are limited for MASH, despite over 400 ongoing clinical trials, with only a single drug (resmetirom) currently on the market. This is likely due to the heterogeneous nature of disease pathophysiology, which involves interactions between highly individualized genetic and environmental factors. To apply precision medicine approaches that overcome interpersonal variability, in-depth insights into interactions between genetics, nutrition, and the gut microbiome are needed, given that each have emerged as dynamic contributors to MASLD and MASH pathogenesis. Here, we discuss the associations and molecular underpinnings of several of these factors individually and outline their interactions in the context of both patient-based studies and preclinical animal model systems. Finally, we highlight gaps in knowledge that will require further investigation to aid in successfully implementing precision medicine to prevent and alleviate MASLD and MASH.

Unlocking the potential for microbiome-based therapeutics to address the sustainable development goal of good health and wellbeing

Recent years have witnessed major advances and an ever-growing list of healthcare applications for microbiome-based therapeutics. However, these advances have disproportionately targeted diseases common in high-income countries (HICs). Within low- to middle-income countries (LMIC), opportunities for microbiome-based therapeutics include sexual health epidemics, maternal health, early life mortality, malnutrition, vaccine response and infectious diseases. In this review we detail the advances that have been achieved in microbiome-based therapeutics for these areas of healthcare and identify where further work is required. Current efforts to characterise microbiomes from LMICs will aid in targeting and optimisation of therapeutics and preventative strategies specifically suited to the unmet needs within these populations. Once achieved, opportunities from disease treatment and improved treatment efficacy through to disease prevention and vector control can be effectively addressed using probiotics and live biotherapeutics. Together these strategies have the potential to increase individual health, overcome logistical challenges and reduce overall medical, individual, societal and economic costs.

Maternal and infant microbiome and birth anthropometry

Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Microbiome dysbiosis in the mother and infant may contribute to their adverse outcomes. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed on all samples. Phyloseq, microbiomeSeq, and NetCoMi were utilized for bioinformatics analysis. Statistical tests included the Wilcoxon test, ANOVA, permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), and linear regression. Statistical significance was set at p value <0.05. The establishment of an infant's microbiome most likely begins in utero and is influenced by the maternal microbiome. Infants' samples were enriched with Salmonella. There is a complex interplay among the microbial taxa noticeable at birth, exhibiting variability in interaction within the same host and across different hosts. Both maternal and infant microbiomes influence the anthropometric measures determined at birth, and a sex-based difference in correlation exists. This study highlights the potential role of maternal and infant microbiomes in improving pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

Machine Learning Reveals Microbial Taxa Associated with a Swim across the Pacific Ocean

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the association between microbial dynamics and excessive exercise. Methods: Swabbed fecal samples, body composition (percent body fat), and swimming logs were collected (n = 94) from a single individual over 107 days as he swam across the Pacific Ocean. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced, generating 6.2 million amplicon sequence variants. Multivariate analysis was used to analyze the microbial community structure, and machine learning (random forest) was used to model the microbial dynamics over time using R statistical programming. Results: Our findings show a significant reduction in percent fat mass (Pearson; p < 0.01, R = -0.89) and daily swim distance (Spearman; p < 0.01, R = -0.30). Furthermore, the microbial community structure became increasingly similar over time (PERMANOVA; p < 0.01, R = -0.27). Decision-based modeling (random forest) revealed the genera Alistipes, Anaerostipes, Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, Lachnospira, Lachnobacterium, and Ruminococcus as important microbial biomarkers of excessive exercise for explaining variations observed throughout the swim (OOB; R = 0.893). Conclusions: We show that microbial community structure and composition accurately classify outcomes of excessive exercise in relation to body composition, blood pressure, and daily swim distance. More importantly, microbial dynamics reveal the microbial taxa significantly associated with increased exercise volume, highlighting specific microbes responsive to excessive swimming.

The Hidden Dangers of Sedentary Living: Insights into Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Mechanisms

With the aging of the global population, neurodegenerative diseases are emerging as a major public health issue. The adoption of a less sedentary lifestyle has been shown to have a beneficial effect on cognitive decline, but the molecular mechanisms responsible are less clear. Here we provide a detailed analysis of the complex molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline and how lifestyle choices influence these processes. A review of the evidence from animal models, human studies, and postmortem analyses emphasizes the importance of integrating physical exercise with cognitive, multisensory, and motor stimulation as part of a multifaceted approach to mitigating cognitive decline. We highlight the potential of these non-pharmacological interventions to address key aging hallmarks, such as genomic instability, telomere attrition, and neuroinflammation, and underscore the need for comprehensive and personalized strategies to promote cognitive resilience and healthy aging.

Physical Therapy for Knee Pain Relief Induces Changes in Gut Microbiome Composition: A Secondary Analysis of Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Aerobic exercise alters gut microbiome composition, yet the impact of gentle physiotherapy on gut microbiome and its relation to muscle strengthening and physical function remains unexplored.

HYPOTHESIS

Physiotherapy exercises modulate gut microbiome composition and changes in gut microbes are linked to improvements in muscle strength or function.

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary data analysis of samples from a randomized controlled trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2b.

METHODS

Data from a 6-week randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy for knee pain were analyzed. Gut microbiota profiling utilized 16S sequencing. We compared intervention and control (usual care) groups using microbial diversity metrics. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that changed after the program were identified with ALDEX2, and correlations between these ASVs and measures of physical function, muscle strength, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were explored.

RESULTS

No diversity changes were observed between standard care (n = 43) and physiotherapy (n = 34). Physiotherapy led to significant increases in Alistipes, Bacteroides, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Faecalibacterium ASVs. Of these, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Faecalibacterium were associated with postintervention muscle strength. Increase in Faecalibacterium was correlated with a decrease in IL-6 in the physiotherapy group.

CONCLUSION

Physiotherapy had modest effects on gut microbiome composition affecting 4 taxa. Increases in muscle strength were correlated with increases in 2 taxa including Faecalibacterium. Faecalibacterium was also linked to reduced inflammation. Improved walking speed was linked to an increase in Alistipes with no differences found for strength or squatting ability.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Improved gut microbiome composition is linked to better overall health outcomes, including enhanced immune function, reduced inflammation, and improved metabolic health. This is particularly relevant for patients with osteoarthritis, who are known to have a high prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities. Integrating physiotherapy protocols that positively influence the gut microbiome can thus enhance overall patient outcomes.

The maternal lifestyle in pregnancy: Implications for foetal skeletal muscle development

The world is facing a global nutrition crisis, as evidenced by the rising incidence of metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Skeletal muscle is the largest tissue in humans and plays an important role in movement and host metabolism. Muscle fibre formation occurs mainly during the embryonic stage. Therefore, maternal lifestyle, especially nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, has a critical influence on foetal skeletal muscle development and the subsequent metabolic health of the offspring. In this review, the influence of maternal obesity, malnutrition and micronutrient intake on foetal skeletal muscle development is systematically summarized. We also aim to describe how maternal exercise shapes foetal muscle development and metabolic health in the offspring. The role of maternal gut microbiota and its metabolites on foetal muscle development is further discussed, although this field is still in its 'infancy'. This review will provide new insights to reduce the global crisis of metabolic disorders and highlight current gaps to promote further research.

The Gut Microbiome and Symptom Burden After Kidney Transplantation: An Overview and Research Opportunities

Many kidney transplant recipients continue to experience high symptom burden despite restoration of kidney function. High symptom burden is a significant driver of quality of life. In the post-transplant setting, high symptom burden has been linked to negative outcomes including medication non-adherence, allograft rejection, graft loss, and even mortality. Symbiotic bacteria (microbiota) in the human gastrointestinal tract critically interact with the immune, endocrine, and neurological systems to maintain homeostasis of the host. The gut microbiome has been proposed as an underlying mechanism mediating symptoms in several chronic medical conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and psychoneurological disorders via the gut-brain-microbiota axis, a bidirectional signaling pathway between the enteric and central nervous system. Post-transplant exposure to antibiotics, antivirals, and immunosuppressant medications results in significant alterations in gut microbiota community composition and function, which in turn alter these commensal microorganisms' protective effects. This overview will discuss the current state of the science on the effects of the gut microbiome on symptom burden in kidney transplantation and future directions to guide this field of study.

A comprehensive review on the pharmacological role of gut microbiome in neurodegenerative disorders: potential therapeutic targets

Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer and Parkinson's, pose significant challenges to public health due to their complex etiologies and limited treatment options. Recent advances in research have highlighted the intricate bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system (CNS), revealing a potential therapeutic avenue for neurological disorders. Thus, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the pharmacological role of gut microbiome in neurological disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating CNS function through various mechanisms, including the production of neurotransmitters, neuroactive metabolites, and immune system modulation. Dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in gut microbial composition and function, has been observed in many neurological disorders, indicating a potential causative or contributory role. Pharmacological interventions targeting the gut microbiome have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, and microbial metabolite-based interventions have shown beneficial effects in animal models and some human studies. These interventions aim to restore microbial homeostasis, enhance microbial diversity, and promote the production of beneficial metabolites. However, several challenges remain, including the need for standardized protocols, identification of specific microbial signatures associated with different neurological disorders, and understanding the precise mechanisms underlying gut-brain communication. Further research is necessary to unravel the intricate interactions between the gut microbiome and the CNS and to develop targeted pharmacological interventions for neurological disorders.

The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Neurological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Microbes have inhabited the earth for hundreds of millions of years longer than humans. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) represents a bidirectional communication pathway. These communications occur between the central nervous system (CNS), the enteric nervous system (ENS), and the emotional and cognitive centres of the brain. The field of research on the gut-brain axis has grown significantly during the past two decades. Signalling occurs between the gut microbiota and the brain through the neural, endocrine, immune, and humoral pathways. A substantial body of evidence indicates that the MGBA plays a pivotal role in various neurological diseases. These include Alzheimer's disease (AD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Rett syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), non-Alzheimer's neurodegeneration and dementias, fronto-temporal lobe dementia (FTLD), Wilson-Konovalov disease (WD), multisystem atrophy (MSA), Huntington's chorea (HC), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), depression, and schizophrenia (SCZ). Furthermore, the bidirectional correlation between therapeutics and the gut-brain axis will be discussed. Conversely, the mood of delivery, exercise, psychotropic agents, stress, and neurologic drugs can influence the MGBA. By understanding the MGBA, it may be possible to facilitate research into microbial-based interventions and therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases.

From Gut to Eye: Exploring the Role of Microbiome Imbalance in Ocular Diseases

Background: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, and recent research has highlighted its potential impact on ocular health through the gut-eye axis. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been implicated in various ocular diseases. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using relevant keywords in major electronic databases, prioritizing recent peer-reviewed articles published in English. Results: The gut microbiota influences ocular health through immune modulation, maintenance of the blood-retinal barrier, and production of beneficial metabolites. Dysbiosis can disrupt these mechanisms, contributing to ocular inflammation, tissue damage, and disease progression in conditions such as uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye disease, and glaucoma. Therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation shows promise in preclinical and preliminary human studies. Conclusions: The gut-eye axis represents a dynamic and complex interplay between the gut microbiome and ocular health. Targeting the gut microbiome through innovative therapeutic strategies holds potential for improving the prevention and management of various ocular diseases.

Gut microbiome: A revolution in type II diabetes mellitus

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has experienced a dramatic increase globally across countries of various income levels over the past three decades. The persistent prevalence of T2DM is attributed to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. While numerous pharmaceutical therapies have been developed, there remains an urgent need for innovative treatment approaches that offer effectiveness without significant adverse effects. In this context, the exploration of the gut microbiome presents a promising avenue. Research has increasingly shown that the gut microbiome of individuals with T2DM exhibits distinct differences compared to healthy individuals, suggesting its potential role in the disease's pathogenesis and progression. This emerging field offers diverse applications, particularly in modifying the gut environment through the administration of prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiome transfer. These inter-ventions aim to restore a healthy microbiome balance, which could potentially alleviate or even reverse the metabolic dysfunctions associated with T2DM. Although current results from clinical trials have not yet shown dramatic effects on diabetes management, the groundwork has been laid for deeper investigation. Ongoing and future clinical trials are critical to advancing our understanding of the microbiome's impact on diabetes. By further elucidating the mechanisms through which microbiome alterations influence insulin resistance and glucose metabolism, researchers can develop more targeted interventions. The potential to harness the gut microbiome in developing new therapeutic strategies offers a compelling prospect to transform the treatment landscape of T2DM, potentially reducing the disease's burden significantly with approaches that are less reliant on traditional pharmaceuticals and more focused on holistic, systemic health improvements.

Effects of saponins Rb1 and Re in American ginseng intervention on intestinal microbiota of aging model

Aging brings about physiological dysfunction, disease, and eventual mortality. An increasing number of studies indicate that aging can easily lead to dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, which can further affect digestion, nerves, cognition, emotions, and more. Therefore, gut bacteria play an important role in regulating the physical functions of aging populations. While saponins, the primary components of American ginseng, are frequently utilized for treating common ailments in the elderly due to their potent antioxidant properties, there is a scarcity of comprehensive studies on aging organisms. This study focused on 18 month old aging mice and investigated the effects of single intervention and combined intervention of Rb1 and Re, the main components of Panax quinquefolium saponins, on the gut microbiota of aging mice. High throughput 16s RNA gene sequencing analysis was performed on the gut contents of the tested mice, and the results showed that Rb1 and Re had a significant impact on the gut microbiota. Rb1, Re, and Rb1 + Re can effectively enhance the diversity of gut microbiota, especially in the combined Rb1 + Re group, which can recover to the level of young mice. Re can promote the abundance of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus, and inhibit the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae. This indicates that the intervention of Rb1, Re, and Rb1 + Re can maintain the homeostasis of gut microbiota, and the combined application of Rb1 + Re has a better effect. The relationship between aging, brain gut axis, and gut microbiota is very close. Saponins can improve the gut microbiota of aging individuals by maintaining the balance of gut microbiota and the normal function of the brain gut axis, enabling the body to achieve a gut microbiota homeostasis closer to that of young healthy mice.

The intensive physical activity causes changes in the composition of gut and oral microbiota

This study aimed to compare the gut and oral microbiota composition of professional male football players and amateurs. Environmental and behavioral factors are well known to modulate intestinal microbiota composition. Active lifestyle behaviors are involved in the improvement of metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Exercise promotes adaptational changes in human metabolic capacities affecting microbial homeostasis. Twenty professional football players and twelve amateurs were invited to the study groups. Fecal and oral microbiota were analyzed using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Diversity in the oral microbiota composition was similar in amateurs and professionals, while the increase in training intensity reduced the number of bacterial species. In contrast, the analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed the greatest differentiation between professional football players and amateurs, especially during intensive training. Firmicutes were characterized by the largest population in all the studied groups. Intensive physical activity increases the abundance of butyrate and succinate-producing bacteria affecting host metabolic homeostasis, suggesting a very beneficial role for the host immune system's microbiome homeostasis and providing a proper function of the host immune system.

Exploring microbial worlds: a review of whole genome sequencing and its application in characterizing the microbial communities

The classical microbiology techniques have inherent limitations in unraveling the complexity of microbial communities, necessitating the pivotal role of sequencing in studying the diversity of microbial communities. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) enables researchers to uncover the metabolic capabilities of the microbial community, providing valuable insights into the microbiome. Herein, we present an overview of the rapid advancements achieved thus far in the use of WGS in microbiome research. There was an upsurge in publications, particularly in 2021 and 2022 with the United States, China, and India leading the metagenomics research landscape. The Illumina platform has emerged as the widely adopted sequencing technology, whereas a significant focus of metagenomics has been on understanding the relationship between the gut microbiome and human health where distinct bacterial species have been linked to various diseases. Additionally, studies have explored the impact of human activities on microbial communities, including the potential spread of pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes in different ecosystems. Furthermore, WGS is used in investigating the microbiome of various animal species and plant tissues such as the rhizosphere microbiome. Overall, this review reflects the importance of WGS in metagenomics studies and underscores its remarkable power in illuminating the variety and intricacy of the microbiome in different environments.

The Influence of Intestinal Microbiota on BDNF Levels

The regulation of neurogenesis, the complex process of producing and differentiating new brain tissue cells, is influenced by a complex interaction of internal and external factors. Over the past decade, extensive research has been conducted on neurotrophins and their key role in adult neurogenesis, as well as their impact on diseases such as depression. Among neurotrophins, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been the subject of comprehensive studies on adult neurogenesis, and scientific evidence supports its necessity for neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of the hippocampus. A novel area of research is the emerging role of gut microbiota as a significant contributor to neurogenesis and neurotrophin production. Studies have shown that reduced BDNF levels can lead to mood disorders, which are observed in intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the composition and quantity of the intestinal microbiota. There is evidence in the literature that there is a link between brain function and gut microbiota. Physical activity, and especially the regularity and intensity of exercise, is important in relation to the level of BDNF and the intestinal microbiota. Probiotics, prebiotics and physical activity may have a positive effect on the intestinal microbiota, and therefore also on the level of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Antibiotic-induced gut microbiota disruption promotes vascular calcification by reducing short-chain fatty acid acetate

BACKGROUND

Vascular calcification is a common vascular lesion associated with high morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular events. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota (GM) and have been shown to exacerbate or attenuate several human diseases. However, whether antibiotic-induced GM disruption affects vascular calcification remains unclear.

METHODS

Antibiotic cocktail (ABX) treatment was utilized to test the potential effects of antibiotics on vascular calcification. The effects of antibiotics on GM and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in vascular calcification mice were analyzed using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics, respectively. Further, the effects of acetate, propionate and butyrate on vascular calcification were evaluated. Finally, the potential mechanism by which acetate inhibits osteogenic transformation of VSMCs was explored by proteomics.

RESULTS

ABX and vancomycin exacerbated vascular calcification. 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics analyses showed that ABX and vancomycin treatments resulted in decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes in the fecal microbiota of the mice and decreased serum levels of SCFAs. In addition, supplementation with acetate was found to reduce calcium salt deposition in the aorta of mice and inhibit osteogenic transformation in VSMCs. Finally, using proteomics, we found that the inhibition of osteogenic transformation of VSMCs by acetate may be related to glutathione metabolism and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. After adding the glutathione inhibitor Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and the ubiquitination inhibitor MG132, we found that the inhibitory effect of acetate on VSMC osteogenic differentiation was weakened by the intervention of BSO, but MG132 had no effect.

CONCLUSION

ABX exacerbates vascular calcification, possibly by depleting the abundance of Bacteroidetes and SCFAs in the intestine. Supplementation with acetate has the potential to alleviate vascular calcification, which may be an important target for future treatment of vascular calcification.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Different Types of Physical Activity and Their Intensity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Intense exercise during training requires dietary modulation to support health and performance and differs in different types of activities. Diet, supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics, and, more recently, even physical activity can potentially improve health outcomes by modifying and protecting the gut microbiota. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the modulation of gut microbiota in different types and intensities of physical activity and different lifestyles of athletes.

METHODS

The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024500826).

RESULTS

Out of 1318 studies, only 10 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pilot study's meta-regression analysis highlights the role of type and intensity of exercise in changing the B/B (Bacillota/Bacteroidota) ratio (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As gut training becomes more popular among athletes, it is necessary to map interactions between microbiota and different types of physical activity, personalized diets, physical activities, and ergogenic supplements to enhance performance and athletic wellness.

Effects of Physical Exercise on the Microbiota in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Recent studies have underscored the significant role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBS. Physical exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, has been proposed to alleviate IBS symptoms by modulating the gut microbiota. Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, and cycling, has been shown to enhance the diversity and abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that possess anti-inflammatory properties and support gut barrier integrity. Studies involving IBS patients participating in structured aerobic exercise programs have reported significant improvements in their gut microbiota's composition and diversity, alongside an alleviation of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating. Additionally, exercise positively influences mental health by reducing stress and improving mood, which can further relieve IBS symptoms via the gut-brain axis. Long-term exercise interventions provide sustained benefits, maintaining the gut microbiota's diversity and stability, supporting immune functions, and reducing systemic inflammation. However, exercise programs must be tailored to individual needs to avoid exacerbating IBS symptoms. Personalized exercise plans starting with low-to-moderate intensity and gradually increasing in intensity can maximize the benefits and minimize risks. This review examines the impact of various types and intensities of physical exercise on the gut microbiota in IBS patients, highlighting the need for further studies to explore optimal exercise protocols. Future research should include larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, and examine the synergistic effects of exercise and other lifestyle modifications. Integrating physical exercise into comprehensive IBS management plans can enhance symptom control and improve patients' quality of life.

Gut matters in microgravity: potential link of gut microbiota and its metabolites to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal well-being

The gut microbiota and its secreted metabolites play a significant role in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health and diseases. The dysregulation of the intestinal microbiota poses a significant threat to cardiovascular and skeletal muscle well-being. Nonetheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. Furthermore, microgravity presents several challenges to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health compromising muscle strength, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic changes. The purpose of this review is to critically examine the role of gut microbiota metabolites on cardiovascular and skeletal muscle functions and dysfunctions. It also explores the molecular mechanisms that drive microgravity-induced deconditioning in both cardiovascular and skeletal muscle. Key findings in this review highlight that several alterations in gut microbiota and secreted metabolites in microgravity mirror characteristics seen in cardiovascular and skeletal muscle diseases. Those alterations include increased levels of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, elevated lipopolysaccharide levels (LPS), increased in para-cresol (p-cresol) and secondary metabolites, along with reduction in bile acids and Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria. Highlighting the potential, modulating gut microbiota in microgravity conditions could play a significant role in mitigating cardiovascular and skeletal muscle diseases not only during space flight but also in prolonged bed rest scenarios here on Earth.

Impact of dance classes on motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition in multiple sclerosis patients: Randomized controlled trial

Evidence suggests that multiple sclerosis (MS) induces a decline in motor and cognitive function and provokes a shift in gut microbiome composition in patients. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the effect of dance classes on the motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition of MS patients. In this randomized controlled trial, 36 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 18) and the passive control group (n = 18). Supervised rock and roll and sports dance classes were performed for 12 weeks at a frequency of two times a week. Before and after the intervention, fecal samples were taken and the motor and cognitive function assessments were completed. Fecal microbiota were categorized using primers targeting the V3-V4 region of 16S rDNA. Our results revealed significant differences in mobility performance (T25-FWT), attention and working memory (TMT B), and finger dexterity (9-HPT) within the experimental group. Furthermore, we reported favorable shifts in gut microbial communities (an increase in Blautia stercoris and a decrease in Ruminococcus torques) within the experimental group. In conclusion, our randomized control trial on the effects of 12-week dance classes in MS patients found significant improvements in motor and cognitive functions, with further moderate influence on gut microbiota composition.

Overview of cloning in lactic acid bacteria: Expression and its application of probiotic potential in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) imposes a significant impact on the quality of life for affected individuals. However, there was a current lack of a systematic summary regarding the latest epidemic trends and the underlying pathogenesis of IBD. This highlights the need for a thorough examination of both the epidemiological aspects of IBD and the specific mechanisms by which lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contribute to mitigating this condition. In developed countries, higher incidences and death rates of IBD have been observed, influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. LAB offer significant advantages and substantial potential for enhancing IBD treatment. LAB's capabilities include the production of bioactive metabolites, regulation of gut immunity, protection of intestinal mechanical barriers, inhibition of oxidative damage, and restoration of imbalanced gut microbiota. The review suggests that screening effective LAB using cell models and metabolites, optimizing LAB intake through dose-effect studies, enhancing utilization through nanoencapsulation and microencapsulation, investigating mechanisms to deepen the understanding of LAB, and refining clinical study designs. These efforts aim to contribute to comprehending the epidemic trend, pathogenesis, and treatment of IBD, ultimately fostering the development of targeted therapeutic products, such as LAB-based interventions.

The Effect of Time-Restricted Eating Combined with Exercise on Body Composition and Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Time-restricted eating (TRE) is increasingly popular, but its benefits in combination with exercise still need to be determined.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TRE combined with exercise compared with control diet with exercise in improving the body composition and metabolic health of adults.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of TRE combined with exercise on body composition and metabolic health in adults were included. All results in the meta-analysis are reported as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Study quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation assessment.

RESULTS

In total, 19 RCTs comprising 568 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. TRE combined with exercise likely reduced the participants' body mass (MD: -1.86 kg; 95% CI: -2.75, -0.97 kg) and fat mass (MD: -1.52 kg; 95% CI: -2.07, -0.97 kg) when compared with the control diet with exercise. In terms of metabolic health, the TRE combined with exercise group likely reduced triglycerides (MD: -13.38 mg/dL, 95% CI: -21.22, -5.54 mg/dL) and may result in a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (MD: -8.52 mg/dL; 95% CI: -11.72, -5.33 mg/dL) and a large reduction in leptin (MD: -0.67 ng/mL; 95% CI: -1.02, -0.33 ng/mL). However, TRE plus exercise exhibited no additional benefit on the glucose profile, including fasting glucose and insulin, and other lipid profiles, including total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein concentrations, compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining TRE with exercise may be more effective in reducing body weight and fat mass and improving lipid profile than control diet with exercise. Implementing this approach may benefit individuals aiming to achieve weight loss and enhance their metabolic well-being. This study was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42022353834.

Can exercise benefits be harnessed with drugs? A new way to combat neurodegenerative diseases by boosting neurogenesis

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is affected by multiple factors, such as enriched environment, exercise, ageing, and neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders can impair AHN, leading to progressive neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Compelling evidence suggests that individuals engaged in regular exercise exhibit higher production of proteins that are essential for AHN and memory. Interestingly, specific molecules that mediate the effects of exercise have shown effectiveness in promoting AHN and cognition in different transgenic animal models. Despite these advancements, the precise mechanisms by which exercise mimetics induce AHN remain partially understood. Recently, some novel exercise molecules have been tested and the underlying mechanisms have been proposed, involving intercommunications between multiple organs such as muscle-brain crosstalk, liver-brain crosstalk, and gut-brain crosstalk. In this review, we will discuss the current evidence regarding the effects and potential mechanisms of exercise mimetics on AHN and cognition in various neurological disorders. Opportunities, challenges, and future directions in this research field are also discussed.

The Microbiota in Cancer: A Secondary Player or a Protagonist?

The intestinal microbiota and the human body are in a permanent interaction. There is a symbiotic relationship in which the microbiota plays a vitally important role in the performance of numerous functions, including digestion, metabolism, the development of lymphoid tissue, defensive functions, and other processes. It is a true metabolic organ essential for life and has potential involvement in various pathological states, including cancer and pathologies other than those of a digestive nature. A growing topic of great interest for its implications is the relationship between the microbiota and cancer. Dysbiosis plays a role in oncogenesis, tumor progression, and even the response to cancer treatment. The effect of the microbiota on tumor development goes beyond a local effect having a systemic effect. Another aspect of great interest regarding the intestinal microbiota is its relationship with drugs, modifying their activity. There is increasing evidence that the microbiota influences the therapeutic activity and side effects of antineoplastic drugs and also modulates the response of several tumors to antineoplastic therapy through immunological circuits. These data suggest the manipulation of the microbiota as a possible adjuvant to improve oncological treatment. Is it possible to manipulate the microbiota for therapeutic purposes?

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Sleep Quality and Health: Dietary Strategies for Microbiota Support

Dietary components, including dietary fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols, along with meal timing and spacing, significantly affect the microbiota's capacity to produce various metabolites essential for quality sleep and overall health. This review explores the role of gut microbiota in regulating sleep through various metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. A balanced diet rich in plant-based foods enhances the production of these sleep-regulating metabolites, potentially benefiting overall health. This review aims to investigate how dietary habits affect gut microbiota composition, the metabolites it produces, and the subsequent impact on sleep quality and related health conditions.

Integrative Approaches to Managing Gut Health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize key integrative approaches to managing common gastrointestinal conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Lifestyle interventions like diet, exercise, and stress reduction impact the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal symptoms. Evidence supports mind-body therapies, herbs, certain supplements, and other modalities as complimentary approaches, when appropriate, for common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease. An integrative approach optimizes both conventional treatments and incorporates lifestyle modifications, complimentary modalities, and the doctor-patient relationship.

Physical activity shifts gut microbiota structure in aged subjects with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome

We aimed to identify how physical activity (PA), within the context of a Mediterranean diet, affects metabolic variables and gut microbiota in older individuals with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. Observational analysis was conducted as part of the PREDIMED-Plus study with 152 males and 145 females with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. General assessments, anthropometric and biochemical measurements, and gut microbial 16S rRNA sequencing data were analyzed at baseline and 1-year of follow-up. Participants were stratified by tertiles of 1-year change in total PA-related energy expenditure ranging from -98.77 to 1099.99 METs (min/week). The total PA percentage of change was reduced in tertile 1 (-44.83 ± 24.94), increased in tertile 2 (28.96 ± 23.33) and tertile 3 (273.64 ± 221.42). Beta diversity analysis showed differences in the gut microbiota population within each tertile group. Significant differences were found at phylum, family, and genus levels in the gut microbiota of the three tertile groups at baseline and 1-year timepoint. Tertile 3, the group with the greatest increase in PA, was characterized by increases in their levels of Sutterella, Bilophila, and Lachnospira bacteria as well as a reduction in Collinsella. Moreover, this tertile showed a different pattern in its predicted metabolic capacities to the other groups. Our results have demonstrated that changes in PA such as lifestyle and Mediterranean diet induces specific variations in the gut microbiota profile. This modulation of gut microbiome populations and their metabolic capacities may contribute to the health of the aged individuals with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Importance of the gut microbiota in the gut-liver axis in normal and liver disease

The gut microbiota is of growing interest to clinicians and researchers. This is because there is a growing understanding that the gut microbiota performs many different functions, including involvement in metabolic and immune processes that are systemic in nature. The liver, with its important role in detoxifying and metabolizing products from the gut, is at the forefront of interactions with the gut microbiota. Many details of these interactions are not yet known to clinicians and researchers, but there is growing evidence that normal gut microbiota function is important for liver health. At the same time, factors affecting the gut microbiota, including nutrition or medications, may also have an effect through the gut-liver axis.

Effects of whole-body vibration on body composition, microbiota, cardiometabolic markers, physical fitness, and quality of life after bariatric surgery: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Morbid obesity is a complex chronic condition characterized by a body mass index of 40 kg/m2 or higher. The incidence of the condition is on the rise in developed countries, and bariatric surgery has been proposed as a potential solution to address this trend. Nonetheless, bariatric surgery may also result in adverse effects, including a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass, as well as an increased risk of fractures. The present study aims to elucidate the effects of bariatric surgery and whole-body vibration (WBV) training on body composition, microbiota, physical fitness, quality of life, and cardiometabolic markers.

METHODS

Twenty-eight participants (14 females), aged 18 to 50 years, will undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery. They will be randomly allocated into a control group or a WBV training group. The WBV group will train three times per week with increasing intensities and duration ranging from 30 to 45 min over the 4-month training period. Measurements of body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography), physical fitness (muscular strength, agility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance), gait biomechanics, cardiometabolic markers, gut microbiota, quality of life, and physical activity levels will be collected at four different time points: (1) prior to the surgery, (2) 45 days post-surgery, (3) 6 months post-surgery, and (4) 18 months post-surgery.

DISCUSSION

Both groups are expected to experience improvements in most of the aforementioned variables. Nonetheless, we expect the WBV group to show larger improvements proving that the training is effective and safe.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05695599. Registered on January 25, 2023.

Brain functional training: a perspective article

Introduction: Physical exercise (PE) positively affects the nervous system, impacting morphology and physiology. It increases brain gray and white matter, improves cerebral blood flow, and stimulates neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and angiogenesis, promoting brain function. Although exercise already affects cognition, some training modalities place greater demands on the cognitive aspects of physical exercise, such as perceptual-motor and visual-motor training. This type of approach aims to emphasize the cognitive adaptations that occur chronically. Specifically for older people, functional training, a multi-component approach, is a promising exercise modality that stimulates functionality using multi-joint, multi-planar exercises mirroring daily activities. However, applying a greater focus on cognitive adaptations in line with the functional training proposal for maximal benefits remains underexplored. Aim: Thus, this perspective article initially explores different exercise approaches emphasizing cognitive adaptations and proposes Brain Functional Training to improve older adult's functionality. Methods: Furthermore, we explain how brain functional training can be explored to emphasize cognitive aspects based on increasing complexity to stimulate the executive function and its subdomains. Conclusion: This proposal is one alternative to combining motor and cognitive stimuli to promote autonomy and health in older people.

Physical exercise in liver diseases

Liver diseases contribute to ~2 million deaths each year and account for 4% of all deaths globally. Despite various treatment options, the management of liver diseases remains challenging. Physical exercise is a promising nonpharmacological approach to maintain and restore homeostasis and effectively prevent and mitigate liver diseases. In this review, we delve into the mechanisms of physical exercise in preventing and treating liver diseases, highlighting its effects on improving insulin sensitivity, regulating lipid homeostasis, and modulating immune function. In addition, we evaluate the impact of physical exercise on various liver diseases, including liver ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiogenic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In conclusion, the review underscores the effectiveness of physical exercise as a beneficial intervention in combating liver diseases.

Summatory Effects of Anaerobic Exercise and a 'Westernized Athletic Diet' on Gut Dysbiosis and Chronic Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis

Anaerobic exercise decreases systemic pH and increases metabolic acidosis in athletes, altering the acid-base homeostasis. In addition, nutritional recommendations advising athletes to intake higher amounts of proteins and simple carbohydrates (including from sport functional supplements) could be detrimental to restoring acid-base balance. Here, this specific nutrition could be classified as an acidic diet and defined as 'Westernized athletic nutrition'. The maintenance of a chronic physiological state of low-grade metabolic acidosis produces detrimental effects on systemic health, physical performance, and inflammation. Therefore, nutrition must be capable of compensating for systemic acidosis from anaerobic exercise. The healthy gut microbiota can contribute to improving health and physical performance in athletes and, specifically, decrease the systemic acidic load through the conversion of lactate from systemic circulation to short-chain fatty acids in the proximal colon. On the contrary, microbial dysbiosis results in negative consequences for host health and physical performance because it results in a greater accumulation of systemic lactate, hydrogen ions, carbon dioxide, bacterial endotoxins, bioamines, and immunogenic compounds that are transported through the epithelia into the blood circulation. In conclusion, the systemic metabolic acidosis resulting from anaerobic exercise can be aggravated through an acidic diet, promoting chronic, low-grade metabolic acidosis in athletes. The individuality of athletic training and nutrition must take into consideration the acid-base homeostasis to modulate microbiota and adaptive physiological responses.

Divergent Gut Microbiota: Archaeal and Bacterial Signatures Unveil Unique Patterns in Colombian Cyclists Compared to Weightlifters and Non-Athletes

Engagement in physical activity, across various sports, promotes a diverse microbiota in active individuals. This study examines the gut microbiota of Colombian athletes, specifically weightlifters (n = 16) and road cyclists (n = 13), compared to non-athletes (n = 15). Using Kruskal-Wallis tests, the physical activity level of a group of non-athletic individuals and the sports experience of a group of professional athletes is analyzed. The median age of participants is 24 years, comprising 25 men and 19 women. The microbiota is collected using fecal samples. Participants provided these samples during their pre-competitive stage, specifically during the concentration phase occurring two weeks prior to national competitions. This timing is chosen to capture the microbial composition during a period of heightened physical preparation. Questionnaire responses and microbial composition assessments identify disparities among groups. Microbial composition analysis explores core microbiome, abundance, and taxonomy using Pavian, MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0, and GraPhlAn. ANCOM-BC2 reveals differentially abundant species. Road cyclists exhibit decreased Bacteria and increased Archaea abundance. Phylum-level variations included Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Proteobacteria, while Bacteroidetes prevailed. Key families influencing gut microbiota are Bacteroidaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Selenomonadaceae. Weightlifters exhibit unique viral and archaeal community connections, while cyclists showed specialized microbial interplay influenced by endurance exercise. Correlation network analysis emphasizes distinctive microbial interactions within athlete groups, shedding light on the impact of physical activities on gut microbiota and athlete health.

Impact of PAP on the gut microbiome in OSA: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Microbes within the gastrointestinal tract have emerged as modulators of the host's health. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by intermittent partial, or complete, airway closure during sleep and is associated with increased risk of non-communicable diseases as well as dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Thus, we investigated if improving nocturnal airway patency via positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy improves gut microbial diversity in recently diagnosed patients with moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥15.0 events/hr).

PATIENTS/METHODS

Eight subjects (3 F, 56±9yrs, 33.5 ± 7.7 kg/m2, 45.0 ± 38.4 events/hr) provided stool samples before, and two months after, PAP therapy (mean adherence of 95 ± 6%, residual apnea-hypopnea index of 4.7 ± 4.6 events/hr).

RESULTS

While the Shannon diversity index tended to increase following PAP (3.96 ± 0.52 to 4.18 ± 0.56, p = 0.08), there were no changes in the Observed (1,088 ± 237 to 1,136 ± 289, p = 0.28) nor Inverse-Simpson (22.4 ± 12.99 to 26.6 ± 18.23, p = 0.28) alpha diversity indices. There were also no changes in beta diversity assessed using the Bray-Curtis (p = 0.98), Jaccard (p = 0.99), WUniFrac (p = 0.98), GUniFrac (p = 0.98), or UniFrac (p = 0.98) methods. No changes in differential abundance taxa were found using a false discovery rate threshold of <0.20.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data are the first to report that PAP therapy may not offset, or reverse, gut dysbiosis in patients with OSA. Accordingly, interventions which improve gut microbial health should be explored as potential adjunctive treatment options in patients with OSA to reduce their risk of developing non-communicable diseases.

Revitalizing the Gut Microbiome in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Therapeutic Potential of Physical Activity

Both physical inactivity and disruptions in the gut microbiome appear to be prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Engaging in physical activity could present a novel nonpharmacological strategy for enhancing the gut microbiome and mitigating the adverse effects associated with microbial dysbiosis in individuals with CKD. This narrative review explores the underlying mechanisms through which physical activity may favorably modulate microbial health, either through direct impact on the gut or through interorgan crosstalk. Also, the development of microbial dysbiosis and its interplay with physical inactivity in patients with CKD are discussed. Mechanisms and interventions through which physical activity may restore gut homeostasis in individuals with CKD are explored.

Unraveling the Microbiome-Human Body Axis: A Comprehensive Examination of Therapeutic Strategies, Interactions and Implications

This review scrutinizes the intricate interplay between the microbiome and the human body, exploring its multifaceted dimensions and far-reaching implications. The human microbiome, comprising diverse microbial communities inhabiting various anatomical niches, is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of human health and disease. Through an extensive examination of current research, this review elucidates the dynamic interactions between the microbiome and host physiology across multiple organ systems. Key topics include the establishment and maintenance of microbiota diversity, the influence of host factors on microbial composition, and the bidirectional communication pathways between microbiota and host cells. Furthermore, we delve into the functional implications of microbiome dysbiosis in disease states, emphasizing its role in shaping immune responses, metabolic processes, and neurological functions. Additionally, this review discusses emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the microbiome to restore host-microbe homeostasis and promote health. Microbiota fecal transplantation represents a groundbreaking therapeutic approach in the management of dysbiosis-related diseases, offering a promising avenue for restoring microbial balance within the gut ecosystem. This innovative therapy involves the transfer of fecal microbiota from a healthy donor to an individual suffering from dysbiosis, aiming to replenish beneficial microbial populations and mitigate pathological imbalances. By synthesizing findings from diverse fields, this review offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between the microbiome and the human body, highlighting avenues for future research and clinical interventions.

Good girl goes bad: Understanding how gut commensals cause disease

This review examines the complex connection between commensal microbiota and the development of opportunistic infections. Several underlying conditions, such as metabolic diseases and weakened immune systems, increase the vulnerability of patients to opportunistic infections. The increasing antibiotic resistance adds significant complexity to the management of infectious diseases. Although commensals have long been considered beneficial, recent research contradicts this notion by uncovering chronic illnesses linked to atypical pathogens or commensal bacteria. This review examines conditions in which commensal bacteria, which are usually beneficial, contribute to developing diseases. Commensals' support for opportunistic infections can be categorized based on factors such as colonization fitness, pathoadaptive mutation, and evasion of host immune response. Individuals with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible, highlighting the importance of mucosal host-microbiota interaction in promoting infection when conditions are inappropriate. Dysregulation of gut microbial homeostasis, immunological modulation, and microbial interactions are caused by several factors that contribute to the development of chronic illnesses. Knowledge about these mechanisms is essential for developing preventive measures, particularly for susceptible populations, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiota in reducing the impact of opportunistic infections.

Exercise mitigates a gut microbiota-mediated reduction in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and associated behaviours in rats

Lifestyle factors, especially exercise, impact the manifestation and progression of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as depression and Alzheimer's disease, mediated by changes in hippocampal neuroplasticity. The beneficial effects of exercise may be due to its promotion of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). Gut microbiota has also been showed to be altered in a variety of brain disorders, and disturbances of the microbiota have resulted in alterations in brain and behaviour. However, whether exercise can counteract the negative effects of altered gut microbiota on brain function remains under explored. To this end, chronic disruption of the gut microbiota was achieved using an antibiotic cocktail in rats that were sedentary or allowed voluntary access to running wheels. Sedentary rats with disrupted microbiota displayed impaired performance in hippocampal neurogenesis-dependent tasks: the modified spontaneous location recognition task and the novelty suppressed feeding test. Performance in the elevated plus maze was also impaired due to antibiotics treatment. These behaviours, and an antibiotics-induced reduction in AHN were attenuated by voluntary exercise. The effects were independent of changes in the hippocampal metabolome but were paralleled by caecal metabolomic changes. Taken together these data highlight the importance of the gut microbiota in AHN-dependent behaviours and demonstrate the power of lifestyle factors such as voluntary exercise to attenuate these changes.

Sports-Related Gastrointestinal Disorders: From the Microbiota to the Possible Role of Nutraceuticals, a Narrative Analysis

Intense physical exercise can be related to a significant incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, with a prevalence documented in the literature above 80%, especially for more intense forms such as running. This is in an initial phase due to the distancing of the flow of blood from the digestive system to the skeletal muscle and thermoregulatory systems, and secondarily to sympathetic nervous activation and hormonal response with alteration of intestinal motility, transit, and nutrient absorption capacity. The sum of these effects results in a localized inflammatory process with disruption of the intestinal microbiota and, in the long term, systemic inflammation. The most frequent early symptoms include abdominal cramps, flatulence, the urge to defecate, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, chest pain, heartburn, and belching. Promoting the stability of the microbiota can contribute to the maintenance of correct intestinal permeability and functionality, with better control of these symptoms. The literature documents various acute and chronic alterations of the microbiota following the practice of different types of activities. Several nutraceuticals can have functional effects on the control of inflammatory dynamics and the stability of the microbiota, exerting both nutraceutical and prebiotic effects. In particular, curcumin, green tea catechins, boswellia, berberine, and cranberry PACs can show functional characteristics in the management of these situations. This narrative review will describe its application potential.

Taxonomic and metabolic development of the human gut microbiome across life stages: a worldwide metagenomic investigation

The human gut microbiota is a dynamic community of microorganisms that undergo variable changes over the entire life span. To thoroughly investigate the possible fluctuations of the microbiota throughout human life, we performed a pooled analysis of healthy fecal samples across different age groups covering the entire human life span. Our study integrated data from 79 publicly available studies and new stool samples from an Italian cohort, i.e., the Parma Microbiota project, resulting in 6,653 samples processed through the shotgun metagenomic approach. This approach has allowed species-level taxonomic reconstruction of the gut microbiota and investigation of its metabolic potential across the human life span. From a taxonomic point of view, our findings confirmed and detailed at species-level accuracy that the microbial richness of the gut microbiota gradually increases in the first stage of life, becoming relatively stable during adolescence. Moreover, the analysis identified the potential core microbiota representative of distinct age groups, revealing age-related bacterial patterns and the continuous rearrangement of the microbiota in terms of relative abundances across the life span rather than the acquisition and loss of taxa. Furthermore, the shotgun approach provided insights into the functional contribution of the human gut microbiome. The metagenomic analysis revealed functional age-related differences, particularly in carbohydrate and fiber metabolism, suggesting a co-evolution of the microbiome assembly with diet. Additionally, we identified correlations between vitamin synthesis, such as thiamine and niacin, and early life, suggesting a potential role of the microbiome in human physiology, in particular in the functions of the host's nervous and immune systems.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we provided comprehensive insights into the dynamic nature of the human gut microbiota across the human life span. In detail, we analyzed a large data set based on a shotgun metagenomic approach, combining public data sets and new samples from the Parma Microbiota project and obtaining a detailed overview of the possible relationship between gut microbiota development and aging. Our findings confirmed the main stages in microbial richness development and revealed specific core microbiota associated with different age stages. Moreover, the shotgun metagenomic approach allowed the disentangling of the functional changes in the microbiome across the human life span, particularly in diet-related metabolism, which is probably correlated to bacterial co-evolution with dietary habits. Notably, our study also uncovered positive correlations with vitamin synthesis in early life, suggesting a possible impact of the microbiota on human physiology.

Gut microbiota in MAFLD: therapeutic and diagnostic implications

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is becoming a significant contributor to chronic liver disease globally, surpassing other etiologies, such as viral hepatitis. Prevention and early treatment strategies to curb its growing prevalence are urgently required. Recent evidence suggests that targeting the gut microbiota may help treat and alleviate disease progression in patients with MAFLD. This review aims to explore the complex relationship between MAFLD and the gut microbiota in relation to disease pathogenesis. Additionally, it delves into the therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota, such as diet, exercise, antibiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and fecal microbiota transplantation, and discusses novel biomarkers, such as microbiota-derived testing and liquid biopsy, for their diagnostic and staging potential. Overall, the review emphasizes the urgent need for preventive and therapeutic strategies to address the devastating consequences of MAFLD at both individual and societal levels and recognizes that further exploration of the gut microbiota may open avenues for managing MAFLD effectively in the future.

Effect of aerobic exercise and particulate matter exposure duration on the diversity of gut microbiota

Inhalation of ambient particulate matter (PM) can disrupt the gut microbiome, while exercise independently influences the gut microbiome by promoting beneficial bacteria. In this study, we analyzed changes in gut microbial diversity and composition in response to combined interventions of PM exposure and aerobic exercise, extending up to 12 weeks. This investigation was conducted using mice, categorized into five groups: control group (Con), exercise group (EXE), exercise group followed by 3-day exposure to PM (EXE + 3-day PM), particulate matter exposure (PM), and PM exposure with concurrent treadmill exercise (PME). Notably, the PM group exhibited markedly lower alpha diversity and richness compared to the Con group and our analysis of beta diversity revealed significant variations among the intervention groups. Members of the Lachnospiraceae family showed significant enhancement in the exercise intervention groups (EXE and PME) compared to the Con and PM groups. The biomarker Lactobacillus, Coriobacteraceae, and Anaerofustis were enriched in the EXE group, while Desulfovibrionaceae, Mucispirillum schaedleri, Lactococcus and Anaeroplasma were highly enriched in the PM group. Differential abundance analysis revealed that Paraprevotella, Bacteroides, and Blautia were less abundant in the 12-week PM exposure group than in the 3-day PM exposure group. Moreover, both the 3-day and 12-week PM exposure groups exhibited a reduced relative abundance of Bacteroides uniformis, SMB53, and Staphylococcus compared to non-PM exposure groups. These findings will help delineate the possible roles and associations of altered microbiota resulting from the studied interventions, paving the way for future mechanistic research.

The association between the gut microbiome and fatigue in individuals living with cancer: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Fatigue is the most distressing symptom for individuals with cancer. While numerous studies have investigated biological pathways that could underlie the mechanism of fatigue, the cause of fatigue remains unclear. This review aimed to investigate the association between gut microbial composition and fatigue in individuals with cancer.

METHODS

Medline (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), and CINAHL Complete (Ebscohost) were systemically searched on March 30, 2023, for articles investigating gut microbial composition (relative abundance, alpha diversity, and beta diversity) and fatigue in individuals with cancer; no limitations were placed on dates, participant age, nor cancer type/treatment.

RESULTS

Microbial composition in the form of relative abundance was correlated with fatigue in six of the seven articles. A high relative abundance of g_Ruminoccocus was observed in individuals with low fatigue. An elevated relative abundance of g_Escherichia and f_Enterobacteriaceae was associated with high fatigue. However, other associations between fatigue and relative abundance composition, such as with g_Bifidobacterium and g_Faecalibacterium, had conflicting results. For alpha diversity and fatigue, the findings were contradictory; the association between beta diversity and fatigue was unclear due to conflicting results.

CONCLUSIONS

Pro-inflammatory bacteria, such as f_Enterobacteriaceae, were more commonly associated with higher fatigue scores, while anti-inflammatory or short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, such as g_Ruminoccocus, were linked with lower fatigue scores in individuals with cancer. The relationship between alpha and beta diversity and fatigue was inconclusive. Further investigation is needed to clarify whether gut microbial changes play a correlative or causal role in the development of fatigue in individuals with cancer.

Metabolome and microbiome analyses of the anti-fatigue mechanism of Acanthopanax senticosus leaves

Acanthopanax senticosus leaves, widely used as a vegetable and tea, are reported to be beneficial in treating neurological disorders. At present, their anti-fatigue effect remains to be established. In this study, we analyzed the composition of the extracts from A. senticosus leaves and confirmed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties at the cellular level. In mice subjected to exhaustive running on a treadmill, supplementation with A. senticosus leaf extracts enhanced exercise performance and alleviated fatigue via the reversal of exercise-induced 5-HT elevation, metabolic waste accumulation, organ damage, and glucose metabolism-related gene expression. The collective findings from microbiome and metabolomic analyses indicate that A. senticosus leaf extracts increase α-diversity, regulate microbial composition, and reverse exercise-mediated disruption of carbohydrate, creatine, amino acid, and trimethylamine metabolism. This study provides preliminary evidence for the utility of A. senticosus leaves as a promising anti-fatigue food and offers insights into the underlying mechanism.

Sex differences in neuromuscular and biological determinants of isometric maximal force

AIM

Force expression is characterized by an interplay of biological and molecular determinants that are expected to differentiate males and females in terms of maximal performance. These include muscle characteristics (muscle size, fiber type, contractility), neuromuscular regulation (central and peripheral factors of force expression), and individual genetic factors (miRNAs and gene/protein expression). This research aims to comprehensively assess these physiological variables and their role as determinants of maximal force difference between sexes.

METHODS

Experimental evaluations include neuromuscular components of isometric contraction, intrinsic muscle characteristics (proteins and fiber type), and some biomarkers associated with muscle function (circulating miRNAs and gut microbiome) in 12 young and healthy males and 12 females.

RESULTS

Male strength superiority appears to stem primarily from muscle size while muscle fiber-type distribution plays a crucial role in contractile properties. Moderate-to-strong pooled correlations between these muscle parameters were established with specific circulating miRNAs, as well as muscle and plasma proteins.

CONCLUSION

Muscle size is crucial in explaining the differences in maximal voluntary isometric force generation between males and females with similar fiber type distribution. Potential physiological mechanisms are seen from associations between maximal force, skeletal muscle contractile properties, and biological markers.

Applications of Strain-Specific Probiotics in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systemic Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global mortality and novel approaches for prevention and management are needed. The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a diverse microbiota that is crucial in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. The formulation of effective probiotics, alone or in combination, has been under discussion due to their impact on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Probiotics have been shown to impact cardiovascular health positively. An imbalance in the presence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes has been linked to the progression of CVDs due to their impact on bile acid and cholesterol metabolism. The probiotics primarily help in the reduction of plasma low-density lipoprotein levels and attenuation of the proinflammatory markers. These beneficial microorganisms contribute to lowering cholesterol levels and produce essential short-chain fatty acids. The impact of lipid-regulating probiotic strains on human health is quite significant. However, only a few have been tested for potential beneficial efficacy, and ambiguity exists regarding strain dosages, interactions with confounding factors, and potential adverse effects. Hence, more comprehensive studies and randomized trials are needed to understand the mechanisms of probiotics on CVDs and to ensure human health. This review assesses the evidence and highlights the roles of strain-specific probiotics in the management of CVDs.

Mind over Microbes: Investigating the Interplay between Lifestyle Factors, Gut Microbiota, and Brain Health

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiota (GM) of the human body comprises several species of microorganisms. This microorganism plays a significant role in the physiological and pathophysiological processes of various human diseases.

METHODS

The literature review includes studies that describe causative factors that influence GM. The GM is sensitive to various factors like circadian rhythms, environmental agents, physical activity, nutrition, and hygiene that together impact the functioning and composition of the gut microbiome. This affects the health of the host, including the psycho-neural aspects, due to the interconnectivity between the brain and the gut. Hence, this paper examines the relationship of GM with neurodegenerative disorders in the context of these aforesaid factors.

CONCLUSION

Future studies that identify the regulatory pathways associated with gut microbes can provide a causal link between brain degeneration and the gut at a molecular level. Together, this review could be helpful in designing preventive and treatment strategies aimed at GM, so that neurodegenerative diseases can be treated.

Microbiota, Tryptophan and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors as the Target Triad in Parkinson's Disease-A Narrative Review

In the era of a steadily increasing lifespan, neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly present a significant therapeutic and socio-economic challenge. A properly balanced diet and microbiome diversity have been receiving increasing attention as targets for therapeutic interventions in neurodegeneration. Microbiota may affect cognitive function, neuronal survival and death, and gut dysbiosis was identified in Parkinson's disease (PD). Tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid, is degraded by microbiota and hosts numerous compounds with immune- and neuromodulating properties. This broad narrative review presents data supporting the concept that microbiota, the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) pathway and aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs) form a triad involved in PD. A disturbed gut-brain axis allows the bidirectional spread of pro-inflammatory molecules and α-synuclein, which may contribute to the development/progression of the disease. We suggest that the peripheral levels of kynurenines and AhR ligands are strongly linked to the Trp metabolism in the gut and should be studied together with the composition of the microbiota. Such an approach can clearly delineate the sub-populations of PD patients manifesting with a disturbed microbiota-Trp-KYN-brain triad, who would benefit from modifications in the Trp metabolism. Analyses of the microbiome, Trp-KYN pathway metabolites and AhR signaling may shed light on the mechanisms of intestinal distress and identify new targets for the diagnosis and treatment in early-stage PD. Therapeutic interventions based on the combination of a well-defined food regimen, Trp and probiotics seem of potential benefit and require further experimental and clinical research.