Staphylococcus succinus 14BME20 Prevents Allergic Airway Inflammation by Induction of Regulatory T Cells via Interleukin-10

Gut-lung axis and asthma: A historical review on mechanism and future perspective

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiota are closely related to the development and regulation of the host immune system by regulating the maturation of immune cells and the resistance to pathogens, which affects the host immunity. Early use of antibiotics disrupts the homeostasis of gut microbiota and increases the risk of asthma. Gut microbiota actively interact with the host immune system via the gut-lung axis, a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and lung. The manipulation of gut microbiota through probiotics, helminth therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to combat asthma has become a hot research topic. BODY: This review mainly describes the current immune pathogenesis of asthma, gut microbiota and the role of the gut-lung axis in asthma. Moreover, the potential of manipulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites as a treatment strategy for asthma has been discussed.

CONCLUSION

The gut-lung axis has a bidirectional effect on asthma. Gut microecology imbalance contributes to asthma through bacterial structural components and metabolites. Asthma, in turn, can also cause intestinal damage through inflammation throughout the body. The manipulation of gut microbiota through probiotics, helminth therapy, and FMT can inform the treatment strategies for asthma by regulating the maturation of immune cells and the resistance to pathogens.

Protective effect of the mixture of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus Japonicas Houtt extract on respiratory disorders

Air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP), are associated with respiratory diseases. Therefore, preventive and therapeutic strategies against PM-and DEP (PM10D)-induced respiratory diseases are needed. Herein, we evaluate the protective effects of a mixture of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus Japonicas Houtt (LJH) extract against airway inflammation associated with exposure to PM10D. To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of the LJH extract, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the expression of inflammatory pathways were determined in PM10-induced MH-S cells. For the respiratory protective effects, BALB/c mice were exposed to PM10D via intranasal injection, and a mixture of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extract was administered orally for 12 days. LJH extract inhibited ROS production and the phosphorylation of downstream factors of NF-κB in PM10-stimulated MH-S cells. The mixture of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH repressed the infiltration of neutrophils, reduced the immune cells number, and suppressed the proinflammatory mediators and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions in PM10D-induced airway inflammation with reduced phosphorylation of downstream factors of NF-κB. In addition, these effects were not observed in an alveolar macrophage depleted PM10D-induced mouse model using clodronate liposomes. The extract mixture also regulated gut microbiota in feces and upregulated the mRNA expression of Foxp3, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and interleukin (IL)-10 in the colon. The L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extract mixture may inhibit alveolar macrophage- and neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses and regulate gut microbiota and immune response in PM10D-induced airway inflammation, suggesting it is a potential remedy to prevent and cure airway inflammation and respiratory disorders.

Comprehensive Approaches for the Search and Characterization of Staphylococcins

Novel and sustainable approaches are required to curb the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Within the last decades, antimicrobial peptides, especially bacteriocins, have received increased attention and are being explored as suitable alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria as a self-preservation method against competitors. Bacteriocins produced by Staphylococcus, also referred to as staphylococcins, have steadily shown great antimicrobial potential and are currently being considered promising candidates to mitigate the AMR menace. Moreover, several bacteriocin-producing Staphylococcus isolates of different species, especially coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), have been described and are being targeted as a good alternative. This revision aims to help researchers in the search and characterization of staphylococcins, so we provide an up-to-date list of bacteriocin produced by Staphylococcus. Moreover, a universal nucleotide and amino acid-based phylogeny system of the well-characterized staphylococcins is proposed that could be of interest in the classification and search for these promising antimicrobials. Finally, we discuss the state of art of the staphylococcin applications and an overview of the emerging concerns.

Azithromycin attenuates wheezing after pulmonary inflammation through inhibiting histone H3K27me3 hypermethylation mediated by EZH2

BACKGROUND

Histone methylation modification plays an irreplaceable role in the wheezing diseases. The aim of this study was to explore whether azithromycin (AZM) attenuates post-inflammatory wheezing through inhibiting hypermethylation of histone H3K27me3 mediated by EZH2.

RESULTS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 227 children who underwent fiber-optic bronchoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for analyses. The expressions of IL-6, IL-2, NF-κB P65, EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the BALF of wheezing cases were significantly increased when compared with levels in non-wheezing cases (P < 0.05), while IL-10 was decreased (P < 0.05). AZM attenuated the overexpression of NF-κB P65, EZH2 and H3K27me3 in wheezing cases (P < 0.05) and shortened the time of wheezing in wheezing cases (P < 0.05). An in vitro model of inflammation was established using rat alveolar macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). AZM, SN50 (a NK-κB inhibitor) and GSK126 (an EZH2 inhibitor) attenuated the overexpression of EZH2, NF-κB P65 and H3K27me3 induced by LPS in rat alveolar macrophages (P < 0.05). AZM, SN50 and GSK126 normalized the decreased expression of IL-10 induced by LPS in the same samples (P < 0.05). Co-immunoprecipitation results showed that H3K27me3 interacted with EZH2 and NF-κB P65, and immunofluorescence data showed that AZM and SN50 inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB P65 nuclear translocation in rat alveolar macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Histone H3K27me3 hypermethylation mediated by EZH2 may be involved in wheezing after pulmonary inflammation. AZM attenuated wheezing after pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB P65-related hypermethylation of H3K27me3 mediated by EZH2.

MicroRNA-146a-5p and microRNA-210-3p Correlate with T Regulatory Cells Frequency and Predict Asthma Severity in Egyptian Pediatric Population

Background

Severe bronchial asthma (BA) affects 5-10% of children, which imposes socioeconomic burden. Therefore, it is crucial to identify biomarkers for risk stratification in children with BA. T regulatory cells (Tregs) play a balancing role in allergic response regulation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between Treg, miR-210-3p, and miR-146a-5p in relation to asthma phenotypes in search of novel biomarkers of disease severity.

Methods

This study included 50 children with BA classified into Group 1 (n = 25) children with mild to moderate asthma and Group 2 (n = 25) children with severe asthma. In addition to 26 control subjects. Flow cytometry was used to detect Tregs. Plasma miR-210-3p and miR-146a levels were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Patients' FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second) was measured.

Results

miR-210-3p level correlated negatively with Treg frequency (r = -0.828, P < 0.001) and FEV1 (r = -0.621, P < 0.001). The level of miR-146a-5p positively correlated positively with Treg% (r = 0.303, P = 0.032). ROC curve analysis revealed that miR-210-3p was the most sensitive biomarker of severity, with the area under curve (AUC) = 0.923, 96% sensitivity, and 60% specificity. According to multivariate analysis, miR-210-3p is an independent risk factor for BA severity [OR =3.119, P = 0.030], while miR-146a-5p is a protective factor [OR =0.811, P = 0.049].

Conclusion

Treg frequency is linked to FEV1, miR-146a-5p and miR-210-3p in childhood BA. Upregulation of miR-210-3p is a sensitive biomarker and an independent risk factor for BA severity in Egyptian children.

Lactobacillus paracasei ATG-E1 improves particulate matter 10 plus diesel exhaust particles (PM10D)-induced airway inflammation by regulating immune responses

Particulate matter (PM) exposure can adversely affect respiratory function. Probiotics can alleviate the inflammatory responses in respiratory diseases. We examined the protective effects of Lactobacillus paracasei ATG-E1 isolated from the feces of a newborn baby against airway inflammation in a PM₁₀ plus diesel exhaust particle (DEP) (PM₁₀D)-induced airway inflammation model. BALB/c mice were exposed to PM₁₀D by intranasal injection three times at 3-day intervals for 12 days, and L. paracasei ATG-E1 was administered orally for 12 days. Analysis of immune cell population and expression of various inflammatory mediators and gut barrier-related genes were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung, peyer's patch, and small intestine. A histological analysis of the lungs was performed. In addition, the in vitro safety and their safety in genomic analyses were examined. L. paracasei ATG-E1 was found to be safe in vitro and by genomic analysis. L. paracasei ATG-E1 suppressed neutrophil infiltration and the number of CD4⁺, CD4⁺CD69⁺, CD62L^-CD44^+high, CD21/35⁺B220⁺, and Gr-1⁺CD11b⁺ cells, as well as the expression of inflammatory mediators, including chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, interleukin (IL)-17a, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6 in BALF and lungs in PM₁₀D-induced airway inflammation. It protected against histopathological damage in the lungs of mice with PM₁₀D-induced airway inflammation. L. paracasei ATG-E1 concomitantly increased the expression levels of the gut barrier function-related genes occludin, claudin-1, and IL-10 in the small intestine, with an increased number of CD4⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁺ immune cells in the peyer's patch. L. paracasei ATG-E1 suppressed immune activation and airway inflammatory responses in the airways and lungs by restoring the lung damage by PM₁₀D. It also regulated intestinal immunity and ameliorated the gut barrier function in the ileum. These results indicate the potential of L. paracasei ATG-E1 as an protective and therapeutic agent against airway inflammation and respiratory diseases.

Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Childhood Asthma

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease in children characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. Childhood asthma is usually associated with allergy and atopy, unlike adult asthma, which is commonly associated with obesity, smoking, etc. The pathogenesis and diagnosis of childhood asthma also remains more challenging than adult asthma, such as many diseases showing similar symptoms may coexist and be confused with asthma. In terms of the treatment, although most childhood asthma can potentially be self-managed and controlled with drugs, approximately 5-10% of children suffer from severe uncontrolled asthma, which carries significant health and socioeconomic burdens. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the pathogenesis of childhood asthma from a new perspective. Studies have revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of respiratory diseases. In addition, altered expression of ncRNAs in blood, and in condensate of sputum or exhalation affects the progression of asthma via regulating immune response. In this review, we outline the regulation and pathogenesis of asthma and summarize the role of ncRNAs in childhood asthma. We also hold promise that ncRNAs may be used for the development of biomarkers and support a new therapeutic strategy for childhood asthma.

A New Formulation of Probiotics Attenuates Calcipotriol-Induced Dermatitis by Inducing Regulatory Dendritic Cells

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurrent chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting up to 30% of the children population, and immuno-regulatory therapy that could modify the course of disease is urgently needed. Probiotics have demonstrated therapeutic effects on AD and could potentially regulate the disease process. However, the efficacy of probiotics for AD is inconsistent among different studies, which is mainly due to the elusive mechanism and different species and (or) strains used. In this study, we designed a mixture of five strains of probiotics (named IW5) and analyzed the effect and mechanism of IW5 on calcipotriol (MC903)-induced AD-like dermatitis. We found that IW5 significantly alleviated skin inflammation of the MC903-induced AD in mice. Administration with IW5 induced increased production of regulatory T cells and regulatory dendritic cells (DCregs) in the mesenteric lymph nodes. We also found that the diversity of the gut microbiota in the mice with MC903-induced dermatitis was increased after IW5 administration, and the level of butyrate in the gut was elevated. In cell culture, butyrate induced the production of DCregs. Our study revealed the therapeutic effects of a newly designed probiotics mixture and uncovered a possible mechanism, providing a foundation for future clinical studies.

Korean traditional foods as antiviral and respiratory disease prevention and treatments: A detailed review

BACKGROUND

Korean traditional food (KTF), originated from ancestral agriculture and the nomadic traditions of the Korean peninsula and southern Manchuria, is based on healthy food that balances disease prevention and treatment. Fermented foods that include grains, herbs, fruits, and mushrooms are also an important practice in KTF, providing high levels of Lactobacilli, which confer relevant health benefits, including antiviral properties. Some of these probiotics may also protect against the Influenza virus through the modulation of innate immunity.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

The emerging of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to other diseases of viral origin, and the problems associated with other respiratory disorders, highlight how essential is a healthy eating pattern to strengthen our immune system.Key Findings and Conclusions: The present review covers the information available on edible plants, herbs, mushrooms, and preparations used in KTF to outline their multiple medicinal effects (e.g., antidiabetic, chemopreventive, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial), emphasizing their role and effects on the immune system with an emphasis on modulating properties of the gut microbiota that further support strong respiratory immunity. Potential functional foods commonly used in Korean cuisine such as Kimchi (a mixture of fermented vegetables), Meju, Doenjang, Jeotgal, and Mekgeolli and fermented sauces, among others, are highlighted for their great potential to improve gut-lung immunity. The traditional Korean diet and dietary mechanisms that may target viruses ACE-2 receptors or affect any step of a virus infection pathway that can determine a patient's prognosis are also highlighted. The regular oral intake of bioactive ingredients used in Korean foods can offer protection for some viral diseases, through protective and immunomodulatory effects, as evidenced in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Assessment of the safety and anti-inflammatory effects of three Bacillus strains in the respiratory tract

Chronic respiratory diseases are part of accumulating health problems partly due to worldwide increase in air pollution. By their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, some probiotics constitute promising alternatives for the prevention and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. We have isolated Bacillus strains from Korean fermented foods and selected three potentially probiotic strains (two Bacillus subtilis and one Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) based on safety, antimicrobial efficacy, activity against airborne pathogens and their immunomodulatory properties in vivo. Safety evaluation included in silico analysis for confirming absence of virulence genes. Safety for the respiratory tract was confirmed by an in vivo pathogenicity test using a murine model. Antimicrobial activity was displayed against several airborne pathogens. Potential antimicrobial metabolites such as 2,3-butanediol and propylene glycol were identified as possible antagonistic agents. Immunomodulatory properties in vitro were confirmed by upregulation of IL-10 expression in a macrophage cell line. Intranasal instillation and inhalation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation murine model reduced T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines at transcriptional and protein levels in the lungs. The safety and potentially beneficial role of these Bacillus strains could be demonstrated for the respiratory tract of a murine model.

Modulatory Effects of Probiotics During Pathogenic Infections With Emphasis on Immune Regulation

In order to inhibit pathogenic complications and to enhance animal and poultry growth, antibiotics have been extensively used for many years. Antibiotics applications not only affect target pathogens but also intestinal beneficially microbes, inducing long-lasting changes in intestinal microbiota associated with diseases. The application of antibiotics also has many other side effects like, intestinal barrier dysfunction, antibiotics residues in foodstuffs, nephropathy, allergy, bone marrow toxicity, mutagenicity, reproductive disorders, hepatotoxicity carcinogenicity, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which greatly compromise the efficacy of antibiotics. Thus, the development of new antibiotics is necessary, while the search for antibiotic alternatives continues. Probiotics are considered the ideal antibiotic substitute; in recent years, probiotic research concerning their application during pathogenic infections in humans, aquaculture, poultry, and livestock industry, with emphasis on modulating the immune system of the host, has been attracting considerable interest. Hence, the adverse effects of antibiotics and remedial effects of probiotics during infectious diseases have become central points of focus among researchers. Probiotics are live microorganisms, and when given in adequate quantities, confer good health effects to the host through different mechanisms. Among them, the regulation of host immune response during pathogenic infections is one of the most important mechanisms. A number of studies have investigated different aspects of probiotics. In this review, we mainly summarize recent discoveries and discuss two important aspects: (1) the application of probiotics during pathogenic infections; and (2) their modulatory effects on the immune response of the host during infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Microbial Reference Frames Reveal Distinct Shifts in the Skin Microbiota after Cleansing

Skin cleansing represents a process of mechanical and chemical removal of dirt, pollutants as well as microbiota from the skin. While skin cleansing can help maintain good health, protect us from infections, illnesses and ailments, skin cleansing can also strip away lipids and moisture from the skin, leading to irritation, barrier impairment and disturbance of the delicate cutaneous microbiome. This study investigated how skin cleansing impacts skin’s microbial composition. Thirty Caucasian women were enrolled in a placebo controlled clinical study where participants applied on their volar forearms a liquid body wash twice daily for 1 week in order to mimic frequent showering. Skin microbiome samples were collected by swabbing at defined timepoints and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed. Using “reference frames”, we could identify shifts in the microbial composition and several microbiota were identified as being characteristically associated with the presence of saccharide isomerate, a well-known skin moisturizer. The microbial shift was quite immediate, and we could observe it already at 1 h post cleansing. Interestingly, the new microbial composition reached a certain dynamic equilibrium at day 1 which was then maintained until the end of the study. Paracoccus marcusii, a potentially beneficial carotenoid-producer microorganism, was enriched by the active treatment and, at the same time, the abundance of several potential pathogenic taxa, Brevibacterium casei and Rothia mucilaginosa, diminished.