Multiomics Study Reveals Enterococcus and Subdoligranulum Are Beneficial to Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Emergence of rare and low abundant anaerobic gut Firmicutes is associated with a significant downfall of Klebsiella in human colon cancer

Gut bacterial dysbiosis has been linked to several gastrointestinal diseases, including deadly colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. However, perturbation in gut bacteriome during colon cancer (CC, devoid of colorectal malignancy) remains poorly explored. Here, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was carried out for fecal DNA samples targeted to hypervariable V3-V4 region by employing MiSeq platform to explore the gut bacterial community shift in CC patients. While alpha diversity indices predicted high species richness and diversity, beta diversity showed marked gut bacterial compositional dissimilarity in CC versus healthy controls (HC, n = 10 each). We observed a significant (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test) emergence of low-abundant anaerobic taxa, including Parvimonas and Peptostreptococcus, in addition to Subdoligranulum, Coprococcus, Holdemanella, Solobacterium, Bilophila, Blautia, Dorea, Moryella and several unidentified taxa, mainly affiliated to Firmicutes, in CC patients. In addition, we also traced the emergence of putative probiotic taxon Slackia, belonging to Actinomycetota, in CC patients. The emergence of anaerobic Firmicutes in CC is accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decline in the Klebsiella, as determined through linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and heat tree analyses. Shifts in core microbiome and variation in network correlation were also witnessed. Taken together, this study highlighted a significant and consistent emergence of rare anaerobic Firmicutes suggesting possible anaerobiosis driving gut microbial community shift, which could be exploited in designing diagnostic and therapeutic tools targeted to CC.

Multi-omics combined to explore the purging mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex have been used together to treat constipation in the clinical practices for more than 2000 years. Nonetheless, their compatibility mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the amelioration of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma combined with Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex on constipation was systematically and comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that their compatibility could markedly shorten gastrointestinal transport time, increase fecal water content and frequency of defecation, improve gastrointestinal hormone disorders and protect colon tissue of constipation rats compared with the single drug. Furthermore, according to 16S rRNA sequencing in conjunction with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, the combination of two herbal medications could greatly raise the number of salutary bacteria (Lachnospiraceae, Romboutsia and Subdoligranulum) while decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Erysipelatoclostridiaceae). And two herb drugs could markedly improve the disorder of fecal metabolic profiles. A total of 7 different metabolites associated with constipation were remarkably shifted by the compatibility of two herbs, which were mainly related to arachidonic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and other metabolic ways. Thus, the regulation of intestinal microbiome and its metabolism could be a potential target for Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex herb pair to treat constipation. Furthermore, the multi-omics approach utilized in this study, which integrated the microbiome and metabolome, had potential for investigating the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines.

The effects of Mitragyna speciosa extracts on intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in vitro fecal fermentation

BACKGROUND

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has a long history of traditional use. It contains various alkaloids and polyphenols. The properties of kratom's alkaloids have been well-documented. However, the property of kratom's polyphenols in water-soluble phase have been less frequently reported. This study assessed the effects of water-soluble Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) extract (MSE) on gut microbiota and their metabolite production in fecal batch culture.

RESULTS

The water-soluble kratom extract (MSE0) and the water-soluble kratom extract after partial sugar removal (MSE50) both contained polyphenols, with total phenolic levels of 2037.91 ± 51.13 and 3997.95 ± 27.90 mg GAE/g extract, respectively and total flavonoids of 81.10 ± 1.00 and 84.60 ± 1.43 mg CEQ/g extract. The gut microbiota in fecal batch culture was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing at 0 and 24 h of fermentation. After fermentation, MSE50 stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium more than MSE0. MSE0 gave the highest total fatty acids level among the treatments. The phenolic metabolites produced by some intestinal microbiota during fecal fermentation at 24 h were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The major metabolite of biotransformation of both water-soluble MSEs by intestinal microbiota was pyrocatechol (9.85-11.53%).

CONCLUSION

The water-soluble MSEs and their produced metabolites could potentially be used as ingredients for functional and medicinal food production that supports specific gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of probiotic administration during pregnancy on the functional diversity of the gut microbiota in healthy pregnant women

Our study aims to investigate the impact of probiotic consumption during pregnancy on gut microbiota functional diversity in healthy pregnant women. Thirty-two pregnant women were randomly assigned to two groups. The probiotic group (PG) consisted of pregnant women who consumed triple viable Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus tablets from the 32nd week of pregnancy until delivery. The functional profiles of the gut microbiota were predicted through high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing results using PICRUSt software and referencing the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. In the gut microbiota of the PG, the genera Blautia and Ruminococcus, as well as the species Subdoligranulum, showed significantly higher relative abundances compared to the control group (CG) (P < 0.05). At Level 1 of the KEGG signaling pathways, there was a significant reduction in the functional genes of the gut microbiota involved in Organismal Systems in the PG (P < 0.05). In Level 2 of the KEGG signaling pathways, there was a significant reduction in the functional genes of the gut microbiota involved in Infectious Disease in the PG (P < 0.05). In Level 3 of the KEGG signaling pathways, the PG exhibited a significant increase in the functional genes of the gut microbiota involved in ABC transporters, Oxidative phosphorylation, Folate biosynthesis, and Biotin metabolism (P < 0.05). The CG showed a significant increase in the functional genes related to Cysteine and methionine metabolism, Vitamin B6 metabolism, Tuberculosis, and Vibrio cholerae pathogenic cycle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that probiotic supplementation during pregnancy has a significant impact on functional metabolism in healthy pregnant women.

IMPORTANCE

Probiotics are considered beneficial to human health. There is limited understanding of how probiotic consumption during pregnancy affects the functional diversity of the gut microbiota. The aim of our study is to investigate the impact of probiotic consumption during pregnancy on the functional diversity of the gut microbiota. Our findings suggest that probiotic supplementation during pregnancy has a significant impact on functional metabolism. This could potentially open up new avenues for preventing various pregnancy-related complications. This also provides new insights into the effects of probiotic consumption during pregnancy on the gut microbiota and offers a convenient method for exploring the potential mechanisms underlying the impact of probiotics on the gut microbiota of pregnant women.

Both viable Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis B8762 and heat-killed cells alleviate the intestinal inflammation of DSS-induced IBD rats

In view of the safety concerns of probiotics, more and more attention is paid to the beneficial effects of dead probiotics cells. Herein, we investigated and compared the alleviation effects of viable Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis B8762 (B. infantis B8762) and its heat-killed cells on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rats. Four groups of rats (n = 12 per group) were included: normal control, DSS-induced colitis rats without bacterial administration (DSS), DSS-induced colitis rats with viable B. infantis B8762 administration (VB8762), and DSS-induced colitis rats with dead B. infantis B8762 administration (DB8762). Our results showed that both VB8762 and DB8762 administration exerted significant protective effects on DSS-induced IBD rats, as evidenced by a reduction in mortality, disease activity index score, body weight loss, as well as decreased histology score, which were companied by a significant decrease in serum pro-inflammatory factors compared with DSS group, and a stronger effect on modulating the fecal microbiota alpha-diversity and beta-diversity compared with DSS group. Additionally, the fecal metabolome results showed that both VB8762 and DB8762 interventions indeed altered the fecal metabolome profile and related metabolic pathways of DSS-induced IBD rats. Therefore, given the alleviation effects on colitis, the DB8762 can be confirmed to be a postbiotic. Overall, our findings suggested that VB8762 and DB8762 had similar ability to alleviate IBD although with some differences. Due to the minimal safety concern of postbiotics, we propose that the postbiotic DB8762 could be a promising alternative to probiotics to be applied in the prevention and treatment of IBDs.IMPORTANCEInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has emerged as a global disease because of the worldwide spread of western diets and lifestyles during industrialization. Up to now, many probiotic strains are used as a modulator of gut microbiota or an enhancer of gut barrier to alleviate or cure IBD. However, there are still many issues of using probiotics, which were needed to be concerned about, for instance, safety issues in certain groups like neonates and vulnerable populations, and the functional differences between viable and dead microorganisms. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the beneficial effects of dead probiotics cells. The present study proved that both viable Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis B8762 and heat-killed cells could alleviate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in rats. The findings help to support that some heat-killed probiotics cells can also exert relevant biological functions and can be used as a postbiotic.

Initial diet shapes resistance-gene composition and fecal microbiome dynamics in young ruminants during nursing

This study was conducted to examine how colostrum pasteurization affects resistance genes and microbial communities in calf feces. Forty female Holstein calves were randomly assigned to either the control (CON) group, which received unheated colostrum, or the pasteurized colostrum (PAT) group. The calves body weight was measured weekly before morning feeding. Calf starter intake were measured and recorded daily before morning feeding. Samples of colostrum were collected before feeding. Blood was collected on d 1 and 70 before morning feeding. Ten calves were randomly selected from each group (n = 20 calves total) for fecal sampling on d 3, 28, 56 and 70 for subsequent DNA extraction and metagenomic sequencing. Total bacterial counts in the colostrum were markedly higher in the CON group than in the PAT group. Pasteurized colostrum administration substantially reduced the ARO diversity and diminishes the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, thereby decreasing their contribution to resistance genes. Pasteurization also reduced glucoside hydrolase-66 activity in 3-day-old calves which led to an increase in the activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics, resulting in 52.63 % of PAT-enriched bacteria acquiring aminoglycoside resistance genes. However, from the perspective of overall microbial community, the proportion of aminoglycoside, beta-lactam and tetracycline resistance genes carried by microbial community in PAT group was lower than CON group (P < 0.05). Fecal samples from the PAT group contained greater abundances of Subdoligranulum (P < 0.05) and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group (P < 0.05) on days 28 and 70 compared to CON. Network analysis and abundance variations of the different bacteria obtained by linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis showed that pasteurized colostrum feeding reduced the interactions among related bacteria and maintained stability of the hind-gut microbiome. In conclusion, these findings underscore the intricate interactions between early diet, calf resistance-gene transmission and microbial dynamics, which should be carefully considered in calf-rearing practices.

Using low-protein diet in egg production for win-win of productivity and environmental benefits should be prudent: Evidence from pilot test

A shortage of feed protein resources restricts poultry productivity. Key strategies to alleviate this problem include improvements to the structure of the gut microbiota by the appropriate intake of high-quality protein, improvements to the comprehensive protein utilization rate, and reducing the consumption of protein raw materials. In addition, damage to the environment caused by nitrogen emissions needs to be reduced. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of dietary protein levels on laying performance, host metabolism, ovarian health, nitrogen emissions, and the gut microbial structure and function of laying hens. In total, 360 hens at the age of 38 weeks were randomly allotted four treatments. Each of the groups consisted of nine replicates, with 10 birds per replicate, used for 12 weeks of study. Dietary protein levels of the four groups were 13.85 %, 14.41 %, 15.63 %, and 16.30 %. Results revealed that, compared with the 13.85 % crude protein (CP) group, the 15.63 % CP group experienced significantly enhanced final body weight, average daily gain, egg production, and egg mass. Compared with the 16.30 % CP group, the other groups' serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly reduced. Compared with the 16.30 % CP group, the 13.85 % and 15.63 % groups had increased CP utilization rates but reduced nitrogen emission rate, and daily per egg and per kilogram egg nitrogen emissions rose with increased dietary protein levels. Compared to the 13.85 % and 14.41 % CP groups, the 16.30 % CP group exhibited a significant increase in the expression of genes related to amino acids and carbohydrate metabolic pathways. According to the linear discriminant analysis effect size diagram, the predominant bacteria in the 15.63 % CP group (e.g., Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013) were significantly related to CP utilization. The results of this study emphasize that production performance is significantly reduced when protein levels are too low, whereas too high protein levels lead to gut microbiota imbalance and a reduction in the utilization efficiency of nutrients. Therefore, on the premise of ensuring the health of hens, the structure of the gut microbiota can be improved by appropriately reducing protein levels, which helps to balance the relationships among host health, productivity, resources, and the environment.

Lonicera caerulea L. polyphenols improve short-chain fatty acid levels by reshaping the microbial structure of fermented feces in vitro

Increasing evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely related to the gut microbiota. Polyphenols have been shown to alleviate T2DM, but the effects of L. caerulea L. polyphenols (LPs) on the gut microbiota and metabolites remain elusive. In this study, the inhibitory effects of fermented L. caerulea L. polyphenols (FLPs) and unfermented L. caerulea L. polyphenols (ULPs) on α-amylase and α-glucosidase and the impact of LP on the gut microbiota and metabolites were investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between the two was revealed through correlation analysis. The results showed that ULP and FLP had the highest inhibitory rates against α-amylase and α-glucosidase at 4 mg ml-1, indicating a strong inhibitory ability. In addition, LP plays a regulatory role in the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and tends to restore them to their normal levels. LP reversed the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota caused by T2DM, as evidenced by an increase in the abundance of bacterial genera such as Lactobacillus, Blautia, and Bacteroides and a decrease in the abundance of bacterial genera such as Escherichia-Shigella and Streptococcus. Similarly, after LP intervention, the relationships among microbial species became more complex and interconnected. In addition, the correlation between the gut microbiota and metabolites was established through correlation analysis. These further findings clarify the mechanism of action of LP against T2DM and provide a new target for T2DM interventions.

Metagenomic reconstructions of caecal microbiome in Landes, Roman and Zhedong White geese

1. The caecal microbiota in geese play a crucial role in determining the host's health, disease status and behaviour, as evidenced by extensive epidemiological data. The present investigation conducted 10× metagenomic sequencing of caecal content samples obtained from three distinct goose species, namely Landes geese, Roman geese and Zhedong White geese (n = 5), to explore the contribution of the gut microbiome to carbohydrate metabolism.2. In total, 337GB of Illumina data were generated, which identified 1,048,575 complete genes and construction of 331 metagenomic bins, encompassing 78 species from nine phyla. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteria were identified as the dominant phyla while Prevotella, Bacteroides, Streptococcus, and Subdoligranulum were the most abundant genera in the caecum of geese.3. The genes were allocated to 375 pathways using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analysis. The most abundant classes in the caecum of geese were confirmed to be glycoside hydrolases (GHs), glycosyl transferases (GTs), as identified through the carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) database mapping. Subdoligranulum variabile and Mediterraneibacter glycyrrhizinilyticus were discovered to potentially facilitate carbohydrate digestion in geese.4. Notwithstanding, further investigation and validation are required to establish a connection between these species and CAZymes. Based on binning analysis, Mediterraneibacter glycyrrhizinilyticus and Ruminococcus sp. CAG:177 are potential species in LD geese that contribute to the production of fatty liver.

Genome-Wide and 16S rRNA Sequencing-Based Analysis on the Health Effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei XLK401 on Chicks

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, serves as a growth promoter used in the poultry industry, contributeing to broiler development. However, practical studies are needed to determine the probiotic potential and growth-promoting effects of specific L. paracasei strains. This study aims to determine whether L. paracasei XLK401 influences broiler chicken growth and the mechanisms involved. Notably, we identified several bile salt and acid tolerance-related genes (Asp23, atpD, atpA, atpH, and atpF) in L. paracasei XLK401. This bacterium demonstrates robust probiotic properties under acidic conditions (pH 2.0) and 0.3% bile salt conditions. It also contains a variety of antioxidant-related genes (trxA, trxB, and tpx), carbohydrate-related genes, gene-encoding glycosidases (e.g., GH and GT), and three clusters of genes associated with antimicrobial compounds. Supplementation with L. paracasei XLK401 significantly increased the body weight of the chicks. In addition, it significantly increased hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC) while significantly decreasing the levels of oxidative damage factors and inflammatory factors (MDA and IL-6), resulting in improved chick health. Improvements in body weight and health status were associated with significant increases in α-amylase activity and the remodeling of the host gut microbiota by L. paracasei XLK401. Among them, actinobacteria abundance in chicken intestines after feeding them L. paracasei XLK401 was significantly decreased, Bifidobacterium sp. abundance was also significantly decreased, and Subdoligranulum sp. abundance was significantly increased. This suggests that L. paracasei XLK401 can regulate the abundance of certain bacteria without changing the overall microbial structure. In addition, in the correlation analysis, Subdoligranulums sp. were positively correlated with SOD and negatively correlated with IL-1β and MDA. Overall, our study demonstrates that L. paracasei XLK401 effectively promotes healthy chick growth. This is made possible by the modulation of gut microbe abundance and the underlying probiotic effect of L. paracasei XLK401. Based on these findings, we postulate L. paracasei XLK401 as a potential efficient growth promoter in broiler farming.

Necrotizing enterocolitis: recent advances in treatment with translational potential

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most prevalent and devastating gastrointestinal disorders in neonates. Despite advances in neonatal care, the incidence and mortality due to NEC remain high, highlighting the need to devise novel treatments for this disease. There have been a number of recent advancements in therapeutic approaches for the treatment of NEC; these involve remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), stem cell therapy, breast milk components (human milk oligosaccharides, exosomes, lactoferrin), fecal microbiota transplantation, and immunotherapy. This review summarizes the most recent advances in NEC treatment currently underway as well as their applicability and associated challenges and limitations, with the aim to provide new insight into the paradigm of care for NEC worldwide.

Assessment of causal associations among gut microbiota, metabolites, and celiac disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Background

A growing number of studies have implicated that gut microbial abundance and metabolite concentration alterations are associated with celiac disease (CD). However, the causal relationship underlying these associations is unclear. Here, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to reveal the causal effect of gut microbiota and metabolites on CD.

Methods

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary-level data for gut microbiota, metabolites, and CD were extracted from published GWASs. Causal bacterial taxa and metabolites for CD were determined by two-sample MR analyses. The robustness of the results was assessed with sensitivity analyses. Finally, reverse causality was investigated with a reverse MR analysis.

Results

Genetically, increased genus Bifidobacterium was potentially associated with higher CD risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.447, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.054-1.988, p = 0.022) while phylum Lentisphaerae (OR = 0.798, 95% CI: 0.648-0.983, p = 0.034) and genus Coprobacter (OR = 0.683, 95% CI: 0.531-0.880, p = 0.003) were related to lower CD risk. Moreover, there were suggestive associations between CD and the following seven metabolites: 1-oleoylglycerophosphoethanolamine, 1-palmitoylglycerophosphoethanolamine, 1,6-anhydroglucose, phenylacetylglutamine, tryptophan betaine, 10-undecenoate, and tyrosine. Sensitivity analyses deemed the results reliable without pleiotropy.

Conclusion

We investigated the causal relationships between gut microbiota, metabolites, and CD with two-sample MR. Our findings suggest several novel potential therapeutic targets for CD treatment. Further understanding of the underlying mechanism may provide insights into CD pathogenesis.

Effect of Cyberlindnera jadinii supplementation on growth performance, serum immunity, antioxidant status, and intestinal health in winter fur-growing raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cyberlindnera jadinii supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, serum biochemistry, immunity, antioxidant status, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs during the winter fur-growing period.

Methods

Forty-five 135 (±5) day-old male raccoon dogs were randomly assigned to three dietary groups supplemented with 0 (group N), 1 × 10⁹ (group L) and 5 × 10⁹ CFU/g (group H) Cyberlindnera jadinii, with 15 raccoon dogs per group.

Results

The results showed that Cyberlindnera jadinii in groups L and H improved average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed-to-weight ratio (F/G) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in nutrient digestibility and nitrogen metabolism among the three groups (P > 0.05). Compared with group N, serum glucose levels were lower in groups L and H (P < 0.05). The levels of serum immunoglobulins A and G in group L were higher than those in the other two groups (P < 0.05), and the levels of serum immunoglobulins A and M in group H were higher than those in group N (P < 0.05). Supplementation with Cyberlindnera jadinii in groups L and H increased serum superoxide dismutase activity, and the total antioxidant capacity in group H increased compared with group N (P < 0.05). The phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were dominant in raccoon dogs. The results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that the composition of microbiota in the three groups changed significantly (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Campylobacterota was increased in the H group compared to the N and L groups (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Sarcina was increased in group L compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05), while the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum and Blautia were decreased in group H compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). Also, the relative abundance of Prevotella, Sutterella and Catenibacterium was higher in group L (P < 0.05) compared with group H.

Discussion

In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Cyberlindnera jadinii improved growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune status, and improved intestinal microbiota in winter fur-growing raccoon dogs. Among the concentrations tested, 1 × 10⁹ CFU/g was the most effective level of supplementation.

Microbiome and metabolome associated with white spot lesions in patients treated with clear aligners

White spot lesions (WSLs) have long been a noteworthy complication during orthodontic treatment. Recently, an increasing number of orthodontists have found that adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners are at a higher risk of developing WSLs. The oral microbiota and metabolites are considered the etiologic and regulatory factors of WSLs, but the specific impact of clear aligners on the oral microbiota and metabolites is unknown. This study investigated the differences in the salivary microbiome and metabolome between adolescents with and without WSLs treated with clear aligners. Fifty-five adolescents (aged 11-18) with Invisalign appliances, 27 with and 28 without WSLs, were included. Saliva samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS); the data were further integrated for Spearman correlation analysis. The relative abundances of 14 taxa, including Actinobacteria, Actinomycetales, Rothia, Micrococcaceae, Subdoligranulum, Capnocytophaga, Azospira, Olsenella, Lachnoanaerobaculum, and Abiotrophia, were significantly higher in the WSL group than in the control group. Metabolomic analysis identified 27 potential biomarkers, and most were amino acids, including proline and glycine. The metabolites were implicated in 6 metabolic pathways, including alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; glycine, serine and threonine metabolism; and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. There was a correlation between the salivary microbial and metabolomic datasets, reflecting the impact of clear aligners on the metabolic activity of the oral flora. A concordant increase in the levels of Lachnoanaerobaculum, Rothia, Subdoligranulum and some amino acids had predictive value for WSL development. In summary, when adolescents undergo long-term clear aligner therapy with poor oral hygiene habits, clear aligners can disrupt the balance of the oral microecosystem and lead to oral microbiota dysbiosis, thereby increasing the risk of developing WSLs. Our findings might contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of WSLs and provide candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of WSLs associated with clear aligners.

Integrating microbiome and metabolome revealed microbe-metabolism interactions in the stomach of patients with different severity of peptic ulcer disease

Background

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a multi-cause illness with an unknown role for gastric flora and metabolism in its pathogenesis. In order to further understand the pathogenesis of gastric flora and metabolism in PUD, this study used histological techniques to analyze the microbiome and metabolome of gastric biopsy tissue. In this paper, our work described the complex interactions of phenotype-microbial-metabolite-metabolic pathways in PUD patients at different pathological stages.

Methods

Gastric biopsy tissue samples from 32 patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis, 24 patients with mucosal erosions, and 8 patients with ulcers were collected for the microbiome. UPLC-MS metabolomics was also used to detect gastric tissue samples. These datasets were analyzed individually and integrated using various bioinformatics methods.

Results

Our work found reduced diversity of gastric flora in patients with PUD. PUD patients at different pathological stages presented their own unique flora, and there were significant differences in flora phenotypes. Coprococcus_2, Phenylobacterium, Candidatus_Hepatoplasma, and other bacteria were found in the flora of people with chronic non-atrophic gastritis (HC). The representative flora of mucosal erosion (ME) had uncultured_bacterium_c_Subgroup_6, Sphingomonadaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, and uncultured_bacterium_f_Xanthobacteraceae. In comparison, the characteristic flora of the PUD group was the most numerous and complex, including Ruminococcus_2, Agathobacter, Alistipes, Helicobacter, Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium. Metabolomics identified and annotated 66 differential metabolites and 12 significantly different metabolic pathways. The comprehensive analysis correlated microorganisms with metabolites at different pathological stages and initially explored the complex interactions of phenotype-microbial-metabolite-metabolic pathways in PUD patients at different pathological stages.

Conclusion

Our research results provided substantial evidence to support some data on the analysis of the microbial community and its metabolism in the stomach, and they demonstrated many specific interactions between the gastric microbiome and the metabolome. Our study can help reveal the pathogenesis of PUD and indicate plausible disease-specific mechanisms for future studies from a new perspective.

Simo decoction curing spleen deficiency constipation was associated with brain-bacteria-gut axis by intestinal mucosal microbiota

Background

Simo decoction (SMD) is a traditional prescription for treating gastrointestinal diseases. More and more evidences prove that SMD can treat constipation by regulating intestinal microbiota and related oxidative stress indicators, but the specific mechanism is still unclear.

Methods

A network pharmacological analysis was used to predict the medicinal substances and potential targets of SMD to alleviate constipation. Then, 15 male mice were randomly divided into normal group (MN group), natural recovery group (MR group), and SMD treatment group (MT group). Constipation model mice were constructed by gavage of Folium sennae decoction and control of diet and drinking water, and SMD was used for intervention after successful modeling. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and fecal microbial activities were measured, and the intestinal mucosal microbiota was sequenced.

Result

Network pharmacology analysis showed that a total of 24 potential active components were obtained from SMD, and 226 target proteins were obtained after conversion. Meanwhile, we obtained 1,273 and 424 disease-related targets in the GeneCards database and the DisGeNET database, respectively. After combination and deduplication, the disease targets shared 101 targets with the potential active components of SMD. When the mice were intervened with SMD, the 5-HT, VIP, MDA, SOD content, and microbial activity in MT group were close to MN group, and Chao 1 and ACE in MT group were significantly higher than that in MR group. In the Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis, the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Alistipes, Subdoligranulum, Lactiplantibacillus, and Phascolarctobacterium in MT group increased. At the same time, there were some associations between microbiota and brain-gut peptides and oxidative stress indicators.

Conclusion

SMD can promote intestinal health and relieve constipation through brain-bacteria-gut axis associating with intestinal mucosal microbiota and alleviate oxidative stress.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The Role of Hypoxia, Gut Microbiome, and Microbial Metabolites

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening disease that predominantly affects very low birth weight preterm infants. Development of NEC in preterm infants is accompanied by high mortality. Surgical treatment of NEC can be complicated by short bowel syndrome, intestinal failure, parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, and neurodevelopmental delay. Issues surrounding pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of NEC remain unclear. This review summarizes data on prenatal risk factors for NEC, the role of pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth retardation in the pathogenesis of NEC. The role of hypoxia in NEC is discussed. Recent data on the role of the intestinal microbiome in the development of NEC, and features of the metabolome that can serve as potential biomarkers, are presented. The Pseudomonadota phylum is known to be associated with NEC in preterm neonates, and the role of other bacteria and their metabolites in NEC pathogenesis is also discussed. The most promising approaches for preventing and treating NEC are summarized.

Alterations of the intestinal microbiota in age-related macular degeneration

Purpose

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in those over the age of 50. Recently, intestinal microbiota has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases. The purpose of this study was to discover more about the involvement of the intestinal microbiota in AMD patients.

Methods

Fecal samples from 30 patients with AMD (AMD group) and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (control group) without any fundus disease were collected. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the samples were performed to identify intestinal microbial alterations. Further, we used BugBase for phenotypic prediction and PICRUSt2 for KEGG Orthology (KO) as well as metabolic feature prediction.

Results

The intestinal microbiota was found to be significantly altered in the AMD group. The AMD group had a significantly lower level of Firmicutes and relatively higher levels of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota compared to those in the control group. At the genus level, the AMD patient group showed a considerably higher proportion of Escherichia-Shigella and lower proportions of Blautia and Anaerostipes compared with those in the control group. Phenotypic prediction revealed obvious differences in the four phenotypes between the two groups. PICRUSt2 analysis revealed KOs and pathways associated with altered intestinal microbiota. The abundance of the top eight KOs in the AMD group was higher than that in the control group. These KOs were mainly involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicated that AMD patients had different gut microbiota compared with healthy controls, and that AMD pathophysiology might be linked to changes in gut-related metabolic pathways. Therefore, intestinal microbiota might serve as non-invasive indicators for AMD clinical diagnosis and possibly also as AMD treatment targets.

Effects of Kadsura coccinea L. Fruit Extract on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Immunity, Antioxidant, Intestinal Morphology and Flora of White-Feathered Broilers

This study aimed to determine whether adding Kadsura coccinea fruit extract to the diet of broilers could replace antibiotics. For this study, 300 one-day-old AA white feathered broilers were divided into five groups (no sex separated), with six repetitions per group (n = 10), as follows: blank control group (basal feed, CK group), positive drug (basal feed + 300 mg/kg aureomycin, PD group), and Kadsura coccinea low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups (basal feed + 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg of Kadsura coccinea fruit extract, LD group, MD group and HD group). The experiment period was divided into early (1−21 days) and late (22−42 days) stage. We found that supplementation with Kadsura coccinea fruit extract in the diet significantly improved the growth performance of broilers (p < 0.05), reduced the feed to meat ratio (p < 0.05), reduced the fat percentage (p < 0.05), while had no significant effect on meat quality (p > 0.05) and Kadsura coccinea fruit extract could promote the development of immune organs to different extents, enhance antioxidant capacity, the contents of SOD and GSH-Px in serum were significantly increased (p < 0.05), improve the ratio of villus height to crypt depth. Finally, Kadsura coccinea fruit extract increased the relative abundance of probiotics and beneficial bacteria (Bacteroidales, NK4A214, Subdoligranulum and Eubacterium hallii) (p < 0.05) and reduced the relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Erysipelatoclostridium) (p < 0.05) in the gut of broilers. Compared with positive drug group, most of the indexes in the medium-dose group were better or had similar effects. We believe that Kadsura coccinea fruit extract can be used as a potential natural antibiotic substitute in livestock and poultry breeding programs.

Correlation between Serum Steroid Hormones and Gut Microbiota in Patients with Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease

Alcohol-associated liver disease is a major public health concern globally. Alterations of steroid hormones and gut microbiota were both found in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease. However, their correlation has not been well characterized in these patients. In this study, we measured the level of 30 steroid hormones in serum and fecal samples collected from non-alcoholic controls, patients with alcohol use disorder, and patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis. The profile of serum and fecal steroid hormones was quite different in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis from that in patients with alcohol use disorder and control subjects. Stronger alterations were observed in male patients than in females. Correlations were found not only between serum steroids and gut bacteria but also between serum steroids and gut fungi. These correlations need to be taken into consideration during the development of treatment strategies for alcohol-associated liver disease.

Drinking Water Supplemented with Acidifiers Improves the Growth Performance of Weaned Pigs and Potentially Regulates Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Gastrointestinal Microbiota Diversity

This study evaluated the potential effects of adding acidifiers to the drinking water on the growth performance, complete blood count, antioxidant indicators, and diversity of gastrointestinal microbiota for weaned pigs. A total of 400 weaned pigs were randomly divided into four treatments. Pigs were fed the same basal diet and given either water (no acidifier was added, control) or water plus blends of different formulas of acidifiers (acidifier A1, A2, or A3) for 35 days. On d 18 and 35 of the experimental period, 64 pigs (four pigs per pen) were randomly selected to collect blood for a CBC test (n = 128) and an antioxidant indicators test (n = 128); 24 pigs (six pigs per group) were randomly selected to collect fresh feces (n = 48) from the rectum for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared to the control, supplementing the drinking water with acidifiers improved the growth performance and survival rate of weaned pigs. Acidifier groups also increased serum catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities, while also displaying a decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to the control. The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the acidifier A1 group was greater than that in the control group (p < 0.05) on d 35; the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the acidifier A1 group was greater than that in the control group (p < 0.05) on d 18 and 35. The microbial species Subdoligranulum or Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 had significantly positive correlations with ADG and ADFI or with serum antioxidant indicators, respectively. These findings suggest that supplementing the drinking water with an acidifier has a potential as an antioxidant, which was reflected in the improvement of growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora.