1
|
Morselli S, Ceccarani C, Djusse ME, Laghi L, Camboni T, Consolandi C, Foschi C, Severgnini M, Marangoni A. Anti-chlamydial activity of vaginal fluids: new evidence from an in vitro model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1403782. [PMID: 38912205 PMCID: PMC11193362 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1403782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction We assessed the in vitro anti-chlamydial activity of fresh vaginal secretions, deciphering the microbial and metabolic components able to counteract Chlamydia trachomatis viability. Methods Forty vaginal samples were collected from a group of reproductive-aged women and their anti-chlamydial activity was evaluated by inhibition experiments. Each sample underwent 16S rRNA metabarcoding sequencing to determine the bacterial composition, as well as 1H-NMR spectroscopy to detect and quantify the presence of vaginal metabolites. Results Samples characterized by a high anti-chlamydial activity were enriched in Lactobacillus, especially Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners, while not-active samples exhibited a significant reduction of lactobacilli, along with higher relative abundances of Streptococcus and Olegusella. Lactobacillus gasseri showed an opposite behavior compared to L. crispatus, being more prevalent in not-active vaginal samples. Higher concentrations of several amino acids (i.e., isoleucine, leucine, and aspartate; positively correlated to the abundance of L. crispatus and L. jensenii) lactate, and 4-aminobutyrate were the most significant metabolic fingerprints of highly active samples. Acetate and formate concentrations, on the other hand, were related to the abundances of a group of anaerobic opportunistic bacteria (including Prevotella, Dialister, Olegusella, Peptostreptococcus, Peptoniphilus, Finegoldia and Anaerococcus). Finally, glucose, correlated to Streptococcus, Lachnospira and Alloscardovia genera, emerged as a key molecule of the vaginal environment: indeed, the anti-chlamydial effect of vaginal fluids decreased as glucose concentrations increased. Discussion These findings could pave the way for novel strategies in the prevention and treatment of chlamydial urogenital infections, such as lactobacilli probiotic formulations or lactobacilli-derived postbiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Morselli
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Ceccarani
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center S.c.a.r.l., Palermo, Italy
| | - Marielle Ezekielle Djusse
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Tania Camboni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
| | - Clarissa Consolandi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center S.c.a.r.l., Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Severgnini
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center S.c.a.r.l., Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Marangoni
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ventrella D, Maya-Vetencourt JF, Elmi A, Barone F, Aniballi C, Muscatello LV, Mete M, Pertile G, Benfenati F, Bacci ML. The p-ERG spatial acuity in the biomedical pig under physiological conditions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15479. [PMID: 36104429 PMCID: PMC9474814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19925-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are becoming an important pre-clinical animal species for translational ophthalmology, due to similarities with humans in anatomical and physiological patterns. Different models of eye disorders have been proposed, and they are good candidates to assess biocompatibility/functionality of retinal prostheses. Electroretinography is a common tool allowing to gain information on retinal function, with several types of electroretinogram (ERG) been implemented including full field (ff-ERG), multifocal (mf-ERG) and pattern (p-ERG). p-ERG represents a valuable tool to monitor Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) activity and can be used to calculate p-ERG spatial acuity. Unfortunately, scarce methodological data are available regarding recording/interpretation of p-ERG and retinal acuity in biomedical pigs yet enhancing knowledge regarding pig vision physiology will allow for more refined and responsible use of such species. Aim of this study was to record p-ERG in juvenile pigs to functionally assess visual acuity. Six female hybrid pigs underwent two p-ERG recording sessions at 16 and 19 weeks of age. Photopic ff-ERG were also recorded; optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histology were used to confirm retinal integrity. ff-ERG signals were repeatable within/across sessions. All p-ERG traces consistently displayed characterizing peaks, and the progressive decrease of amplitude in response to the increment of spatial frequency revealed the reliability of the method. Mean p-ERG spatial acuities were 5.7 ± 0.14 (16 weeks) and 6.2 ± 0.15 cpd (19 weeks). Overall, the p-ERG recordings described in the present work seem reliable and repeatable, and may represent an important tool when it comes to vision assessment in pigs.
Collapse
|
3
|
Severgnini M, Morselli S, Camboni T, Ceccarani C, Laghi L, Zagonari S, Patuelli G, Pedna MF, Sambri V, Foschi C, Consolandi C, Marangoni A. A Deep Look at the Vaginal Environment During Pregnancy and Puerperium. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:838405. [PMID: 35656029 PMCID: PMC9152327 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.838405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A deep comprehension of the vaginal ecosystem may hold promise for unraveling the pathophysiology of pregnancy and may provide novel biomarkers to identify subjects at risk of maternal-fetal complications. In this prospective study, we assessed the characteristics of the vaginal environment in a cohort of pregnant women throughout their different gestational ages and puerperium. Both the vaginal bacterial composition and the vaginal metabolic profiles were analyzed. A total of 63 Caucasian women with a successful pregnancy and 9 subjects who had a first trimester miscarriage were enrolled. For the study, obstetric examinations were scheduled along the three trimester phases (9-13, 20-24, 32-34 gestation weeks) and puerperium (40-55 days after delivery). Two vaginal swabs were collected at each time point, to assess the vaginal microbiome profiling (by Nugent score and 16S rRNA gene sequencing) and the vaginal metabolic composition (1H-NMR spectroscopy). During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiome underwent marked changes, with a significant decrease in overall diversity, and increased stability. Over time, we found a significant increase of Lactobacillus and a decrease of several genera related to bacterial vaginosis (BV), such as Prevotella, Atopobium and Sneathia. It is worth noting that the levels of Bifidobacterium spp. tended to decrease at the end of pregnancy. At the puerperium, a significantly lower content of Lactobacillus and higher levels of Gardnerella, Prevotella, Atopobium, and Streptococcus were observed. Women receiving an intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) were characterized by a vaginal abundance of Prevotella compared to untreated women. Analysis of bacterial relative abundances highlighted an increased abundance of Fusobacterium in women suffering a first trimester abortion, at all taxonomic levels. Lactobacillus abundance was strongly correlated with higher levels of lactate, sarcosine, and many amino acids (i.e., isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan). Conversely, BV-associated genera, such as Gardnerella, Atopobium, and Sneathia, were related to amines (e.g., putrescine, methylamine), formate, acetate, alcohols, and short-chain fatty-acids (i.e., butyrate, propionate).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Severgnini
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies – National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Morselli
- Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tania Camboni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies – National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Ceccarani
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies – National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vittorio Sambri
- Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Cesena, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Clarissa Consolandi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies – National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Marangoni
- Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Foschi C, Alvisi S, Baldassarre M, Laghi L, Gava G, Mancini I, Casadio P, Seracchioli R, Meriggiola MC. Vaginal metabolites in postmenopausal women with or without vulvo-vaginal atrophy at baseline and after ospemifeme and systemic hormone treatment. Maturitas 2022; 159:7-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
5
|
Uchida Y, Takeuchi H, Goto R, Braun C, Fuchs H, Ishiguro N, Takao M, Tano M, Terasaki T. A Human Blood‐Arachnoid Barrier Atlas of Transporters, Receptors, Enzymes, Tight Junction and Marker Proteins: Comparison with Dog and Pig in Absolute Abundance. J Neurochem 2022; 161:187-208. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Uchida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Tohoku University Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Tohoku University Japan
| | - Hina Takeuchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Tohoku University Japan
| | - Ryohei Goto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Tohoku University Japan
| | - Clemens Braun
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences Germany
| | - Holger Fuchs
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Cardio‐metabolic Diseases Germany
| | | | - Masaki Takao
- Department of Neurology and Brain Bank Mihara Memorial Hospital Japan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Center Hospital Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Tano
- Department of Neurology and Brain Bank Mihara Memorial Hospital Japan
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Tohoku University Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Tohoku University Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Solevåg AL, Zykova SN, Thorsby PM, Schmölzer GM. Metabolomics to Diagnose Oxidative Stress in Perinatal Asphyxia: Towards a Non-Invasive Approach. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111753. [PMID: 34829624 PMCID: PMC8615205 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for feasible and non-invasive diagnostics in perinatal asphyxia. Metabolomics is the study of small molecular weight products of cellular metabolism that may, directly and indirectly, reflect the level of oxidative stress. Saliva analysis is a novel approach that has a yet unexplored potential in metabolomics in perinatal asphyxia. The aim of this review was to give an overview of metabolomics studies of oxidative stress in perinatal asphyxia, particularly searching for studies analyzing non-invasively collected biofluids including saliva. We searched the databases PubMed/Medline and included 11 original human and 4 animal studies. In perinatal asphyxia, whole blood, plasma, and urine are the most frequently used biofluids used for metabolomics analyses. Although changes in oxidative stress-related salivary metabolites have been reported in adults, the utility of this approach in perinatal asphyxia has not yet been explored. Human and animal studies indicate that, in addition to antioxidant enzymes, succinate and hypoxanthine, as well acylcarnitines may have discriminatory diagnostic and prognostic properties in perinatal asphyxia. Researchers may utilize the accumulating evidence of discriminatory metabolic patterns in perinatal asphyxia to develop bedside methods to measure oxidative stress metabolites in perinatal asphyxia. Although only supported by indirect evidence, saliva might be a candidate biofluid for such point-of-care diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lee Solevåg
- The Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Nydalen, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-4146-9314
| | - Svetlana N. Zykova
- Biochemical Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Group, The Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Nydalen, Norway; (S.N.Z.); (P.M.T.)
| | - Per Medbøe Thorsby
- Biochemical Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Group, The Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Nydalen, Norway; (S.N.Z.); (P.M.T.)
| | - Georg M. Schmölzer
- Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Neonatal Research Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB 23821, Canada;
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB 23821, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dall'Asta M, Laghi L, Morselli S, Re MC, Zagonari S, Patuelli G, Foschi C, Pedna MF, Sambri V, Marangoni A, Danesi F. Pre-Pregnancy Diet and Vaginal Environment in Caucasian Pregnant Women: An Exploratory Study. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:702370. [PMID: 34395531 PMCID: PMC8356051 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.702370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbes and their metabolic products have crucial functions, affecting local immunity development and maternal-fetal health. The composition of the vaginal microbiome can vary in response to various factors, including body mass index (BMI), and diet. In this study we get new insights into the vaginal ecosystem of Caucasian women (n = 24) at the first trimester of pregnancy, assessing whether pre-pregnancy diet can affect the structure of the vaginal environment in terms of bacterial composition and vaginal metabolite concentration. We characterized 1) the vaginal bacterial composition (Nugent score), 2) the vaginal metabolic profiles (1H-NMR spectroscopy), and 3) the dietary nutrient intake by means of a validated food frequency questionnaire. Pre-pregnancy BMI was negatively related to vaginal health status, indicating that women who begin pregnancy overweight/obese have a greater occurrence of vaginal dysbiosis during pregnancy. A lactobacilli-dominated vaginal microbiota was negatively associated with higher pre-pregnancy intake of animal-sourced protein. Conversely, a higher pre-pregnancy consumption of total carbohydrates and sugars seemed to be a protective factor for vaginal health. The vaginal environment of BV-women was characterized by higher levels of biogenic amines and organic acids, whereas higher levels of phenylpropionate and diverse amino acids were fingerprints of a healthy vaginal status. A significant association between a higher pre-pregnancy BMI and several dysbiosis-related vaginal metabolites was also found. Our study shed light on the role of pre-pregnancy BMI and diet on the vaginal environment during pregnancy, underlining the importance of limiting protein intake from animal foods to maintain a healthy lactobacilli-dominated microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Dall'Asta
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.,Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research (CIRI Agrifood), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Sara Morselli
- Unit of Microbiology (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Re
- Unit of Microbiology (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Foschi
- Unit of Microbiology (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Cesena, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Danesi
- Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research (CIRI Agrifood), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.,Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marangoni A, Laghi L, Zagonari S, Patuelli G, Zhu C, Foschi C, Morselli S, Pedna MF, Sambri V. New Insights into Vaginal Environment During Pregnancy. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:656844. [PMID: 34079816 PMCID: PMC8165225 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.656844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the vaginal ecosystem undergoes marked changes, including a significant enrichment with Lactobacillus spp. and profound alterations in metabolic profiles. A deep comprehension of the vaginal environment may shed light on the physiology of pregnancy and may provide novel biomarkers to identify subjects at risk of complications (e.g., miscarriage, preterm birth). In this study, we characterized the vaginal ecosystem in Caucasian women with a normal pregnancy (n = 64) at three different gestational ages (i.e., first, second and third trimester) and in subjects (n = 10) suffering a spontaneous first trimester miscarriage. We assessed the vaginal bacterial composition (Nugent score), the vaginal metabolic profiles (1H-NMR spectroscopy) and the vaginal levels of two cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8). Throughout pregnancy, the vaginal microbiota became less diverse, being mainly dominated by lactobacilli. This shift was clearly associated with marked changes in the vaginal metabolome: over the weeks, a progressive reduction in the levels of dysbiosis-associated metabolites (e.g., biogenic amines, alcohols, propionate, acetate) was observed. At the same time, several metabolites, typically found in healthy vaginal conditions, reached the highest concentrations at the end of pregnancy (e.g., lactate, glycine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine). Lower levels of glucose were an additional fingerprint of a normal vaginal environment. The vaginal levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly associated with the number of vaginal leukocytes, as well as with the presence of vaginal symptoms, but not with a condition of dysbiosis. Moreover, IL-8 concentration seemed to be a good predictor of the presence of vaginal Candida spp. Cytokine concentrations were negatively correlated to lactate, serine, and glycine concentrations, whereas the levels of 4-hydroxyphenyllactate, glucose, O-acetylcholine, and choline were positively correlated with Candida vaginal loads. Finally, we found that most cases of spontaneous abortion were associated with an abnormal vaginal microbiome, with higher levels of selected metabolites in the vaginal environment (e.g., inosine, fumarate, xanthine, benzoate, ascorbate). No association with higher pro-inflammatory cytokines was found. In conclusion, our analysis provides new insights into the pathophysiology of pregnancy and highlights potential biomarkers to enable the diagnosis of early pregnancy loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Laghi
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | | | | | - Chenglin Zhu
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Morselli
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Sambri
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Laghi L, Zagonari S, Patuelli G, Zhu C, Foschi C, Morselli S, Pedna MF, Sambri V, Marangoni A. Vaginal metabolic profiles during pregnancy: Changes between first and second trimester. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249925. [PMID: 33831087 PMCID: PMC8031435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiome plays an important role in both maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Throughout pregnancy, the vaginal microbial composition undergoes significant changes, including a decrease in overall diversity and enrichment with Lactobacillus spp. In turn, the modifications in the microbial profiles are associated with shifts in the composition of vaginal metabolites. In this study, we characterized the vaginal metabolic profiles throughout pregnancy at two different gestational ages, correlating them with a microscopic evaluation of the vaginal bacterial composition. A total of 67 Caucasian pregnant women presenting to the Family Advisory Health Centres of Ravenna (Italy) were enrolled and a vaginal swab was collected at gestational ages 9–13 weeks (first trimester) and 20–24 weeks (second trimester). The composition of the vaginal microbiome was assessed by Nugent score and women were divided in ‘H’ (normal lactobacilli-dominated microbiota), ‘I’ (intermediate microbiota), and ‘BV’ (bacterial vaginosis) groups. Starting from the cell-free supernatants of the vaginal swabs, a metabolomic analysis was performed by means of a 1H-NMR spectroscopy. From the first to the second trimester, a greater number of women showed a normal lactobacilli-dominated microbiota, with a reduction of cases of dysbiosis. These microbial shifts were associated with profound changes in the vaginal metabolic profiles. Over the weeks, a significant reduction in the levels of BV-associated metabolites (e.g. acetate, propionate, tyramine, methylamine, putrescine) was observed. At the same time, the vaginal metabolome was characterized by higher concentrations of lactate and of several amino acids (e.g. tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, leucine), typically found in healthy vaginal conditions. Over time, the vaginal metabolome became less diverse and more homogeneous: in the second trimester, women with BV showed metabolic profiles more similar to the healthy/intermediate groups, compared to the first trimester. Our data could help unravel the role of vaginal metabolites in the pathophysiology of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Laghi
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Centre of Foodomics, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | | | | | - Chenglin Zhu
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Centre of Foodomics, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Sara Morselli
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Federica Pedna
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Albrecht B, Voronina E, Schipke C, Peters O, Parr MK, Díaz-Hernández MD, Schlörer NE. Pursuing Experimental Reproducibility: An Efficient Protocol for the Preparation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples for NMR-based Metabolomics and Analysis of Sample Degradation. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10060251. [PMID: 32560109 PMCID: PMC7345835 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10060251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NMR-based metabolomics investigations of human biofluids offer great potential to uncover new biomarkers. In contrast to protocols for sample collection and biobanking, procedures for sample preparation prior to NMR measurements are still heterogeneous, thus compromising the comparability of the resulting data. Herein, we present results of an investigation of the handling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for NMR metabolomics research. Origins of commonly observed problems when conducting NMR experiments on this type of sample are addressed, and suitable experimental conditions in terms of sample preparation and pH control are discussed. Sample stability was assessed by monitoring the degradation of CSF samples by NMR, hereby identifying metabolite candidates, which are potentially affected by sample storage. A protocol was devised yielding consistent spectroscopic data as well as achieving overall sample stability for robust analysis. We present easy to adopt standard operating procedures with the aim to establish a shared sample handling strategy that facilitates and promotes inter-laboratory comparison, and the analysis of sample degradation provides new insights into sample stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Albrecht
- Department of Chemistry, Universität zu Köln, Greinstr.4, 50939 Köln, Germany; (B.A.); (E.V.)
| | - Elena Voronina
- Department of Chemistry, Universität zu Köln, Greinstr.4, 50939 Köln, Germany; (B.A.); (E.V.)
| | - Carola Schipke
- Charité– Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Experimental & Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Oliver Peters
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Maria Kristina Parr
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - M. Dolores Díaz-Hernández
- Department of Chemistry, Universität zu Köln, Greinstr.4, 50939 Köln, Germany; (B.A.); (E.V.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.D.-H.); (N.E.S.); Tel.: +49-221-470-3081 (N.E.S.)
| | - Nils E. Schlörer
- Department of Chemistry, Universität zu Köln, Greinstr.4, 50939 Köln, Germany; (B.A.); (E.V.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.D.-H.); (N.E.S.); Tel.: +49-221-470-3081 (N.E.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zannoni A, Pietra M, Gaspardo A, Accorsi PA, Barone M, Turroni S, Laghi L, Zhu C, Brigidi P, Forni M. Non-invasive Assessment of Fecal Stress Biomarkers in Hunting Dogs During Exercise and at Rest. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:126. [PMID: 32373631 PMCID: PMC7186473 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intense exercise causes to organisms to have oxidative stress and inflammation at the gastrointestinal (GI) level. The reduction in intestinal blood flow and the exercise-linked thermal damage to the intestinal mucosa can cause intestinal barrier disruption, followed by an inflammatory response. Furthermore, the adaptation to exercise may affect the gut microbiota and the metabolome of the biofluids. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the presence of a GI derangement in hunting dogs through a non-invasive sampling as a consequence of a period of intense exercise in comparison with samples collected at rest. The study included nine dogs that underwent the same training regime for hunting wild boar. In order to counterbalance physiological variations, multiple-day replicates were collected and pooled at each experimental point for each dog. The samples were collected immediately at rest before the training (T0), after 60 days of training (T1), after 60 days of hunting wild boar (T2), and finally, at 60 days of rest after hunting (T3). A number of potential stress markers were evaluated: fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) as a major indicator of altered physiological states, immunoglobulin A (IgA) as an indicator of intestinal immune protection, and total antioxidant activity [total antioxidant capacity (TAC)]. Since stool samples contain exfoliated cells, we investigated also the presence of some transcripts involved in GI permeability [occludin (OCLN), protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2)] and in the inflammatory mechanism [interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1b, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), calprotectin (CALP), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)]. Finally, the metabolome and the microbiota profiles were analyzed. No variation in FCM and IgA content and no differences in OCLN and CALP gene expression between rest and training were observed. On the contrary, an increase in PAR-2 and HO-1 transcripts, a reduction in total antioxidant activity, and a different profile of microbiota and metabolomics data were observed. Collectively, the data in the present study indicated that physical exercise in our model could be considered a mild stressor stimulus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Augusta Zannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Pietra
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alba Gaspardo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier Attilio Accorsi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Barone
- Unit of Microbial Ecology of Health, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Turroni
- Unit of Microbial Ecology of Health, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Centre of Foodomics, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Chenglin Zhu
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Centre of Foodomics, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Brigidi
- Unit of Microbial Ecology of Health, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Forni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Brugaletta G, De Cesare A, Zampiga M, Laghi L, Oliveri C, Zhu C, Manfreda G, Syed B, Valenzuela L, Sirri F. Effects of Alternative Administration Programs of a Synbiotic Supplement on Broiler Performance, Foot Pad Dermatitis, Caecal Microbiota, and Blood Metabolites. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030522. [PMID: 32245036 PMCID: PMC7143825 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This research investigated the effects of different synbiotic administration programs on broiler productive performance and foot pad dermatitis (FPD). Molecular insights on caecal microbiota and plasma metabolomics were also performed. - A total of 1000 one-day-old male chicks were grouped by the synbiotic treatment. The synbiotic was either sprayed as gel droplets onto newly hatched chicks at the hatchery (100 g/10,000 birds) or supplemented in-feed during the entire rearing period (1000, 500, and 250 g/ton according to feeding phase), or both. Only the treatments' combination produced significant results in comparison with the control group (untreated), improving feed conversion ratio from 14 to 29 d and in the overall period of the trial (1.570 vs. 1.509 and 1.643 vs. 1.596, respectively; p < 0.05) while lowering FPD occurrence at slaughter (17% vs. 5%; p < 0.05). These findings can be related to significant variations of caecal microbiota, like higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (with favorable implications for host's energy-harvesting potential from the diet) and more beneficial microbial consortium presumably sustaining eubiosis. Overall, these results indicate that administering synbiotics through gel droplets at the hatchery combined to in-feed supplementation for the whole growing cycle positively affects broiler feed efficiency and welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Brugaletta
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (M.Z.); (L.L.); (C.O.); (C.Z.); (G.M.); (F.S.)
| | - Alessandra De Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-2097-583
| | - Marco Zampiga
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (M.Z.); (L.L.); (C.O.); (C.Z.); (G.M.); (F.S.)
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (M.Z.); (L.L.); (C.O.); (C.Z.); (G.M.); (F.S.)
| | - Chiara Oliveri
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (M.Z.); (L.L.); (C.O.); (C.Z.); (G.M.); (F.S.)
| | - Chenglin Zhu
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (M.Z.); (L.L.); (C.O.); (C.Z.); (G.M.); (F.S.)
| | - Gerardo Manfreda
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (M.Z.); (L.L.); (C.O.); (C.Z.); (G.M.); (F.S.)
| | - Basharat Syed
- Biomin Holding, 3131 Getzersdorf, Austria; (B.S.); (L.V.)
| | | | - Federico Sirri
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.B.); (M.Z.); (L.L.); (C.O.); (C.Z.); (G.M.); (F.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ceccarani C, Foschi C, Parolin C, D'Antuono A, Gaspari V, Consolandi C, Laghi L, Camboni T, Vitali B, Severgnini M, Marangoni A. Diversity of vaginal microbiome and metabolome during genital infections. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14095. [PMID: 31575935 PMCID: PMC6773718 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50410-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We characterized the vaginal ecosystem during common infections of the female genital tract, as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC, n = 18) and Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CT, n = 20), recruiting healthy (HC, n = 21) and bacterial vaginosis-affected (BV, n = 20) women as references of eubiosis and dysbiosis. The profiles of the vaginal microbiome and metabolome were studied in 79 reproductive-aged women, by means of next generation sequencing and proton based-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Lactobacillus genus was profoundly depleted in all the genital infections herein considered, and species-level analysis revealed that healthy vaginal microbiome was dominated by L. crispatus. In the shift from HC to CT, VVC, and BV, L. crispatus was progressively replaced by L. iners. CT infection and VVC, as well as BV condition, were mainly characterised by anaerobe genera, e.g. Gardnerella, Prevotella, Megasphaera, Roseburia and Atopobium. The changes in the bacterial communities occurring during the genital infections resulted in significant alterations in the vaginal metabolites composition, being the decrease of lactate a common marker of all the pathological conditions. In conclusion, according to the taxonomic and metabolomics analysis, we found that each of the four conditions is characterized by a peculiar vaginal microbiome/metabolome fingerprint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Ceccarani
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Department (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carola Parolin
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | | | - Clarissa Consolandi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Tania Camboni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Vitali
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Severgnini
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Marangoni
- Microbiology, Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Department (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fuochi V, Coniglio MA, Laghi L, Rescifina A, Caruso M, Stivala A, Furneri PM. Metabolic Characterization of Supernatants Produced by Lactobacillus spp. With in vitro Anti- Legionella Activity. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1403. [PMID: 31293545 PMCID: PMC6606692 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is an organism of public health interest for its presence in water supply systems and other humid thermal habitats. In this study, ten cell-free supernatants produced by Lactobacillus strains were evaluated for their ability to inhibit L. pneumophila strains isolated from hot tap water. Production of antimicrobial substances by Lactobacillus strains were assessed by agar well diffusion test on BCYE agar plates pre-inoculated with L. pneumophila. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) showed antimicrobial activity against all Legionella strains tested: L. rhamnosus and L. salivarius showed the highest activity. By means of a proton-based nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, we detected and quantified the Lactobacillus metabolites of these CFSs, so to gain information about which metabolic pathway was likely to be connected to the observed inhibition activity. A panel of metabolites with variations in concentration were revealed, but considerable differences among inter-species were not showed as reported in a similar work by Foschi et al. (2018). More than fifty molecules belonging mainly to the groups of amino acids, organic acids, monosaccharides, ketones, and alcohols were identified in the metabolome. Significant differences were recorded comparing the metabolites found in the supernatants of strains grown in MRS with glycerol and the same strains grown in MRS without supplements. Indeed, pathway analysis revealed that glycine, serine and threonine, pyruvate, and sulfur metabolic pathways had a higher impact when strains were grown in MRS medium with a supplement such as glycerol. Among the metabolites identified, many were amino acids, suggesting the possible presence of bacteriocins which could be linked to the anti-Legionella activity shown by cell-free supernatants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Fuochi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Coniglio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Caruso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (MEDCLIN), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo Stivala
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pio Maria Furneri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Elmi A, Ventrella D, Laghi L, Carnevali G, Zhu C, Pertile G, Barone F, Benfenati F, Bacci ML. 1H NMR Spectroscopy Characterization of Porcine Vitreous Humor in Physiological and Photoreceptor Degeneration Conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 60:741-747. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Elmi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Carnevali
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chenglin Zhu
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Ophthalmology Department, Sacro Cuore Hospital - Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Francesca Barone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Ophthalmology Department, Sacro Cuore Hospital - Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Barone F, Laghi L, Gianotti A, Ventrella D, Saa DLT, Bordoni A, Forni M, Brigidi P, Bacci ML, Turroni S. In Vivo Effects of Einkorn Wheat (Triticum monococcum) Bread on the Intestinal Microbiota, Metabolome, and on the Glycemic and Insulinemic Response in the Pig Model. Nutrients 2018; 11:nu11010016. [PMID: 30577558 PMCID: PMC6356388 DOI: 10.3390/nu11010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum) is characterized by high content of proteins, bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, fructans, tocols, carotenoids, alkylresorcinols, and phytosterols, and lower α-, β-amylase and lipoxygenase activities compared to polyploid wheat. These features make einkorn flour a good candidate to provide healthier foods. In the present study, we investigated the effects of einkorn bread (EB) on the intestinal physiology and metabolism of the pig model by characterizing the glycemic and insulinemic response, and the microbiota and metabolome profiles. Sixteen commercial hybrid pigs were enrolled in the study; four pigs were used to characterize postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses and twelve pigs underwent a 30-day dietary intervention to assess microbiota and metabolome changes after EB or standard wheat bread (WB) consumption. The postprandial insulin rise after an EB meal was characterized by a lower absolute level, and, as also observed for glucose, by a biphasic shape in contrast to that in response to a WB meal. The consumption of EB led to enrichment in short-chain fatty acid producers (e.g., Blautia, Faecalibacterium, and Oscillospira) in the gut microbiota and to higher metabolic diversity with lower content of succinate, probably related to improved absorption and therefore promoting intestinal gluconeogenesis. The observed changes, at both a compositional and metabolic scale, strongly suggest that EB consumption may support a health-promoting configuration of the intestinal ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Barone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy.
| | - Andrea Gianotti
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy.
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
| | | | - Alessandra Bordoni
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy.
| | - Monica Forni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Brigidi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Maria Laura Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Turroni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zampiga M, Laghi L, Petracci M, Zhu C, Meluzzi A, Dridi S, Sirri F. Effect of dietary arginine to lysine ratios on productive performance, meat quality, plasma and muscle metabolomics profile in fast-growing broiler chickens. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2018; 9:79. [PMID: 30455879 PMCID: PMC6223088 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-018-0294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the important functions of arginine in poultry, it should be questioned whether the currently adopted dietary Arg:Lys ratios are sufficient to meet the modern broiler requirement in arginine. The present study aimed, therefore, to evaluate the effects of the dietary supplementation of L-arginine in a commercial broiler diet on productive performance, breast meat quality attributes, incidence and severity of breast muscle myopathies and foot pad dermatitis (FPD), and plasma and muscle metabolomics profile in fast-growing broilers. Results A total of 1,170 1-day-old Ross 308 male chicks was divided into two experimental groups of 9 replicates each fed either a commercial basal diet (CON, digestible Arg:Lys ratio of 1.05, 1.05, 1.06 and 1.07 in each feeding phase, respectively) or the same basal diet supplemented on-top with crystalline L-arginine (ARG, digestible Arg:Lys ratio of 1.15, 1.15, 1.16 and 1.17, respectively). Productive parameters were determined at the end of each feeding phase (12, 22, 33, 43 d). At slaughter (43 d), incidence and severity of FPD and breast myopathies were assessed, while plasma and breast muscle samples were collected and analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance-spectroscopy. The dietary supplementation of arginine significantly reduced cumulative feed conversion ratio compared to the control diet at 12 d (1.352 vs. 1.401, P < 0.05), 22 d (1.398 vs. 1.420; P < 0.01) and 33 d (1.494 vs. 1.524; P < 0.05), and also tended to improve it in the overall period of trial (1.646 vs. 1.675; P = 0.09). Body weight was significantly increased in ARG compared to CON group at 33 d (1,884 vs. 1,829 g; P < 0.05). No significant effect was observed on meat quality attributes, breast myopathies and FPD occurrence. ARG birds showed significantly higher plasma concentration of arginine and leucine, and lower of acetoacetate, glutamate, adenosine and proline. Arginine and acetate concentrations were higher, whereas acetone and inosine levels were lower in the breast of ARG birds (P < 0.05). Conclusions Taken together, these data showed that increased digestible Arg:Lys ratio had positive effects on feed efficiency in broiler chickens probably via modulation of metabolites that play key roles in energy and protein metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zampiga
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via del Florio, 2, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via del Florio, 2, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Petracci
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via del Florio, 2, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Chenglin Zhu
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via del Florio, 2, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Adele Meluzzi
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via del Florio, 2, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Sami Dridi
- 2Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR 72701 USA
| | - Federico Sirri
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via del Florio, 2, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Estrus synchronization is important for optimal management of gilt reproduction in pig farms. Hormonal treatments, such as synthetic progestogens, are used on a routine basis, but there is a growing demand for non-hormonal alternative breeding tools. Before puberty, gilts exhibit a ‘waiting period,’ related to the ovarian development and gonadotrophin secretions, during which external stimulations, such as boar exposure, could induce and synchronize first ovulation. Practical non-invasive tools for identification of this period in farms are lacking. During this period, urinary oestrone levels are high, but urine sampling is difficult in group-housed females. The aim of this work was to search for specific biomarkers of the ‘waiting period’ in saliva and urine. In total, nine 144- to 147-day-old Large White gilts were subjected to trans-abdominal ultrasonography three times a week for 5 weeks until puberty detection (week –5 to week –1 before puberty). Urine and saliva samples were collected for oestrone assay to detect the ‘waiting period’ and for metabolome analysis using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect potential biomarkers of the ‘waiting period.’ Gilts were slaughtered 7 days after puberty detection for puberty confirmation. Results were consistent with ultrasonography data for six gilts. Urine and saliva samples from these six gilts were analyzed. Urinary estrone concentration significantly increased 2 weeks before puberty detection. Metabolome analysis of urine samples allowed the identification of 78 spectral bins, among them, 42 low-molecular-weight metabolites were identified. Metabolome analysis of salivary samples allowed the identification of 59 spectral bins, among them, 23 low-molecular-weight metabolites were detected and 17 were identified. No potential biomarker was identified in urinary samples. In saliva, butyrate and 2HOvalerate, 5.79 ppm (putatively uridine), formate, malonate and propionate could be biomarker candidates to ascertain the pre-puberty period in gilt reproduction. These results confirm that non-invasive salivary samples could allow the identification of the physiological status of the gilts and presumably the optimal time for application of the boar effect. This could contribute to synchronize puberty onset and hence to develop non-hormonal breeding tools.
Collapse
|
19
|
Laghi L, Zhu C, Campagna G, Rossi G, Bazzano M, Laus F. Probiotic supplementation in trained trotter horses: effect on blood clinical pathology data and urine metabolomic assessed in field. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 125:654-660. [PMID: 29672225 PMCID: PMC6139516 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01131.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The attention of sports community toward probiotic supplementation as a way to promote exercise and training performance, together with good health, has increased in recent years. This has applied also to horses, with promising results. Here, for the first time, we tested a probiotic mix of several strains of live bacteria typically employed for humans to improve the training performance of Standardbred horses in athletic activity. To evaluate its effects on the horse performance, we measured lactate concentration in blood, a translational outcome largely employed for the purpose, combined with the study of hematological and biochemical parameters, together with urine from a metabolomics perspective. The results showed that the probiotic supplementation significantly reduced postexercise blood lactate concentration. The hematological and biochemical parameters, together with urine molecular profile, suggested that a likely mechanism underlying this positive effect was connected to a switch of energy source in muscle from carbohydrates to short-chain fatty acids. Three sulfur-containing molecules differently concentrated in urines in connection to probiotics administration suggested that such switch was linked to sulfur metabolism. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Probiotic supplementation could reduce postexercise blood lactate concentration in Standardbred horses in athletic activity. Blood parameters, together with urine molecular profile, suggest the mechanism underlying this positive effect is connected to a switch of energy source in muscle from carbohydrates to short-chain fatty acids. Sulfur-containing molecules found in urines in connection to probiotics administration suggested that such switch was linked to sulfur metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Laghi
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna , Cesena , Italy
| | - Chenglin Zhu
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna , Cesena , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campagna
- Department of Experimental Medicine "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Marilena Bazzano
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Fulvio Laus
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang H, He Z, Zhang Y, Zhang J. 1 H NMR metabolic signature of cerebrospinal fluid following repetitive lower-limb remote ischemia preconditioning. Neurochem Int 2018; 116:95-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
21
|
Tankou SK, Regev K, Healy BC, Tjon E, Laghi L, Cox LM, Kivisäkk P, Pierre IV, Hrishikesh L, Gandhi R, Cook S, Glanz B, Stankiewicz J, Weiner HL. A probiotic modulates the microbiome and immunity in multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2018; 83:1147-1161. [PMID: 29679417 PMCID: PMC6181139 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Effect of a probiotic on the gut microbiome and peripheral immune function in healthy controls and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS MS patients (N = 9) and controls (N = 13) were orally administered a probiotic containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus twice-daily for two months. Blood and stool specimens were collected at baseline, after completion of the 2-month treatment, and 3 months after discontinuation of therapy. Frozen peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used for immune cell profiling. Stool samples were used for 16S rRNA profiling and metabolomics. RESULTS Probiotic administration increased the abundance of several taxa known to be depleted in MS such as Lactobacillus. We found that probiotic use decreased the abundance of taxa previously associated with dysbiosis in MS, including Akkermansia and Blautia. Predictive metagenomic analysis revealed a decrease in the abundance of several KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways associated with altered gut microbiota function in MS patients, such as methane metabolism, following probiotic supplementation. At the immune level, probiotic administration induced an anti-inflammatory peripheral immune response characterized by decreased frequency of inflammatory monocytes, decreased mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD80 on classical monocytes, as well as decreased human leukocyte antigen (HLA) D related MFI on dendritic cells. Probiotic administration was also associated with decreased expression of MS risk allele HLA-DQA1 in controls. Probiotic-induced increase in abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium was associated with decreased expression of MS risk allele HLA.DPB1 in controls. INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that probiotics could have a synergistic effect with current MS therapies. Ann Neurol 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Tankou
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases
| | - Keren Regev
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Brian C Healy
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Emily Tjon
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases
| | - Luca Laghi
- University of Bologna, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Cesena 47521, Italy
| | - Laura M Cox
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases
| | - Pia Kivisäkk
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases
| | - Isabelle V Pierre
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases
| | - Lokhande Hrishikesh
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Roopali Gandhi
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases
| | - Sandra Cook
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Bonnie Glanz
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - James Stankiewicz
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Parolin C, Foschi C, Laghi L, Zhu C, Banzola N, Gaspari V, D'Antuono A, Giordani B, Severgnini M, Consolandi C, Salvo M, Cevenini R, Vitali B, Marangoni A. Insights Into Vaginal Bacterial Communities and Metabolic Profiles of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: Positioning Between Eubiosis and Dysbiosis. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:600. [PMID: 29643849 PMCID: PMC5883401 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and functioning of the female genital tract, preventing the colonization of urogenital pathogens and sexually transmitted infections. In this study, we characterized the vaginal bacterial communities and the metabolome associated to Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CT: 20 women), compared to healthy condition (H: 22 women) and bacterial vaginosis (BV: 19 women). A microarray-based tool (VaginArray), implemented with a real-time PCR for Gardnerella vaginalis, was used to determine the vaginal bacterial composition, whereas the metabolic profiles were assessed by a proton-based nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. CT infection was characterized by bacterial and metabolic signatures similar to healthy condition, even though higher amounts of Lactobacillus iners, as well as depletion of some amino acids, biogenic amines, and succinate marked CT infection. Moreover, the frequency of Lactobacillus crispatus was higher in asymptomatic CT-positive patients than in women with CT-correlated symptoms. We also confirmed the marked differences in the microbiome and metabolome between healthy and BV-affected women. In conclusion, we highlighted microbial and metabolic peculiarities of the vaginal ecosystem in the case of CT infection, even though further studies are needed to understand if the observed alterations precede the infection onset or if the pathogen itself perturbs the vaginal environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carola Parolin
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Laghi
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chenglin Zhu
- Centre of Foodomics, Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Banzola
- Dermatology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Gaspari
- Dermatology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonietta D'Antuono
- Dermatology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Giordani
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Severgnini
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies - National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Clarissa Consolandi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies - National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Melissa Salvo
- Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Cevenini
- Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Vitali
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Marangoni
- Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Baldassarre ME, Di Mauro A, Tafuri S, Rizzo V, Gallone MS, Mastromarino P, Capobianco D, Laghi L, Zhu C, Capozza M, Laforgia N. Effectiveness and Safety of a Probiotic-Mixture for the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial with Fecal Real-Time PCR and NMR-Based Metabolomics Analysis. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10020195. [PMID: 29439395 PMCID: PMC5852771 DOI: 10.3390/nu10020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: To investigate the effectiveness and the safety of a probiotic-mixture (Vivomixx®, Visbiome®, DeSimone Formulation®; Danisco-DuPont, Madison, WI, USA) for the treatment of infantile colic in breastfed infants, compared with a placebo. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in exclusively breastfed infants with colic, randomly assigned to receive a probiotic-mixture or a placebo for 21 days. A structured diary of gastrointestinal events of the infants was given to the parents to complete. Samples of feces were also collected to evaluate microbial content and metabolome using fecal real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based analysis. Study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01869426). Results: Fifty-three exclusively-breastfed infants completed three weeks of treatment with a probiotic-mixture (n = 27) or a placebo (n = 26). Infants receiving the probiotic-mixture had less minutes of crying per day throughout the study by the end of treatment period (68.4 min/day vs. 98.7 min/day; p = 0.001). A higher rate of infants from the probiotic-mixture group responded to treatment (defined by reduction of crying times of ≥50% from baseline), on day 14, 12 vs. 5 (p = 0.04) and on day 21, 26 vs. 17 (p = 0.001). A higher quality of life, assessed by a 10-cm visual analogue scale, was reported by parents of the probiotic-mixture group on day 14, 7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.7 ± 0.9 (p = 0.02); and on day 21, 6.7 ± 1.6 vs. 5.9 ± 1.0 (p = 0.001). No differences between groups were found regarding anthropometric data, bowel movements, stool consistency or microbiota composition. Probiotics were found to affect the fecal molecular profile. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Administration of a probiotic-mixture appears safe and reduces inconsolable crying in exclusively breastfed infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy.
- SIGENP (Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition), via Libero Temolo 4 (Torre UB), 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Antonio Di Mauro
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy.
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy.
| | - Valentina Rizzo
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy.
| | - Maria Serena Gallone
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy.
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Capobianco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Piazza Goidanich 60, 47522 Cesena, Italy.
| | - Chenglin Zhu
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Piazza Goidanich 60, 47522 Cesena, Italy.
| | - Manuela Capozza
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy.
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Blanco ME, González O, Albóniga OE, Alonso ML, Alonso RM. Metabolomic analysis for the study of maturation in pediatrics: Effect of confounding factors in a pilot study. Electrophoresis 2017; 38:2323-2330. [PMID: 28480608 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201700026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A pilot study for the investigation of the maturation grade of children has been carried out using plasma samples already analyzed in a previous pharmacokinetic study. By using a meticulous data treatment, possible confounding factors that may hinder the obtained results were identified. By doing so, it was possible to obtain enough evidence to support the feasibility of performing a larger study eluding some unwanted variability and minimizing not only the number of subjects involved but also the time and money spent on the study. In the pilot study the metabolic profiles obtained using UHPLC-TOF-MS technique of plasma samples from 14 newborn piglets (<5 days) were compared with the plasma profiles of 16 infant piglets (8 weeks). The type of anaesthesia administered, gender, vein or artery of blood extraction and time of sampling were studied as possible confounding factors. Unsupervised analysis by principal component analysis (PCA) clearly differentiated between neonates and children. During the data treatment and the statistical analysis, the effect of confounding factors such as the anaesthetic regimen was identified and removed, while the effect of the rest of studied factors was not considered relevant, and the discrimination between the two groups based on the age was maintained. This allowed extracting relevant conclusions for a future study design while avoiding the unnecessary sacrifice of animals. Furthermore, the results obtained demonstrate the utility of metabolomics in the discovery of novel putative plasma biomarkers such as carnitines that can be correlated with the maturation state of paediatric patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Encarnación Blanco
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Science and Technology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Oskar González
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Science and Technology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Oihane Elena Albóniga
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Science and Technology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - María Luz Alonso
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Science and Technology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Rosa María Alonso
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Science and Technology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bryszewska MA, Laghi L, Zannoni A, Gianotti A, Barone F, Taneyo Saa DL, Bacci ML, Ventrella D, Forni M. Bioavailability of Microencapsulated Iron from Fortified Bread Assessed Using Piglet Model. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9030272. [PMID: 28335378 PMCID: PMC5372935 DOI: 10.3390/nu9030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oral iron supplementation, in the form of fortified breads, on the growth performance, health, iron status parameters, and fecal metabolome of anemic piglets. A study was conducted on 24 hybrid (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) piglets. From day 44, the post-natal 12 piglets were supplemented with 100 g of one of two experimental breads, each fortified with 21 mg of ferrous sulphate, either encapsulated or not. After one week of oral supplementation, hematological parameters (hematocrit value, hemoglobin, and red blood cells) showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Piglets fed with the fortified breads had higher iron concentrations in the heart, liver, and intestinal mucosa compared to anemic piglets fed with control bread. Gene expression of hepcidin, iron exporter ferroportin (IREG1), and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), together with concentrations of plasma ferritin, showed no significant statistical differences between groups. Both fortified breads could be used as sources of bioavailable iron. The seven-day intervention trial showed microencapsulation to have only a mild effect on the effectiveness of iron supplementation in the form of fortified bread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata A Bryszewska
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz 90-924, Poland.
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Cesena 47521, Italy.
| | - Augusta Zannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia 40064, Italy.
| | - Andrea Gianotti
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Cesena 47521, Italy.
| | - Francesca Barone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia 40064, Italy.
| | - Danielle L Taneyo Saa
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Cesena 47521, Italy.
| | - Maria L Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia 40064, Italy.
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia 40064, Italy.
| | - Monica Forni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia 40064, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|