A multi-omics approach unravels metagenomic and metabolic alterations of a probiotic and synbiotic additive in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Metabolic and microbial functionality during the fermentation of traditional Amaranth stems: Insights from metagenomics, flavoromics, and metabolomics

Fermented Amaranth stems is a traditional Chinese fermented vegetable known for its distinctive aroma, produced through natural microbial fermentation. However, the metabolic processes, flavor compounds, and microbial communities involved in its fermentation are not well understood. This study provides a comprehensive analysis using an integrated approach combining flavoromics, untargeted metabolomics, and metagenomics to examine the dynamic changes in metabolites and microbiota during fermentation. A total of 108 volatile organic compounds were identified, with sugar metabolism peaking on the third day of fermentation. The microbial community analysis revealed that key genera such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Pectobacterium, and Enterobacter play a significant role in flavor formation. The findings offer critical insights into the fermentation mechanisms and the production of flavor compounds, providing a foundation for optimizing fermentation processes and improving the flavor quality of fermented Amaranth stems. This research holds practical significance for enhancing food safety by controlling microbial communities during fermentation.

Metabolome and transcriptome analyses for explore heat stress responses and adaptation mechanisms in Rhododendron henanense subsp. lingbaoense

In this study, we aimed to investigate the heat tolerance mechanism in Rhododendron henanense subsp. lingbaoense (Rhl). Rhl seedlings were treated at 40℃ (RLH), 32℃ (RLM), and 24℃ (RLC), and the changes in transcriptome and metabolome were compared. Overall, 78 differentially expressed metabolites were detected, and 8450 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. KEGG analysis revealed that the DEGs in RLH vs. RLC were mainly enriched in photosynthesis, secondary metabolic biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. Most genes encoding glutathione-S-transferase were upregulated, whereas genes related to heat shock proteins were significantly downregulated. 31 genes related to photosynthesis were significantly upregulated (P-value < 0.001). It was speculated that these DEGs are related to the response of Rhl to high temperature stress (HTS). Overall, 9 TF families might be the key regulators of Heat stress response pathways in Rhl. Mining of DEGs revealed that the expression of some genes related to heat stress function increased highly significantly, e.g., the Rhe008987 related to Glutathione-S-transferase, Rhe016769 encoding peroxidase, and Rhe001827 encoding chalcone and stilbene synthases. Metabolome and transcriptome correlation analysis revealed that three comparison groups (RLH vs. RLC, RLH vs. RLM, and RLM vs. RLC) shared 12 metabolic pathways in which the DEMs were enriched. HTS inhibited or induced expression of genes in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and led to decreace in kaempferol content and quercetin accumulation. HT induced expression of genes in ABC pathway, which may be one of the reasons for the significant accumulation of L-isoleucine, L-leucine, and L-proline. In this study, DEGs mining found that the expression of some genes related to heat stress function increased highly significantly. And two omics correlation analysis revealed that 12 metabolic pathways were enriched in three comparison groups. These results helped in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of response of Rhl to HTS.

Molecular Response and Metabolic Reprogramming of the Spleen Coping with Cold Stress in the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), as a type of warm-water reptile, could be induced to massive death by sharp temperature decline. Hence, the mechanism of spleen tissue responding to cold stress in the P. sinensis was investigated. The present results showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity declined from 4 to 16 days post-cold-stress (dps), while the catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities increased, from 4 to 8 dps in the 14 °C (T14) and 7 °C (T7) stress groups. The spleen transcriptome in the T7 group and the control group (CG) at 4 dps obtained 2625 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1462 upregulated and 1663 downregulated genes. The DEGs were enriched mainly in the pathways "intestinal immune network for IgA production" (Pigr, Il15ra, Tnfrsf17, Aicda, and Cd28), "toll-like receptor signaling pathway" (Mapk10, Tlr2, Tlr5, Tlr7, and Tlr8), and "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction" (Cx3cl1, Cx3cr1, Cxcl14, Cxcr3, and Cxcr4). The metabolomic data showed that esculentic acid, tyrosol, diosgenin, heptadecanoic acid, and 7-ketodeoxycholic acid were obviously increased, while baccatin III, taurohyocholate, parthenolide, enterolactone, and tricin were decreased, in the CG vs. T7 comparison. Integrated analysis of the two omics revealed that "glycine, serine and threonine metabolism", "FoxO signaling pathway", and "neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction" were the main pathways responding to the cold stress. Overall, this work found that low temperature remarkably influenced the antioxidant enzyme activities, gene expression pattern, and metabolite profile in the spleen, indicating that immunity might be weakened by cold stress in P. sinensis.

A novel Gordonia sp. PS3 isolated from the gut of Galleria mellonella larvae: Mechanism of polystyrene biodegradation and environmental toxicological evaluation

Plastic pollution is a global concern, with polystyrene (PS) being a major source of plastic waste. In this study, a PS-degrading bacterial strain, Gordonia sp. PS3, was isolated from the gut of Galleria mellonella larvae. After 40 days, strain PS3 exhibited a 33.59 ± 1.12 % degradation rate of PS-microplastics (PS-MPs). The biodegradation mechanism of PS by strain PS3 was investigated using genomics, molecular docking, and metabolomics. Degradation resulted in a significant decrease in molecular weight, disappearance of characteristic aromatic peaks, and the appearance of new functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl and carbonyl), indicating oxidative depolymerization and enhanced hydrophilicity. Four key enzymes involved in PS degradation were identified, with alkane 1-monooxygenase initiating cleavage of C-C bonds in PS and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase catalyzing oxidation of the aromatic ring. Metabolomics analysis revealed upregulation of proline, branched-chain amino acids, and polyamines, indicating oxidative stress response and energy acquisition during PS degradation. The PS degradation products showed no significant adverse effects on Arabidopsis thaliana growth, and PS residues were less harmful to G. mellonella larvae than untreated PS-MPs. This study presents a novel strain for PS biodegradation and provides new insights into the microbial degradation mechanism of PS and the safety of its degradation products.

Gaudichaudione H Enhances the Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Disulfidptosis via Regulating NRF2-SLC7A11 Signaling Pathway

Gaudichaudione H (GH) is a naturally occurring small molecular compound derived from Garcinia oligantha Merr. (Clusiaceae), but the full pharmacological functions remain unclear. Herein, the potential of GH in disulfidptosis regulation, a novel form of programmed cell death induced by disulfide stress is explored. The omics results indicated that NRF2 signaling could be significantly activated by GH. The potential targets are associated with hepatocarcinogenesis and cell death. Moreover, both glutathione (GSH) metabolism and NADP+-NADPH metabolism are affected by GH, indicating the potential in disulfidptosis regulation. It is also observed that GH enhanced the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to disulfidptosis, which is dependent on the activation of NRF2-SLC7A11 pathway. GH significantly increased the levels of NRF2 and promoted the transcription of NRF2 target gene, SLC7A11, through autophagy-mediated non-canonical mechanism. Under the condition of glucose starvation, GH-induced upregulation of SLC7A11 aggravated uptake of cysteine, disturbance of GSH synthesis, depletion of NADPH, and accumulation of disulfide molecules, ultimately leading to the formation of disulfide bonds between different cytoskeleton proteins and disulfidptosis eventually. Collectively, the findings underscore the potential role of GH in promoting cancer cell disulfidptosis, thereby offering a promising avenue for the treatment of drug-resistant HCC in clinical settings.

The role of Micro-biome engineering in enhancing Food safety and quality

Microbiome engineering has emerged as a transformative approach to enhancing food safety and quality by strategically modulating microbial communities. This review critically examines state-of-the-art techniques, including synthetic biology, artificial intelligence (AI), and systems biology, that are revolutionizing our ability to improve nutritional profiles, extend shelf life, and optimize food production processes. The review further explores complex social, ethical, and regulatory considerations, emphasizing the importance of robust public engagement and the establishment of standardized frameworks to ensure safe and effective implementation. While microbiome engineering holds significant promise for revolutionizing food safety and quality control, further research is needed to address critical challenges, including understanding microbial dynamics in complex food systems and developing harmonized regulatory frameworks. By bridging interdisciplinary gaps, this paper underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts to unlock the full potential of microbiome-driven innovations for a more resilient and sustainable food industry.

Spatial metabolomics, LC-MS and RNA-Seq reveal the effect of red and white muscle on rabbit meat flavor

Meat quality is a key factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Muscle composition consists of various types of myofibers (type I and type IIa, IIb, IIx myofibers), and the relative composition of fiber types has a significant impact on the overall biochemical properties and flavor of fresh meat. However, the relationship between biochemical changes in myofibers and their impact on meat quality remains underexplored. In this study, we compared the differences in meat quality by examining different muscles in rabbits, each containing different muscle fiber types. We focused on the adductor (ADD) and semitendinosus (ST) as our research subjects and investigated skeletal muscle metabolism at the individual myofibers level using Spatial metabolomics. Additionally, we utilized LC-MS and RNA-Seq to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic differences between red and white muscle fibers. Our findings demonstrated that variations in myofiber composition significantly influenced meat color, pH, water content, and drip loss. Spatial metabolomics analysis identified 22 unique red and white muscle fingerprint metabolites, while LC-MS analysis revealed 123 differential metabolites, and these differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the pathways of ABC transporters, Biosynthesis of amino acids, glutathione metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis. To further elucidate the molecular mechanism of differential metabolism in ADD and ST, we identified 2248 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by RNA-Seq and then combined DEGs with DMs for joint analysis. We found that red muscle exhibited higher levels of metabolites such as L-glutamic acid, glutathione, ascorbate, ornithine, oxidized glutathione, gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteine, cysteinylglycine, fumaric acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid. Additionally, related metabolic genes such as MGST1, ODC1, MGST3 and PRDX6 were highly expressed in ST muscle. These metabolites and genes were enriched in the glutathione and nicotinamide pathways, and had significant effects on meat color and drip loss. Moreover, red muscle contained more flavor compounds and nutrients, including adenosine monophosphate (AMP), ornithine, citrulline, taurine, acetyl phosphate, L-glutamic acid metabolites, as well as taurine and hypotaurine metabolites. Our results demonstrate that fresh meat with a higher proportion of red muscle fibers exhibited superior meat quality, enhanced flavor, and higher nutrient content. Furthermore, red muscle contains more antioxidant metabolites that can effectively prevent meat oxidation during the production process.

LC-MS-based serum metabolomics analysis and potential biomarkers for oxaliplatin induced neurotoxicity in colorectal cancer

Oxapliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is a significant adverse effect encountered in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing oxaliplatin therapy. However, the pathogenesis of OIPN remains unclear. This study aimed to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for OIPN and discover the metabolic pathways associated with the disease. Serum samples were collected from 218 subjects, including patients with OIPN and control (CONT). The metabolite profiles were analyzed using nontargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) serum metabolomics method. Subsequently, differentially altered metabolites were identified and evaluated through multivariate statistical analyses. In this study, patients with OIPN and CONT were distinguished by ten significant metabolites. The levels of racemethionine, O-acetylcarnitine, stearolic acid, aminoadipic acid, iminoarginine, galactaric acid, and all-trans-retinoic acid were increased, whereas the levels of 3-methyl-L-tyrosine, 5-aminopentanoic acid, and erythritol compared were found to be diminished in patients with OIPN when compared to the CONT. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, racemethionine, stearolic acid, 5-aminopentanoic acid, erythritol, aminoadipic acid, and all-trans-retinoic acid were pinpointed as promising biomarkers for OIPN. Significantly altered pathways included amino acids (arginine biosynthesis, beta-alanine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, lysine degradation, and phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis), lipid (linoleic acid metabolism and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids), and energy metabolism. This study, by identifying serum biomarkers and dissecting metabolic pathways, offers a groundbreaking perspective on the susceptibility mechanisms underlying OIPN. It stands as an invaluable resource for the adjunctive diagnosis of OIPN, with the potential to diminish the incidence of adverse reactions and to enhance the objectivity and reliability of clinical diagnoses of OIPN.

Combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis to reveal the response of rice to Mn toxicity stress

Excessive manganese (Mn) concentrations affect plant gene expression, alter metabolite content, and impede plant growth. Rice plants are particularly susceptible to Mn toxicity stress in acidic soil; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are so far unclear. This study used transcriptomic and metabolomic sequencing to examine roots and leaves of rice plants subjected to Mn toxicity stress. The findings showed that high Mn stress increased the content of malondialdehyde, proline, and soluble sugar in rice roots by 262.28 %, 803.37 %, and 167.25 %, respectively. In rice roots, the enzymatic activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) elevated by 119.69 %, 408.44 %, 151.97 %, and 27.19 %, respectively. In rice leaves, the proline content increased by 632.45 %, whereas the enzymatic activities of POD, SOD, CAT, and APX were elevated by 167.17 %, 14.08 %, 103.60 %, and 146.74 %, respectively. Mn toxicity stress decreased soluble protein content in rice roots, and in the leaves, it reduced the soluble protein, soluble sugar, and chlorophyll contents. In addition, Mn toxicity led to reduced biomass accumulation, plant height, stem diameter, and root growth. The contents of salicylic acid (increased by 118.40 % in roots and 66.38 % in leaves) and jasmonic acid (decreased by 50.18 % in roots and increased by 143.97 % in leaves) were also affected. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes associated with transcription factors, antioxidant enzymes, and metal transporters. Metabolomics revealed 176 and 214 different metabolites in the roots and leaves, respectively, that under Mn toxicity stress affected major metabolic pathways associated with fatty and amino acids. The phenylalanine metabolism pathway was significantly enriched in both the roots and leaves. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed three key pathways: lysine degradation and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in roots and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism in leaves. Metabolic substances and genes associated with metabolic enzymes were identified. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular processes underlying the responses of rice to Mn toxicity stress and provide a basis for breeding Mn-tolerant rice varieties.

Intestinal microbial profiles of wild Alaskan rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) characterized by 16S rRNA amplicon data

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a dominant aquaculture species of the Salmonidae family, native only to the North Pacific. Recently, the gut microbiome has been shown to reflect the health status and responses to environmental changes in farmed fish. In this analysis we investigated the microbiome composition of the intestinal tract in 20 wild-caught rainbow trout specimens sampled in Alaska, USA. The targeted 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 region) was sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. After quality control, demultiplexing and adapter trimming reads were analyzed using the DADA2 pipeline to obtain Amplicon Sequencing Variants (ASVs) which were subsequently taxonomically assigned. We found two phyla dominating the gut ecosystem present in every sample, Firmicutes and Fusobacteria, followed by lower abundances of Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, we found high relative abundances of Cetobacterium and Clostridium sensu stricto 1. Interestingly, we did not identify often dominant genera Mycoplasma, Pseudomonas or Weisella which were prevalent in numerous studies previously, in cultured rainbow trout. Wild fish are exposed to a plethora of unpredictable environmental challenges, ranging from fluctuating water temperatures to variable food availability, as opposed to controlled conditions in production facilities. Examining and comparing the gut ecosystem of wild and reared individuals holds great potential in optimizing management practices for commercially important species. Microbiome studies can provide novel ways to enhance the overall welfare of fish, strengthen disease prevention and increase sustainability in aquaculture production.

Integrative analysis of metabolites and microbial diversity revealed metabolic mechanism of coarse feeding tolerance in Songliao Black sows during gestation

Dietary fiber is a key nutritional regulatory factor that has been studied intensively for its role in improving reproduction in sows during gestation. However, the metabolic mechanism underlying the effect of interactions between metabolites and gut microbes on coarse feeding tolerance in indigenous sows remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with alfalfa at different content ratios on the reproductive performance of pregnant Songliao Black sows. In total, 40 Songliao Black sows at 30 days of gestation were allocated to four treatments, which received the following diets: (1) a corn-soybean meal basal diet with no alfalfa meal (CON group), (2) a corn-soybean meal basal diet +10% alfalfa meal (Treatment 1 group), (3) a corn-soybean meal basal diet +20% alfalfa meal (Treatment 2 group), and (4) a corn-soybean meal basal diet +30% alfalfa meal (Treatment 3 group). Untargeted metabolomics, 16S rDNA sequencing, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to determine the possible effects of metabolites, the microbial communities in fecal samples and their functional potential, and the effects of dietary fiber on serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and reproductive hormones in Songliao Black sows during gestation. The results revealed that the meals with 10 and 20% alfalfa had a beneficial effect on sows in terms of improving the reproductive performance of these sows. Bacterial 16S rDNA sequencing of the fecal samples revealed that the 10% alfalfa meal group had a higher α-diversity and higher abundance of probiotics. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were revealed as the most abundant groups at the phylum level and Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Streptococcus, and Clostridium were the most abundant at the genus level in the sows fed with diets containing higher fiber levels. A total of 239 differential metabolites were identified in the sows fed with alfalfa meals. These metabolites were enriched mainly in the cAMP signaling pathway, biosynthesis of amino acids, and steroid biosynthesis. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between Blautia and Daizein, Fibrobacter and 5-alpha-Cholestanone, Sphaerochaeta, Sutterella, and Metaraminol. Negative correlations were revealed between Sphaerochaeta and Erucic acid, Prevotellaceae and Harmaline, and Streptococcus and 5-alpha-Cholestanone. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the application of dietary fiber in sow diets.

Chytridiomycosis disrupts metabolic responses in amphibians at metamorphic climax

The fungal disease chytridiomycosis (causative agent Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis [Bd]) is a primary contributor to amphibian species declines. The morphological and physiological reorganization that occurs during amphibian metamorphosis likely increases the vulnerability of metamorphs to Bd. To address this, we exposed pro-metamorphic tadpoles of Fleay's barred frog (Mixophyes fleayi) to Bd and sampled skin and liver sections from control and exposed animals throughout metamorphosis (Gosner stages 40, 42 and 45). We used an untargeted metabolomics approach to assess the metabolic impacts of Bd infection during the critical metamorphic stages, extracting metabolites from sampled tissues and analysing them via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometry. Most exposed animals became moribund at Gosner stage 45, while a subset seemingly cleared their infections. Metabolite abundance varied throughout development, with Gosner stage 45 samples distinct from previous stages. Clinically infected animals at Gosner stage 45 exhibited profound metabolic dysregulation (e.g., upregulation of amino acid biosynthesis and degradation) in comparison to uninfected groups (negative controls and 'cleared' animals). Despite showing parallels with previous metabolomic analyses of Bd-infected adult frogs, we identified variations in our results that could be attributed to the dramatic changes that characterise metamorphosis and may be driving the heightened vulnerability observed in metamorphic amphibians.

Combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis reveals the key pathways involved in the responses of soybean plants to high Se stress

High selenium (Se) levels can induce toxicity, inhibit growth, and affect gene expression and metabolite content in plants. However, the molecular mechanism by which high Se stress affects soybean plants remains unclear. This study examined the responses of soybean leaves and roots to high Se stress using transcriptome and metabolome analyses. High Se stress significantly inhibited soybean root growth, reduced leaf area, and affected the antioxidant enzyme system in roots and leaves, resulting in the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). High Se stress increased indoleacetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in the roots by 3.34-fold, 8.94-fold, 0.25-fold, and 5.65-fold, respectively. Similarly, high Se stress increased IAA, ABA, JA, and SA in the leaves by 1.96-fold, 10.54-fold, 2.03-fold, and 4.22-fold, respectively. In addition, high Se stress affected ion absorption and transport in soybean plants. Transcriptome results showed that there were 10,038 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in soybean roots and 5811 DEGs in leaves, which affected the expression of antioxidant enzymes, ion transport and hormone-related genes. Metabolome results revealed that there were 277 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in soybean leaves and 312 DEMs in roots. Soybean roots and leaves were significantly enriched in the "β-alanine metabolism" pathway under high Se stress, with differential expression of Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), Amine oxidase (AO), and other related genes, thereby relieving oxidative stress. This study improves our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the responses of soybean plants to high Se stress and provides a basis for breeding Se-enriched soybean plants.

Gaudichaudione H ameliorates liver fibrosis and inflammation by targeting NRF2 signaling pathway

Gaudichaudione H (GH) is a natural small molecular compound isolated from Garcinia oligantha Merr. (Clusiaceae). Being an uncommon rare caged polyprenylated xanthone, the potential pharmacological functions of GH remain to be fully elucidated currently. In this study, we primarily focused on identifying potential bioavailable targets and elucidating related therapeutic actions. Herein, the network pharmacology analysis, metabolomics analysis and genome-wide mRNA transcription assay were performed firstly to predict the major pharmacological action and potential targets of GH. To confirm the hypothesis, gene knockout model was created using CRISPR/Cas9 method. The pharmacological action of GH was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Firstly, our results of network pharmacology analysis and omics assay indicated that GH significantly activated NRF2 signaling pathway, and the function could be associated with liver disease treatment. Then, the pharmacological action of GH was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The treatment with GH significantly increased the protein levels of NRF2 and promoted the transcription of NRF2 downstream genes. Further analysis suggested that GH regulated NRF2 through an autophagy-mediated non-canonical mechanism. Additionally, the administration of GH effectively protected the liver from carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation, which depended on the activation of NRF2 in hepatic stellate cells and inflammatory cells respectively. Collectively, our findings underscore the potential therapeutic effect of GH on alleviating hepatic fibrosis and inflammation through the augmentation of NRF2 signaling pathway, providing a promising avenue for the treatment of liver fibrosis and inflammation in clinical settings.

Differences in Lactation Performance, Rumen Microbiome, and Metabolome between Montbéliarde × Holstein and Holstein Cows under Heat Stress

Heat stress negatively affects lactation performance and rumen microbiota of dairy cows, with different breeds showing varying levels of heat tolerance. This study aimed to compare the lactation performance of Montbéliarde × Holstein (MH, n = 13) and Holstein (H, n = 13) cows under heat stress, and 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to determine the rumen microbiome and metabolome in experimental cows. The results indicated that during heat stress, milk yield (p = 0.101), milk fat yield, milk protein yield, milk protein, and milk lactose (p < 0.05) in Montbéliarde × Holstein cows were higher than those in Holstein cows, whereas milk yield variation and somatic cell counts (p < 0.05) were lower than those in Holstein cows. The sequencing results indicated that the rumen of Montbéliarde × Holstein cows was significantly enriched with beneficial bacteria, such as Rikenellaceae, Allobaculum, and YRC22 (p < 0.05). In addition, correlations were observed between specific ruminal bacteria and lactation performance. Ruminal metabolites related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Montbéliarde × Holstein cows than in Holstein cows. Overall, Montbéliarde × Holstein cows showed higher production efficiency under heat stress, which may be related to the different rumen mechanisms of crossbred and Holstein cows in adapting to heat stress.

Mechanism of Takifugu bimaculatus Skin Peptides in Alleviating Hyperglycemia in Rats with Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Based on Microbiome and Metabolome Analyses

In this study, we aimed to explore the hypoglycemic effects of a hydrolysate on Takifugu bimaculatus skin (TBSH). The effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities from different TBSH fractions was investigated on basic indexes, gut hormones, blood lipid indexes, viscera, and the gut microbiota and its metabolites in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The results showed that the <1 kDa peptide fraction from TBSH (TBP) exhibited a more potent DPP-IV inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.45 ± 0.01 mg/mL). T2DM rats were induced with streptozocin, followed by the administration of TBP. The 200 mg/kg TBP mitigated weight loss, lowered fasting blood glucose levels, and increased insulin secretion by 20.47%, 25.23%, and 34.55%, respectively, rectified irregular hormonal fluctuations, lipid metabolism, and tissue injuries, and effectively remedied gut microbiota imbalance. In conclusion, TBP exerts a hypoglycemic effect in rats with T2DM. This study offers the potential to develop nutritional supplements to treat T2DM and further promote the high-value utilization of processing byproducts from T. bimaculatus. It will provide information for developing nutritional supplements to treat T2DM and further promote the high-value utilization of processing byproducts from T. bimaculatus.

Kidney-tonifying blood-activating decoction delays ventricular remodeling in rats with chronic heart failure by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/p65 nuclear factor kappa-B/aquaporin-4 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Myocardial infarction has likely contributed to the increased prevalence of heart failure(HF).As a result of ventricular remodeling and reduced cardiac function, colonic blood flow decreases, causing mucosal ischemia and hypoxia of the villous structure of the intestinal wall.This damage in gut barrier function increases bowel wall permeability, leading to fluid metabolism disorder,gut microbial dysbiosis, increased gut bacteria translocation into the circulatory system and increased circulating endotoxins, thus promoting a typical inflammatory state.Traditional Chinese Medicine plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of HF.Kidney-tonifying Blood-activating(KTBA) decoction has been proved for clinical treatment of chronic HF.However,the mechanism of KTBA decoction on chronic HF is still unclear.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The effect of KTBA decoction on gut microbiota and metabolites and p38MAPK/p65NF-κB/AQP4 signaling in rat colon was studied to investigate the mechanism that KTBA decoction delays ventricular remodeling and regulates water metabolism disorder in rats with HF after myocardial infarction based on the theory of "Kidney Storing Essence and Conducting Water".

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In vivo,a rat model of HF after myocardial infarction was prepared by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery combined with exhaustive swimming and starvation.The successful modeling rats were randomly divided into five groups:model group, tolvaptan group(gavaged 1.35mg/(kg•D) tolvaptan),KTBA decoction group(gavaged 15.75g/(kg•D) of KTBA decoction),KTBA decoction combined with SB203580(p38MAPK inhibitor) group(gavaged 15.75g/(kg•D) of KTBA decoction and intraperitoneally injected 1.5mg/(kg•D) of SB203580),and KTBA decoction combined with PDTC(p65NF-kB inhibitor) group(gavaged 15.75g/(kg•D) of KTBA decoction and intraperitoneally injected 120mg/(kg•D) of PDTC).The sham-operation group and model group were gavaged equal volume of normal saline.After 4 weeks of intervention with KTBA decoction,the effect of KTBA decoction on the cardiac structure and function of chronic HF model rats was observed by ultrasonic cardiogram.General state and cardiac index in rats were evaluated.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in rat serum.Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E) staining,and transmission electron microscope(TEM) were used to observe the morphology and ultrastructure of myocardial and colonic tissue,and myocardial fibrosis was measured by Masson's staining.Cardiac E-cadherin level was detected by Western blot.The mRNA expression and protein expression levels of p38MAPK,I-κBα, p65NF-κB,AQP4,Occludin and ZO-1 in colonic tissue were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Protein expression of p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK,I-κBα,p-I-κBα,p65NF-κB, p-p65NF-κB,AQP4,Occludin and ZO-1 in rat colon was detected using Western blot.Colonic microbiota and serum metabolites were respectively analyzed by amplicon sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.In vitro, CCD-841CoN cell was placed in the ischemic solution under hypoxic conditions (94%N2,5%CO2,and 1%O2) in a 37 °C incubator to establish an ischemia and hypoxia model.The CCD-841CoN cells were divided into 7 groups, namely blank group and model group with normal rat serum plus control siRNA, tolvaptan group with rat serum containing tolvaptan plus control siRNA, KTBA group with rat serum containing KTBA plus control siRNA, KTBA plus p38MAPK siRNA group, KTBA plus p65NF-κB siRNA group,and KTBA plus AQP4siRNA group.After 24h and 48h of intervention with KTBA decoction,RT-qPCR,immunofluorescence and Western blot was used to detect the mRNA expression and protein expression levels of p38MAPK,I-κBα,p65NF-κB,AQP4, Occludin and ZO-1 in CCD-841CoN cells.

RESULTS

Compared with the model, KTBA decoction improved the general state, decraesed the serum NT-proBNP level,HW/BW ratio, LVIDd and LVIDs, increased E-cadherin level,EF and FS,reduced number of collagen fibers deposited in the myocardial interstitium,and recovered irregular arrangement of myofibril and swollen or vacuolated mitochondria with broken crista in myocardium.Moreover, KTBA decoction inhibited the expression of p38MAPK,I-κBα,and p65NF-κB and upregulated AQP4, Occludin and ZO-1 in colon tissues and CCD-841CoN cells.Additionally,p38siRNA or SB203580, p65siRNA or PDTC, and AQP4siRNA partially weakened the protective effects of KTBA in vitro and vivo.Notably,The LEfSe analysis results showed that there were six gut biomaker bacteria in model group, including Allobaculum, Bacillales,Turicibacter, Turicibacterales,Turicibacteraceae,and Bacilli. Besides, three gut biomaker bacteria containing Deltaproteobacteria, Desulfovibrionaceae,and Desulfovibrionales were enriched by KTBA treatment in chronic HF model.There were five differential metabolites, including L-Leucine,Pelargonic acid, Capsidiol,beta-Carotene,and L- Erythrulose, which can be regulated back in the same changed metabolic routes by the intervention of KTBA.L-Leucine had the positive correlation with Bacillales, Turicibacterales,Turicibacteraceae,and Turicibacter.L-Leucine significantly impacts Protein digestion and absorption, Mineral absorption,and Central carbon metabolism in cancer regulated by KTBA, which is involved in the expression of MAPK and tight junction in intestinal epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

KTBA decoction manipulates the expression of several key proteins in the p38MAPK/p65NF-κB/AQP4 signaling pathway, modulates gut microbiota and metabolites toward a more favorable profile, improves gut barrier function, delays cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis,and improves cardiac function.

Assessing a respiratory toxic infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strain: isolation, identification, pathogenicity, and immunological failure insights

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is caused by avian coronavirus and poses a global economic threat to the poultry industry. In 2023, a highly pathogenic IBV strain, IBV/CN/GD20230501, was isolated and identified from chickens vaccinated with IBV-M41 in Guangdong, China. This study comprehensively investigated the biological characteristics of the isolated IBV strain, including its genotype, whole genome sequence analysis of its S1 gene, pathogenicity, host immune response, and serum non-targeted metabolomics. Through the analysis of the S1 gene sequence, serum neutralization tests, and comparative genomics, it was proven that IBV/CN/GD20230501 belongs to the GI-I type of strain and is serotype II. One alanine residue in the S1 subunit of the isolated strain was mutated into serine, and some mutations were observed in the ORF1ab gene and the terminal region of the genome. Animal challenge experiments using the EID50 and TCID50 calculations showed that IBV/CN/GD20230501 possesses strong respiratory pathogenicity, with early and long-term shedding of viruses and rapid viral spread. Antibody detection indicated that chickens infected with IBV/CN/GD20230501 exhibited delayed expression of early innate immune genes, while those infected with M41 showed rapid gene induction and effective viral control. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated that this virus infection led to differential expression of 291 ions in chicken serum, mainly affecting the citric acid cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle).IMPORTANCEThis study identified an infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strain isolated from vaccinated chickens in an immunized population that had certain sequence differences compared to IBV-M41, resulting in significantly enhanced pathogenicity and host defense. This strain has the potential to replace M41 as a more suitable challenge model for drug research. The non-targeted metabolomics analysis highlighting the citric acid cycle provides a new avenue for studying this highly virulent strain.

Multiomics of parkinsonism cynomolgus monkeys highlights significance of metabolites in interaction between host and microbiota

The gut microbiota has been demonstrated to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, conflicting findings regarding specific microbial species have been reported, possibly due to confounding factors within human populations. Herein, our current study investigated the interaction between the gut microbiota and host in a non-human primate (NHP) PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) using a multi-omic approach and a self-controlled design. Our transcriptomic sequencing of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) identified key genes involved in pro-inflammatory cytokine dysregulation, mitochondrial function regulation, neuroprotection activation, and neurogenesis associated with PD, such as IL1B, ATP1A3, and SLC5A3. The metabolomic profiles in serum and feces consistently exhibited significant alterations, particularly those closely associated with inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunctions and neurodegeneration in PD, such as TUDCA, ethylmalonic acid, and L-homophenylalanine. Furthermore, fecal metagenome analysis revealed gut dysbiosis associated with PD, characterized by a significant decrease in alpha diversity and altered commensals, particularly species such as Streptococcus, Butyrivibrio, and Clostridium. Additionally, significant correlations were observed between PD-associated microbes and metabolites, such as sphingomyelin and phospholipids. Importantly, PDPC significantly reduced in both PD monkey feces and serum, exhibiting strong correlation with PD-associated genes and microbes, such as SLC5A3 and Butyrivibrio species. Moreover, such multi-omic differential biomarkers were linked to the clinical rating scales of PD monkeys. Our findings provided novel insights into understanding the potential role of key metabolites in the host-microbiota interaction involved in PD pathogenesis.

Rumen and hindgut microbiome regulate average daily gain of preweaning Holstein heifer calves in different ways

BACKGROUND

The average daily gain (ADG) of preweaning calves significantly influences their adult productivity and reproductive performance. Gastrointestinal microbes are known to exert an impact on host phenotypes, including ADG. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which gastrointestinal microbiome regulate ADG in preweaning calves and to further validate them by isolating ADG-associated rumen microbes in vitro.

RESULTS

Sixteen Holstein heifer calves were selected from a cohort with 106 calves and divided into higher ADG (HADG; n = 8) and lower ADG (LADG; n = 8) groups. On the day of weaning, samples of rumen contents, hindgut contents, and plasma were collected for rumen metagenomics, rumen metabolomics, hindgut metagenomics, hindgut metabolomics, and plasma metabolomics analyses. Subsequently, rumen contents of preweaning Holstein heifer calves from the same dairy farm were collected to isolate ADG-associated rumen microbes. The results showed that the rumen microbes, including Pyramidobacter sp. C12-8, Pyramidobacter sp. CG50-2, Pyramidobacter porci, unclassified_g_Pyramidobacter, Pyramidobacter piscolens, and Acidaminococcus fermentans, were enriched in the rumen of HADG calves (LDA > 2, P < 0.05). Enrichment of these microbes in HADG calves' rumen promoted carbohydrate degradation and volatile fatty acid production, increasing proportion of butyrate in the rumen and ultimately contributing to higher preweaning ADG in calves (P < 0.05). The presence of active carbohydrate degradation in the rumen was further suggested by the negative correlation of the rumen microbes P. piscolens, P. sp. C12-8 and unclassified_g_Pyramidobacter with the rumen metabolites D-fructose (R <  - 0.50, P < 0.05). Widespread positive correlations were observed between rumen microbes (such as P. piscolens, P. porci, and A. fermentans) and beneficial plasma metabolites (such as 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid and 4-fluoro-L-phenylalanine), which were subsequently positively associated with the growth rate of HADG calves (R > 0.50, P < 0.05). We succeeded in isolating a strain of A. fermentans from the rumen contents of preweaning calves and named it Acidaminococcus fermentans P41. The in vitro cultivation revealed its capability to produce butyrate. In vitro fermentation experiments demonstrated that the addition of A. fermentans P41 significantly increased the proportion of butyrate in the rumen fluid (P < 0.05). These results further validated our findings. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum in the hindgut of HADG calves was negatively correlated with hindgut 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin levels, which were positively correlated with plasma 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin levels, and plasma 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin levels were positively correlated with ADG (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings unveil that rumen and hindgut microbes play distinctive roles in regulating the preweaning ADG of Holstein heifer calves. Additionally, the successful isolation of A. fermentans P41 not only validated our findings but also provided a valuable strain resource for modulating rumen microbes in preweaning calves. Video Abstract.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Mechanism of Different Probiotics on Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Salmo trutta (S. trutta)

Probiotics play an important role in animal production, providing health benefits to the host by improving intestinal microbial balance. In this study, we added three different probiotics, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), Bacillus licheniformis (BL), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and compared them with the control group (CON), to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on growth performance, gut microbiology, and gut flora of S. trutta. Our results showed that feeding probiotics improved the survival, growth, development, and fattening of S. trutta. Additionally, probiotic treatment causes changes in the gut probiotic community, and the gut flora microorganisms that cause significant changes vary among the probiotic treatments. However, in all three groups, the abundance of Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Rhizophagus bacterial genera was similar to that in the top three comparative controls. Furthermore, differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota among feed types were directly associated with significant changes in the metabolomic landscape, including lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds. The probiotic treatment altered the gut microbiome, gut metabolome, and growth performance of S. trutta. Using a multi-omics approach, we discovered that the addition of probiotics altered the composition of gut microbiota, potentially leading to modifications in gut function and host phenotype. Overall, our results highlight the importance of probiotics as a key factor in animal health and productivity, enabling us to better evaluate the functional potential of probiotics.

A conjoint analysis of renal structure and omics characteristics reveal new insight to yak high-altitude hypoxia adaptation

BACKGROUND

Yaks have unique adaptive mechanisms to the hypoxic environment, in which the kidney plays an important role. The aim of this study was to explore the histological changes of yak kidney at different altitudes and the metabolites and genes associated with adaptation to the hypoxic environment.

METHODS

We analyzed the tissue structure and transcriptomic metabolomic data of yak kidney tissue at two altitudes, 2600 and 4400 m. We compared and identified the morphological adaptations of the kidney and the metabolites and genes associated with hypoxia adaptation in yaks. Changes in renal morphological adaptations, differential metabolites and genes were compared and identified, combining the two in a joint analysis.

RESULTS

High-altitude yak kidneys showed significant adaptive changes: increased mitochondria, increased glomerular thylakoid area, and decreased localized ribosomes. Transcriptomics and metabolomics identified 69 DAMs (Differential metabolites) and 594 DEGs (differential genes). Functional enrichment analysis showed that the DAMs were associated with protein digestion and absorption, ABC transporter, and MTOR signaling pathway; the DEGs were significantly enriched in Cholesterol metabolism and P53 signaling pathway. The joint analysis indicated that metabolites such as lysine and arginine, as well as key genes such as ABCB5 and COL1A2, were particularly affected under hypoxic conditions, whereas changes in mitochondria in the tissue structure may be related to the expression of MFN1 and OPA1, and changes in glomerular thylakoid membranes are related to VEGFA and TGFB3.

CONCLUSION

The kidney regulates metabolites and gene expression related to hormone synthesis, protein metabolism, and angiogenesis by adjusting the mitochondrial and glomerular thylakoid membrane structure to support the survival of yaks in high-altitude environments.

Metabolomics analysis reveals characteristic metabolites in different levels of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP), a third-generation platinum-based anti-tumor drug, finds widespread application in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Despite its efficacy, the drug's usage is curtailed by a litany of side effects, with L-OHP-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) being the most debilitating. This condition can be classified into varying degrees of severity. Employing serum metabolomics, a high-sensitivity, high-throughput technique, holds promise as a method to identify biomarkers for clinical assessment and monitoring of OIPN patients across different severity levels. In our study, we analyzed serum metabolites in patients with different OIPN levels using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. By employing statistical analyses and pathway enrichment studies, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. Our findings characterized the serum metabolic profiles of patients with varying OIPN levels. Notably, pathway analysis revealed a significant correlation with lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. Multivariate statistical analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve evaluation pointed to anhalamine and glycochenodeoxycholic acid as potential biomarkers for OIPN C and A, which suggest that serum metabolomics may serve as a potent tool for exploring the metabolic status of patients suffering from diverse diseases and for discovering novel biomarkers.

Landscapes of gut bacterial and fecal metabolic signatures and their relationship in severe preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease leading to maternal and perinatal morbidity. Hypertension and inflammation are the main characteristics of preeclampsia. Many factors can lead to hypertension and inflammation, including gut microbiota which plays an important role in hypertension and inflammation in humans. However, alterations to the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome, and their relationships in severe preeclampsia are not well known. This study aims to identify biomarkers significantly associated with severe preeclampsia and provide a knowledge base for treatments regulating the gut microbiome.

METHODS

In this study, fecal samples were collected from individuals with severe preeclampsia and healthy controls for shotgun metagenomic sequencing to evaluate changes in gut microbiota composition. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to validate the reliability of our shotgun metagenomic sequencing results. Additionally, untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed to measure fecal metabolome concentrations.

RESULTS

We identified several Lactobacillaceae that were significantly enriched in the gut of healthy controls, including Limosilactobacillus fermentum, the key biomarker distinguishing severe preeclampsia from healthy controls. Limosilactobacillus fermentum was significantly associated with shifts in KEGG Orthology (KO) genes and KEGG pathways of the gut microbiome in severe preeclampsia, such as flagellar assembly. Untargeted fecal metabolome analysis found that severe preeclampsia had higher concentrations of Phenylpropanoate and Agmatine. Increased concentrations of Phenylpropanoate and Agmatine were associated with the abundance of Limosilactobacillus fermentum. Furthermore, all metabolites with higher abundances in healthy controls were enriched in the arginine and proline metabolism pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our research indicates that changes in metabolites, possibly due to the gut microbe Limosilactobacillus fermentum, can contribute to the development of severe preeclampsia. This study provides insights into the interaction between gut microbiome and fecal metabolites and offers a basis for improving severe preeclampsia by modulating the gut microbiome.

Mulberry and Hippophae-based solid beverage promotes weight loss in rats by antagonizing white adipose tissue PPARγ and FGFR1 signaling

Obesity, a multifactorial disease with many complications, has become a global epidemic. Weight management, including dietary supplementation, has been confirmed to provide relevant health benefits. However, experimental evidence and mechanistic elucidation of dietary supplements in this regard are limited. Here, the weight loss efficacy of MHP, a commercial solid beverage consisting of mulberry leaf aqueous extract and Hippophae protein peptides, was evaluated in a high-fat high-fructose (HFF) diet-induced rat model of obesity. Body component analysis and histopathologic examination confirmed that MHP was effective to facilitate weight loss and adiposity decrease. Pathway enrichment analysis with differential metabolites generated by serum metabolomic profiling suggests that PPAR signal pathway was significantly altered when the rats were challenged by HFF diet but it was rectified after MHP intervention. RNA-Seq based transcriptome data also indicates that MHP intervention rectified the alterations of white adipose tissue mRNA expressions in HFF-induced obese rats. Integrated omics reveals that the efficacy of MHP against obesogenic adipogenesis was potentially associated with its regulation of PPARγ and FGFR1 signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings suggest that MHP could improve obesity, providing an insight into the use of MHP in body weight management.

LC-MS-Based Metabolomics Reveals the Mechanism of Protection of Berberine against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Injury in Rats

Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid with low toxicity, which exists in a wide variety of medicinal plants. Berberine has been demonstrated to exhibit potent prevention of indomethacin-induced gastric injury (GI) but the related mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics was applied for the first time to investigate the alteration of serum metabolites in the protection of berberine against indomethacin-induced gastric injury in rats. Subsequently, bioinformatics was utilized to analyze the potential metabolic pathway of the anti-GI effect of berberine. The pharmacodynamic data indicated that berberine could ameliorate gastric pathological damage, inhibit the level of proinflammatory factors in serum, and increase the level of antioxidant factors in serum. The LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis conducted in this study demonstrated the presence of 57 differential metabolites in the serum of rats with induced GI caused by indomethacin, which was associated with 29 metabolic pathways. Moreover, the study revealed that berberine showed a significant impact on the differential metabolites, with 45 differential metabolites being reported between the model group and the group treated with berberine. The differential metabolites were associated with 24 metabolic pathways, and berberine administration regulated 14 of the 57 differential metabolites, affecting 14 of the 29 metabolic pathways. The primary metabolic pathways affected were glutathione metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism. Based on the results, it can be concluded that berberine has a gastroprotective effect on the GI. This study is particularly significant since it is the first to elucidate the mechanism of berberine's action on GI. The results suggest that berberine's action may be related to energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation regulation. These findings may pave the way for the development of new therapeutic interventions for the prevention and management of NSAID-induced GI disorders.

Host-gut microbiota interactions shape parasite infections in farmed Atlantic salmon

Animals and their associated microbiota share long evolutionary histories. However, it is not always clear how host genotype and microbiota interact to affect phenotype. We applied a hologenomic approach to explore how host-microbiota interactions shape lifetime growth and parasite infection in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Multi-omics data sets were generated from the guts of 460 salmon, 82% of which were naturally infected with an intestinal cestode. A single Mycoplasma bacterial strain, MAG01, dominated the gut metagenome of large, non-parasitized fish, consistent with previous studies showing high levels of Mycoplasma in the gut microbiota of healthy salmon. While small and/or parasitized salmon also had high abundance of MAG01, we observed increased alpha diversity in these individuals, driven by increased frequency of low-abundance Vibrionaceae and other Mycoplasma species that carried known virulence genes. Colonization by one of these cestode-associated Mycoplasma strains was associated with host individual genomic variation in long non-coding RNAs. Integrating the multi-omic data sets revealed coordinated changes in the salmon gut mRNA transcriptome and metabolome that correlated with shifts in the microbiota of smaller, parasitized fish. Our results suggest that the gut microbiota of small and/or parasitized fish is in a state of dysbiosis that partly depends on the host genotype, highlighting the value of using a hologenomic approach to incorporate the microbiota into the study of host-parasite dynamics.IMPORTANCEStudying host-microbiota interactions through the perspective of the hologenome is gaining interest across all life sciences. Intestinal parasite infections are a huge burden on human and animal health; however, there are few studies investigating the role of the hologenome during parasite infections. We address this gap in the largest multi-omics fish microbiota study to date using natural cestode infection of farmed Atlantic salmon. We find a clear association between cestode infection, salmon lifetime growth, and perturbation of the salmon gut microbiota. Furthermore, we provide the first evidence that the genetic background of the host may partly determine how the gut microbiota changes during parasite-associated dysbiosis. Our study therefore highlights the value of a hologenomic approach for gaining a more in-depth understanding of parasitism.

Deciphering the gut microbiome of grass carp through multi-omics approach

BACKGROUND

Aquaculture plays an important role in global protein supplies and food security. The ban on antibiotics as feed additive proposes urgent need to develop alternatives. Gut microbiota plays important roles in the metabolism and immunity of fish and has the potential to give rise to novel solutions for challenges confronted by fish culture. However, our understanding of fish gut microbiome is still lacking.

RESULTS

We identified 575,856 non-redundant genes by metagenomic sequencing of the intestinal content samples of grass carp. Taxonomic and functional annotation of the gene catalogue revealed specificity of the gut microbiome of grass carp compared with mammals. Co-occurrence analysis indicated exclusive relations between the genera belonging to Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria/Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, suggesting two independent ecological groups of the microbiota. The association pattern of Proteobacteria with the gene expression modules of fish gut and the liver was consistently opposite to that of Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, implying differential functionality of Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria/Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. Therefore, the two ecological groups were considered as two functional groups, i.e., Functional Group 1: Proteobacteria and Functional Group 2: Fusobacteria/Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. Further analysis revealed that the two functional groups differ in genetic capacity for carbohydrate utilization, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance. Finally, we proposed that the ratio of "Functional Group 2/Functional Group 1" can be used as a biomarker that efficiently reflects the structural and functional characteristics of the microbiota of grass carp.

CONCLUSIONS

The gene catalogue is an important resource for investigating the gut microbiome of grass carp. Multi-omics analysis provides insights into functional implications of the main phyla that comprise the fish microbiota and shed lights on targets for microbiota regulation. Video Abstract.

A multiscale study of the effects of a diet containing CdSe/ZnS-COOH quantum dots on Salmo trutta fario L.: Potential feed-related nanotoxicity

Quantum dots (QDs) receive widespread attention in industrial and biomedical fields, but the risks posed by the use of nanoparticles to aquatic organisms and the associated toxicological effects are still not well understood. In this study, effects of the 7-day dietary exposure of Salmo trutta fario L. juveniles to CdSe/ZnS-COOH QDs were evaluated at molecular, cellular, physiological and whole-organism levels. Fish feeding with QDs-contaminated feed resulted in an increased somatic index of the liver, a genotoxic effect on peripheral blood erythrocytes, altered enzyme activity and decreased MDA level. Furthermore, Cd levels in the gills and liver tissues of the exposed fish were found to be significantly higher than in those of the control fish. Alpha diversity indexes of the gut microbiota of the QDs-exposed S. trutta fario L. individuals exhibited a decreasing trend. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that the gut microbiota of the control fish was significantly different from that of the fish exposed to QDs (p < 0.05). Additionally, the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) performed using an effect size (LEfSe) algorithm unveiled 19 significant taxonomic differences at different taxonomic levels between the control group and the QDs-exposed group. In the QDs-exposed group, the relative abundance of the genus Citrobacter (Proteobacteria phylum) in the gut microbiota was found to be significantly increased whereas that of the genus Mycoplasma (Tenericutes phylum) significantly decreased compared to the control group. In summary, QDs-contaminated diet affects the gut microbiota of fish by significantly changing the relative abundance of some taxa, potentially leading to dysbiosis. This, together with morphophysiological, cytogenetic and biochemical changes, poses a risk to fish health.

Multi-omic approach to decipher the impact of skincare products with pre/postbiotics on skin microbiome and metabolome

Introduction

Although pre/pro/postbiotics have become more prevalent in dermatologic and cosmetic fields, the mode of action when topically applied is largely unknown. A multi-omic approach was applied to decipher the impact of the skincare products with pre/postbiotics on skin microbiome and metabolome.

Methods

Subjects with dry skin applied a body wash and body lotion with or without pre/postbiotics for 6 weeks. Skin hydration was measured at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks. Skin swabs were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics and metabolomics analysis.

Results

Skin hydration significantly increased in both groups. The prebiotic group significantly reduced opportunistic pathogens, e.g., Pseudomonas stutzeri and Sphingomonas anadarae, and increased the commensals, e.g., Staphylococcus equorum, Streptococcus mitis, Halomonas desiderata. Bacterial sugar degradation pathways were enriched in the prebiotic group, while fatty acid biosynthesis pathways were reduced in control. The changes on skin metabolome profiles by the products were more prominent. The prebiotic group performed greater modulation on many clinically-relevant metabolites compared to control. Correlation analysis showed H. desiderata and S. mitis positively correlated with skin hydration, P. stutzeri and S. anadarae negatively correlated with the metabolites that are positively associated with skin hydration improvement.

Conclusion

This holistic study supported a hypothesis that the pre/postbiotics increased skin hydration through the modulation of skin microbiome, metabolic pathways and metabolome.

Microbiomes in the context of developing sustainable intensified aquaculture

With an ever-growing human population, the need for sustainable production of nutritional food sources has never been greater. Aquaculture is a key industry engaged in active development to increase production in line with this need while remaining sustainable in terms of environmental impact and promoting good welfare and health in farmed species. Microbiomes fundamentally underpin animal health, being a key part of their digestive, metabolic and defense systems, in the latter case protecting against opportunistic pathogens in the environment. The potential to manipulate the microbiome to the advantage of enhancing health, welfare and production is an intriguing prospect that has gained considerable traction in recent years. In this review we first set out what is known about the role of the microbiome in aquaculture production systems across the phylogenetic spectrum of cultured animals, from invertebrates to finfish. With a view to reducing environmental footprint and tightening biological and physical control, investment in "closed" aquaculture systems is on the rise, but little is known about how the microbial systems of these closed systems affect the health of cultured organisms. Through comparisons of the microbiomes and their dynamics across phylogenetically distinct animals and different aquaculture systems, we focus on microbial communities in terms of their functionality in order to identify what features within these microbiomes need to be harnessed for optimizing healthy intensified production in support of a sustainable future for aquaculture.

'Multi-omics' data integration: applications in probiotics studies

The concept of probiotics is witnessing increasing attention due to its benefits in influencing the host microbiome and the modulation of host immunity through the strengthening of the gut barrier and stimulation of antibodies. These benefits, combined with the need for improved nutraceuticals, have resulted in the extensive characterization of probiotics leading to an outburst of data generated using several 'omics' technologies. The recent development in system biology approaches to microbial science is paving the way for integrating data generated from different omics techniques for understanding the flow of molecular information from one 'omics' level to the other with clear information on regulatory features and phenotypes. The limitations and tendencies of a 'single omics' application to ignore the influence of other molecular processes justify the need for 'multi-omics' application in probiotics selections and understanding its action on the host. Different omics techniques, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics, used for studying probiotics and their influence on the host and the microbiome are discussed in this review. Furthermore, the rationale for 'multi-omics' and multi-omics data integration platforms supporting probiotics and microbiome analyses was also elucidated. This review showed that multi-omics application is useful in selecting probiotics and understanding their functions on the host microbiome. Hence, recommend a multi-omics approach for holistically understanding probiotics and the microbiome.

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus improve inflammatory bowel disease in zebrafish of different ages by regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier and microbiota

AIMS

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are accompanied by impaired intestinal barrier integrity and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Strategies targeting the gut microbiota are potential therapies for preventing and ameliorating IBD.

MAIN METHODS

The potential roles of two probiotic stains, Bifidobacterium longum BL986 (BL986) and Lactobacillus casei LC122 (LC122), on intestinal mucosal barrier function and microbiota in IBD zebrafish of different ages were investigated.

KEY FINDINGS

BL986 and LC122 treatment promoted the development and increased the microbiota diversity in larval zebrafish. Both probiotic treatment ameliorated mortality, promoted intestinal mucus secretion, and reduced the expression of inflammatory markers, thereby improving intestinal mucosal barrier function in dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonicacid (TNBS)-induced Crohn's disease (CD) models in zebrafish. Moreover, the composition and function of microbiota were altered in IBD zebrafish, and probiotics treatment displayed prominent microbiota features. BL986 was more potent in the DSS-induced UC model, and increased the abundance of Faecalibaculum and butyric acid levels. LC122 exerted better protection against TNBS-induced CD, and increased the abundance of Enhydrobacter and acetic acid levels. Furthermore, the effect of probiotics was stronger in larval and aged zebrafish.

CONCLUSION

The impact of probiotics on IBD might differ from the subtypes of IBD and the age of the zebrafish, suggesting the types of disease and age should be taken into full consideration during the practical usage of probiotics.

Co-diversification of an intestinal Mycoplasma and its salmonid host

Understanding the evolutionary relationships between a host and its intestinal resident bacteria can transform how we understand adaptive phenotypic traits. The interplay between hosts and their resident bacteria inevitably affects the intestinal environment and, thereby, the living conditions of both the host and the microbiota. Thereby this co-existence likely influences the fitness of both bacteria and host. Whether this co-existence leads to evolutionary co-diversification in animals is largely unexplored, mainly due to the complexity of the environment and microbial communities and the often low host selection. We present the gut metagenome from wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), a new wild organism model with an intestinal microbiota of low complexity and a well-described population structure, making it well-suited for investigating co-evolution. Our data reveal a strong host selection of a core gut microbiota dominated by a single Mycoplasma species. We found a clear co-diversification between the population structure of Atlantic salmon and nucleotide variability of the intestinal Mycoplasma populations conforming to expectations from co-evolution between host and resident bacteria. Our results show that the stable microbiota of Atlantic salmon has evolved with its salmonid host populations while potentially providing adaptive traits to the salmon host populations, including defence mechanisms, biosynthesis of essential amino acids, and metabolism of B vitamins. We highlight Atlantic salmon as a novel model for studying co-evolution between vertebrate hosts and their resident bacteria.

Effects of dietary supplementation with prebiotics and Pediococcus acidilactici on gut health, transcriptome, microbiota, and metabolome in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) after seawater transfer

BACKGROUND

Given the importance of gut microbiota for health, growth and performance of the host, the aquaculture industry has taken measures to develop functional fish feeds aiming at modulating gut microbiota and inducing the anticipated beneficial effects. However, present understanding of the impact of such functional feeds on the fish is limited. The study reported herein was conducted to gain knowledge on performance and gut health characteristics in post-smolt Atlantic salmon fed diets varying in content of functional ingredients. Three experimental diets, a diet containing fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), a diet with a combination of FOS and Pediococcus acidilactici (BC) and a diet containing galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and BC, were used in a 10-weeks feeding trial. A commercial diet without functional ingredients was also included as a control/reference. Samples of blood plasma, mucosa and digesta were subjected to microbiota, transcriptome and metabolome profiling for evaluation of the diet effects.

RESULTS

No significant growth differences were observed between fish fed the supplemented diets, but FOS-BC fed fish showed significantly faster growth than the control fed fish. The microbiota results showed that the BC was present in both the digesta, and the mucosa samples of fish fed the FOS-BC and GOS-BC diets. Digesta-associated microbiota was altered, while mucosa-associated microbiota was relatively unaffected by diet. Replacing FOS with GOS increased the level of metabolites linked to phospholipid, fatty acid, carnitine and sphingolipid metabolism. Variation in metabolite levels between the treatments closely correlated with genera mainly belonging to Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla. The transcriptome analyses indicated diet effects of exchanging FOS with GOS on immune functions, oxidative defense and stress responses. No significant diet effect was observed on intestinal inflammation in the pyloric caeca or in the distal intestine, or on lipid accumulation in the pyloric caeca.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary supplementation with BC induced moderate effects on the microbiota of the digesta, while the effects of replacing FOS with GOS were more marked and was observed also for nutrient metabolism. Our data indicates therefore that the quality of a prebiotic may be of great importance for the effects of a probiotic on gut microbiota, function, and health.

Relationship between serum thyroid hormones and their associated metabolites, and gene expression bioindicators in the back skin of Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana tadpoles and frogs during metamorphosis

Anuran metamorphosis is characterized by profound morphological changes including remodeling of tissues and organs. This transition is initiated by thyroid hormones (THs). However, the current knowledge of changing levels of THs during metamorphosis relies on pooled samples using methods known for high variability with sparse reporting of measured variation. Moreover, establishing a clear linkage between key gene expression bioindicators and TH levels throughout the metamorphic process is needed. Using state-of-the-art ultra-high performance liquid chromatography isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometry, we targeted 12 THs and metabolites in the serum of Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana (n=5-10) across seven distinct postembryonic stages beginning with premetamorphic tadpoles (Gosner stage 31-33) and continuing through metamorphosis to a juvenile frog (Gosner stage 46). TH levels were related to TH-relevant gene transcripts (thra, thrb, and thibz) in back skin of the same individual animals. Significant increases from basal levels were observed for thyroxine (T4) and 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) at Gosner stage 41, reaching maximal levels at Gosner stage 44 (28 ± 10 and 2.3 ± 0.5 ng/mL, respectively), and decreasing to basal levels in juvenile frogs. In contrast, 3,5-diiodothyronine (T2) increased significantly at Gosner stage 40 and was maintained elevated until stage 44. While thra transcript levels remained constant and then decreased at the end of metamorphic climax, thrb and thibz were induced to maximal levels at Gosner stage 41, followed by a decrease to basal levels in the froglet. This exemplifies the exquisite timing of events during metamorphosis as classic early response genes are transcribed in anticipation of peak TH concentrations. The distinct T2 concentration profile suggests a biological role of this biomolecule in anuran postembryonic development and an additional aspect that may be a target of anthropogenic chemicals that can disrupt anuran metamorphosis and TH signalling. Hence, as a second aim of the study, we set out to find additional bioindicators of metamorphosis, which can aid future investigations of developmental disruption. Using a sensitive nanoLC-Orbitrap system an untargeted analysis workflow was applied. Among 6,062 endogenous metabolites, 421 showed metamorphosis-dependent concentration dynamics. These potential bioindicators included several carnitines, prostaglandins and some steroid hormones.

Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed probiotic during the earliest developmental stages have enhanced growth rates and intestinal microbiome bacterial diversity

Sustainable aquaculture practices can help meet the increasing human demand for seafood, while easing pressures on natural fish populations. Studies aimed at increasing fish production in aquaculture have included supplementary dietary probiotics that often promote general health and enhanced growth rates by altering the microbiome of the host. Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is anadromous, like salmon, and it is a subspecies of rainbow trout capable of rapid growth, making it an attractive fish to the aquaculture industry. In this study, the impact of feeding a Bacillus subtilis probiotic on the bacterial microbiome of steelhead trout was examined temporally across several stages of animal development, from eggs (day -19) through 184 days after hatching, in relation to physiological measures. Diets included: commercial feed only as a control (A), continually-fed probiotic top-coated on commercial feed (B), commercial then switch to probiotic feed (C), or probiotic then switch to commercial feed (D). Validation of probiotic concentrations on feed and in fish tissues was performed using CFU/g and qPCR, respectively. Fish growth was measured and samples for intestinal microbiome analyses were collected at multiple timepoints during fish development. Fish fed diet D yielded higher weights than the other three diets, with little impact on other biometric parameters. However, bacterial microbiome analysis indicated an increasing trend of overall alpha diversity from the egg stage to day 29 for fish fed the various diets with diet D having the highest diversity. Fish fed diets A and D maintained a high alpha diversity beyond day 29 in contrast to a decreased trend for fish still being fed probiotics in diets B and C. The fish fed diets B and C harbored a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacillus sp. in their total microbiomes (feces + mucosa). Interestingly, the mucosal-only microbiome indicated little variation between the four groups of fish. Feeding the probiotic earlier in development, during the hatchery phase, to influence bacterial microbiome composition in the intestine (rather than later after the microbiome has been established) appears to be a more effective aquaculture practice by enhancing microbiome diversity while enabling higher fish yields.

Exploring the interactions between the gut microbiome and the shifting surrounding aquatic environment in fisheries and aquaculture: A review

The rise of "new" sequencing technologies and the development of sophisticated bioinformatics tools have dramatically increased the study of the aquaculture microbiome. Microbial communities exist in complex and dynamic communities that play a vital role in the stability of healthy ecosystems. The gut microbiome contributes to multiple aspects of the host's physiological health status, ranging from nutritional regulation to immune modulation. Although studies of the gut microbiome in aquaculture are growing rapidly, the interrelationships between the aquaculture microbiome and its aquatic environment have not been discussed and summarized. In particular, few reviews have focused on the potential mechanisms driving the alteration of the gut microbiome by surrounding aquatic environmental factors. Here, we review current knowledge on the host gut microbiome and its interrelationship with the microbiome of the surrounding environment, mainly including the main methods for characterizing the gut microbiome, the composition and function of microbial communities, the dynamics of microbial interactions, and the relationship between the gut microbiome and the surrounding water/sediment microbiome. Our review highlights two potential mechanisms for how surrounding aquatic environmental factors drive the gut microbiome. This may deepen the understanding of the interactions between the microbiome and environmental factors. Lastly, we also briefly describe the research gaps in current knowledge and prospects for the future orientation of research. This review provides a framework for studying the complex relationship between the host gut microbiome and environmental stresses to better facilitate the widespread application of microbiome technologies in fisheries and aquaculture.

Strategies for the Identification and Assessment of Bacterial Strains with Specific Probiotic Traits

Early in the 1900s, it was proposed that health could be improved and senility delayed by manipulating gut microbiota with the host-friendly bacteria found in yogurt. Later, in 1990, the medical community reconsidered this idea and today probiotics represent a developed area of research with a billion-dollar global industry. As a result, in recent decades, increased attention has been paid to the isolation and characterization of novel probiotic bacteria from fermented foods and dairy products. Most of the identified probiotic strains belong to the lactic acid bacteria group and the genus Bifidobacterium. However, current molecular-based knowledge has allowed the identification and culture of obligatory anaerobic commensal bacteria from the human gut, such as Akkermansia spp. and Faecalibacterium spp., among other human symbionts. We are aware that the identification of new strains of these species does not guarantee their probiotic effects and that each effect must be proved through in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies before clinical trials (before even considering it as a probiotic strain). In most cases, the identification and characterization of new probiotic strain candidates may lack the appropriate set of in vitro experiments allowing the next assessment steps. Here, we address some innovative strategies reported in the literature as alternatives to classical characterization: (i) identification of alternatives using whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing, metabolomics, and multi-omics analysis; and (ii) probiotic characterization based on molecular effectors and/or traits to target specific diseases (i.e., inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, allergies, among others).

Functional feeds marginally alter immune expression and microbiota of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) gut, gill, and skin mucosa though evidence of tissue-specific signatures and host-microbe coadaptation remain

BACKGROUND

Mucosal surfaces of fish provide cardinal defense against environmental pathogens and toxins, yet these external mucosae are also responsible for maintaining and regulating beneficial microbiota. To better our understanding of interactions between host, diet, and microbiota in finfish and how those interactions may vary across mucosal tissue, we used an integrative approach to characterize and compare immune biomarkers and microbiota across three mucosal tissues (skin, gill, and gut) in Atlantic salmon receiving a control diet or diets supplemented with mannan-oligosaccharides, coconut oil, or both. Dietary impacts on mucosal immunity were further evaluated by experimental ectoparasitic sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) challenge.

RESULTS

Fish grew to a final size of 646.5 g ± 35.8 during the 12-week trial, with no dietary effects on growth or sea lice resistance. Bacterial richness differed among the three tissues with the highest richness detected in the gill, followed by skin, then gut, although dietary effects on richness were only detected within skin and gill. Shannon diversity was reduced in the gut compared to skin and gill but was not influenced by diet. Microbiota communities clustered separately by tissue, with dietary impacts on phylogenetic composition only detected in the skin, although skin and gill communities showed greater overlap compared to the gut according to overall composition, differential abundance, and covariance networks. Inferred metagenomic functions revealed preliminary evidence for tissue-specific host-microbiota coadaptation, as putative microbiota functions showed ties to the physiology of each tissue. Immune gene expression profiles displayed tissue-specific signatures, yet dietary effects were also detected within each tissue and peripheral blood leukocytes. Procrustes analysis comparing sample-matched multivariate variation in microbiota composition to that of immune expression profiles indicated a highly significant correlation between datasets.

CONCLUSIONS

Diets supplemented with functional ingredients, namely mannan-oligosaccharide, coconut oil, or a both, resulted in no difference in Atlantic salmon growth or resistance to sea lice infection. However, at the molecular level, functional ingredients caused physiologically relevant changes to mucosal microbiota and host immune expression. Putative tissue-specific metagenomic functions and the high correlation between expression profiles and microbiota composition suggest host and microbiota are interdependent and coadapted in a tissue-specific manner.