Lactobacillus gasseri LA39 promotes hepatic primary bile acid biosynthesis and intestinal secondary bile acid biotransformation

The impact of Astragaloside IV on the inflammatory response and gut microbiota in cases of acute lung injury is examined through the utilization of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

OBJECTIVES

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a natural triterpenoid saponin compound with a variety of pharmacological effects, and several studies have clarified its anti-inflammatory effects, which may make it an effective alternative treatment against inflammation. In the study, we aimed to investigate whether AS-IV could attenuate the inflammatory response to acute lung injury and its mechanisms.

METHODS

Different doses of AS-IV (20mg·kg-1, 40mg·kg-1, and 80mg·kg-1) were administered to the ALI rat model, followed by collection of serum and broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for examination of the inflammatory response, and HE staining of the lung and colon tissues, and interpretation of the potential molecular mechanisms by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting (WB). In addition, fecal samples from ALI rats were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

AS-IV decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in serum and BALF of mice with Acute lung injury (ALI). Lung and colon histopathology confirmed that AS-IV alleviated inflammatory infiltration, tissue edema, and structural changes. qRT-PCR and WB showed that AS-IV mainly improved inflammation by inhibiting the expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR mRNA, and improved the disorder of intestinal microflora by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria and reducing the number of harmful bacteria.

CONCLUSION

AS-IV reduces the expression of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and optimizes the composition of the gut microflora in AIL rats.

Associations between intestinal lactic acid bacteria species and feeding habits of zoo animals

Aim: Lactic acid bacteria are among the most important bacteria in the intestinal flora and often have beneficial effects on the host. It is known that the bacteria that compose the intestinal flora are influenced by the feeding habits of host animals, but there was a lack of knowledge about lactic acid bacteria. Therefore, also considering the use of select strains as probiotics, this study investigated the relationship between the feeding habits of zoo animals and intestinal Lactobacillaceae species. Methods: Lactic acid bacteria belonging to the family Lactobacillaceae were isolated and identified from the feces of 20 zoo animal species (5 carnivores, 4 herbivores, 7 piscivores, and 4 omnivores). Isolates were identified by the homology of the 16S rRNA gene sequence. In addition, the fecal flora of host animals was evaluated by the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results: The types of Lactobacillaceae species were shown to vary depending on the feeding habits of host animals. Ligilactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) and Ligilactobacillus saerimneri (L. saerimneri) were isolated from the feces of carnivores. Whereas Ligilactobacillus equi (L. equi), Limosilactobacillus gorillae, Ligilactobacillus hayakitensis and L. salivarius were isolated from the feces of herbivores. These Lactobacillaceae species were not found in the feces of piscivores. Instead, Enterococcus were frequently found in piscivores. The fecal flora also differed according to the feeding habits of host animals; at the phylum level, Bacillota was predominant in all animals; on the other hand, herbivores tended to have a higher proportion of Bacteroidota than carnivores, and piscivores tended to have a higher proportion of Proteobacteria. Conclusion: Lactic acid bacteria differ among animal species in a manner dependent on the hosts' feeding habits.

Mechanisms of probiotic modulation of ovarian sex hormone production and metabolism: a review

Sex hormones play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the skeletal, neurological, and reproductive systems. In women, the dysregulation of sex hormones can result in various health complications such as acne, hirsutism, and irregular menstruation. One of the most prevalent diseases associated with excess androgens is polycystic ovary syndrome with a hyperandrogenic phenotype. Probiotics have shown the potential to enhance the secretion of ovarian sex hormones. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Furthermore, comprehensive reviews detailing how probiotics modulate ovarian sex hormones are scarce. This review seeks to shed light on the potential mechanisms through which probiotics influence the production of ovarian sex hormones. The role of probiotics across various biological axes, including the gut-ovarian, gut-brain-ovarian, gut-liver-ovarian, gut-pancreas-ovarian, and gut-fat-ovarian axes, with a focus on the direct impact of probiotics on the ovaries via the gut and their effects on brain gonadotropins is discussed. It is also proposed herein that probiotics can significantly influence the onset, progression, and complications of ovarian sex hormone abnormalities. In addition, this review provides a theoretical basis for the therapeutic application of probiotics in managing sex hormone-related health conditions.