Taxifolin Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Acting on Gut Microbiome to Produce Butyric Acid

Promotion of apoptosis in melanoma cells by taxifolin through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: Screening of natural products using WGCNA and CMAP platforms

Melanoma is a skin cancer originating from melanocytes. The global incidence rate of melanoma is rapidly increasing, posing significant public health challenges. Identifying effective therapeutic agents is crucial in addressing this growing problem. Natural products have demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity. In this study, a plant flavonoid, taxifolin, was screened using Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) in combination with the Connectivity Map (CMAP) platform. Taxifolin was confirmed to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of melanoma A375 and MV-3 cells by promoting apoptosis. Additionally, it suppressed the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) process of melanoma cells. Cyber pharmacological analysis revealed that taxifolin exerts its inhibitory effect on melanoma through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, specifically by downregulating the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT. Notably, the addition of SC-79, an activator of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, reversed the effects of taxifolin on cell migration and apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that taxifolin treatment slowed tumor growth in mice without significant toxic effects. Based on these findings, taxifolin holds promise as a potential drug for melanoma treatment.

Intervention with fructooligosaccharides, Saccharomyces boulardii, and their combination in a colitis mouse model

Objective

To examine the effects of an intervention with fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Saccharomyces boulardii, and their combination in a mouse model of colitis and to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Methods

The effects of FOS, S. boulardii, and their combination were evaluated in a DSS-induced mouse model of colitis. To this end, parameters such as body weight, the disease activity index (DAI), and colon length were examined in model mice. Subsequently, ELISA was employed to detect the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Histopathological analysis was performed to estimate the progression of inflammation in the colon. Gas chromatography was used to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces of model mice. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the gut microbiota composition.

Results

FOS was slight effective in treating colitis and colitis-induced intestinal dysbiosis in mice. Meanwhile, S. boulardii could significantly reduced the DAI, inhibited the production of IL-1β, and prevented colon shortening. Nevertheless, S. boulardii treatment alone failed to effectively regulate the gut microbiota. In contrast, the combined administration of FOS/S. boulardii resulted in better anti-inflammatory effects and enabled microbiota regulation. The FOS/S. boulardii combination (109 CFU/ml and 107 CFU/ml) significantly reduced the DAI, inhibited colitis, lowered IL-1β and TNF-α production, and significantly improved the levels of butyric acid and isobutyric acid. However, FOS/S. boulardii 109 CFU/ml exerted stronger anti-inflammatory effects, inhibited IL-6 production and attenuated colon shortening. Meanwhile, FOS/S. boulardii 107 CFU/ml improved microbial regulation and alleviated the colitis-induced decrease in microbial diversity. The combination of FOS and S. boulardii significantly increased the abundance of Parabacteroides and decreased the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. Additionally, it promoted the production of acetic acid and propionic acid.

Conclusion

Compared with single administration, the combination can significantly increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria and effectively regulate the gut microbiota composition. These results provide a scientific rationale for the prevention and treatment of colitis using a FOS/S. boulardii combination. They also offer a theoretical basis for the development of nutraceutical preparations containing FOS and S. boulardii.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties and Prebiotics Function of a Bioactive Pleurotus eryngii Aqueous Extract Powder Obtained by Spray Drying

A bioactive Pleurotus eryngii aqueous extract powder (SPAE) was obtained by spray drying and its performance in terms of physicochemical properties, in vitro digestion, inflammatory factors, and modulation of the intestinal microbiota was explored. The results indicated that the SPAE exhibited a more uniform particle size distribution than P. eryngii polysaccharide (PEP). Meanwhile, a typical absorption peak observed at 843 cm-1 in the SPAE FTIR spectra indicated the existence of α-glycosidic bonds. SPAE exhibited higher antioxidant abilities and superior resistance to digestion in vitro. In addition, SPAE supplementation to mice significantly reduced the release of factors that promote inflammation, enhanced the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, and sustained maximum production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Additionally, it significantly enhanced the relative abundance of SCFAs-producing Akkermansia and reduced the abundance of Ruminococcus and Clostridiides in intestines of mice. These results show the potential of SPAE as a novel material with prebiotic effects for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

5S-Heudelotinone alleviates experimental colitis by shaping the immune system and enhancing the intestinal barrier in a gut microbiota-dependent manner

Aberrant changes in the gut microbiota are implicated in many diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gut microbes produce diverse metabolites that can shape the immune system and impact the intestinal barrier integrity, indicating that microbe-mediated modulation may be a promising strategy for preventing and treating IBD. Although fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotic supplementation are well-established IBD therapies, novel chemical agents that are safe and exert strong effects on the gut microbiota are urgently needed. Herein, we report the total synthesis of heudelotinone and the discovery of 5S-heudelotinone (an enantiomer) as a potent agent against experimental colitis that acts by modulating the gut microbiota. 5S-Heudelotinone alters the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota and increases the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs); thus, it regulates the intestinal immune system by reducing proinflammatory immune cell numbers, and maintains intestinal mucosal integrity by modulating tight junctions (TJs). Moreover, 5S-heudelotinone (2) ameliorates colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced in situ carcinoma model. Together, these findings reveal the potential of a novel natural product, namely, 5S-heudelotinone, to control intestinal inflammation and highlight that this product is a safe and effective candidate for the treatment of IBD and CAC.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Properties of Leguminous Honey

Honey can beneficially act against different human diseases, helping our body to improve its health. The aim of the present study was first to increase knowledge of some biochemical characteristics (amount and composition of polyphenols and volatile organic compounds, vitamin C content) of five Italian legume honeys (alfalfa, astragalus, carob, indigo, and sainfoin). Furthermore, we evaluated their potential health properties by studying their antioxidant and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities and in vitro inhibitory effects on three enzymes involved in neurodegenerative diseases (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase). Alfalfa honey showed the highest total polyphenol content (TPC) (408 μg g-1 of product). Indigo honey showed the lowest TPC (110 μg g-1 of product). The antioxidant activity was noteworthy, especially in the case of sainfoin honey (IC50 = 6.08 mg), which also exhibited excellent inhibitory action against butyrylcholinesterase (74%). Finally, the correlation between the biochemical and functional results allowed us to identify classes of molecules, or even single molecules, present in these five honeys, which are capable of influencing the properties indicated above.

Gut microbially produced tryptophan metabolite melatonin ameliorates osteoporosis via modulating SCFA and TMAO metabolism

Osteoporosis (OP) is a severe global health issue that has significant implications for productivity and human lifespan. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been demonstrated to be closely associated with OP progression. Melatonin (MLT) is an important endogenous hormone that modulates bone metabolism, maintains bone homeostasis, and improves OP progression. Multiple studies indicated that MLT participates in the regulation of intestinal microbiota and gut barrier function. However, the promising effects of gut microbiota-derived MLT in OP remain unclear. Here, we found that OP resulted in intestinal tryptophan disorder and decreased the production of gut microbiota-derived MLT, while administration with MLT could mitigate OP-related clinical symptoms and reverse gut microbiota dysbiosis, including the diversity of intestinal microbiota, the relative abundance of many probiotics such as Allobaculum and Parasutterella, and metabolic function of intestinal flora such as amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and energy metabolism. Notably, MLT significantly increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and decreased trimethylamine N-oxide-related metabolites. Importantly, MLT could modulate the dynamic balance of M1/M2 macrophages, reduce the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and restore gut-barrier function. Taken together, our results highlighted the important roles of gut microbially derived MLT in OP progression via the "gut-bone" axis associated with SCFA metabolism, which may provide novel insight into the development of MLT as a promising drug for treating OP.

Advancements in the Cultivation, Active Components, and Pharmacological Activities of Taxus mairei

Taxus mairei (Lemée and H.Lév.) S.Y.Hu, indigenous to the southern regions of China, is an evergreen tree belonging to the genus Taxus of the Taxaceae family. Owing to its content of various bioactive compounds, it exhibits multiple pharmacological activities and has been widely applied in clinical medicine. This article comprehensively discusses the current state of cultivation, chemical constituents, applications in the pharmaceutical field, and the challenges faced by T. mairei. The paper begins by detailing the ecological distribution of T. mairei, aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of its origin and cultivation overview. In terms of chemical composition, the article thoroughly summarizes the extracts and monomeric components of T. mairei, unveiling their pharmacological activities and elucidating the mechanisms of action based on the latest scientific research, as well as their potential as lead compounds in new drug development. The article also addresses the challenges in the T. mairei research, such as the difficulties in extracting and synthesizing active components and the need for sustainable utilization strategies. In summary, T. mairei is a rare species important for biodiversity conservation and demonstrates significant research and application potential in drug development and disease treatment.

Dietary flavonoids-microbiota crosstalk in intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third leading cancer and commonly develops from chronic intestinal inflammation. A strong association was found between gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation and carcinogenic risk. Flavonoids, which are abundant in vegetables and fruits, can inhibit inflammation, regulate gut microbiota, protect gut barrier integrity, and modulate immune cell function, thereby attenuating colitis and preventing carcinogenesis. Upon digestion, about 90% of flavonoids are transported to the colon without being absorbed in the small intestine. This phenomenon increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria and enhances the production of short-chain fatty acids. The gut microbe further metabolizes these flavonoids. Interestingly, some metabolites of flavonoids play crucial roles in anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects. This review summarizes the modulatory effect of flavonoids on gut microbiota and their metabolism by intestinal microbe under disease conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, colitis-associated cancer (CAC), and CRC. We focus on dietary flavonoids and microbial interactions in intestinal mucosal barriers as well as intestinal immune cells. Results provide novel insights to better understand the crosstalk between dietary flavonoids and gut microbiota and support the standpoint that dietary flavonoids prevent intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis.

Dietary oregano aqueous extract improves growth performance and intestinal health of broilers through modulating gut microbial compositions

BACKGROUND

Intestinal health plays a pivotal role in broiler chicken growth. Oregano aqueous extract (OAE) effectively exerts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, the protective effects of OAE on intestinal health in broilers and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of OAE on growth performance, the gut microbiota and intestinal health. A total of 840 1-d-old male and female broilers (Arbor Acres) were randomly allocated into 6 groups as follows: basal diet (Con), Con + antibiotics (Anti, colistin sulfate 7 g/kg, roxarsone 35 g/kg), Con + 400, 500, 600 and 700 mg/kg OAE (OAE400, OAE500, OAE600 and OAE700). Subsequently, fermentation in vitro together with oral administration trials were carried out to further assess the function of OAE on intestinal health of broilers.

RESULTS

Dietary 700 mg/kg OAE supplementation resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in body weight and a decrease (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio when compared with the control during d 22 to 42 of the trial. OAE addition resulted in lower (P < 0.05) jejunal crypt depth and mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-10 at d 42. In addition, dietary OAE addition increased the abundance of Firmicutes (P = 0.087) and Lactobacillus (P < 0.05) in the cecum, and increased (P < 0.05) the content of acetic acid and butyric acid. In the in vitro fermentation test, OAE significantly increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Lactobacillus, decreased (P < 0.05) the abundance of unspecified_Enterobacteriaceae, and increased the content of acetic acid (P < 0.05). In the oral administration trial, higher (P < 0.05) IL-4 expression was found in broilers when oral inoculation with oregano fermentation microorganisms at d 42. And SIgA content in the ileum was significantly increased (P = 0.073) when giving OAE fermentation supernatant.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary OAE addition could maintain intestinal health and improve growth performance through enhancing intestinal mucosal immunity and barrier function mediated by gut microbiota changes.

Biomarkers of ulcerative colitis disease activity CXCL1, CYP2R1, LPCAT1, and NEU4 and their relationship to immune infiltrates

The diagnosis and assessment of ulcerative colitis (UC) poses significant challenges, which may result in inadequate treatment and a poor prognosis for patients. This study aims to identify potential activity biomarkers for UC and investigate the role of infiltrating immune cells in the disease. To perform gene set enrichment analysis, we utilized the cluster profiler and ggplot2 packages. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes was used to analyze degenerate enrichment genes. Significant gene set enrichment was determined using the cluster profiler and ggplot2 packages. Additionally, quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to validate the expression of each marker in the ulcerative colitis model. We identified 651 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and further investigated potential UC activity biomarkers. Our analysis revealed that CXCL1 (AUC = 0.710), CYP2R1 (AUC = 0.863), LPCAT1 (AUC = 0.783), and NEU4 (AUC = 0.833) were promising activity markers for the diagnosis of UC. Using rat DSS model, we validated these markers through qRT-PCR, which showed statistically significant differences between UC and normal colon mucosa. Infiltrating immune cell analysis indicated that M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, activated dendritic cells (DCs), and neutrophils played crucial roles in the occurrence and progression of UC. Moreover, the activity markers exhibited varying degrees of correlation with activated memory CD4 T cells, M0 macrophages, T follicular helper cells, memory B cells, and activated DCs. The potential diagnostic genes for UC activity, such as CXCL1, CYP2R1, LPCAT1, and NEU4, as well as the infiltration of immune cells, may contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of UC.

Effects of organic and inorganic copper on cecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in growing rabbits

Introduction

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for the growth of rabbits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different Cu sources on intestinal microorganisms and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in growing rabbits.

Methods

The experimental animals were randomly divided into four experimental groups, each group comprised eight replicates, with six rabbits (half male and half female) per replicate. And they were fed diets was composed by mixing the basal diet with 20 mg/kg Cu from one of the two inorganic Cu (cupric sulfate and dicopper chloride trihydroxide) or two organic Cu (cupric citrate and copper glycinate). Cecal contents of four rabbits were collected from four experimental groups for 16S rDNA gene amplification sequencing and gas chromatography analysis.

Results

Our results indicate that the organic Cu groups were less variable than the inorganic Cu groups. Compared with the inorganic Cu groups, the CuCit group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Rikenella Tissierella, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, Enterococcus, and Paeniclostridium, while the relative abundance of Novosphingobium and Ruminococcus were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The SCFAs level decreased in the organic Cu groups than in the inorganic Cu groups. Among the SCFAs, the butyric acid level significantly decreased in the CuCit group than in the CuSO₄ and CuCl₂ groups. The relative abundance of Rikenella and Turicibacter genera was significantly negatively correlated with the butyric acid level in the CuCit group compared with both inorganic Cu groups. These results revealed that the organic Cu (CuCit) group had an increased abundance of Rikenella, Enterococcus, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, and Turicibacter genera in the rabbit cecum.

Discussion

In summary, this study found that organic Cu and inorganic Cu sources had different effects on cecal microbiota composition and SCFAs in rabbits. The CuCit group had the unique higher relative abundance of genera Rikenella and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, which might be beneficial to the lower incidence of diarrhea in rabbits.

Treatment Effects of Natural Products on Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Vivo and Their Mechanisms: Based on Animal Experiments

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, non-specific inflammatory disease of the intestine that can be classified as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Currently, the incidence of IBD is still increasing in developing countries. However, current treatments for IBD have limitations and do not fully meet the needs of patients. There is a growing demand for new, safe, and highly effective alternative drugs for IBD patients. Natural products (NPs) are used in drug development and disease treatment because of their broad biological activity, low toxicity, and low side effects. Numerous studies have shown that some NPs have strong therapeutic effects on IBD. In this paper, we first reviewed the pathogenesis of IBD as well as current therapeutic approaches and drugs. Further, we summarized the therapeutic effects of 170 different sources of NPs on IBD and generalized their modes of action and therapeutic effects. Finally, we analyzed the potential mechanisms of NPs for the treatment of IBD. The aim of our review is to provide a systematic and credible summary, thus supporting the research on NPs for the treatment of IBD and providing a theoretical basis for the development and application of NPs in drugs and functional foods.

Deferasirox alleviates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis and improving intestinal microbiota

AIMS

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) caused by multiple factors. Studies have shown that epithelial cell damage was associated with ferroptosis in UC. Therefore, our research focused on the effects and mechanism of iron chelator deferasirox in UC.

MAIN METHODS

The UC model was induced by 2.5 % dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) and administered with deferasirox (10 mg/kg) for 7 days. Histological pathologies, inflammatory response, ferrous iron contents, oxidative stress and ferroptosis regulators were determined. Intestinal microbiota alteration and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production were analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics.

KEY FINDINGS

Deferasirox significantly relieved the DSS-induced UC in mice, as evidenced by weight loss, survival rate, colon length shortening disease activity index (DAI) score and histology score. Deferasirox treatment reduced the level of pro inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and INF-γ). Ferroptosis was induced in mice with UC, as evidenced by ferrous iron accumulation, increased ROS production, SOD and GSH depletion, decreased the expression of GPX-4 and FTH, accompanied by increased expression of TF. Deferasirox treatment strongly reversed the alterations caused by ferroptotic characteristics in DSS-induced mice. Moreover, deferasirox treatment reshaped the composition of intestinal microbiota. The results revealed the genera of norank_f__Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Odoribacter and Blautia were increased distinctly, while Escherichia-Shigella and Streptococcus were significantly decreased by deferasirox treatment. Targeted metabolomics analysis indicated the SCFAs production enhanced in deferasirox-treated mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggested that deferasirox could treat DSS-induced UC in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis and improving intestinal microbiota.

[Dihydroquercetin as a systemic neuroprotector for the prevention and treatment of β-amyloid-associated brain diseases]

Dihydroquercetin (DHQ) is a plant-derived polyphenol belonging to the group of flavonoids. In models associated with abnormal accumulation of β-amyloid in the brain (Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy), DHQ demonstrates the ability to disaggregate toxic forms of β-amyloid and prevent their formation. It is believed that this phenomenon underlies the protective effect of DHQ on brain neurons. However, pharmacokinetic data doubt the central mechanism of action of DHQ because this compound does not penetrate well into the brain. A hypothesis is put forward about the systemic nature of the neuroprotective action of DHQ, since this compound has multiple biological activities at the level of the whole organism. To characterize DHQ (and similar compounds), it is proposed to introduce the term «systemic neuroprotector».

Taxifolin attenuates neuroinflammation and microglial pyroptosis via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe injury characterized by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Taxifolin is exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities in neurologic diseases. However, the roles and mechanisms of taxifolin in neuroinflammation and microglial pyroptosis after SCI remain unclear. The present study aims to investigate the effect of taxifolin on SCI and its potential underlying mechanisms in in vivo and in vitro models. In this study, taxifolin markedly reduced microglial activation mediated oxidative stress, and inhibited the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, and Caspase-1) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) after SCI, as shown by immunofluorescence staining and western blot assays. In addition, taxifolin promoted axonal regeneration and improved functional recovery after SCI. In vitro studies showed that taxifolin attenuated the activation of microglia and oxidative stress after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) stimulation in BV2 cells. We also observed that taxifolin inhibited the pyroptosis-related proteins and reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, to explore how taxifolin exerts its effects on microglial pyroptosis and axonal regeneration of neurons, we performed an in vitro study in BV-2 cells and PC12 cells co-culture. The results revealed that taxifolin facilitated axonal regeneration of PC12 cells in co-culture with LPS + ATP-induced BV-2 cells. Mechanistically, taxifolin regulated microglial pyroptosis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that taxifolin alleviates neuroinflammation and microglial pyroptosis through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway after SCI, and promotes axonal regeneration and improves functional recovery, suggesting that taxifolin may represent a potential therapeutic agent for SCI.

Humic acids alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by positively modulating gut microbiota

Humic acids (HAs) are natural polymers with diverse functional groups that have been documented and utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis has been used as a model to study inflammatory bowel disease. In this research, we investigate the effect of HAs on ameliorating DSS-induced colitis in mice. Our aim here was to investigate if HAs could be a remedy against colitis and the mechanisms involved. The results show that HAs facilitated a regain of body weight and restoration of intestinal morphology after DSS-induced colitis. HAs treatment alters the community of gut microbiota with more Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Changes in bacterial community result in lower amounts of lipopolysaccharides in mouse sera, as well as lower levels of inflammatory cytokines through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-NF-κB pathway. HAs also promoted the expression of tight junction proteins, which protect the intestinal barrier from DSS damage. Cell experiments show that HAs display an inhibitory effect on DSS growth as well. These results suggest that HAs can alleviate colitis by regulating intestinal microbiota, reducing inflammation, maintaining mucosal barriers, and inhibiting pathogen growth. Thus, HAs offer great potential for the prevention and treatment of colitis.

Dihydroquercetin Supplementation Improved Hepatic Lipid Dysmetabolism Mediated by Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet (HFD)-Fed Mice

Dihydroquercetin (DHQ) is a natural flavonoid with multiple bioactivities, including hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate whether DHQ improved lipid dysmetabolism in the body, especially in the liver, and whether there is a relationship between hepatic metabolism and altered gut flora in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice. HFD-induced mice were given 50 mg/kg body weight DHQ intragastrically for 10 weeks. The data showed that DHQ reduced body weight, the weight of the liver and white adipose tissue as well as serum leptin, LPS, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. RNA-seq results indicated that DHQ down-regulated lipogenesis-related genes and up-regulated fatty acid oxidation-related genes, including MOGAT1 and CPT1A. Furthermore, DHQ had a tendency to decrease hepatic cholesterol contents by reducing the mRNA levels of cholesterol synthesis genes such as FDPS and HMGCS1. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis indicated that DHQ significantly decreased the richness of Lactococcus, Lachnoclostridium, and Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group. Correlation analysis further demonstrated that these bacteria, Lactococcus and Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group in particular, had significantly positive correlation with lipid and cholesterol synthesis genes, and negative correlation with fatty acid oxidation genes. In conclusion, DHQ could improve hepatic lipid dysmetabolism potentially by improved gut microbial community, which may be used as an intervention strategy in hepatic metabolism diseases.

Inflammatory auto-immune diseases of the intestine and their management by natural bioactive compounds

Autoimmune diseases are caused by the overactivity of the immune system towards self-constituents. Risk factors of autoimmune diseases are multiple and include genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and psychological. Autoimmune chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, including celiac and inflammatory diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), constitute a significant health problem worldwide. Besides the complexity of the symptoms of these diseases, their treatments have only been palliative. Numerous investigations showed that natural phytochemicals could be promising strategies to fight against these autoimmune diseases. In this respect, plant-derived natural compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids exhibited significant effects against three autoimmune diseases affecting the intestine, particularly bowel diseases. This review focuses on the role of natural compounds obtained from medicinal plants in modulating inflammatory auto-immune diseases of the intestine. It covers the most recent literature related to the effect of these natural compounds in the treatment and prevention of auto-immune diseases of the intestine.

Clostridium butyricum alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis and promotes intestinal lymphatic vessel regeneration in mice

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the most common precancerous lesion of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC). Studies have confirmed that pathological changes in intestinal lymphatic vessels (LVs) significantly promoted the development of IBD-associated carcinogenesis. An imbalance in the microecology of the intestinal flora is a key factor in the progression of IBD. As a result, therapeutic techniques that focus on the relationship between LV regeneration and flora management might be a potential treatment strategy.

Methods

We investigated the role of Clostridium butyricum (C butyricum) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model. Balb/c mice were given 3% DSS in their drinking water for 8 days to produce acute colitis and simultaneously administrated with C butyricum for 12 days. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to evaluate the degree of colitis tissue damage. Levels of the lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-specific marker LYVE-1 and intestinal expressions of pro-lymphatic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D were determined using immunohistochemical assays.

Results

In a DSS-induced IBD mouse model, we found that butyric acid-producing C butyricum significantly reduced disease activity index (DAI) scores in mice, reversed the shortening of the colon, weakened the degree of damage to colonic epithelial tissues, inhibited lymphocyte infiltration, and reduced pathological damage to the colon. To our knowledge, this is the first time that tissue expressions of LYVE-1, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D have been seen to increase in IBD-model mice after treatment with C butyricum.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that C butyricum might alleviate IBD in DSS-induced IBD-model mice by promoting intestinal LV regeneration.