Age-related changes in microbial composition and function in cynomolgus macaques

Bacillus siamensis Improves the Immune Status and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets by Improving Their Intestinal Microbiota

Previous studies on the early interference of gut microbiota by Bacillus siamensis (B. siamensis) in weaned piglets are rarely reported, and the present trial is a preliminary study. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of B. siamensis supplementation on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, immune response, fecal short-chain fatty acids and microbiota of weaned piglets. Sixty weaned piglets were randomly divided into a control group (CON) and a B. siamensis group (BS), which were fed a basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 5 × 1010 CFU B. siamensis per kg, respectively. Each group had 3 replicates and 10 piglets per replicate. The trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that B. siamensis significantly increased the serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in piglets. Compared with the CON group, the levels of serum immunoglobulin and inflammatory factors in the BS group were significantly improved. In addition, the serum concentrations of zonulin and endotoxin (ET) in the BS group were lower. The dietary addition of B. siamensis significantly increased fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in piglets. Notably, B. siamensis improved the microbial composition by increasing beneficial genera, including Weissella, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Bifidobacterium, and decreasing pathogenic genera, including Pantoea, Fusobacterium and Gemella, in piglet feces. Correlation analysis showed that the benefits of dietary B. siamensis supplementation were closely related to its improved microbial composition. In summary, the addition of B. siamensis can improve the immunity function, inflammatory response, gut permeability and SCFA levels of weaned piglets, which may be achieved through the improvement of their microbiota.

Lipopolysaccharide-producing Veillonella infantium and Escherichia fergusonii cause vagus nerve-mediated cognitive impairment in mice

Gut microbiota communicates bidirectionally with the brain through the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems of the gut. In our preliminary study, the fecal microbiota of volunteers with mild cognitive impairment (Fmci) exhibited a higher abundance of Escherichia fergusonii (NK2001), Veillonella infantium (NK2002), and Enterococcus faecium (NK2003) populations compared with those of healthy volunteers. Therefore, we examined the effects of Fmci, NK2001 (gram-negative), NK2002 (gram-negative-like), and NK2003 (gram-positive) on cognitive impairment-like behavior, neuroinflammation, and colitis in mice with or without antibiotics. Fmci transplantation increased cognitive impairment-like behavior, hippocampal tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression, and the size of toll-like receptor (TLR)4+Iba1+, TLR2+Iba1+, and NF-κB+Iba1+ cell populations independent of antibiotic treatment. Oral gavage of NK2001, NK2002, or NK2003, which induced TNF-α expression in Caco-2 cells, significantly increased cognitive impairment-like behavior and hippocampal TNF-α expression and Iba1-positive cell populations and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in mice. Celiac vagotomy significantly decreased NK2001- or NK2002-induced cognitive impairment-like behavior and hippocampal Iba1+ cell population and TNF-α expression and increased NK2001- or NK2002-suppressed hippocampal BDNF expression. However, NK2003-induced cognitive impairment-like behavior and hippocampal Iba1+ cell population and TNF-α expression were partially, but not significantly, attenuated by celiac vagotomy. Furthermore, celiac vagotomy did not affect NK2001-, NK2002-, or NK2003-induced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in the blood and feces and TNF-α expression and NF-κB-positive cell population in the colon. In conclusion, LPS-producing NK2001 and NK2002 and LPS-nonproducing NK2003 may induce NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation through the translocation of byproducts such as LPS and peptidoglycan into the brain through gut-blood/vagus nerve-brain and gut-blood-brain pathways, respectively, resulting in cognitive impairment.

Psychrobacter species enrichment as potential microplastic degrader and the putative biodegradation mechanism in Shenzhen Bay sediment, China

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a pressing environmental concern due to its ubiquity and longevity. Biodegradation of MPs has garnered significant attention in combatting global MP contamination. This study focused on MPs within sediments near the sewage outlet of Shenzhen Bay. The objective was to elucidate the microbial communities in sediments with varying MPs, particularly those with high MP loads, and to identify microorganisms associated with MP degradation. The results revealed varying MP abundance, ranging from 211 to 4140 items kg-1 dry weight (d. w.), with the highest concentration observed near the outfall. Metagenomic analysis confirmed the enrichment of Psychrobacter species in sediments with high MP content. Psychrobacter accounted for ∼16.71% of the total bacterial community and 41.71% of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria at the S3 site, exhibiting a higher abundance than at other sampling sites. Psychrobacter contributed significantly to bacterial function at S3, as evidenced by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and enzyme analysis. Notably, 28 enzymes involved in MP biodegradation were identified, predominantly comprising oxidoreductases, hydrolases, transferases, ligases, lyases, and isomerases. We propose a putative mechanism for MP biodegradation, involving the breakdown of long-chain plastic polymers and subsequent oxidation of short-chain oligomers, ultimately leading to thorough mineralization.

The adolescent and young adult microbiome and its association with substance use: a scoping review

AIMS

The microbiome is a critical factor in health throughout human development. The aims of this scoping review are to (i) elucidate the differences between the youth (post-natal day 21-65 for rodents, 2-7 years for non-human primates, and 10-25 years for humans) microbiome with other life stages and (ii) identify youth-specific microbial changes associated with substance use.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed studies published up to May 2023 were identified in PubMed and SCOPUS and included gut and oral microbiome studies from rodents, non-human primates, and humans (N = 1733). Twenty-six articles were determined eligible based on inclusion criteria (aim 1: n = 19, aim 2: n = 7).

RESULTS

The adolescent and young adult oral and gut microbiomes are distinct compared to other life stages, within both non-human and human models. While there is limited research in this area, the microbiome appears to be vulnerable to substance use exposure earlier in life, including substances commonly initiated and escalated during adolescence and young adulthood (i.e. alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco).

CONCLUSIONS

Studies across the lifespan indicate that adolescence and young adulthood are distinct periods of development, where the microbiome is sensitive to exposures, including substance use. There is a need for more studies focused on the adolescent and young adult microbiome and substance use, as well as focused on the oral microbiome during this developmental period. Understanding the gut and oral microbiome during adolescence and young adulthood may provide insight into the pathophysiology of substance use disorders.

Supplementation with Complex Dietary Fiber during Late Pregnancy and Lactation Can Improve Progeny Growth Performance by Regulating Maternal Antioxidant Status and Milk Quality

This study investigated the nutritional benefits of complex dietary fiber (beta-glucan and fructo-oligosaccharides, CDF) supplementation in sows and piglets during late pregnancy and lactation. Twenty-four sows were randomly divided into two groups: the control group was fed a basal diet (n = 12), and the experimental group was fed a CDF diet (0.25% CDF replaced the same proportion of corn in the basal diet, n = 12). Dietary treatment was given from day 107 of pregnancy to day 25 of lactation. The results of this experiment showed that CDF increased the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows during lactation and the weaning body weight (BW) and average daily gain of piglets. Dietary CDF supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity and immune level of sows and decreased the serum zonulin level. Dietary supplementation with CDF increased the levels of antioxidant activity, immunoglobulin, and anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 (IL-10) in milk. Meanwhile, piglets in the CDF group had increased serum antioxidant activity, immunoglobulin, and growth-related hormone levels; decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels; and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid content. In addition, the CDF group increased the diversity of microorganisms in sow feces. In conclusion, the supplementation of a diet with CDF in late pregnancy and lactation can alleviate the oxidative stress of sows, improve milk quality, and have significant positive effects on the antioxidant capacity and growth performance of piglets.

Causal Associations between Gut Microbiota and Different Types of Dyslipidemia: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

The determination of a causal association between gut microbiota and a range of dyslipidemia remains uncertain. To clarify these associations, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis utilizing the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. This comprehensive analysis investigated the genetic variants that exhibited a significant association (p < 5 × 10-8) with 129 distinct gut microbiota genera and their potential link to different types of dyslipidemia. The results indicated a potential causal association between 22 gut microbiota genera and dyslipidemia in humans. Furthermore, these findings suggested that the impact of gut microbiota on dyslipidemia regulation is dependent on the specific phylum, family, and genus. Bacillota phylum demonstrated the greatest diversity, with 15 distinct genera distributed among eight families. Notably, gut microbiota-derived from the Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae families exhibit statistically significant associations with lipid levels that contribute to overall health (p < 0.05). The sensitivity analysis indicated that our findings possess robustness (p > 0.05). The findings of our investigation provide compelling evidence that substantiates a causal association between the gut microbiota and dyslipidemia in the human body. It is noteworthy to highlight the significant influence of the Bacillota phylum as a crucial regulator of lipid levels, and the families Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae should be recognized as probiotics that significantly contribute to this metabolic process.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Age-Related Microbial and Metabolite Alterations in Non-Human Primates

Aging is a systemic physiological degenerative process, with alterations in gut microbiota and host metabolism. However, due to the interference of multiple confounding factors, aging-associated molecular characteristics have not been elucidated completely. Therefore, based on 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and non-targeted metabolomic detection, our study systematically analyzed the composition and function of the gut microbiome, serum, and fecal metabolome of 36 male rhesus monkeys spanning from 3 to 26 years old, which completely covers juvenile, adult, and old stages. We observed significant correlations between 41 gut genera and age. Moreover, 86 fecal and 49 serum metabolites exhibited significant age-related correlations, primarily categorized into lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic oxygen compounds, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds. Further results suggested that aging is associated with significant downregulation of various amino acids constituting proteins, elevation of lipids, particularly saturated fatty acids, and steroids. Additionally, age-dependent changes were observed in multiple immune-regulatory molecules, antioxidant stress metabolites, and neurotransmitters. Notably, multiple age-dependent genera showed strong correlations in these changes. Together, our results provided new evidence for changing characteristics of gut microbes and host metabolism during aging. However, more research is needed in the future to verify our findings.

Topic modeling for multi-omic integration in the human gut microbiome and implications for Autism

While healthy gut microbiomes are critical to human health, pertinent microbial processes remain largely undefined, partially due to differential bias among profiling techniques. By simultaneously integrating multiple profiling methods, multi-omic analysis can define generalizable microbial processes, and is especially useful in understanding complex conditions such as Autism. Challenges with integrating heterogeneous data produced by multiple profiling methods can be overcome using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a promising natural language processing technique that identifies topics in heterogeneous documents. In this study, we apply LDA to multi-omic microbial data (16S rRNA amplicon, shotgun metagenomic, shotgun metatranscriptomic, and untargeted metabolomic profiling) from the stool of 81 children with and without Autism. We identify topics, or microbial processes, that summarize complex phenomena occurring within gut microbial communities. We then subset stool samples by topic distribution, and identify metabolites, specifically neurotransmitter precursors and fatty acid derivatives, that differ significantly between children with and without Autism. We identify clusters of topics, deemed "cross-omic topics", which we hypothesize are representative of generalizable microbial processes observable regardless of profiling method. Interpreting topics, we find each represents a particular diet, and we heuristically label each cross-omic topic as: healthy/general function, age-associated function, transcriptional regulation, and opportunistic pathogenesis.

An entomopathogenic fungus exploits its host humoral antibacterial immunity to minimize bacterial competition in the hemolymph

BACKGROUND

The insect hemolymph (blood-equivalent fluid), composed of a large number of hemocytes (blood cells) and a variety of soluble immune effectors, is hostile for pathogens including fungi. In order to survive in the insect hemocoel (body cavity), the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) has evolved two classical coping strategies, namely evasion and suppression of the host immune reactions. However, it remains unclear whether EPF has other ways of coping with host immunity.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrated that Metarhizium rileyi (an EPF) infection by injection of blastospores into the hemocoel enhanced the plasma antibacterial activity of cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), which was partially due to the enhanced expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The early stage of M. rileyi infection induced the translocation of gut bacteria into the hemocoel, where they were subsequently cleared due to the enhanced plasma antibacterial activity. Further, we showed that the enhanced plasma antibacterial activity and AMP expression were attributable to M. rileyi but not the invasive gut bacteria (opportunistic bacteria). Elevated ecdysone (major steroid hormone in insects) levels in the hemolymph at 48 h post-M. rileyi infection might contribute to the enhanced expression of AMPs. The fungus-elicited AMPs, such as cecropin 3 or lebocin, exhibited potent inhibitory activity against the opportunistic bacteria but not against hyphal bodies. In addition, the opportunistic bacteria competed with hyphal bodies for amino acid nutrients.

CONCLUSIONS

M. rileyi infection induced the translocation of gut bacteria, and then the fungi activated and exploited its host humoral antibacterial immunity to eliminate opportunistic bacteria, preventing them from competing for nutrients in the hemolymph. Unlike the classical strategies, EPF utilizes to evade or suppress host immunity, our findings reveal a novel strategy of interaction between EPF and host immunity. Video Abstract.

A new gentiopicroside derivative improves cognitive deficits of AD mice via activation of Wnt signaling pathway and regulation of gut microbiota homeostasis

BACKGROUND

In our previous study, we found that gentiopicroside (GPS) isolated from Gentiana rigescens Franch has a significant antiaging activity via regulation of mitophagy and oxidative stress. In order to increase the anti-aging activity of GPS, several compounds based on the chemical structure of GPS were synthesized and evaluated for bioactivity with yeast replicative lifespan assay, and 2H-gentiopicroside (2H-GPS) as leading compound was selected for AD treatment.

PURPOSE AND METHODS

To investigate whether 2H-GPS has anti- Alzheimer's disease effects, we used D-galactose (Dgal)-induced model mice to evaluate the effect of 2H-GPS on AD mice. Furthermore, we explored the action mechanism of this compound with RT-PCR, Western Blot, ELISA and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis.

RESULTS

Memory dysfunction and reduction in the number of neurons in the brain of mice were observed in Dgal treated group. These symptoms of AD mice were significantly relieved by administering 2H-GPS and donepezil (Done), respectively. In the Dgal only treated group, the protein levels of β-catenin, REST and phosphorylated GSK-3β, involved in the Wnt signaling pathway were significantly decreased, whereas the protein levels of GSK-3β, Tau, phosphorylated Tau, P35 and PEN-2 were significantly increased. Importantly, treatment with 2H-GPS resulted in restoration of memory dysfunction and levels of these proteins. Furthermore, the composition of the gut microbiota after 2H-GPS administration was explored through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Moreover, the mice, in which depleted gut microbiota with antibiotic cocktail (ABX), were used for evaluation of whether the gut microbiota is involved to the effect of 2H-GPS. Significant changes in gut microbiota composition were observed between AD and 2H-GPS-treated AD mice, and ABX partially eliminated the AD-restoring effect of 2H-GPS.

CONCLUSION

2H-GPS improves the symptoms of AD mice through combination of the regulation of Wnt signaling pathway and the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and the mechanism of action of 2H-GPS is distinct from that of Done.

The Cynomolgus Macaque Intestinal Mycobiome Is Dominated by the Kazachstania Genus and K. pintolopesii Species

The cynomolgus macaque, Macaca fascicularis, is a non-human primate (NHP) widely used in biomedical research as its genetics, immunology and physiology are similar to those of humans. They may also be a useful model of the intestinal microbiome as their prokaryome resembles that of humans. However, beyond the prokaryome relatively little is known about other constituents of the macaque intestinal microbiome including the mycobiome. Here, we conducted a region-by-region taxonomic survey of the cynomolgus intestinal mycobiota, from duodenum to distal colon, of sixteen captive animals of differing age (from young to old). Using a high-throughput ITS1 amplicon sequencing-based approach, the cynomolgus gut mycobiome was dominated by fungi from the Ascomycota phylum. The budding yeast genus Kazachstania was most abundant, with the thermotolerant species K. pintolopesii highly prevalent, and the predominant species in both the small and large intestines. This is in marked contrast to humans, in which the intestinal mycobiota is characterised by other fungal genera including Candida and Saccharomyces, and Candida albicans. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the fungal communities present within the captive cynomolgus gut, and for the first time identifies K. pintolopesii as a candidate primate gut commensal.

Flavonoids from Rhododendron nivale Hook. f delay aging via modulation of gut microbiota and glutathione metabolism

BACKGROUND

Rhododendron nivale Hook. f (R.n), one of the four Manna Stash used in Tibetan medicine to delay aging, possesses anti-aging pharmacological activity. However, which R.n ingredients contain anti-aging properties and the underlying mechanisms involved are unclear.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

Based on interactions between gut microbiota and natural medicines and the important role of gut microbiota in anti-aging, the study investigated the hypothesis that R.n possesses anti-aging properties and the interaction of gut microbiota with R.n is responsible for its anti-aging effects.

STUDY DESIGN

The primary active ingredients of R.n and their target function and pathway enrichment were explored. An aging mouse model was used to clarify the underlying anti-aging mechanisms of R.n.

METHODS

Chromatography, spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic technology, and pharmacology were used to reveal the major active ingredients of ethanol extract residues of R.n (RNEA). The target function and pathway enrichment of these active ingredients were explored. Plasma metabolomics coupled with intestinal flora evaluation and bioinformatics analysis was used to clarify the underlying anti-aging mechanisms of RNEA.

RESULTS

Myricetin-3-β-D-xylopyranoside, hyperin, goospetin-8-methyl ether 3-β-D-galactoside, and diplomorphanin B were separated and identified from RNEA. The network pharmacology study revealed that the active ingredients' target function and pathway enrichment focused mainly on the glutathione antioxidant system. In a D-galactose-induced mouse model of aging, RNEA was shown to possess suitable anti-aging pharmacological activity, as indicated by the amelioration of memory loss and weakened superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Plasma metabolomics coupled with intestinal flora examination and bioinformatics analysis revealed that RNEA could regulate the expression of glutathione-related enzymes and ameliorate D-galactose-induced imbalances in methionine, glycine, and serine, and betaine and galactose metabolism. The results showed that RNEA reshaped the disordered intestinal flora and mitigated the D-galactose-mediated decline in glutathione oxidase expression, further confirming that the anti-aging effect of RNEA was closely related to regulation of the glutathione antioxidant system.

CONCLUSION

RNEA, consisting of myricetin-3-β-D-xylopyranoside, hyperin, goospetin-8-methyl ether 3-β-D-galactoside, and diplomorphanin B, possesses anti-aging activity. The anti-aging effect of RNEA might be due to reshaping intestinal flora homeostasis, increasing the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 in the intestines and liver, enhancing glutathione peroxidase activity, and reinforcing the glutathione antioxidant system.

Differential Gut Microbiota Compositions Related With the Severity of Major Depressive Disorder

Objective

Increasing evidence shows a close relationship between gut microbiota and major depressive disorder (MDD), but the specific mechanisms remain unknown. This study was conducted to explore differential gut microbiota compositions related to the severity of MDD.

Methods

Healthy controls (HC) (n = 131) and MDD patients (n = 130) were included. MDD patients with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score <25 and ≥25 were assigned into moderate (n = 72) and severe (n = 58) MDD groups, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the gut microbiota compositions at the genus level.

Results

Thirty-six and 27 differential genera were identified in moderate and severe MDD patients, respectively. The differential genera in moderate and severe MDD patients mainly belonged to three (Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota) and two phyla (Firmicutes and Bacteroidota), respectively. One specific covarying network from phylum Actinobacteriota was identified in moderate MDD patients. In addition, five genera (Collinsella, Eggerthella, Alistipes, Faecalibacterium, and Flavonifractor) from the shared differential genera by two MDD groups had a fair efficacy in diagnosing MDD from HC (AUC = 0.786).

Conclusions

Our results were helpful for further exploring the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of depression and developing objective diagnostic methods for MDD.

Aging gut microbiota of wild macaques are equally diverse, less stable, but progressively personalized

BACKGROUND

Pronounced heterogeneity of age trajectories has been identified as a hallmark of the gut microbiota in humans and has been explained by marked changes in lifestyle and health condition. Comparatively, age-related personalization of microbiota is understudied in natural systems limiting our comprehension of patterns observed in humans from ecological and evolutionary perspectives.

RESULTS

Here, we tested age-related changes in the diversity, stability, and composition of the gut bacterial community using 16S rRNA gene sequencing with dense repeated sampling over three seasons in a cross-sectional age sample of adult female Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) living in their natural forest habitat. Gut bacterial composition exhibited a personal signature which became less stable as individuals aged. This lack of stability was not explained by differences in microbiota diversity but rather linked to an increase in the relative abundance of rare bacterial taxa. The lack of age-related changes in core taxa or convergence with age to a common state of the community hampered predicting gut bacterial composition of aged individuals. On the contrary, we found increasing personalization of the gut bacterial composition with age, indicating that composition in older individuals was increasingly divergent from the rest of the population. Reduced direct transmission of bacteria resulting from decreasing social activity may contribute to, but not be sufficient to explain, increasing personalization with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our results challenge the assumption of a constant microbiota through adult life in a wild primate. Within the limits of this study, the fact that increasing personalization of the aging microbiota is not restricted to humans suggests the underlying process to be evolved instead of provoked only by modern lifestyle of and health care for the elderly. Video abstract.

Synergy of Dietary Quercetin and Vitamin E Improves Cecal Microbiota and Its Metabolite Profile in Aged Breeder Hens

In the present study, the synergistic effects of quercetin (Q) and vitamin E (E) on cecal microbiota composition and function, as well as the microbial metabolic profile in aged breeder hens were investigated. A total of 400 (65 weeks old) Tianfu breeder hens were randomly allotted to four experimental groups (four replicates per group). The birds were fed diets containing quercetin at 0.4 g/kg, vitamin E (0.2 g/kg), quercetin and vitamin E (QE; 0.4 g/kg and 0.2 g/kg), and a basal diet for a period of 10 wks. After the 10 week experimental period, the cecal contents of 8 aged breeder hens per group were sampled aseptically and subjected to high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analysis. The results showed that the relative abundances of phyla Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteriota were the most prominent among all the dietary groups. Compared to the control group, the relative abundance of the families Bifidobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Tannerellaceae, Mathonobacteriaceae, Barnesiellaceae, and Prevotellaceae were enriched in the QE group; and Bacteroidaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Peptotostretococcaceae, and Fusobacteriaceae were enriched in the Q group, whereas those of Lactobacillaceae, Veillonellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Rikenellaceae were enriched in the E group compared to the control group. Untargeted metabolomics analyses revealed that Q, E, and QE modified the abundance of several metabolites in prominent pathways including ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, insulin secretion, pancreatic secretion, nicotine addiction, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450. Furthermore, key cecal microbiota, significantly correlated with important metabolites, for example, (S)-equol positively correlated with Alistipes and Chlamydia in E_vs_C, and negatively correlated with Olsenella, Paraprevotella, and Mucispirillum but, a contrary trend was observed with Parabacteroides in QE_vs_C. This study establishes that the synergy of quercetin and vitamin E alters the cecal microbial composition and metabolite profile in aged breeder hens, which lays a foundation for chicken improvement programs.

Polydextrose Alleviates Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Modulates the Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

The soluble dietary fiber polydextrose (PDX) is a randomly linked glucose oligomer containing small amounts of sorbitol and citric acid and is widely used in the food industry. However, whether PDX can prevent and treat obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice has not been directly investigated, and further studies are needed to better understand the complex interactions among PDX, adipose tissue inflammation and the gut microbiota. In the present study, PDX reduced body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), adipose tissue accumulation, adipocyte hypertrophy, serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, PDX alleviated serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and macrophage infiltration in epididymal adipose tissue and resulted in macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that PDX promoted the growth of beneficial microbes such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Alloprevotella, Muribaculum, Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and UBA1819 in obese mice, which were negatively correlated with subcutaneous fat, epididymal fat, body weight, FBG, serum TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and LPS levels. Our results indicates that PDX can prevent and treat obesity in HFD-fed mice, specifically in alleviating glucolipid metabolism disorders and adipose tissue inflammation, which may be mediated by modulating the structure of the gut microbiota. Therefore, PDX may become a promising nondrug therapy for obesity.

Liver Bacterial Dysbiosis With Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria Occurs in SIV-Infected Macaques and Persists During Antiretroviral Therapy

Liver disease is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals, even during successful viral suppression with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Similar to HIV infection, SIV infection of rhesus macaques is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis and microbial translocation that can be detected systemically in the blood. As microbes leaving the intestines must first pass through the liver via the portal vein, we evaluated the livers of both SIV-infected (SIV+) and SIV-infected cART treated (SIV+cART) rhesus macaques for evidence of microbial changes compared to uninfected macaques. Dysbiosis was observed in both the SIV+ and SIV+cART macaques, encompassing changes in the relative abundance of several genera, including a reduction in the levels of Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus. Most strikingly, we found an increase in the relative abundance and absolute quantity of bacteria within the Mycobacterium genus in both SIV+ and SIV+cART macaques. Multi-gene sequencing identified a species of atypical mycobacteria similar to the opportunistic pathogen M. smegmatis. Phosphatidyl inositol lipoarabinomannan (PILAM) (a glycolipid cell wall component found in atypical mycobacteria) stimulation in primary human hepatocytes resulted in an upregulation of inflammatory transcriptional responses, including an increase in the chemokines associated with neutrophil recruitment (CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL6). These studies provide key insights into SIV associated changes in hepatic microbial composition and indicate a link between microbial components and immune cell recruitment in SIV+ and SIV+cART treated macaques.

Fecal bacterial communities of wild black capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) from the Atlantic Forest biome in Southern Brazil are divergent from those of other non-human primates

Gut microbiota are influenced by factors such as diet, habitat, and social contact, which directly affect the host's health. Studies related to gut microbiota in non-human primates are increasing worldwide. However, little remains known about the gut bacterial composition in wild Brazilian monkeys. Therefore, we studied the fecal microbiota composition of wild black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) (n=10) populations from two different Atlantic Forest biome fragments (five individuals per fragment) in south Brazil. The bacterial community was identified via the high-throughput sequencing and partial amplification of the 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) using an Ion Personal Genome Machine (PGMTM) System. In contrast to other studies involving monkey microbiota, which have generally reported the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as predominant, black capuchin monkeys showed a high relative abundance of Proteobacteria ( χ ¯ = 80.54%), followed by Firmicutes ( χ ¯ = 12.14%), Actinobacteria ( χ ¯ = 4.60%), and Bacteriodetes ( χ ¯ = 1.31%). This observed particularity may have been influenced by anthropogenic actions related to the wild habitat and/or diet specific to the Brazilian biome's characteristics and/or monkey foraging behavior. Comparisons of species richness (Chao1) and diversity indices (Simpson and InvSimpson) showed no significant differences between the two groups of monkeys. Interestingly, PICRUSt2 analysis revealed that metabolic pathways present in the bacterial communities were associated with xenobiotic biodegradation and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, which may suggest positive effects on monkey health and conservation in this anthropogenic habitat. Infectious disease-associated microorganisms were also observed in the samples. The present study provides information about the bacterial population and metabolic functions present in fecal microbiota, which may contribute to a better understanding of the ecology and biology of black capuchin monkeys living in forest fragments within the Atlantic Forest biome in southern Brazil. Additionally, the present study demonstrates that the fecal bacterial communities of wild black capuchin monkeys in this area are divergent from those of other wild non-human primates.

Agomelatine might be more appropriate for elderly, depressed, type 2 diabetes mellitus patients than paroxetine/fluoxetine

Agomelatine was a novel and melatonergic antidepressant. The present study was conducted to find out whether age was an important factor for agomelatine in treating depressed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In total, 193 depressed T2DM patients were included. There were 84 patients ranged from 27 years old to 49 years old (age phase I) (n = 44 receiving agomelatine, n = 40 receiving paroxetine or fluoxetine), and 109 patients ranged from 50 years old to 70 years old (age phase II) (n = 56 receiving agomelatine, n = 53 receiving paroxetine or fluoxetine). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) score, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and body mass index (BMI) were assessed after 12 weeks treatment. After treatment, we found that among patients in age phase I, there were no significant differences in final average HDRS score, HARS score, FPG, HbA1c level, BMI, response rate and remission rate between the two groups. However, among patients in age phase II, compared to patients receiving paroxetine or fluoxetine, patients receiving agomelatine had the significantly lower average HDRS score, HARS score, HbA1c level and BMI, and significantly higher response rate and remission rate. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar between the two groups in both age phases. These results suggested that age was an important factor for agomelatine in treating depressed T2DM patients. Compared to paroxetine/fluoxetine, agomelatine might be more appropriate for elderly depressed T2DM patients.

Unique Gut Microbiome in HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Suggests Association with Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and a risk factor for the development and progression of age-related comorbidities. Although HIV-associated gut dysbiosis has been suggested to be involved in sustained chronic inflammation, there remains a limited understanding of the association between gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammation during HIV infection. Here, we investigated compositional changes in the gut microbiome and its role in chronic inflammation in patients infected with HIV. We observed that the gut microbiomes of patients with low CD4 counts had reduced alpha diversity compared to those in uninfected controls. Following CD4 recovery, alpha diversity was restored, but intergroup dissimilarity of bacterial composition remained unchanged between patients and uninfected controls. Patients with HIV had higher abundance of the classes Negativicutes, Bacilli, and Coriobacteriia, as well as depletion of the class Clostridia. These relative abundances positively correlated with inflammatory cytokines and negatively correlated with anti-inflammatory cytokines. We found that gut dysbiosis accompanying HIV infection was characterized by a depletion of obligate anaerobic Clostridia and enrichment of facultative anaerobic bacteria, reflecting increased intestinal oxygen levels and intestinal permeability. Furthermore, it is likely that HIV-associated dysbiosis shifts the immunological balance toward inflammatory Th1 responses and encourages proinflammatory cytokine production. Our results suggest that gut dysbiosis contributes to sustaining chronic inflammation in patients with HIV infection despite effective antiretroviral therapy and that correcting gut dysbiosis will be effective in improving long-term outcomes in patients. IMPORTANCE Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of HIV infection and is associated with the development and progression of age-related comorbidities. Although the gastrointestinal tract is a major site of HIV replication and CD4+ T-cell depletion, the role of HIV-associated imbalance of gut microbiome in chronic inflammation is unclear. Here, we aimed to understand the causal relationship between abnormalities in the gut microbiome and chronic inflammation in patients with HIV. Our results suggest HIV-associated gut dysbiosis presents a more aerobic environment than that of healthy individuals, despite prolonged viral suppression. This dysbiosis likely results from a sustained increase in intestinal permeability, which supports sustained bacterial translocation in HIV patients, despite effective therapy. Additionally, we observed that several bacterial taxa enriched in HIV patients were associated with increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, these results suggest that gut dysbiosis plays an important role in chronic inflammation in HIV patients.

Dynamic changes occur in the DNA gut virome of female cynomolgus macaques during aging

Aging is a critical factor affecting physical health and disease in mammals. Emerging evidence indicates that aging may affect the gut bacteriome in cynomolgus macaques, but little is known about whether or how the gut virome changes with age. Here, we compared the DNA gut viral composition of 16 female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) at three life stages (young, adult, and old) using the shotgun metagenome sequencing method. We found that the DNA gut virome from these monkeys differed substantially among the three groups. The gut viruses were dominated by bacteriophages, the most abundant of which was the Caudovirales order (i.e., Siphoviridae, Myoviridae, and Podoviridae families). Additionally, the co‐occurrence analysis revealed that the age‐related bacteriophages were correlated in an extensive and complex manner with the main intestinal bacteria (i.e., Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria phyla). Furthermore, the age‐related DNA gut viral functions were enriched for genetic information processing, nucleotide, and folate metabolism. Our gut virome analysis provides new insight into how aging influences the gut virome of non‐human primates.

Identification of Gut Microbiome Signatures in Patients With Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment and Affective Disorder

Stroke (ST), endangering human health due to its high incidence and high mortality, is a global public health problem. There is increasing evidence that there is a link between the gut microbiota (GM) and neuropsychiatric diseases. We aimed to find the GM of ST, post-ST cognitive impairment (PSCI), and post-ST affective disorder (PSTD). GM composition was analyzed, followed by GM identification. Alpha diversity estimation showed microbiota diversity in ST patients. Beta diversity analysis showed that the bacterial community structure segregated differently between different groups. At the genus level, ST patients had a significantly higher proportion of Enterococcus and lower content of Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Megamonas. PSCI patients had a significantly higher content of Enterococcus, Bacteroides, and Escherichia-Shigella and a lower proportion of Faecalibacterium compared with patients with ST. Patients with PSTD had a significantly higher content of Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella and lower content of Enterococcus and Faecalibacterium. Parabacteroides and Lachnospiraceae were associated with Montreal cognitive assessment score of ST patients. Our study indicated that the characteristic GM, especially Bacteroidetes, could be used as clinical biomarkers of PSCI and PSTD.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant effects of green microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa polysaccharide by regulation of microRNAs and gut microbiota in Caenorhabditis elegans

A novel polysaccharide from Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CPP) was separated and purified with the average molecular weight 15.8 kDa. It was composed of seven monosaccharides including mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose. FT-IR and NMR spectra analysis further revealed that CPP was an acidic polysaccharide consisting of β-L-Arap-(1→, →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, β-D-GlcpA-(1→, →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→, →6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →3)-β-D-Manp-(1→, and →3, 6)-β-D-Galp-(1→. The CPP treatment could effectively prolong lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans under the oxidative stress conditions and inhibit the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as enhancing the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD). It could up-regulate the expressions of Daf-16 and Skn-1 genes via declining miR-48-3p, miR-48-5p, and miR-51-5p translocation. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the CPP-enriched Faecalibacterium, Haemophilus, Vibrio, and Shewanella were strongly correlated with SOD, MDA, apoptosis, and ROS. These results indicated that CPP may be considered as a desired ingredient on regulating the aging and oxidative diseases.

Oral-fecal mycobiome in wild and captive cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

Cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is currently a common animal model for biomedical research. The National Primate Research Center of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University (NPRCT-CU) translocated wild-borne macaques to reared colony for research purposes. At present, no studies focus on fungal microbiome (Mycobiome) of this macaque. The functional roles of mycobiome and fungal pathogens have not been elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate and compare oral and fecal mycobiome between wild and captive macaques by using high-throughput sequencing on internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) rDNA. The results showed that the mycobiome of wild macaque has greater alpha diversity. The fecal mycobiome has more limited alpha diversity than those in oral cavity. The community is mainly dominated by saprophytic yeast in Kasachstania genus which is related to aiding metabolic function in gut. The oral microbiome of most captive macaques presented the Cutaneotrichosporon suggesting the fungal transmission through skin-oral contact within the colony. The potential pathogens that would cause harmful transmission in reared colonies were not found in either group of macaques but the pathogen prevention and animal care is still important to be concerned. In conclusion, the results of gut mycobiome analysis in Thai cynomolgus macaques provide us with the basic information of oral and fecal fungi and for monitoring macaque's health status for animal care of research use.