Gut Microbiota Associated With Effectiveness And Responsiveness to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Improving Trait Anxiety

Behavioral comorbidities treatment by fecal microbiota transplantation in canine epilepsy: a pilot study of a novel therapeutic approach

Introduction

Anxiety and cognitive dysfunction are frequent, difficult to treat and burdensome comorbidities in human and canine epilepsy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to modulate behavior in rodent models by altering the gastrointestinal microbiota (GIM). This study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of FMT on behavioral comorbidities in a canine translational model of epilepsy.

Methods

Nine dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and behavioral comorbidities were recruited. The fecal donor had epilepsy with unremarkable behavior, which exhibited a complete response to phenobarbital, resulting in it being seizure-free long term. FMTs were performed three times, two weeks apart, and the dogs had follow-up visits at three and six months after FMTs. Comprehensive behavioral analysis, including formerly validated questionnaires and behavioral tests for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)- and fear- and anxiety-like behavior, as well as cognitive dysfunction, were conducted, followed by objective computational analysis. Blood samples were taken for the analysis of antiseizure drug (ASD) concentrations, hematology, and biochemistry. Urine neurotransmitter concentrations were measured. Fecal samples were subjected to analysis using shallow DNA shotgun sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based Dysbiosis Index (DI) assessment, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification.

Results

Following FMT, the patients showed improvement in ADHD-like behavior, fear- and anxiety-like behavior, and quality of life. The excitatory neurotransmitters aspartate and glutamate were decreased, while the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA/glutamate ratio were increased compared to baseline. Only minor taxonomic changes were observed, with a decrease in Firmicutes and a Blautia_A species, while a Ruminococcus species increased. Functional gene analysis, SCFA concentration, blood parameters, and ASD concentrations remained unchanged.

Discussion

Behavioral comorbidities in canine IE could be alleviated by FMT. This study highlights FMT's potential as a novel approach to improving behavioral comorbidities and enhancing the quality of life in canine patients with epilepsy.

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

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

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

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

Dangers of the chronic stress response in the context of the microbiota-gut-immune-brain axis and mental health: a narrative review

More than 20% of American adults live with a mental disorder, many of whom are treatment resistant or continue to experience symptoms. Other approaches are needed to improve mental health care, including prevention. The role of the microbiome has emerged as a central tenet in mental and physical health and their interconnectedness (well-being). Under normal conditions, a healthy microbiome promotes homeostasis within the host by maintaining intestinal and brain barrier integrity, thereby facilitating host well-being. Owing to the multidirectional crosstalk between the microbiome and neuro-endocrine-immune systems, dysbiosis within the microbiome is a main driver of immune-mediated systemic and neural inflammation that can promote disease progression and is detrimental to well-being broadly and mental health in particular. In predisposed individuals, immune dysregulation can shift to autoimmunity, especially in the presence of physical or psychological triggers. The chronic stress response involves the immune system, which is intimately involved with the gut microbiome, particularly in the process of immune education. This interconnection forms the microbiota-gut-immune-brain axis and promotes mental health or disorders. In this brief review, we aim to highlight the relationships between stress, mental health, and the gut microbiome, along with the ways in which dysbiosis and a dysregulated immune system can shift to an autoimmune response with concomitant neuropsychological consequences in the context of the microbiota-gut-immune-brain axis. Finally, we aim to review evidenced-based prevention strategies and potential therapeutic targets.

The gut microbiota regulates the depressive-type behaviors and inflammatory processes after severe burn injuries in mice

An emerging number of studies have recently revealed the correlation between burn injuries and psychological disorders. Gut microbiota and inflammatory factors may play a vital role in this process. Nevertheless, there are few studies conducted to disclose the potential mechanism of the gut microbiota between depression and burn injuries. In this study, we constructed a burn model of C57BL/6 mice, which showed that the symptom of depression became more and more severe with the burn of mice lasted longer. Meanwhile, there are significant differences of composition of gut microbiota among mice before and after burn. Then, we tested the inflammatory factors in the brain and peripheral blood, which showed an increased expression of Iba1, VWF, TNF-α and IL-6, and a decreased expression of IL-10 in burn mice. In addition, the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in cecum showed a down-regulation in burn mice, which indicated impaired intestinal barrier function. Lastly, the crossing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and cohousing experiment were conducted to determine the functions of cross-transplantation of fecal microbiota on the depressive-type behaviours in burned mice. According to the score of Tail suspension test (TST), the burn mice were divided into two groups: Resilient mice (no-depressed mice) and Abnormal mice (depressed mice). After abnormal mice were transplanted with fecal microbiota of resilient mice, the symptom of depression was improved, and the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 return to normal levels (P < 0.05). On the contrary, after resilient mice were transplanted with fecal microbiota of abnormal mice both the TST scores and inflammatory factor developed depressive-type changes. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the changes of gut microbiota and inflammatory factors in depressed burn mice and non-depressed burn mice. The gut microbiota dysbiosis could impaired intestinal barrier function and lead to neuroinflammation, and this phenomenon could be significantly mitigated by FMT.

Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Antidepressant Treatment

In the treatment of depressive disorders, conventional antidepressant therapy has been the mainstay of clinical management, along with well-established nonpharmacological interventions such as various kinds of psychotherapy. Over the last 2 decades, there has been considerable interest in the role of the gastrointestinal system and its microbiota on brain function, behavior, and mental health. Components of what is referred to as the microbiota-gut-brain axis have been uncovered, and further research has elicited functional capabilities such as "gut-brain modules." Some studies have found associations with compositional alterations of gut microbiota in patients with depressive disorders and individuals experiencing symptoms of depression. Regarding the pathogenesis and neurobiology of depression itself, there appears to be a multifactorial contribution, in addition to the theories involving deficits in catecholaminergic and monoamine neurotransmission. Interestingly, there is evidence to suggest that antidepressants may play a role in modulating the gut microbiota, thereby possibly having an impact on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in this manner. The development of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics has led to studies investigating not only their impact on the microbiota but also their therapeutic value in mental health. These psychobiotics have the potential to be used as therapeutic adjuncts in the treatment of depression. Regarding future directions, and in an attempt to further understand the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in depression, more studies such as those involving fecal microbiota transplantation will be required. In addition to recent findings, it is also suggested that more research will have to be undertaken to elicit whether specific strains of gut organisms are linked to depression. In terms of further investigation of the therapeutic potential of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics as adjuncts to antidepressant treatment, we also expect there to be more research targeting specific microorganisms, as well as a strong focus on the effects of specific prebiotic fibers from an individualized (personalized) point of view.

Global rural health disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: State of the science

INTRODUCTION

Individuals living in rural communities are at heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), which parallels other persistent place-based health disparities. Identifying multiple potentially modifiable risk factors specific to rural areas that contribute to ADRD is an essential first step in understanding the complex interplay between various barriers and facilitators.

METHODS

An interdisciplinary, international group of ADRD researchers convened to address the overarching question of: "What can be done to begin minimizing the rural health disparities that contribute uniquely to ADRD?" In this state of the science appraisal, we explore what is known about the biological, behavioral, sociocultural, and environmental influences on ADRD disparities in rural settings.

RESULTS

A range of individual, interpersonal, and community factors were identified, including strengths of rural residents in facilitating healthy aging lifestyle interventions.

DISCUSSION

A location dynamics model and ADRD-focused future directions are offered for guiding rural practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in mitigating rural disparities.

HIGHLIGHTS

Rural residents face heightened Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) risks and burdens due to health disparities. Defining the unique rural barriers and facilitators to cognitive health yields insight. The strengths and resilience of rural residents can mitigate ADRD-related challenges. A novel "location dynamics" model guides assessment of rural-specific ADRD issues.

Association between gut microbiota and psychiatric disorders: a systematic review

Introduction

In recent years, it has been described that the dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota plays a transcendental role in several pathologies. In this sense, the importance of the gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis, with a bidirectional communication, has been demonstrated. Furthermore, the gut microbiota has been linked with mood disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Methods

A systematic review of two databases - PubMed and Scopus - was carried out following PRISMA guidelines. We included original studies in humans with a control group published in the last 11 years, which were assessed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) to confirm their quality. Eighteen articles met all the selection criteria.

Results

A review of the articles revealed an association between psychiatric disorders and different bacterial phyla. The studies we have reviewed have demonstrated differences between subjects with psychiatric disorders and controls and highlight a clear relationship between depression, stress, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), psychotic episodes, eating disorders, anxiety and brain function and the gut microbiota composition.

Conclusion

A reduction of fermentative taxa has been observed in different psychiatric disorders, resulting in a decrease in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and an increase in pro-inflammatory taxa, both of which may be consequences of the exacerbation of these pathologies.

Influence of mental health medication on microbiota in the elderly population in the Valencian region

Spain has an aging population; 19.93% of the Spanish population is over 65. Aging is accompanied by several health issues, including mental health disorders and changes in the gut microbiota. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional network linking the central nervous system with gastrointestinal tract functions, and therefore, the gut microbiota can influence an individual’s mental health. Furthermore, aging-related physiological changes affect the gut microbiota, with differences in taxa and their associated metabolic functions between younger and older people. Here, we took a case–control approach to study the interplay between gut microbiota and mental health of elderly people. Fecal and saliva samples from 101 healthy volunteers over 65 were collected, of which 28 (EE|MH group) reported using antidepressants or medication for anxiety or insomnia at the time of sampling. The rest of the volunteers (EE|NOMH group) were the control group. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing were applied to determine the differences between intestinal and oral microbiota. Significant differences in genera were found, specifically eight in the gut microbiota, and five in the oral microbiota. Functional analysis of fecal samples showed differences in five orthologous genes related to tryptophan metabolism, the precursor of serotonin and melatonin, and in six categories related to serine metabolism, a precursor of tryptophan. Moreover, we found 29 metabolic pathways with significant inter-group differences, including pathways regulating longevity, the dopaminergic synapse, the serotoninergic synapse, and two amino acids.

The Pleiotropic Effects of Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer Progression: How to Turn Foes into Friends

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of most frequent malignant cancers, showing high lethality worldwide [...].

The Cao-Xiang-Wei-Kang formula attenuates the progression of experimental colitis by restoring the homeostasis of the microbiome and suppressing inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is pathologically characterized by an immune response accommodative insufficiency and dysbiosis accompanied by persistent epithelial barrier dysfunction. The Cao-Xiang-Wei-Kang (CW) formula has been utilized to treat gastrointestinal disorders in the clinic. The present study was designed to delineate the pharmacological mechanisms of this formula from different aspects of the etiology of ulcerative colitis (UC), a major subtype of IBD. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was given to mice for a week at a concentration of 2%, and the CW solution was administered for 3 weeks. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were conducted to examine the changes in the microbiome profile, and biochemical experiments were performed to confirm the therapeutic functions predicted by system pharmacology analysis. The CW treatment hampered DSS-induced experimental colitis progression, and the targets were enriched in inflammation, infection, and tumorigenesis, which was corroborated by suppressed caspase 3 (Casp3) and interleukin-1b (IL-1b) and increased cleaved caspase 3 expression and casp-3 activity in the colon samples from colitis mice subjected to the CW therapy. Moreover, the CW therapy rescued the decreased richness and diversity, suppressed the potentially pathogenic phenotype of the gut microorganisms, and reversed the altered linoleic acid metabolism and cytochrome P450 activity in murine colitis models. In our in vitro experiments, the CW administration increased the alternative activation of macrophages (Mφs) and inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and subsequent death in intestinal organoids (IOs). We propose that the CW formula alleviates the progression of murine colitis by suppressing inflammation, promoting mucosal healing, and re-establishing a microbiome profile that favors re-epithelization.

Validation of the Anticolitis Efficacy of the Jian-Wei-Yu-Yang Formula

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to its repetitive remission and relapse. The Jian-Wei-Yu-Yang (JW) formula has a historical application in the clinic to combat gastrointestinal disorders. The investigation aimed to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of JW.

Methods

2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was diluted in drinking water and given to mice for 5 days to establish murine models of experimental colitis, and different doses of JW solution were administered for 14 days. Network pharmacology analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to predict the therapeutic role of JW against experimental colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were conducted using murine feces. Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and wound healing experiments were performed to confirm the molecular mechanisms.

Results

(1) Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry was utilized to confirm the validity of the JW formula. The high dose of JW treatment markedly attenuated DSS-induced experimental colitis progression, and the targets were enriched in inflammation, infection, and tumorigenesis. (2) The JW targets were related to the survival probability in patients with colorectal cancer, underlying a potential therapeutic value in CRC intervention. (3) Moreover, the JW therapy successfully rescued the decreased richness and diversity of microbiota, suppressed the potentially pathogenic phenotype of the gut microorganisms, and increased cytochrome P450 activity in murine colitis models. (4) Our in vitro experiments confirmed that the JW treatment suppressed caspase3-dependent pyroptosis, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), and interleukin-1b (IL-1b) in the colon; facilitated the alternative activation of macrophages (Mφs); and inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in intestinal organoids (IOs).

Conclusion

The JW capsule attenuated the progression of murine colitis by a prompt resolution of inflammation and bloody stool and by re-establishing a microbiome profile that favors re-epithelization and prevents carcinogenesis.

A Diet Supplemented with Polyphenols, Prebiotics and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Modulates the Intestinal Microbiota and Improves the Profile of Metabolites Linked with Anxiety in Dogs

Simple Summary

This study used a nutrition-based approach to examine the effects of foods supplemented with fish oil and a polyphenol blend (citrus pulp, carrot, and spinach) with or without added tomato pomace on anxiety-related biomarkers in dogs. First, all dogs consumed the same initial food, then either the control or test (with tomato pomace) foods, then the washout food, then switched over to the test or control foods, each for 30-day periods. Many more changes in plasma and fecal metabolites were observed when comparing the washout food with the control or test foods than when the control and test foods were compared. Plasma levels of several metabolites that were previously associated with anxiety disorders, including 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, were decreased with the control or test foods compared with the washout food. In addition, bacterial genera that are decreased in the feces of those with anxiety-like disorders were increased following the consumption of the control or test foods. Overall, these data indicate that foods supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids and selected fiber and polyphenol sources lead to beneficial changes in anxiety-related metabolites and gut bacteria.

Abstract

A nutrition-based approach was utilized to examine the effects of fish oil and a polyphenol blend (with or without tomato pomace) on the fecal microbiota and plasma/fecal metabolomes. Forty dogs, aged 5–14 years, were fed a washout food, then randomized to consume a control (fish oil and polyphenol blend without tomato pomace) or test (fish oil and polyphenol blend with tomato pomace) food, then the washout food, and crossed over to consume the test or control food; each for 30 days. Several metabolites differed when comparing consumption of the washout with either the control or test foods, but few changed significantly between the test and control foods. Plasma levels of 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4-EPS), a metabolite associated with anxiety disorders, demonstrated the largest decrease between the washout food and the control/test foods. Plasma 4-EPS levels were also significantly lower after dogs ate the test food compared with the control food. Other plasma metabolites linked with anxiety disorders were decreased following consumption of the control/test foods. Significant increases in Blautia, Parabacteroides, and Odoribacter in the fecal microbiota correlated with decreases in 4-EPS when dogs ate the control/test foods. These data indicate that foods supplemented with polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids can modulate the gut microbiota to improve the profile of anxiety-linked metabolites.

Antidepressant Shugan Jieyu Capsule Alters Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Microbiome Function in Rats With Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress -Induced Depression

Shugan Jieyu Capsule (SG) has been widely used in China to treat mild to moderate depression. Hypericum perforatum L. (St John’s Wort, SJW) is the main ingredient of SG and has been used as herbal medicine to treat depression in western countries. However, it is known that SJW has low bioavailability and does not easily get through the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, how SG plays an antidepressant effect in the central nervous system (CNS) remains an urgent problem to be solved. Mounting research has described the relationship between antidepressants and intestinal microbiota to illuminate antidepressive mechanisms in the CNS. We aimed to investigate the effects of therapy with SG on the function of gut microbiota and intestinal microbiota in rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression. The psychophysiological state and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function of rats are evaluated through behavioral experiments, corticosterone levels, serotonin levels, and adrenal index measurements. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing is used to test the changes in gut microbiota and make functional predictions of genes. With treatment of SG, the depression-like behaviors of CUMS-induced rats were reversed; the corticosterone levels and the adrenal index decreased significantly; the level of serotonin increased significantly; and the alpha and beta diversity analysis of microbiota showed an increase in the richness and uniformity of the flora were increased. SG regulated the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Erysipelotrichaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Atopobiaceae, Dubosiella, and Bifidobacterium; Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis demonstrated that Lactobacillaceae (family level), Lactobacillus (genus level), Lactobacillales (order level), Bacilli (class level), and Lactobacillus-reuteri (species level) were biomarkers in the SG group samples, and also likely to modulate metabolic pathways, such as those involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and signal transduction. These data clearly illustrated the effect of SG on gut microbiome, thus laying the foundation for uncovering more insights on the therapeutic function of the traditional Chinese antidepressants. The potential of SG on mechanisms of antidepression to alter gut microbiota and intestinal microbiome function exposed to CUMS can be explored.