Microbial Metabolic Capacity for Intestinal Folate Production and Modulation of Host Folate Receptors

The complete catalog of antimicrobial resistance secondary active transporters in Clostridioides difficile: evolution and drug resistance perspective

Secondary active transporters shuttle substrates across eukaryotic and prokaryotic membranes, utilizing different electrochemical gradients. They are recognized as one of the antimicrobial efflux pumps among pathogens. While primary active transporters within the genome of C. difficile 630 have been completely cataloged, the systematical study of secondary active transporters remains incomplete. Here, we not only identify secondary active transporters but also disclose their evolution and role in drug resistance in C. difficile 630. Our analysis reveals that C. difficile 630 carries 147 secondary active transporters belonging to 27 (super)families. Notably, 50 (34%) of them potentially contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR-secondary active transporters are structurally classified into five (super)families: the p-aminobenzoyl-glutamate transporter (AbgT), drug/metabolite transporter (DMT) superfamily, major facilitator (MFS) superfamily, multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family, and resistance-nodulation-division (RND) family. Surprisingly, complete RND genes found in C. difficile 630 are likely an evolutionary leftover from the common ancestor with the diderm. Through protein structure comparisons, we have potentially identified six novel AMR-secondary active transporters from DMT, MATE, and MFS (super)families. Pangenome analysis revealed that half of the AMR-secondary transporters are accessory genes, which indicates an important role in adaptive AMR function rather than innate physiological homeostasis. Gene expression profile firmly supports their ability to respond to a wide spectrum of antibiotics. Our findings highlight the evolution of AMR-secondary active transporters and their integral role in antibiotic responses. This marks AMR-secondary active transporters as interesting therapeutic targets to synergize with other antibiotic activity.

Changes in M6A methylation: A key factor in the vicious cycle of flora -gut aging

The aging process significantly impacts the gastrointestinal tract and various bodily systems, exacerbating age-related diseases. Research suggests a correlation between an imbalance in intestinal flora and gut aging, yet the precise mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Epigenetic modifications, particularly m6A methylation, play a pivotal role in driving aging and are closely associated with gut aging. Maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal microbes is contingent upon m6A methylation, which is believed to be crucial in the vicious cycle of gut aging and intestinal flora. This article highlights the importance of m6A methylation in the nexus between gut aging and flora. It proposes the potential for targeted m6A methylation to break the vicious cycle of gut aging and flora imbalance, offering novel perspectives on attenuating or reversing gut aging.

Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels in Chilean Women with PCOS and Their Association with Metabolic Outcomes

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Many women with PCOS have been found to have an unbalanced diet and deficiencies in essential nutrients. This study aimed to assess the levels of folate and vitamin B12 (B12) and their relationship with metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Anthropometric, clinical, and genetic analyses were conducted to evaluate markers related to one-carbon metabolism in women with PCOS and in a control group. The PCOS group had a higher BMI and HOMA-IR (1.7 vs. 3.1; p < 0.0001). HDL cholesterol levels were 23% lower and triglyceride levels were 74% higher in women with PCOS. Although there were no significant differences in folate and B12 levels between the PCOS and control groups, over 60% of women with PCOS had low B12 levels (<300 pg/mL) and high homocysteine levels. In addition, the MTHFR A1298C and C677T polymorphisms were not associated with PCOS. Moreover, erythrocyte folate levels were positively correlated with fasting glucose, triglycerides, and free androgen index, and negatively correlated with SHBG and LH levels. These results suggest that B vitamins may be associated with the metabolic phenotype in PCOS. This study emphasizes the potential link between folate, vitamin B12, and metabolic and hormonal outcomes in women with PCOS.

The Whole-Genome Sequencing and Probiotic Profiling of Lactobacillus reuteri Strain TPC32 Isolated from Tibetan Pig

Gut microbiota are the microbial organisms that play a pivotal role in intestinal health and during disease conditions. Keeping in view the characteristic functions of gut microbiota, in this study, Lactobacillus reuteri TPC32 (L. reuteri TPC32) was isolated and identified, and its whole genome was analyzed by the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. The results revealed that L. reuteri TPC32 had high resistance against acid and bile salts with fine in vitro antibacterial ability. Accordingly, a genome sequence of L. reuteri TPC32 has a total length of 2,214,495 base pairs with a guanine-cytosine content of 38.81%. Based on metabolic annotation, out of 2,212 protein-encoding genes, 118 and 101 were annotated to carbohydrate metabolism and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, respectively. Similarly, drug-resistance and virulence genes were annotated using the comprehensive antibiotic research database (CARD) and the virulence factor database (VFDB), in which vatE and tetW drug-resistance genes were annotated in L. reuteri TPC32, while virulence genes are not annotated. The early prevention of L. reuteri TPC32 reduced the Salmonella typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection in mice. The results show that L. reuteri TPC32 could improve the serum IgM, decrease the intestinal cytokine secretion to relieve intestinal cytokine storm, reinforce the intestinal biochemical barrier function by elevating the sIgA expression, and strengthen the intestinal physical barrier function. Simultaneously, based on the 16S rRNA analysis, the L. reuteri TPC32 results affect the recovery of intestinal microbiota from disease conditions and promote the multiplication of beneficial bacteria. These results provide new insights into the biological functions and therapeutic potential of L. reuteri TPC32 for treating intestinal inflammation.

Emerging Parameters Justifying a Revised Quality Concept for Cow Milk

Milk has become a staple food product globally. Traditionally, milk quality assessment has been primarily focused on hygiene and composition to ensure its safety for consumption and processing. However, in recent years, the concept of milk quality has expanded to encompass a broader range of factors. Consumers now also consider animal welfare, environmental impact, and the presence of additional beneficial components in milk when assessing its quality. This shifting consumer demand has led to increased attention on the overall production and sourcing practices of milk. Reflecting on this trend, this review critically explores such novel quality parameters, offering insights into how such practices meet the modern consumer's holistic expectations. The multifaceted aspects of milk quality are examined, revealing the intertwined relationship between milk safety, compositional integrity, and the additional health benefits provided by milk's bioactive properties. By embracing sustainable farming practices, dairy farmers and processors are encouraged not only to fulfill but to anticipate consumer standards for premium milk quality. This comprehensive approach to milk quality underscores the necessity of adapting dairy production to address the evolving nutritional landscape and consumption patterns.

Effect of folA gene in human breast milk-derived Limosilactobacillus reuteri on its folate biosynthesis

Introduction

Folate supplementation is crucial for the human body, and the chemically synthesized folic acid might have undesirable side effects. The use of molecular breeding methods to modify the genes related to the biosynthesis of folate by probiotics to increase folate production is currently a focus of research.

Methods

In this study, the folate-producing strain of Limosilactobacillus reuteri B1-28 was isolated from human breast milk, and the difference between B1-28 and folA gene deletion strain ΔFolA was investigated by phenotyping, in vitro probiotic evaluation, metabolism and transcriptome analysis.

Results

The results showed that the folate producted by the ΔFolA was 2-3 folds that of the B1-28. Scanning electron microscope showed that ΔFolA had rougher surface, and the acid-producing capacity (p = 0.0008) and adhesion properties (p = 0.0096) were significantly enhanced than B1-28. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in three pathways, among which the biosynthesis of ribosome and aminoacyl-tRNA occurred in the key metabolic pathways. Metabolomics analysis showed that folA affected 5 metabolic pathways, involving 89 different metabolites.

Discussion

In conclusion, the editing of a key gene of folA in folate biosynthesis pathway provides a feasible pathway to improve folate biosynthesis in breast milk-derived probiotics.

Microbiome-based precision nutrition: Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics

Microorganisms have been used in nutrition and medicine for thousands of years worldwide, long before humanity knew of their existence. It is now known that the gut microbiota plays a key role in regulating inflammatory, metabolic, immune and neurobiological processes. This text discusses the importance of microbiota-based precision nutrition in gut permeability, as well as the main advances and current limitations of traditional probiotics, new-generation probiotics, psychobiotic probiotics with an effect on emotional health, probiotic foods, prebiotics, and postbiotics such as short-chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters and vitamins. The aim is to provide a theoretical context built on current scientific evidence for the practical application of microbiota-based precision nutrition in specific health fields and in improving health, quality of life and physiological performance.

The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism and Methyl Donors in Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Narrative Review of the Literature

One-carbon (1-C) metabolic deficiency impairs homeostasis, driving disease development, including infertility. It is of importance to summarize the current evidence regarding the clinical utility of 1-C metabolism-related biomolecules and methyl donors, namely, folate, betaine, choline, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), and zinc, as potential biomarkers, dietary supplements, and culture media supplements in the context of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed/Medline database. Diet, ageing, and the endocrine milieu of individuals affect both 1-C metabolism and fertility status. In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, and culture conditions in particular, have a direct impact on 1-C metabolic activity in gametes and embryos. Critical analysis indicated that zinc supplementation in cryopreservation media may be a promising approach to reducing oxidative damage, while female serum homocysteine levels may be employed as a possible biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Nonetheless, the level of evidence is low, and future studies are needed to verify these data. One-carbon metabolism-related processes, including redox defense and epigenetic regulation, may be compromised in IVF-derived embryos. The study of 1-C metabolism may lead the way towards improving MAR efficiency and safety and ensuring the lifelong health of MAR infants.

Infant microbes and metabolites point to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders

This study has followed a birth cohort for over 20 years to find factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorder (ND) diagnosis. Detailed, early-life longitudinal questionnaires captured infection and antibiotic events, stress, prenatal factors, family history, and more. Biomarkers including cord serum metabolome and lipidome, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype, infant microbiota, and stool metabolome were assessed. Among the 16,440 Swedish children followed across time, 1,197 developed an ND. Significant associations emerged for future ND diagnosis in general and for specific ND subtypes, spanning intellectual disability, speech disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. This investigation revealed microbiome connections to future diagnosis as well as early emerging mood and gastrointestinal problems. The findings suggest links to immunodysregulation and metabolism, compounded by stress, early-life infection, and antibiotics. The convergence of infant biomarkers and risk factors in this prospective, longitudinal study on a large-scale population establishes a foundation for early-life prediction and intervention in neurodevelopment.

Vitamin D promotes the folate transport and metabolism in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Vitamin D (VD) is a fat-soluble sterol that possesses a wide range of physiological functions. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of VD on folate metabolism in zebrafish and further investigated the underlying mechanism. Wild-type (WT) zebrafish were fed with a diet containing 0 IU/kg VD3 or 800 IU/kg VD3 for 3 wk. Meanwhile, cyp2r1 mutant zebrafish with impaired VD metabolism was used as another model of VD deficiency. Our results showed that VD deficiency in zebrafish suppressed the gene expression of folate transporters, including reduced folate carrier (RFC) and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) in the intestine. Moreover, VD influenced the gene expression of several enzymes related to cellular folate metabolism in the intestine and liver of zebrafish. Importantly, VD-deficient zebrafish contained a remarkably lower level of folate content in the liver. Notably, VD was incapable of altering folate metabolism in zebrafish when gut microbiota was depleted by antibiotic treatment. Further studies proved that gut commensals from VD-deficient fish displayed a lower capacity to produce folate than those from WT fish. Our study revealed the potential correlation between VD and folate metabolism in zebrafish, and gut microbiota played a key role in VD-regulated folate metabolism in zebrafish.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study has identified that VD influences intestinal uptake and transport of folate in zebrafish while also altering hepatic folate metabolism and storage. Interestingly, the regulatory effects of VD on folate transport and metabolism diminished after the gut flora was interrupted by antibiotic treatment, suggesting that the regulatory effects of VD on folate metabolism in zebrafish are most likely dependent on the intestinal flora.

High Dietary Folic Acid Supplementation Reduced the Composition of Fatty Acids and Amino Acids in Fortified Eggs

AIMS

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary folic acid (FA) on the production performance of laying hens, egg quality, and the nutritional differences between eggs fortified with FA and ordinary eggs.

METHODS

A total of 288 26-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens (initial body weights 1.65 ± 0.10 kg) with a similar weight and genetic background were used. A completely randomized design divided the birds into a control group and three treatment groups. Each group consisted of six replicates, with twelve chickens per replicate. Initially, all birds were fed a basal diet for 1 week. Subsequently, they were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg FA in a premix for a duration of 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Supplementation of FA could significantly (p < 0.05) enhance the FA content in egg yolks, particularly when 10 mg/kg was used, as it had the most effective enrichment effect. Compared to the control group, the Glu content in the 10 and 15 mg/kg FA groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease. Additionally, the contents of Asp, Ile, Tyr, Phe, Cys, and Met in the 15 mg/kg FA group were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared to the other groups. Adding FA did not have significant effects on the levels of vitamin A and vitamin E in egg yolk, but the vitamin D content in the 5 and 10 mg/kg FA groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase. Furthermore, the addition of FA did not have a significant effect on the levels of Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn in egg yolk. The dietary FA did not have a significant effect on the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in egg yolk. However, the total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content in the 5 and 10 mg/kg groups significantly (p < 0.05) increased. These changes in nutritional content might be attributed to the increased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) protein content. The significant decrease in solute carrier family 1 Member 1 (SLC1A1), solute carrier family 1 Member 2 (SLC1A2), and solute carrier family 1 Member 3 (SLC1A3) gene expression compared to the control group appeared to be the reason for the decrease in amino acid content in egg yolk within the dietary FA group.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that the appropriate addition of FA can enhance the levels of MUFA and vitamin D in egg yolks, thereby improving their nutritional value. Excessive intake of FA can decrease the effectiveness of enriching FA in egg yolk and impact the enrichment of certain amino acids. The yolk of eggs produced by adding 10 mg/kg of FA to the feed contains the optimal amount of nutrients. This study informs consumers purchasing FA-fortified eggs.

Fecal microbiota transplantation revealed the function of folic acid on reducing abdominal fat deposition in broiler chickens mediated by gut microbiota

Excess abdominal fat reduces carcass yield and feed conversion ratio, thereby resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry industry. Our previous study demonstrated that dietary addition of folic acid reduced fat deposition and changed gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid. However, whether folic acid regulating abdominal fat deposition was mediated by gut microbiota was unclear. A total of 210 one-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups including the control (CON), folic acid (FA), and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) groups. From 14th day, broiler chickens in CON and FA groups were given perfusion administration with 1 mL diluent daily, while 1 mL fecal microbiota transplantation suspension from FA group prepared before was perfusion in FMT group receiving control diets. The result showed that abdominal fat percentage was significantly lower in FA and FMT groups when compared with CON group (P < 0.05). Morphology analysis revealed that the villus height of jejunum and ileum were significantly higher in FMT group (P < 0.05), and the villus height of jejunum was also significantly higher in FA group (P < 0.05), while the diameter and cross-sectional area (CSA) of adipocytes were significantly decreased in FA and FMT groups when compared with CON group (P < 0.05). Western blot results indicated that the expression levels of FOXO1 and PLIN1 in FMT group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas the expression levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FABP4 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Additionally, the Chao1, Observed-species, Shannon and Simpson indexes in FA and FMT groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05), but the microbiota were similar between FMT and FA groups (P < 0.05). LEfSe analysis determined that Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Dehalobacterium were found to be predominant in FA group, while Oscillospira, Shigella, and Streptococcus were the dominant microflora in FMT group. Furthermore, these cecal microbiota were mostly involved in infectious disease, cellular community prokaryotes, cell motility and signal transduction in FA group (P < 0.05), whereas functional capacities involved in signal transduction, cell motility, infectious disease and environment adaptation were enriched significantly of cecal microbiota in FMT group (P < 0.05). In summary, both fecal microbiota transplantation from the broiler chickens of dietary added folic acid and dietary folic acid addition effectively reduced abdominal fat deposition, indicating that the regulatory effect of folic acid on abdominal fat deposition was mediated partly by gut microbiota in broiler chickens.

Characterisation of Indian gut microbiome for B-vitamin production and its comparison with Chinese cohort

The human gut microbiota can biosynthesize essential micronutrients such as B-vitamins and is also known for its metabolic cooperative behaviour. The present study characterises such B-vitamin biosynthesizers, their biosynthetic pathways, explores their prevalence and abundance, examines how lifestyle or diet affects them in multiple Indian cohorts and compares it with the Chinese cohort. To achieve this, publicly available faecal metagenome data of healthy individuals from multiple Indian (two urban and three tribal populations) and a Chinese cohort were analysed. The distribution of prevalence and abundance of B-vitamin biosynthesizers showed similar profiles to that of the entire gut community of the Indian cohort, and there were 28 B-vitamin biosynthesizers that had modest or higher prevalence and abundance. The omnivorous diet affected only the prevalence of a few B-vitamin biosynthesizers; however, lifestyle and/or location affected both prevalence and abundance. A comparison with the Chinese cohort showed that fourteen B-vitamin biosynthesizers were significantly more prevalent and abundant in Chinese as compared with Indian samples (False Discovery Rate (FDR) <= 0·05). The metabolic potential of the entire gut community for B-vitamin production showed that within India, the tribal cohort has a higher abundance of B-vitamin biosynthesis pathways as compared with two urban cohorts namely, Bhopal and Kasargod, and comparison with the Chinese cohort revealed a higher abundance in the latter group. Potential metabolic cooperative behaviour of the Indian gut microbiome for biosynthesis of the B-vitamins showed multiple pairs of species showed theoretical complementarity for complete biosynthetic pathways genes of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenate.

B-Group Vitamins as Potential Prebiotic Candidates: Their Effects on the Human Gut Microbiome

In recent years, thousands of studies have demonstrated the importance of the gut microbiome for human health and its relationship with certain diseases. The search for new gut microbiome modulators has thus become an objective to beneficially alter the gut microbiome composition and/or metabolic activity, which may modify intestinal physiology. Growing evidence has shown that B-group vitamins might be considered as potential candidates as gut microbiome modulators. However, the relationship between the B-group vitamins and the gut microbiome remains largely unexplored. Studies have suggested that non-absorbed B-group vitamins administered orally can reach the distal intestine or even the colon where these vitamins may have potential health benefits for the host. Clinical trials supporting this effect are still limited. In this review, we discuss evidence regarding the modulatory effects of B-group vitamins on the gut microbiome with a focus on their potential role as prebiotic candidates.

Evaluation of In Vivo Folic Acid Bioavailability in Different Mouse Strains Using Enzymatic Digestion Combined with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography

By analyzing the folic acid content of various mouse strains through the use of in vivo studies, this study sought to determine whether folic acid bioavailability varies between hosts. In order to examine the stability of folic acid in the gastrointestinal tract, the rate at which it enters the blood, its retention in the organs, and its entry into the brain, folic acid was gavaged for 10 days into male and female mice of the following four strains: C57BL/6, BALB/c, ICR, and Kunming. Folic acid was extracted from eight groups of mice via solid phase extraction and triple enzyme extraction; the folic acid was subsequently quantified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography. In contrast to the other groups, female C57BL/6 mice exhibited substantially greater bioavailability as well as variations in organ retention and blood entry rates, as indicated by the experimental findings. This finding indicated that using female C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the bioavailability of folic acid is more effective.

Structural changes in the gut virome of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

IMPORTANCE

Existing studies have found that there is a close relationship between human virome and numerous diseases, and diseases may affect the diversity and composition of the virome; at the same time, changes in the virome will in turn affect the onset and progression of the disease. However, the composition and functional capabilities of the gut virome associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) have not been systematically investigated. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the gut virome in patients with ACVD. We characterized the structural changes in the gut virome of ACVD patients, which may facilitate additional mechanistic, diagnostic, and interventional studies of ACVD and related diseases.

Infant diarrheal disease in rhesus macaques impedes microbiome maturation and is linked to uncultured Campylobacter species

Diarrheal diseases remain one of the leading causes of death for children under 5 globally, disproportionately impacting those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Campylobacter spp., a zoonotic pathogen, is one of the leading causes of food-borne infection in humans. Yet to be cultured Campylobacter spp. contribute to the total burden in diarrheal disease in children living in LMIC thus hampering interventions. We performed microbiome profiling and metagenomic genome assembly on samples collected from over 100 infant rhesus macaques longitudinally and during cases of clinical diarrhea within the first year of life. Acute diarrhea was associated with long-lasting taxonomic and functional shifts of the infant gut microbiome indicative of microbiome immaturity. We constructed 36 Campylobacter metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs), many of which fell within 4 yet to be cultured species. Finally, we compared the uncultured Campylobacter MAGs assembled from infant macaques with publicly available human metagenomes to show that these uncultured species are also found in human fecal samples from LMIC. These data highlight the importance of unculturable Campylobacter spp. as an important target for reducing disease burden in LMIC children.

Hypothetical Regulation of Folate Biosynthesis and Strategies for Folate Overproduction in Lactic Acid Bacteria

Folate (vitamin B9) is an essential nutrient for cell metabolism, especially in pregnant women; however, folate deficiency is a major global health issue. To address this issue, folate-rich fermented foods have been used as alternative sources of natural folate. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are commonly involved in food fermentation, can synthesize and excrete folate into the medium, thereby increasing folate levels. However, screening for folate-producing LAB strains is necessary because this ability is highly dependent on the bacterial strain. Some strains of LAB consume folate, and their presence in a fermentation mix can lower the folate levels of the final product. Since microorganisms efficiently regulate folate biosynthesis to meet their growth needs, some strains of folate-producing LAB can deplete folate levels if folate is available in the media. Such folate-efficient producers possess a feedback inhibition mechanism that downregulates folate biosynthesis. Therefore, the application of folate-overproducing strains may be a key strategy for increasing folate levels in media with or without available folate. Many studies have been conducted to screen folate-producing bacteria, but very few have focused on the identification of overproducers. This is probably because of the limited understanding of the regulation of folate biosynthesis in LAB. In this review, we discuss the roles of folate-biosynthetic genes and their contributions to the ability of LAB to synthesize and regulate folate. In addition, we present various hypotheses regarding the regulation of the feedback inhibition mechanism of folate-biosynthetic enzymes and discuss strategies for obtaining folate-overproducing LAB strains.

Impact of Folate Intake on Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) is a common problem among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesised that an insufficient intake of folate might affect BMD.

METHODS

The study subjects included 26 with Crohn's disease-CD, 30 with ulcerative colitis-UC, and 31 healthy adults (control group-CG) aged 18-50 years. Participants were asked to follow their usual diet, and dietary intake was assessed by a 4-day, 24 h dietary recall. All the participants filled in a questionnaire referring to folic acid supplementation. The BMD, T-score, and Z-score of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck (FN) were assessed.

RESULTS

We found significant differences in the body mass, BMI (body mass index), CRP (C-reactive protein), BMD, Z-score, and T-score of the L1-L4 and FN between groups. There were no differences in energy and folate intake or the percentage coverage of recommended dietary allowances (RDA) of folate in all groups. Moreover, 70% of patients with UC, 92% of patients with CD, and 77% of CG patients showed insufficient folate intake. Folic acid was supplemented with a similar frequency in patients covering and not covering the RDA of folate. The intake of folate per 1000 kcal correlated positively with the CD group's BMD and T-score of L1-L4.

CONCLUSIONS

Insufficient folate intake is common in patients with IBD and healthy individuals. The impact of folate on BMD in IBD is not clear. We need more studies on the association between folate intake, folic acid concentration, and BMD in IBD.

Complete genome sequence of the probiotic Bifidobacterium adolescentis strain iVS-1

Bifidobacterium adolescentis iVS-1 is a human-isolated strain known to possess several probiotic properties. Here, its genome was completely sequenced to examine genes associated with lactose metabolism and other potentially beneficial traits, such as the production of folate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Folate-producing bifidobacteria: metabolism, genetics, and relevance

Folate (the general term for all bioactive forms of vitamin B9) plays a crucial role in the evolutionary highly conserved one-carbon (1C) metabolism, a network including central reactions such as DNA and protein synthesis and methylation of macromolecules. Folate delivers 1C units, such as methyl and formyl, between reactants. Plants, algae, fungi, and many bacteria can naturally produce folate, whereas animals, including humans, must obtain folate from external sources. For humans, folate deficiency is, however, a widespread problem. Bifidobacteria constitute an important component of human and many animal microbiomes, providing various health advantages to the host, such as producing folate. This review focuses on bifidobacteria and folate metabolism and the current knowledge of the distribution of genes needed for complete folate biosynthesis across different bifidobacterial species. Biotechnologies based on folate-trophic probiotics aim to create fermented products enriched with folate or design probiotic supplements that can synthesize folate in the colon, improving overall health. Therefore, bifidobacteria (alone or in association with other microorganisms) may, in the future, contribute to reducing widespread folate deficiencies prevalent among vulnerable human population groups, such as older people, women at child-birth age, and people in low-income countries.

The regulation function of intestinal microbiota by folate-producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LZ227

BACKGROUND

Folic acid is a class of B vitamins that have the function of improving intestinal microbiota.

RESULT

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LZ227, which is a highly folate-producing strain, was used as the research object, and the folic acid produced by LZ227 was further identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the structural diversity, community composition, abundance difference, and short-chain fatty acids content in fermentation broth were studied by the manure slurry fermentation model. The results showed that the folic acid produced by LZ227 was 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.

CONCLUSION

LZ227 can increase the intestinal microbial diversity in the folate-free state, regulate the intestinal flora, increase the abundance of Firmicutes in the intestinal flora, and inhibit the abundance of Bacteroidetes. LZ227 can inhibit the growth of Alistipes, Parabacteroides, and Bacteroides in the intestine. LZ227 significantly reduced the acetic acid content and significantly increased the butyric acid content in the folate-free case. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microbial stimulation of oxytocin release from the intestinal epithelium via secretin signaling

Intestinal microbes impact the health of the intestine and organs distal to the gut. Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a human intestinal microbe that promotes normal gut transit, the anti-inflammatory immune system, wound healing, normal social behavior in mice, and prevents bone reabsorption. Oxytocin impacts these functions and oxytocin signaling is required for L. reuteri-mediated wound healing and social behavior; however, the events in the gut leading to oxytocin stimulation and beneficial effects are unknown. Here we report evolutionarily conserved oxytocin production in the intestinal epithelium through analysis of single-cell RNA-Seq datasets and imaging of human and mouse intestinal tissues. Moreover, human intestinal organoids produce oxytocin, demonstrating that the intestinal epithelium is sufficient to produce oxytocin. We find that L. reuteri facilitates oxytocin secretion from human intestinal tissue and human intestinal organoids. Finally, we demonstrate that stimulation of oxytocin secretion by L. reuteri is dependent on the gut hormone secretin, which is produced in enteroendocrine cells, while oxytocin itself is produced in enterocytes. Altogether, this work demonstrates that oxytocin is produced and secreted from enterocytes in the intestinal epithelium in response to secretin stimulated by L. reuteri. This work thereby identifies oxytocin as an intestinal hormone and provides mechanistic insight into avenues by which gut microbes promote host health.

Analysis of Gut Characteristics and Microbiota Changes with Maternal Supplementation in a Neural Tube Defect Mouse Model

Adequate nutrient supply is crucial for the proper development of the embryo. Although nutrient supply is determined by maternal diet, the gut microbiota also influences nutrient availability. While currently there is no cure for neural tube defects (NTDs), their prevention is largely amenable to maternal folic acid and inositol supplementation. The gut microbiota also contributes to the production of these nutrients, which are absorbed by the host, but its role in this context remains largely unexplored. In this study, we performed a functional and morphological analysis of the intestinal tract of loop-tail mice (Vangl2 mutants), a mouse model of folate/inositol-resistant NTDs. In addition, we investigated the changes in gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing regarding (1) the host genotype; (2) the sample source for metagenomics analysis; (3) the pregnancy status in the gestational window of neural tube closure; (4) folic acid and (5) D-chiro-inositol supplementation. We observed that Vangl2+/Lp mice showed no apparent changes in gastrointestinal transit time or fecal output, yet exhibited increased intestinal length and cecal weight and gut dysbiosis. Moreover, our results showed that the mice supplemented with folic acid and D-chiro-inositol had significant changes in their microbiota composition, which are changes that could have implications for nutrient absorption.

Holo-omics analysis reveals the influence of gut microbiota on obesity indicators in Jinhua pigs

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms behind obesity are complex and multi-faceted, involving the interplay of both host genomics and gut microbiome. In recent years, research has largely focused on these factors separately, but rarely from the viewpoint of holo-omics, which considers the host and microbiome as an integrated entity. To address this gap in knowledge, the present study aimed to investigate the holo-omics basis of obesity in Jinhua pigs, a Chinese indigenous breed known for its high degree of fat deposition and superior meat quality.

METHODS

Six pigs with extreme obesity phenotype were selected from a larger cohort of eighteen Jinhua pigs, and the contents of the jejunum, cecum, and colon regions were collected after slaughter at 240 days of age. The data obtained was processed, denoised, and annotated using QIIME2, with expression differences being analyzed using edgeR software.

RESULTS

The results showed significant differences in jejunal microbial diversity and composition between the two groups, with gut transcriptomics also indicating that differentially expressed genes in the jejunum were enriched in lipid metabolism pathways. These findings provide further evidence of the influence of the gut microbiome and host gene expression on fat deposition in Jinhua pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of fat deposition in Jinhua pigs from the viewpoint of holo-omics. The integration of host transcriptomics and microbiome data helps shed light on the complex interactions between the host and gut microbiome, and highlights the importance of considering both factors in our understanding of obesity.

Increasing taxonomic and functional characterization of host-microbiome interactions by DIA-PASEF metaproteomics

Introduction

Metaproteomics is a rapidly advancing field that offers unique insights into the taxonomic composition and the functional activity of microbial communities, and their effects on host physiology. Classically, data-dependent acquisition (DDA) mass spectrometry (MS) has been applied for peptide identification and quantification in metaproteomics. However, DDA-MS exhibits well-known limitations in terms of depth, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Consequently, methodological improvements are required to better characterize the protein landscape of microbiomes and their interactions with the host.

Methods

We present an optimized proteomic workflow that utilizes the information captured by Parallel Accumulation-Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) MS for comprehensive metaproteomic studies in complex fecal samples of mice.

Results and discussion

We show that implementing PASEF using a DDA acquisition scheme (DDA-PASEF) increased peptide quantification up to 5 times and reached higher accuracy and reproducibility compared to previously published classical DDA and data-independent acquisition (DIA) methods. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the combination of DIA, PASEF, and neuronal-network-based data analysis, was superior to DDA-PASEF in all mentioned parameters. Importantly, DIA-PASEF expanded the dynamic range towards low-abundant proteins and it doubled the quantification of proteins with unknown or uncharacterized functions. Compared to previous classical DDA metaproteomic studies, DIA-PASEF resulted in the quantification of up to 4 times more taxonomic units using 16 times less injected peptides and 4 times shorter chromatography gradients. Moreover, 131 additional functional pathways distributed across more and even uniquely identified taxa were profiled as revealed by a peptide-centric taxonomic-functional analysis. We tested our workflow on a validated preclinical mouse model of neuropathic pain to assess longitudinal changes in host-gut microbiome interactions associated with pain - an unexplored topic for metaproteomics. We uncovered the significant enrichment of two bacterial classes upon pain, and, in addition, the upregulation of metabolic activities previously linked to chronic pain as well as various hitherto unknown ones. Furthermore, our data revealed pain-associated dynamics of proteome complexes implicated in the crosstalk between the host immune system and the gut microbiome. In conclusion, the DIA-PASEF metaproteomic workflow presented here provides a stepping stone towards a deeper understanding of microbial ecosystems across the breadth of biomedical and biotechnological fields.

Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation Improves the Intestinal Health of Offspring Porcine by Promoting the Proliferation and Differentiation of Intestinal Stem Cells

Maternal folic acid intake has important effects on offspring growth and development. The mechanism involved in the renewal of intestinal epithelial cells remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential effect of maternal folic acid supplementation during gestation and lactation on the structural and functional development of the small intestine in piglet offspring. Twenty-four Duroc sows were assigned to a control group (CON) and a folic-acid-supplemented group (CON + FA, supplemented with 15 mg/kg of folic acid). The results showed that maternal folic acid supplementation throughout gestation and lactation significantly increased the body weight, serum folate level, and intestinal folate metabolism in piglets. It also improved the villus length, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and transcript levels of nutrient transporters (GLUT4, SNAT2, FABP2, and SLC7A5) in piglets' duodenum and jejunum. In addition, maternal folic acid supplementation increased Ki67-positive cells and the expression of proliferation-related marker genes (C-Myc, CyclinD1, and PCNA) in piglets' intestinal stem cells. It also boosted the expression of genes associated with mature secreted cells (ChrA, Muc2, Lyz, Vil1), indicating enhanced proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. These findings demonstrate that maternal folic acid supplementation enhances growth performance and gut health in piglet offspring by promoting epithelial cell renewal equilibrium.

Intergenerational association of gut microbiota and metabolism with perinatal folate metabolism and neural tube defects

Disorders of folic acid metabolism during pregnancy lead to fetal neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the mechanisms still require further investigation. Here, we aim to analyze the brain metabolic profiles of 30 NTDs and 30 healthy fetuses. Our results indicated that low-folate diet during early life played a causal role in cerebral metabolism, especially in lipometabolic disturbance, highlighting the importance of folate in modulating brain development and metabolism. Next, we established a mouse model of NTDs. Interestingly, the differential metabolites are mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids both in human and mice fetal brain. Since intestinal microbes could critically regulate neurofunction via the intestinal-brain axis, we further found the abundances of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the gut of pregnant mice were correlated with the abundances of lipid metabolism related metabolites in the fetal brain. This finding probably reflects the intergenerational microbial-metabolism biomarkers of NTDs.

Bacteria from the gut influence the host micronutrient status

Micronutrient deficiencies or "hidden hunger" remains a serious public health problem in most low- and middle-income countries, with severe consequences for child development. Traditional methods of treatment and prevention, such as supplementation and fortification, have not always proven to be effective and may have undesirable side-effects (i.e., digestive troubles with iron supplementation). Commensal bacteria in the gut may increase bioavailability of specific micronutrients (i.e., minerals), notably by removing anti-nutritional compounds, such as phytates and polyphenols, or by the synthesis of vitamins. Together with the gastrointestinal mucosa, gut microbiota is also the first line of protection against pathogens. It contributes to the reinforcement of the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and to a better absorption of micronutrients. However, its role in micronutrient malnutrition is still poorly understood. Moreover, the bacterial metabolism is also dependent of micronutrients acquired from the gut environment and resident bacteria may compete or collaborate to maintain micronutrient homeostasis. Gut microbiota composition can therefore be modulated by micronutrient availability. This review brings together current knowledge on this two-way relationship between micronutrients and gut microbiota bacteria, with a focus on iron, zinc, vitamin A and folate (vitamin B9), as these deficiencies are public health concerns in a global context.

Insights into the Human Microbiome and Its Connections with Prostate Cancer

The human microbiome represents the diversity of microorganisms that live together at different organ sites, influencing various physiological processes and leading to pathological conditions, even carcinogenesis, in case of a chronic imbalance. Additionally, the link between organ-specific microbiota and cancer has attracted the interest of numerous studies and projects. In this review article, we address the important aspects regarding the role of gut, prostate, urinary and reproductive system, skin, and oral cavity colonizing microorganisms in prostate cancer development. Various bacteria, fungi, virus species, and other relevant agents with major implications in cancer occurrence and progression are also described. Some of them are assessed based on their values of prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers, while others are presented for their anti-cancer properties.

Microbial stimulation of oxytocin release from the intestinal epithelium via secretin signaling

Intestinal microbes impact the health of the intestine and organs distal to the gut. Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a human intestinal microbe that promotes normal gut transit 1 , the anti-inflammatory immune system 2-4 , wound healing 5-7 , normal social behavior in mice 8-10 , and prevents bone reabsorption 11-17 . Each of these functions is impacted by oxytocin 18-22 , and oxytocin signaling is required for L. reuteri- mediated wound healing 5 and social behavior 9 ; however, the initiating events in the gut that lead to oxytocin stimulation and related beneficial functions remain unknown. Here we found evolutionarily conserved oxytocin production in the intestinal epithelium through analysis of single-cell RNA-Seq datasets and imaging of human and mouse intestinal tissues. Moreover, human intestinal organoids produce oxytocin, demonstrating that the intestinal epithelium is sufficient to produce oxytocin. We subsequently found that L. reuteri facilitates oxytocin secretion directly from human intestinal tissue and human intestinal organoids. Finally, we demonstrate that stimulation of oxytocin secretion by L. reuteri is dependent on the gut hormone secretin, which is produced in enteroendocrine cells 23 , while oxytocin itself is produced in enterocytes. Altogether, this work demonstrates that oxytocin is produced and secreted from enterocytes in the intestinal epithelium in response to secretin stimulated by L. reuteri . This work thereby identifies oxytocin as an intestinal hormone and provides mechanistic insight into avenues by which gut microbes promote host health.

The microbiome as a major function of the gastrointestinal tract and its implication in micronutrient metabolism and chronic diseases

The composition and function of microbes harbored in the human gastrointestinal lumen have been underestimated for centuries because of the underdevelopment of nucleotide sequencing techniques and the lack of humanized gnotobiotic models. Now, we appreciate that the gut microbiome is an integral part of the human body and exerts considerable roles in host health and diseases. Dietary factors can induce changes in the microbial community composition, metabolism, and function, thereby altering the host immune response, and consequently, may influence disease risks. An imbalance of gut microbiome homeostasis (i.e., dysbiosis) has been linked to several chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Remarkable progress has recently been made in better understanding the extent to which the influence of the diet-microbiota interaction on host health outcomes in both animal models and human participants. However, the exact causality of the gut microbiome on the development of diseases is still controversial. In this review, we will briefly describe the general structure and function of the intestine and the process of nutrient absorption in humans. This is followed by a summarization of the recent updates on interactions between gut microbiota and individual micronutrients, including carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, folate, iron, and zinc. In the opinion of the authors, these nutrients were identified as representative of vitamins and minerals with sufficient research on their roles in the microbiome. The host responses to the gut microbiome will also be discussed. Future direction in microbiome research, for example, precision microbiome, will be proposed.

The Role of Microbiota-Derived Vitamins in Immune Homeostasis and Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy

Not all cancer patients who receive immunotherapy respond positively and emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may be linked to treatment efficacy. Though mechanisms of microbial contributions to the immune response have been postulated, one likely function is the supply of basic co-factors to the host including selected vitamins. Bacteria, fungi, and plants can produce their own vitamins, whereas humans primarily obtain vitamins from exogenous sources, yet despite the significance of microbial-derived vitamins as crucial immune system modulators, the microbiota is an overlooked source of these nutrients in humans. Microbial-derived vitamins are often shared by gut bacteria, stabilizing bioenergetic pathways amongst microbial communities. Compositional changes in gut microbiota can affect metabolic pathways that alter immune function. Similarly, the immune system plays a pivotal role in maintaining the gut microbiota, which parenthetically affects vitamin biosynthesis. Here we elucidate the immune-interactive mechanisms underlying the effects of these microbially derived vitamins and how they can potentially enhance the activity of immunotherapies in cancer.

Interrogation of the mammalian gut-brain axis using LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics with in vitro bacterial and organoid cultures and in vivo gnotobiotic mouse models

Interest in the communication between the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, known as the gut-brain axis, has prompted the development of quantitative analytical platforms to analyze microbe- and host-derived signals. This protocol enables investigations into connections between microbial colonization and intestinal and brain neurotransmitters and contains strategies for the comprehensive evaluation of metabolites in in vitro (organoids) and in vivo mouse model systems. Here we present an optimized workflow that includes procedures for preparing these gut-brain axis model systems: (stage 1) growth of microbes in defined media; (stage 2) microinjection of intestinal organoids; and (stage 3) generation of animal models including germ-free (no microbes), specific-pathogen-free (complete gut microbiota) and specific-pathogen-free re-conventionalized (germ-free mice associated with a complete gut microbiota from a specific-pathogen-free mouse), and Bifidobacterium dentium and Bacteroides ovatus mono-associated mice (germ-free mice colonized with a single gut microbe). We describe targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolomics methods for analyzing microbially derived short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters from these samples. Unlike other protocols that commonly examine only stool samples, this protocol includes bacterial cultures, organoid cultures and in vivo samples, in addition to monitoring the metabolite content of stool samples. The incorporation of three experimental models (microbes, organoids and animals) enhances the impact of this protocol. The protocol requires 3 weeks of murine colonization with microbes and ~1-2 weeks for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based instrumental and quantitative analysis, and sample post-processing and normalization.

Metabolic Pathway Analysis: Advantages and Pitfalls for the Functional Interpretation of Metabolomics and Lipidomics Data

Over the past decades, pathway analysis has become one of the most commonly used approaches for the functional interpretation of metabolomics data. Although the approach is widely used, it is not well standardized and the impact of different methodologies on the functional outcome is not well understood. Using four publicly available datasets, we investigated two main aspects of topological pathway analysis, namely the consideration of non-human native enzymatic reactions (e.g., from microbiota) and the interconnectivity of individual pathways. The exclusion of non-human native reactions led to detached and poorly represented reaction networks and to loss of information. The consideration of connectivity between pathways led to better emphasis of certain central metabolites in the network; however, it occasionally overemphasized the hub compounds. We proposed and examined a penalization scheme to diminish the effect of such compounds in the pathway evaluation. In order to compare and assess the results between different methodologies, we also performed over-representation analysis of the same datasets. We believe that our findings will raise awareness on both the capabilities and shortcomings of the currently used pathway analysis practices in metabolomics. Additionally, it will provide insights on various methodologies and strategies that should be considered for the analysis and interpretation of metabolomics data.

Host Microbiomes Influence the Effects of Diet on Inflammation and Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and there is a growing appreciation for the complex involvement of diet, microbiomes, and inflammatory processes culminating in tumorigenesis. Although research has significantly improved our understanding of the various factors involved in different cancers, the underlying mechanisms through which these factors influence tumor cells and their microenvironment remain to be completely understood. In particular, interactions between the different microbiomes, specific dietary factors, and host cells mediate both local and systemic immune responses, thereby influencing inflammation and tumorigenesis. Developing an improved understanding of how different microbiomes, beyond just the colonic microbiome, can interact with dietary factors to influence inflammatory processes and tumorigenesis will support our ability to better understand the potential for microbe-altering and dietary interventions for these patients in future.

Intermediate role of gut microbiota in vitamin B nutrition and its influences on human health

Vitamin B consists of a group of water-soluble micronutrients that are mainly derived from the daily diet. They serve as cofactors, mediating multiple metabolic pathways in humans. As an integrated part of human health, gut microbiota could produce, consume, and even compete for vitamin B with the host. The interplay between gut microbiota and the host might be a crucial factor affecting the absorbing processes of vitamin B. On the other hand, vitamin B supplementation or deficiency might impact the growth of specific bacteria, resulting in changes in the composition and function of gut microbiota. Together, the interplay between vitamin B and gut microbiota might systemically contribute to human health. In this review, we summarized the interactions between vitamin B and gut microbiota and tried to reveal the underlying mechanism so that we can have a better understanding of its role in human health.

Gut microbiota in ischemic stroke: Where we stand and challenges ahead

Gut microbiota is increasingly recognized to affect host health and disease, including ischemic stroke (IS). Here, we systematically review the current understanding linking gut microbiota as well as the associated metabolites to the pathogenesis of IS (e.g., oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation). Of relevance, we highlight that the implications of gut microbiota-dependent intervention could be harnessed in orchestrating IS.

Unveiling of dietary and gut-microbiota derived B vitamins: Metabolism patterns and their synergistic functions in gut-brain homeostasis

Nutrition-gut cross-talk holds a vital position in sustaining intestinal function, and micronutrient metabolism has emerged as the foremost metabolic pathway to preserve gut homeostasis. Among micronutrients, B vitamins have evolved prior to DNA/RNA and are known for their vital roles for major evolutionary transitions in extant organisms. Despite their universal requirement and critical role, not all the three domains of life are endowed with a natural ability for de novo B vitamins synthesis. The human gut microbiome constitutes prototrophs and auxotroph which are entirely dependent on dietary intake and gut microbial production of B vitamins. The syntrophic metabolism involving cross-feeding of B vitamins and community-wide exchange between commensal bacteria elicit important changes in the diversity and composition of the human gut microbiome. Hereto, we discuss the B-vitamins sharing among prototrophic and auxotrophic gut bacteria, their absorption in small intestine and transport in distal gut, functional role in relation to the gut homeostasis and symptoms linked to their deficiency. We also briefly explore their potential involvement as psychobiotics in brain energetic metabolism (kynurenines/tryptophan pathway) for neurological functions and highlight their deficiency related malfunctioning.

Research progress on the association between mastitis and gastrointestinal microbes in dairy cows and the effect of probiotics

Mastitis in dairy cows affects milk quality and thereby constrains the development of the dairy industry. A clear understanding of the pathogenesis of mastitis can help its treatment. Mastitis is caused by the invasion of pathogenic bacteria into the mammary gland through the mammary ducts. However, recent studies suggested that an endogenous entero-mammary pathway in dairy cattle might also be playing an important role in regulating mastitis. Also, probiotic intervention regulating host gut microbes has become an interesting tool to control mastitis. This review discusses the association of gastrointestinal microbes with mastitis and the mechanism of action of probiotics in dairy cows to provide new ideas for the management of mastitis in large-scale dairy farms.

In vitro fermentation of Bangia fusco-purpurea polysaccharide by human gut microbiota and the protective effects of the resultant products on Caco-2 cells from lipopolysaccharide-induced injury

Polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed Bangia fusco-purpurea (BFP) is a novel sulfated galactan, differed from agarans and carrageenans in fine structure. In this study, in vitro fermentation characteristics of BFP by human gut microbiota and its protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury in Caco-2 cells were investigated. Our results showed that BFP was mainly degraded at transverse colon for 18 h fermentation by gut microbiota with reduced molecular weight. Meanwhile, BFP fermentation was associated with increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as compared to control group, especially acetic acid was increased to 129.53 ± 0.24 from 82.14 ± 0.23 mmol/L, and butyric acid was up to 1.56 ± 0.004 from 0.62 ± 0.01 mmol/L. Furthermore, BFP promoted abundances of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, while decreased numbers of Proteobacteria. The up-regrated beneficial differential metabolites were SCFAs, L-proline, arginine, folic acid, pyridoxamine, thiamine, etc. (p < 0.05), and their related metabolic pathways mainly included mTOR, arginine biosynthesis, and vitamin metabolism. Notably, BFP fermentation products at transverse colon significantly restored cell viability of LPS-treated Caco-2 cells from 73.79 ± 0.48 % to 93.79-99.64 %, which might be caused by increased beneficial differential metabolites (e.g., SCFAs). Our findings suggest that BFP has prebiotic potential and can enhance gut health.

Maternal obesity during pregnancy leads to derangements in one-carbon metabolism and the gut microbiota: implications for fetal development and offspring wellbeing

A healthy diet before and during pregnancy is beneficial in acquiring essential B vitamins involved in 1-carbon metabolism, and in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota. Each play important roles in fetal development, immune-system remodeling, and pregnancy-nutrient acquisition. Evidence shows that there is a reciprocal interaction between the one-carbon metabolism and the gut microbiota given that dietary intake of B vitamins has been shown to influence the composition of the gut microbiota, and certain gut bacteria also synthesize B vitamins. This reciprocal interaction contributes to the individual's overall availability of B vitamins and, therefore, should be maintained in a healthy state during pregnancy. There is an emerging consensus that obese pregnant women often have derangements in 1-carbon metabolism and gut dysbiosis owing to high intake of nutritiously poor foods and a chronic systemic inflammatory state. For example, low folate and vitamin B₁₂ in obese women coincide with the decreased presence of B vitamin-producing bacteria and increased presence of inflammatory-associated bacteria from approximately mid-pregnancy. These alterations are risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, impaired fetal development, and disruption of fetal growth and microbiota formation, which may lead to potential long-term offspring metabolic and neurologic disorders. Therefore, preconceptional and pregnant obese women may benefit from dietary and lifestyle counseling to improve their dietary nutrient intake, and from monitoring their B vitamin levels and gut microbiome by blood tests and microbiota stool samples. In addition, there is evidence that some probiotic bacteria have folate biosynthetic capacity and could be used to treat gut dysbiosis. Thus, their use as an intervention strategy for obese women holds potential and should be further investigated. Currently, there are many knowledge gaps concerning the relationship between one-carbon metabolism and the gut microbiota, and future research should focus on intervention strategies to counteract B vitamin deficiencies and gut dysbiosis in obese pregnant women, commencing with the use of probiotic and prebiotic supplements.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth-Pathophysiology and Its Implications for Definition and Management

The concept of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) arose in the context of maldigestion and malabsorption among patients with obvious risk factors that permitted the small bowel to be colonized by potentially injurious colonic microbiota. Such colonization resulted in clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory abnormalities that were explicable within a coherent pathophysiological framework. Coincident with advances in medical science, diagnostic testing evolved from small bowel culture to breath tests and on to next-generation, culture-independent microbial analytics. The advent and ready availability of breath tests generated a dramatic expansion in both the rate of diagnosis of SIBO and the range of associated gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal clinical scenarios. However, issues with the specificity of these same breath tests have clouded their interpretation and aroused some skepticism regarding the role of SIBO in this expanded clinical repertoire. Furthermore, the pathophysiological plausibility that underpins SIBO as a cause of maldigestion/malabsorption is lacking in regard to its purported role in irritable bowel syndrome, for example. One hopes that the application of an ever-expanding armamentarium of modern molecular microbiology to the human small intestinal microbiome in both health and disease will ultimately resolve this impasse and provide an objective basis for the diagnosis of SIBO.

Benfotiamine protects against hypothalamic dysfunction in a STZ-induced model of neurodegeneration in rats

The neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects not only brain structures associate with cognition early in the progression of the disease, but other areas such as the hypothalamus, a region involved in the control of metabolism and appetite. In this context, we evaluated the effects of benfotiamine (BFT), a vitamin B1 analog that is being proposed as a therapeutical approach for AD-related cognitive alterations, which were induced by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (STZ). In addition to the already described effect of STZ on cognition, we show that this drug also causes metabolic changes which are linked to changes in hypothalamic insulin signaling and orexigenic and anorexigenic circuitries, as well as a decreased cellular integrated stress response. As expected, the supplementation with 150 mg/kg of BFT for 30 days increased blood concentrations of thiamine and its phosphate esters. This led to the prevention of body weight and fat loss in STZ-ICV-treated animals. In addition, we also found an improvement in food consumption, despite hypothalamic gene expression linked to anorexia after STZ exposure. Additionally, decreased apoptosis signaling was observed in the hypothalamus. In in vitro experiments, we noticed a high ability of BFT to increase insulin sensitivity in hypothalamic neurons. Furthermore, we also observed that BFT decreases the mitochondrial unfolded stress response damage by preventing the loss of HSP60 and reversed the mitochondria dysfunction caused by STZ. Taken together, these results suggest that benfotiamine treatment is a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of hypothalamic dysfunction and metabolic disturbances associated with sporadic AD.

Distinct gut microbiota and health outcomes in asymptomatic infection, viral nucleic acid test re-positive, and convalescent COVID-19 cases

Gut microbiota composition is suggested to associate with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, but the impact of gut microbiota on health outcomes is largely unclear. We recruited 81 individuals from Wuhan, China, including 13 asymptomatic infection cases (Group A), 24 COVID-19 convalescents with adverse outcomes (Group C), 31 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) re-positive cases (Group D), and 13 non-COVID-19 healthy controls (Group H). The microbial features of Groups A and D were similar and exhibited higher gut microbial diversity and more abundant short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing species than Group C. Group C was enriched with opportunistic pathogens and virulence factors related to adhesion and toxin production. The abundance of SCFA-producing species was negatively correlated, while Escherichia coli was positively correlated with adverse outcomes. All three groups (A, C, and D) were enriched with the mucus-degrading species Akkermansia muciniphila, but decreased with Bacteroides-encoded carbohydrate-active enzymes. The pathways of vitamin B6 metabolic and folate biosynthesis were decreased, while selenocompound metabolism was increased in the three groups. Specifically, the secondary bile acid (BA) metabolic pathway was enriched in Group A. Antibiotic resistance genes were common among the three groups. Conclusively, the gut microbiota was related to the health outcomes of COVID-19. Dietary supplementations (SCFAs, BA, selenium, folate, vitamin B6) may be beneficial to COVID-19 patients.

Are Metabolites From the Gut Microbiota Capable of Regulating Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Human Parasite Entamoeba histolytica?

The unicellular parasite Entamoeba histolytica inhabits the human gut. It has to adapt to a complex environment that consists of the host microbiota, nutritional stress, oxidative stress, and nitrosative stress. Adaptation to this complex environment is vital for the survival of this parasite. Studies have shown that the host microbiota shapes virulence and stress adaptation in E. histolytica. Increasing evidence suggests that metabolites from the microbiota mediate communication between the parasite and microbiota. In this review, we discuss the bacterial metabolites that regulate epigenetic processes in E. histolytica and the implications that this knowledge may have for the development of new anti-amebic strategies.

Gut microbiome-micronutrient interaction: The key to controlling the bioavailability of minerals and vitamins?

Micronutrients, namely, vitamins and minerals, are necessary for the proper functioning of the human body, and their deficiencies can have dramatic short- and long-term health consequences. Among the underlying causes, certainly a reduced dietary intake and/or poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract play a key role in decreasing their bioavailability. Recent evidence from clinical and in vivo studies suggests an increasingly important contribution from the gut microbiome. Commensal microorganisms can in fact regulate the levels of micronutrients, both by intervening in the biosynthetic processes and by modulating their absorption. This short narrative review addresses the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in influencing the bioavailability of vitamins (such as A, B, C, D, E, and K) and minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous), as well as the impact of these micronutrients on microbiome composition and functionality. Personalized microbiome-based intervention strategies could therefore constitute an innovative tool to counteract micronutrient deficiencies by modulating the gut microbiome toward an eubiotic configuration capable of satisfying the needs of our organism, while promoting general health.

Cesarean delivery on maternal request and common child health outcomes: A prospective cohort study in China

Background

Cesarean delivery vs vaginal delivery was reported to increase the risks of childhood obesity, pneumonia, anemia, and neurobehavioral disorders, but few studies were able to deal with the confounding biases associated with medical conditions indicating cesareans. This prospective cohort study aims to investigate the associations of non-medically indicated cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) with these child health outcomes.

Methods

Among 17 748 liveborn infants whose mothers (primiparas) participated in a randomized controlled trial on micronutrient supplementation and pregnancy outcomes during 2006-2009 in 5 rural counties in Hebei Province, China, 6972 singletons born by full-term spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) and 3626 by CDMR were extracted for the assessments of obesity (weight-for-height z-score >3) and pneumonia (self-reported) at 1.5-5 years in 2011. Some children were further randomly selected from these two groups for the assessments of anemia (hemoglobin <110 g/L, 2341 SVD and 2417 CDMR) and neurobehavioral disorders (raw score of Child Behavior Checklist larger than the 90th percentile of the normative sample, 1257 SVD and 1060 CDMR).

Results

Compared with SVD, CDMR was associated with increased risks of obesity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14-1.75, P = 0.002) and anemia (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.28-2.12, P < 0.001), but not with the risk of pneumonia (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.94-1.45, P = 0.17) or neurobehavioral disorders (aORs varied from 0.82 to 0.91, P > 0.05) in childhood.

Conclusions

Cesarean delivery, independent of cesarean indications, is likely associated with childhood obesity and anemia, indicating a need to keep pregnant women informed, especially those seeking CDMR, a need to explore possible improvement on obstetric service, and even a need for main stakeholders to reach a compromise in making a cesarean decision.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00133744 and NCT01404416

Gut microbiota and vitamin status in persons with obesity: A key interplay

There are numerous factors involved in obesity progression and maintenance including systemic low-grade inflammation, adipose tissue dysfunction, or gut microbiota dysbiosis. Recently, a growing interest has arisen for vitamins' role in obesity and related disorders, both at the host and gut bacterial level. Indeed, vitamins are provided mostly by food, but some, from the B and K groups in particular, can be synthesized by the gut bacterial ecosystem and absorbed in the colon. Knowing that vitamin deficiency can alter many important cellular functions and lead to serious health issues, it is important to carefully monitor the vitamin status of patients with obesity and potentially already existing comorbidities as well as to examine the dysbiotic gut microbiota and thus potentially altered bacterial metabolism of vitamins. In this review, we examined both murine and human studies, to assess the prevalence of sub-optimal levels of several vitamins in obesity and metabolic alterations. This review also examines the relationship between vitamins and the gut microbiota in terms of vitamin production and the modulation of the gut bacterial ecosystem in conditions of vitamin shortage or supplementation. Furthermore, some strategies to improve vitamin status of patients with severe obesity are proposed within this review.

Metagenomics studies for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

AIM

Mutation occurs in the prostate cell genes, leading to abnormal prostate proliferation and ultimately cancer. Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers amongst men, and its prevalence worldwide increases relative to men's age. About 16% of the world's cancers are the result of microbes in the human body. Impaired population balance of symbiosis microbes in the human reproductive system is linked to PC development.

DISCUSSION

With the advent of metagenomics science, the genome sequence of the microbiota of the human body has been unveiled. Therefore, it is now possible to identify a higher range of microbiome changes in PC tissue via the Next Generation Technique, which will have positive consequences in personalized medicine. In this review, we intend to question the role of metagenomics studies in the diagnosis and treatment of PC.

CONCLUSION

The microbial imbalance in the men's genital tract might have an effect on prostate health. Based on next-generation sequencing-generated data, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteriodetes are the nine frequent phyla detected in a PC sample, which might be involved in inducing mutation in the prostate cells that cause cancer.