Sucralose Promotes Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Risk in a Murine Model Along With Changes in Microbiota

Elevated risk of adverse effects from foodborne contaminants and drugs in inflammatory bowel disease: a review

The global burden of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been rising over the last decades. IBD is an intestinal disorder with a complex and largely unknown etiology. The disease is characterized by a chronically inflamed gastrointestinal tract, with intermittent phases of exacerbation and remission. This compromised intestinal barrier can contribute to, enhance, or even enable the toxicity of drugs, food-borne chemicals and particulate matter. This review discusses whether the rising prevalence of IBD in our society warrants the consideration of IBD patients as a specific population group in toxicological safety assessment. Various in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro models are discussed that can simulate hallmarks of IBD and may be used to study the effects of prevalent intestinal inflammation on the hazards of these various toxicants. In conclusion, risk assessments based on healthy individuals may not sufficiently cover IBD patient safety and it is suggested to consider this susceptible subgroup of the population in future toxicological assessments.

Sucralose triggers insulin resistance leading to follicular dysplasia in mice

Sucralose, the extensively utilized sweetener, might lead to metabolic disorders with prolonged consumption, but it remains uncertain if sucralose has any impact on female reproductive health. We incorporated sucralose into drinking water and observed food intake, body weight, estrous cycle, follicular development, serum hormones, and insulin sensitivity of mice. The mice did not experience any changes in their food intake or body weight after consuming sucralose. However, they displayed irregularities in the estrous cycle, marked by a reduced count of primordial, primary, and secondary follicles, coupled with a significant increase in the number of antral follicles. There was a decline in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) levels, while testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels surged, leading to a notable elevation in the LH / FSH ratio. Sucralose also induced insulin resistance, as evidenced by elevated insulin levels and impaired insulin tolerance, which responded to an increase in bacterial-derived serum endotoxin. By eliminating insulin resistance with rosiglitazone (RSG), eradicating intestinal flora-derived endotoxins with neomycin (NEO), or enhancing intestinal barrier function with indole-3-carbinol (I3C), the abnormalities in estrous cycle, disruptions in follicular development, hormonal imbalances and elevation in serum endotoxins induced by sucralose were successfully reversed. The present study indicates that sucralose-induced follicular dysplasia in mice is probably related to impaired intestinal permeability, infiltration of endotoxins, initiation of systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance.

A review of the state of sweeteners science: the natural versus artificial non-caloric sweeteners debate. Stevia rebaudiana and Siraitia grosvenorii into the spotlight

The rapid increase in the worldwide prevalence of obesity and certain non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as: cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, has been mainly attributed to an excess of sugar consumption. Although the potential benefits of the synergetic use of sweeteners have been known for many years, recent development based on synthesis strategies to produce sucrose-like taste profiles is emerging where biocatalyst approaches may be preferred to produce and supply specific sweetener compounds. From a nutritional standpoint, high-intensity sweeteners have fewer calories than sugars while providing a major sweet potency, placing them in the spotlight as valuable alternatives to sugar. Due to the modern world awareness and incidence of metabolic diseases, both food research and growing markets have focused on two generally regarded as safe (GRAS) groups of compounds: the sweet diterpenoid glycosides present on the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana and, more recently, on the cucurbitane triterpene glycosides present on the fruits of Siraitia grosvenorii. In spite of their flavor advantages, biological benefits, including: antidiabetic, anticancer, and cardiovascular properties, have been elucidated. The present bibliographical review dips into the state-of-the-art of sweeteners and their role in human health as sugar replacements, as well as the biotransformation methods for steviol gylcosides and mogrosides apropos of enzymatic technology to update and locate the discoveries to date in the scientific literature to help boost the continuity of research efforts of the ongoing sweeteners.

Unveiling the profound influence of sucralose on metabolism and its role in shaping obesity trends

Artificial sweeteners, prominently exemplified by sucralose, have become pervasive in contemporary diets, prompting intriguing questions about their impact on metabolism and their potential role in the unfolding trends of obesity. Covering topics from its discovery to analytical methods for detection and determination in food samples, the manuscript scrutinizes the metabolic effects of sucralose. Notably, the association between sucralose intake and obesity is examined, challenging the conventional belief of its role in weight management. The document comprehensively examines in vivo studies, revealing sucralose's implications on insulin resistance, gut microbiota, and metabolic syndrome, providing a nuanced comprehension of its impact on human health. Additionally, it explores sucralose's effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health, underscoring its possible involvement in malignancy development. The review concludes with a call for increased public awareness, education, and updated dietary guidelines to help individuals make informed choices about sweetener consumption. The future perspectives section highlights the need for longitudinal studies, exploring alternative sweeteners, and refining acceptable daily intake limits to ensure public health recommendations align with evolving regulatory guidelines. Overall, the manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of sucralose's multifaceted impact on health, urging further research and a balanced perspective on sweetener consumption.

Interactions between toll-like receptors signaling pathway and gut microbiota in host homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of fundamental pattern recognition receptors in the innate immune system, constituting the first line of defense against endogenous and exogenous antigens. The gut microbiota, a collection of commensal microorganisms in the intestine, is a major source of exogenous antigens. The components and metabolites of the gut microbiota interact with specific TLRs to contribute to whole-body immune and metabolic homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to summarize the interaction between the gut microbiota and TLR signaling pathways and to enumerate the role of microbiota dysbiosis-induced TLR signaling pathways in obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer (CRC).

RESULTS

Through the recognition of TLRs, the microbiota facilitates the development of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, while the immune system monitors dynamic changes in the commensal bacteria to maintain the balance of the host-microorganism symbiosis. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can induce a cascade of inflammatory and metabolic responses mediated by TLR signaling pathways, potentially resulting in various metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the crosstalk between TLRs and the gut microbiota contributes to potential therapeutic applications in related diseases, offering new avenues for treatment strategies in conditions like obesity, IBD, and CRC.

Ultra-processed foods and food additives in gut health and disease

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and food additives have become ubiquitous components of the modern human diet. There is increasing evidence of an association between diets rich in UPFs and gut disease, including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. Food additives are added to many UPFs and have themselves been shown to affect gut health. For example, evidence shows that some emulsifiers, sweeteners, colours, and microparticles and nanoparticles have effects on a range of outcomes, including the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation. Broadly speaking, evidence for the effect of UPFs on gut disease comes from observational epidemiological studies, whereas, by contrast, evidence for the effect of food additives comes largely from preclinical studies conducted in vitro or in animal models. Fewer studies have investigated the effect of UPFs or food additives on gut health and disease in human intervention studies. Hence, the aim of this article is to critically review the evidence for the effects of UPF and food additives on gut health and disease and to discuss the clinical application of these findings.

Stevioside Ameliorates Palmitic Acid-Induced Abnormal Glucose Uptake via the PDK4/AMPK/TBC1D1 Pathway in C2C12 Myotubes

BACKGROUND

Stevioside (SV) with minimal calories is widely used as a natural sweetener in beverages due to its high sweetness and safety. However, the effects of SV on glucose uptake and the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoenzyme (PDK4) as an important protein in the regulation of glucose metabolism, remain largely unexplored. In this study, we used C2C12 skeletal muscle cells that was induced by palmitic acid (PA) to assess the effects and mechanisms of SV on glucose uptake and PDK4.

METHODS

The glucose uptake of C2C12 cells was determined by 2-NBDG; expression of the Pdk4 gene was measured by quantitative real-time PCR; and expression of the proteins PDK4, p-AMPK, TBC1D1 and GLUT4 was assessed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

In PA-induced C2C12 myotubes, SV could significantly promote cellular glucose uptake by decreasing PDK4 levels and increasing p-AMPK and TBC1D1 levels. SV could promote the translocation of GLUT4 from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane in cells. Moreover, in Pdk4-overexpressing C2C12 myotubes, SV decreased the level of PDK4 and increased the levels of p-AMPK and TBC1D1.

CONCLUSION

SV was found to ameliorate PA-induced abnormal glucose uptake via the PDK4/AMPK/TBC1D1 pathway in C2C12 myotubes. Although these results warranted further investigation for validation, they may provide some evidence of SV as a safe natural sweetener for its use in sugar-free beverages to prevent and control T2DM.

Diet-Induced Gut Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut Syndrome

Chronic gut inflammation promotes the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity. There is growing evidence which suggests that dysbiosis in gut microbiota and metabolites disrupt the integrity of the intestinal barrier and significantly impact the level of inflammation in various tissues, including the liver and adipose tissues. Moreover, dietary sources are connected to the development of leaky gut syndrome through their interaction with the gut microbiota. This review examines the effects of these factors on intestinal microorganisms and the communication pathways between the gut-liver and gut-brain axis. The consumption of diets rich in fats and carbohydrates has been found to weaken the adherence of tight junction proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, this allows endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharides produced by detrimental bacteria, to permeate through portal veins, leading to metabolic endotoxemia and alterations in the gut microbiome composition with reduced production of metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids. However, the precise correlation between gut microbiota and alternative sweeteners remains uncertain, necessitating further investigation. This study highlights the significance of exploring the impact of diet on gut microbiota and the underlying mechanisms in the gut-liver and gut-brain axis. Nevertheless, limited research on the gut-liver axis poses challenges in comprehending the intricate connections between diet and the gut-brain axis. This underscores the need for comprehensive studies to elucidate the intricate gut-brain mechanisms underlying intestinal health and microbiota.

The non-nutritive sweetener sucralose increases β-arrestin signaling at the constitutively active orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR52

Non-nutritive sweeteners are popular food additives owing to their low caloric density and powerful sweetness relative to natural sugars. Their lack of metabolism contributes to evidence proclaiming their safety, yet several studies contradict this, demonstrating that sweeteners activate sweet taste G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and elicit deleterious metabolic functions through unknown mechanisms. We hypothesize that activation of GPCRs, particularly orphan receptors due to their abundance in metabolically active tissues, contributes to the biological activity of sweeteners. We quantified the response of 64 orphans to the sweeteners saccharin and sucralose using a high-throughput β-arrestin-2 recruitment assay (PRESTO-Tango). GPR52 was the sole receptor that significantly responded to a mixture of sucralose and saccharin. Subsequent experiments revealed sucralose as the activating sweetener. Activation of GPR52 was concentration-dependent, with an EC50 of 0.23 mmol/L and an Emax of 3.43 ± 0.24 fold change at 4 mmol/L. GPR52 constitutively activates CRE pathways; however, we show that sucralose-induced activation of GPR52 does not further activate this pathway. Identification of this novel sucralose-GPCR interaction supports the notion that sucralose elicits off-target signaling through the activation of GPR52, calling into question sucralose's assumed lack of bioactivity.

Effects of four food hydrocolloids on colitis and their regulatory effect on gut microbiota

Hydrocolloids are important food additives and have potential regulatory effects on gut microbiota. The development of colitis is closely related to changes in gut microbiota. The effect of food hydrocolloids on the structure of the gut microbiota and their impact on colitis has not been well investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of four hydrocolloids (carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, and pectin) on colitis, and explored their regulatory effects on gut microbiota. The results indicated that pectin and guar effectively alleviated body weight loss and disease activity index, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels, and promoted short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. They increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, Oscillospira, and Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia abundance had a negative correlation with the severity of colitis. In contrast, carrageenan and xanthan gum did not significantly improve colitis, and carrageenan reduced the production of SCFAs. Both carrageenan and xanthan gum increased the abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus, and Ruminococcus abundance was positively correlated with the severity of colitis. These findings suggest that food additives have an impact on host health and provide guidance for the diet of patients with colitis.

Consumption of sucralose- and acesulfame-potassium-containing diet soda alters the relative abundance of microbial taxa at the species level: findings of two pilot studies

Sucralose and acesulfame-potassium consumption alters gut microbiota in rodents, with unclear effects in humans. We examined effects of three-times daily sucralose- and acesulfame-potassium-containing diet soda consumption for 1 (n = 17) or 8 (n = 8) weeks on gut microbiota composition in young adults. After 8 weeks of diet soda consumption, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, specifically Enterobacteriaceae, increased; and, increased abundance of two Proteobacteria taxa was also observed after 1 week of diet soda consumption compared with sparkling water. In addition, three taxa in the Bacteroides genus increased following 1 week of diet soda consumption compared with sparkling water. The clinical relevance of these findings and effects of sucralose and acesulfame-potassium consumption on human gut microbiota warrant further investigation in larger studies. Clinical trial registration: NCT02877186 and NCT03125356.

The Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Intestinal Nutrient-Sensing Receptors: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?

The consumption of artificial and low-calorie sweeteners (ASs, LCSs) is an important component of the Western diet. ASs play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and various inflammatory conditions. Intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors act as a crosstalk between dietary components, the gut microbiota, and the regulation of immune, endocrinological, and neurological responses. This narrative review aimed to summarize the possible effects of ASs and LCSs on intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors and their related functions. Based on the findings of various studies, long-term AS consumption has effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors in modulating incretin hormones, antimicrobial peptides, and cytokine secretion. These effects contribute to the regulation of glucose metabolism, ion transport, gut permeability, and inflammation and modulate the gut-brain, and gut-kidney axes. Based on the conflicting findings of several in vitro, in vivo, and randomized and controlled studies, artificial sweeteners may have a role in the pathogenesis of IBDs, functional bowel diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancers via the modulation of nutrient-sensing receptors. Further studies are needed to explore the exact mechanisms underlying their effects to decide the risk/benefit ratio of sugar intake reduction via AS and LCS consumption.

Sweets and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Patients Favor Artificial Sweeteners and Diet Foods/Drinks Over Table Sugar and Consume Less Fruits/Vegetables

BACKGROUND

While artificial sweeteners are deemed safe, preclinical studies indicate that artificial sweeteners contribute to gastrointestinal inflammation. Little is known about patients' perceptions and consumption of artificial sweeteners in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We surveyed the consumption frequency and beliefs of IBD patients and control participants regarding artificial sweeteners.

METHODS

We surveyed 130 individuals (IBD patients, n = 93; control/non-IBD participants, n = 37) among our tertiary hospital population to determine consumption frequency and beliefs regarding artificial sweeteners (Splenda/sucralose, Stevia/stevia, NutraSweet/Equal/aspartame). A 14-question questionnaire surveyed the frequency of 9 dietary habits, preferences, and beliefs on health benefits of commercial artificial sweeteners, using the following as positive and negative control questions: table sugar, water, fruits/vegetables, and coconut-oil, among others.

RESULTS

Despite the similarity in yes/no consumption data, artificial sweeteners (Q4 t test P = .023) and diet (low calorie) foods/drinks (Q4 t test P = .023) were consumed more frequently by patients with IBD than by control participants, while no difference in preference for water instead of juices/sodas was observed between IBD patients and control participants. Conversely, patients with IBD consumed table sugar less frequently than control participants (Q1 t test-P = .09), in agreement with their reporting of sugary foods as cause of symptoms (P < .01). A positive correlation was observed between artificial sweeteners and fresh fruits/vegetables among the first 31 IBD patients (Spearman P = .017) and confirmed with 62 new IBD patients (r = 0.232; 95% CI, 0.02-0.43; P = .031), indicating that artificial sweeteners are deemed a healthy habit in IBD. Excluding fresh fruits/vegetables, multivariate analyses to develop surrogate principal component analysis indexes of healthy habits confirmed that artificial sweeteners consumption follows healthy preferences among our IBD patients (adjusted P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of artificial sweeteners correlated with healthy habits, suggesting that our IBD population deemed artificial sweeteners as healthy and/or had preferences for naturally or artificially sweetened flavors and products.

Sweeteners and the Gut Microbiome: Effects on Gastrointestinal Cancers

Worldwide, the demand for natural and synthetic sweeteners in the food industry as an alternative to refined sugar is increasing. This has prompted more research to be conducted to estimate its safety and effects on health. The gut microbiome is critical in metabolizing selected sweeteners which might affect overall health. Recently, more studies have evaluated the relationship between sweeteners and the gut microbiome. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role played by the gut microbiome in metabolizing selected sweeteners. It also addresses the influence of the five selected sweeteners and their metabolites on GI cancer-related pathways. Overall, the observed positive effects of sweetener consumption on GI cancer pathways, such as apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, require further investigation in order to understand the underlying mechanism.

Toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of sucralose-6-acetate and its parent sucralose: in vitro screening assays

The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of sucralose-6-acetate, a structural analog of the artificial sweetener sucralose. Sucralose-6-acetate is an intermediate and impurity in the manufacture of sucralose, and recent commercial sucralose samples were found to contain up to 0.67% sucralose-6-acetate. Studies in a rodent model found that sucralose-6-acetate is also present in fecal samples with levels up to 10% relative to sucralose which suggest that sucralose is also acetylated in the intestines. A MultiFlow® assay, a high-throughput genotoxicity screening tool, and a micronucleus (MN) test that detects cytogenetic damage both indicated that sucralose-6-acetate is genotoxic. The mechanism of action was classified as clastogenic (produces DNA strand breaks) using the MultiFlow® assay. The amount of sucralose-6-acetate in a single daily sucralose-sweetened drink might far exceed the threshold of toxicological concern for genotoxicity (TTCgenotox) of 0.15 µg/person/day. The RepliGut® System was employed to expose human intestinal epithelium to sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose, and an RNA-seq analysis was performed to determine gene expression induced by these exposures. Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer with greatest expression for the metallothionein 1 G gene (MT1G). Measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability in human transverse colon epithelium indicated that sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose both impaired intestinal barrier integrity. Sucralose-6-acetate also inhibited two members of the cytochrome P450 family (CYP1A2 and CYP2C19). Overall, the toxicological and pharmacokinetic findings for sucralose-6-acetate raise significant health concerns regarding the safety and regulatory status of sucralose itself.

Ultra-processed foods as a possible culprit for the rising prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. It is believed that IBD develops in response to a complex interaction between the microbiota, environmental factors, and the immune system, in genetically predisposed individuals. Identifying these environmental factors will offer more insight in the development of the disease, and reveal new therapeutic targets for IBD patients. One of the environmental factors that has gained more interest over the last years is our diet. The prevalence of IBD has increased significantly and this increase is thought to be associated with a ‘Western diet', characterized by high intake of fats, added sugar, meat, and ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The UPFs now account for almost 50% of the energy intake in Westernized countries and are therefore an important characteristic of this Western diet. UPFs are characterized by higher amounts of salt, fat, sugar and the presence of different food additives. Epidemiological studies have found associations between UPF intake and a range of non-communicable diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that non-nutritive ingredients and additives, present in UPFs, can negatively affect different components of the intestinal barrier, such as the microbiota, the mucus layer, the epithelium, and the immune cells in the lamina propria. Disruption of this barrier can cause the immune system to encounter an increased bacterial exposure, leading to an aberrant immune response. In this article, the available evidence on the possible role of UPFs and their components in the increasing incidence and prevalence of IBD is reviewed. These findings can be translated to the clinic and may be helpful to consider when giving dietary advice to IBD patients. A better understanding of the role of UPFs may lead to less restrictive diets for patients with IBD, hence increasing the dietary compliance and efficacy of exclusion diets.

Association of ultra-processed food consumption with colorectal cancer risk among men and women: results from three prospective US cohort studies

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and risk of colorectal cancer among men and women from three large prospective cohorts.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study with dietary intake assessed every four years using food frequency questionnaires.

SETTING

Three large US cohorts.

PARTICIPANTS

Men (n= 46 341) from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2014) and women (n=159 907) from the Nurses' Health Study (1986-2014; n=67 425) and the Nurses' Health Study II (1991-2015; n=92 482) with valid dietary intake measurement and no cancer diagnosis at baseline.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Association between ultra-processed food consumption and risk of colorectal cancer, estimated using time varying Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

3216 cases of colorectal cancer (men, n=1294; women, n=1922) were documented during the 24-28 years of follow-up. Compared with those in the lowest fifth of ultra-processed food consumption, men in the highest fifth of consumption had a 29% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (hazard ratio for highest versus lowest fifth 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.53; P for trend=0.01), and the positive association was limited to distal colon cancer (72% increased risk; hazard ratio 1.72, 1.24 to 2.37; P for trend<0.001). These associations remained significant after further adjustment for body mass index or indicators of nutritional quality of the diet (that is, western dietary pattern or dietary quality score). No association was observed between overall ultra-processed food consumption and risk of colorectal cancer among women. Among subgroups of ultra-processed foods, higher consumption of meat/poultry/seafood based ready-to-eat products (hazard ratio for highest versus lowest fifth 1.44, 1.20 to 1.73; P for trend<0.001) and sugar sweetened beverages (1.21, 1.01 to 1.44; P for trend=0.013) among men and ready-to-eat/heat mixed dishes among women (1.17, 1.01 to 1.36; P for trend=0.02) was associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer; yogurt and dairy based desserts were negatively associated with the risk of colorectal cancer among women (hazard ratio 0.83, 0.71 to 0.97; P for trend=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In the three large prospective cohorts, high consumption of total ultra-processed foods in men and certain subgroups of ultra-processed foods in men and women was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to better understand the potential attributes of ultra-processed foods that contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis.

Large scale text mining for deriving useful insights: A case study focused on microbiome

Text mining has been shown to be an auxiliary but key driver for modeling, data harmonization, and interpretation in bio-medicine. Scientific literature holds a wealth of information and embodies cumulative knowledge and remains the core basis on which mechanistic pathways, molecular databases, and models are built and refined. Text mining provides the necessary tools to automatically harness the potential of text. In this study, we show the potential of large-scale text mining for deriving novel insights, with a focus on the growing field of microbiome. We first collected the complete set of abstracts relevant to the microbiome from PubMed and used our text mining and intelligence platform Taxila for analysis. We drive the usefulness of text mining using two case studies. First, we analyze the geographical distribution of research and study locations for the field of microbiome by extracting geo mentions from text. Using this analysis, we were able to draw useful insights on the state of research in microbiome w. r.t geographical distributions and economic drivers. Next, to understand the relationships between diseases, microbiome, and food which are central to the field, we construct semantic relationship networks between these different concepts central to the field of microbiome. We show how such networks can be useful to derive useful insight with no prior knowledge encoded.

Food Additives Associated with Gut Microbiota Alterations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Friends or Enemies?

During the 21st century, the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising globally. Despite the pathogenesis of IBD remaining largely unclear, the interactions between environmental exposure, host genetics and immune response contribute to the occurrence and development of this disease. Growing evidence implicates that food additives might be closely related to IBD, but the involved molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Food additives may be categorized as distinct types in accordance with their function and property, including artificial sweeteners, preservatives, food colorant, emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners and so on. Various kinds of food additives play a role in modifying the interaction between gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation. Therefore, this review comprehensively synthesizes the current evidence on the interplay between different food additives and gut microbiome alterations, and further elucidates the potential mechanisms of food additives–associated microbiota changes involved in IBD.

Effect of T1R3 Taste Receptor Gene Deletion on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Taste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R3) recognize umami or sweet tastes and also contributes type 2 immunity and autophagy in small intestine and muscle cells, respectively. Since imbalance of type 1 and type 2 immunity and autophagy affect intestinal bowel disease (IBD), we hypothesized that T1R3 have a potential role in the incidence and progression of colitis. In the present study, we investigated whether genetic deletion of T1R3 impacted aggravation of DSS-induced colitis in mice. We found that T1R3-KO mice showed reduction in colon damage, including reduced inflammation and colon shrinking relative to those of WT mice following DSS treatment. mRNA expression of tight junction components, particularly claudin1 was significantly lower in T1R3-KO mice with trend to lower inflammation related gene mRNA expression in colon. Other parameters, such as response to microbial stimuli in splenic lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages, gut microbiota composition, and expression of autophagy-related proteins, were similar between WT and KO mice. Together, these results indicated that deletion of T1R3 has a minor role in intestinal inflammation induced by DSS-induced acute colitis in mice.

Chemically Induced Colitis-Associated Cancer Models in Rodents for Pharmacological Modulation: A Systematic Review

Animal models for colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CACC) represent an important tool to explore the mechanistic basis of cancer-related inflammation, providing important evidence that several inflammatory mediators play specific roles in the initiation and perpetuation of colitis and CACC. Although several original articles have been published describing the CACC model in rodents, there is no consensus about the induction method. This review aims to identify, summarize, compare, and discuss the chemical methods for the induction of CACC through the PRISMA methodology.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE via the Pubmed platform for studies published through March 2021, using a highly sensitive search expression. The inclusion criteria were only original articles, articles where a chemically-induced animal model of CACC is described, preclinical studies in vivo with rodents, and articles published in English.

RESULTS

Chemically inducible models typically begin with the administration of a carcinogenic compound (as azoxymethane (AOM) or 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)), and inflammation is caused by repeated cycles of colitis-inducing agents (such as 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) or dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)). The strains mostly used are C57BL/6 and Balb/c with 5-6 weeks. To characterize the preclinical model, the parameters more used include body weight, stool consistency and morbidity, inflammatory biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, angiogenesis markers such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), marker of proliferation Ki-67, and caspase 3, the presence of ulcers, thickness or hyperemia in the colon, and histological evaluation of inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The AOM administration seems to be important to the CACC induction method, since the carcinogenic effect is achieved with just one administration. DSS has been the more used inflammatory agent; however, the TNBS contribution should be more studied, since it allows a reliable, robust, and a highly reproducible animal model of intestinal inflammation.

Ten-Week Sucralose Consumption Induces Gut Dysbiosis and Altered Glucose and Insulin Levels in Healthy Young Adults

Sucralose consumption alters microbiome and carbohydrate metabolism in mouse models. However, there are no conclusive studies in humans. Our goals were to examine the effect of sucralose consumption on the intestinal abundance of bacterial species belonging to Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes and explore potential associations between microbiome profiles and glucose and insulin blood levels in healthy young adults. In this open-label clinical trial, volunteers randomly drank water, as a control (n = 20), or 48 mg sucralose (n = 20), every day for ten weeks. At the beginning and the end of the study, participants were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to measure serum glucose and insulin every 15 min for 3 h and provided fecal samples to assess gut microbiota using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Sucralose intake altered the abundance of Firmicutes without affecting Actinobacteria or Bacteroidetes. Two-way ANOVA revealed that volunteers drinking sucralose for ten weeks showed a 3-fold increase in Blautia coccoides and a 0.66-fold decrease in Lactobacillus acidophilus compared to the controls. Sucralose consumption increased serum insulin and the area under the glucose curve compared to water. Long-term sucralose ingestion induces gut dysbiosis associated with altered insulin and glucose levels during an OGTT.

Alterations in gut microbiota and elevated serum bilirubin in primary biliary cholangitis patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of primary bile cholangitis (PBC) is linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. This study investigated the association between the gut microbiome and elevated total bilirubin (TB) level in PBC patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UCDA).

METHODS

A total of 47 PBC patients with 12 months of UCDA treatment were enrolled. Patients were divided into the TB (+) (TB>1× upper limit of the normal range [ULN]; n = 20) and TB(-) (TB≤1× ULN; n = 27) groups. Stool and serum specimens were collected, and microbiota composition and functional characteristics in the 2 groups were evaluated by 16S RNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS

Bacterial diversity was lower in the TB(+) group than in the TB(-) group, although there was no significant difference in bacterial community profile. The phylum Saccharibacteria showed differential abundance in the 2 groups. Meanwhile, the TB(-) group had lower abundance of the Gemmiger, Blautia, Anaerostipes and Coprococcus genera than the TB(+) group, whereas Holdemania was absent. The abundance of Gemmiger formicillis and Coprococcus eutactus was positively correlated with that of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, while Blautia, Anaerostipes and Coprococcus were negatively correlated with total bile acid level.

CONCLUSION

TB level in PBC patients treated for 12 months with UCDA is associated with a distinct gut microbiome profile.

Food Additives, a Key Environmental Factor in the Development of IBD through Gut Dysbiosis

Diet is a key environmental factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and, at the same time, represents one of the most promising therapies for IBD. Our daily diet often contains food additives present in numerous processed foods and even in dietary supplements. Recently, researchers and national authorities have been paying much attention to their toxicity and effects on gut microbiota and health. This review aims to gather the latest data focusing on the potential role of food additives in the pathogenesis of IBDs through gut microbiota modulation. Some artificial emulsifiers and sweeteners can induce the dysbiosis associated with an alteration of the intestinal barrier, an activation of chronic inflammation, and abnormal immune response accelerating the onset of IBD. Even if most of these results are retrieved from in vivo and in vitro studies, many artificial food additives can represent a potential hidden driver of gut chronic inflammation through gut microbiota alterations, especially in a population with IBD predisposition. In this context, pending the confirmation of these results by large human studies, it would be advisable that IBD patients avoid the consumption of processed food containing artificial food additives and follow a personalized nutritional therapy prescribed by a clinical nutritionist.

Amelioration of AOM/DSS-Induced Murine Colitis-Associated Cancer by Evodiamine Intervention is Primarily Associated with Gut Microbiota-Metabolism-Inflammatory Signaling Axis

Evodiamine (EVO), an indole alkaloid derived from Rutaceae plants Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth.、Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. Var. bodinieri (Dode) Huang or Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. Var. officinalis (Dode) Huang, has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Our previous study found that EVO attenuates colitis by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites. However, little is known about its effect on colitis-associated cancer (CAC). In this study, the protective effects of EVO on azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and tumor mice were observed, and the underlying potential mechanism was clarified. The results suggested that EVO ameliorated AOM/DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting the intestinal inflammation and improving mucosal barrier function. And EVO significantly reduced the number and size of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal tumors along with promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of epithelial cell. Moreover, EVO promoted the enrichment of SCFAs-producing bacteria and reduced the levels of the pro-inflammatory bacteria, which contributes to the changes of microbiota metabolism, especially tryptophan metabolism. Furthermore, inflammatory response (like Wnt signaling pathway、Hippo signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway) were effectively alleviated by EVO. Our study demonstrated that the protective therapeutic action of EVO on CAC is to inhibit the development of intestinal inflammation-cancer by regulating gut microbiota metabolites and signaling pathways of colon intestinal epithelial, which may represent a novel agent for colon cancer prevention via manipulation of gut microbiota.

Maternal sucralose exposure induces Paneth cell defects and exacerbates gut dysbiosis of progeny mice

Research has shown that maternal sucralose (MS) exposure alters the gut microbiota of offspring at weaning and predisposes the offspring to developing obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome later in life. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Paneth cells are thought to critically influence the gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate whether MS exposure induced Paneth cell defects and exacerbated gut dysbiosis of offspring. Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into the MS and control (water) groups during pregnancy and lactation. Progeny mice were fed a normal sucralose-free diet after weaning until adulthood. MS inhibited intestinal development and increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the small intestines of 3-week-old progeny mice. MS increased the proportions of abnormal granule secretion by Paneth cells. The number of Paneth cells and mRNA expression of AMPs such as cryptdins and lysozyme were reduced in the MS group. MS disturbed the gut microbiota composition and diversity in the 3-week-old offspring mice. The relative abundances of pro-inflammatory bacteria, such as Desulfovibrionales, Helicobacter, Pasteurellales and Campylobacterales were significantly increased in the MS group, while anti-inflammatory bacteria, including Clostridium XI, were decreased. This dysbiosis continued into adulthood. These findings showed that MS exposure induced Paneth cell defects and exacerbated gut dysbiosis in offspring mice. Sucralose should be consumed with caution, especially during pregnancy and in early life.

Investigation of the Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Hudi Enteric-Coated Capsules in DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Mice Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Background

Hudi enteric-coated capsule (HDC) is a Chinese medicine prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). However, its anti-inflammatory active ingredients and mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the active components of HDC and explore its potential mechanisms against UC by integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification.

Methods

A DSS-induced colitis murine model was established to validate the efficacy of HDC by detecting disease activity index (DAI) and histopathological changes. Network pharmacological analysis was performed to identify the active compounds and core targets of HDC for the treatment of UC. The main compounds in HDC were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The relative expressions of HDC’s core targets were also determined in vivo. Finally, molecular docking was applied to model the interaction between HDC and target proteins.

Results

In an in vivo experiment, HDC, especially the middle-dose HDC, effectively reduced clinical symptoms of UC, including weight loss, bloody stool, and colon shortening. Besides, the severity of colitis was considerably suppressed by HDC as evidenced by reduced DAI scores. A total of 118 active compounds and 69 candidate targets from HDC closely related to UC progression were identified via network pharmacology. Enrichment analysis revealed that the key targets of HDC correlated with the expressions of PTGS2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Meanwhile, these cytokines were enriched in various biological processes through the IL-17/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The middle-dose HDC contributed more to ameliorating DSS-induced colitis through this signaling pathway than other dosages. Nine components binding to JAK2, STAT3, IL-17 and IL-6 were identified by molecular docking, confirming again the inhibition effects of HDC on the IL-17/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The HDC treatment, particularly the middle-dose, exerted an anti-UC effect in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-mechanism manner, especially inhibiting the IL-17/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to downregulate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.

Microbiota-Immune Interactions in Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis Associated Cancer and Emerging Microbiota-Based Therapies

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the colonic mucosa. UC is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease along with Crohn's disease and presents with varying extraintestinal manifestations. No single etiology for UC has been found, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is suspected. Research has focused on the role of intestinal dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of UC, including the effects of dysbiosis on the integrity of the colonic mucosal barrier, priming and regulation of the host immune system, chronic inflammation, and progression to tumorigenesis. Characterization of key microbial taxa and their implications in the pathogenesis of UC and colitis-associated cancer (CAC) may present opportunities for modulating intestinal inflammation through microbial-targeted therapies. In this review, we discuss the microbiota-immune crosstalk in UC and CAC, as well as the evolution of microbiota-based therapies.

Sucralose enhances the susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis in mice with changes in gut microbiota

Sucralose is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners, free of nutrients and calories. Its approval and uses correlate with many of the worldwide epidemiological changes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Multiple animal studies by us and others showed that sucralose exacerbated ileitis in SAMP1/YitFc mice and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. In this study, we further investigated the effect of sucralose on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and the associated mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice received 1.5 mg ml^-1 sucralose in drinking water for 6 weeks. Then, 2.5% DSS was added to drinking water for 7 days to induce ulcerative colitis (UC). The results showed that, compared with the DSS group, administration of sucralose exacerbated the severity of colitis as indicated by the further decrease in body weight, increase in disease activity index (DAI) and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the activation of the TLR5-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway, and the disturbances of intestinal barrier function, along with changes in the intestinal microbiota. Our findings indicate that sucralose may increase the susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis through causing dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota and damage to the intestinal barrier.

Artificial Sweeteners: History and New Concepts on Inflammation

Since the introduction of artificial sweeteners (AS) to the North American market in the 1950s, a growing number of epidemiological and animal studies have suggested that AS may induce changes in gut bacteria and gut wall immune reactivity, which could negatively affect individuals with or susceptible to chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a disorder that has been growing exponentially in westernized countries. This review summarizes the history of current FDA-approved AS and their chemical composition, metabolism, and bacterial utilization, and provides a scoping overview of the disease mechanisms associated with the induction or prevention of inflammation in IBD. We provide a general outlook on areas that have been both largely and scarcely studied, emerging concepts using silica, and describe the effects of AS on acute and chronic forms of intestinal inflammation.

Analysis of Caloric and Noncaloric Sweeteners Present in Dairy Products Aimed at the School Market and Their Possible Effects on Health

Over the past decades, Mexico has become one of the main sweetener-consuming countries in the world. Large amounts of these sweeteners are in dairy products aimed at the children’s market in various presentations such as yogurt, flavored milk, flan, and cheeses. Although numerous studies have shown the impact of sweeteners in adults, the current evidence for children is insufficient and discordant to determine if these substances have any risk or benefit on their well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the sweeteners present in 15 dairy products belonging to the school-age children’s market in Mexico and their impact on health. These dairy products were selected through a couple of surveys directed at parents of school-age children. After that, the list of ingredients of each product was analyzed to identify their sweetener content. From there, exhaustive bibliographic research on sweeteners and their possible health effects was carried out, which included 109 articles and 18 studies. The results showed that at a neurological, endocrinological, cardiovascular, metabolic, osseous, renal, hepatic, dental, reticular, carcinogenic, and gut microbiota level; sucrose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrins, sucralose, and acesulfame K, have a negative effect. While maltodextrins, stevia, polydextrose, and modified starch have a positive one. For these reasons, it is necessary to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages that the consumption of each sweetener entails, as well as a determination of the appropriate acceptable daily intake (ADI).

Diet and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health

Over the past decade, the gut microbiota has emerged as a key component in regulating brain processes and behavior. Diet is one of the major factors involved in shaping the gut microbiota composition across the lifespan. However, whether and how diet can affect the brain via its effects on the microbiota is only now beginning to receive attention. Several mechanisms for gut-to-brain communication have been identified, including microbial metabolites, immune, neuronal, and metabolic pathways, some of which could be prone to dietary modulation. Animal studies investigating the potential of nutritional interventions on the microbiota-gut-brain axis have led to advancements in our understanding of the role of diet in this bidirectional communication. In this review, we summarize the current state of the literature triangulating diet, microbiota, and host behavior/brain processes and discuss potential underlying mechanisms. Additionally, determinants of the responsiveness to a dietary intervention and evidence for the microbiota as an underlying modulator of the effect of diet on brain health are outlined. In particular, we emphasize the understudied use of whole-dietary approaches in this endeavor and the need for greater evidence from clinical populations. While promising results are reported, additional data, specifically from clinical cohorts, are required to provide evidence-based recommendations for the development of microbiota-targeted, whole-dietary strategies to improve brain and mental health.

A Crosstalk between Diet, Microbiome and microRNA in Epigenetic Regulation of Colorectal Cancer

A still growing interest between human nutrition in relation to health and disease states can be observed. Dietary components shape the composition of microbiota colonizing our gastrointestinal tract which play a vital role in maintaining human health. There is a strong evidence that diet, gut microbiota and their metabolites significantly influence our epigenome, particularly through the modulation of microRNAs. These group of small non-coding RNAs maintain cellular homeostasis, however any changes leading to impaired expression of miRNAs contribute to the development of different pathologies, including neoplastic diseases. Imbalance of intestinal microbiota due to diet is primary associated with the development of colorectal cancer as well as other types of cancers. In the present work we summarize current knowledge with particular emphasis on diet-microbiota-miRNAs axis and its relation to the development of colorectal cancer.